Rue Larivière, the first sponge street in Québec

Our landscape architecture team is pleased to have designed the projects on rue Larivière, the first sponge street in Québec, in addition to ruelle La ligne verte, in the Arrondissement de Ville-Marie – Ville de Montréal. Initiated by the City, these projects are part of a focus on creating resilient public spaces in response to abundant rainfall caused by climate change.

In the case of rue Larivière, nearly 900 m3 of water will be held in highly vegetated, programmatically fun, and functional retention wells, thereby minimizing the risks of rainwater overflow. Just north of rue Larivière, the first phase of work on the significant redesign project is already underway in parc des Royaux. A new concrete skatepark, designed in close collaboration with the Association Skateboard Montréal (ASM), will be constructed this year. The levelling of the terrain will integrate a water square, acting as a complement to the rain gardens anticipated on the periphery. Upon project completion, the transformation of the street will be attached to this green space constituting the creation of a large resilient and exemplary park. 

The La ligne verte alley redesign aims to introduce permeable surfaces in a mainly vehicular space and enhance the quality of life for residents. Retention wells are anticipated, meaning that a total of 135 m3 of water will be managed within the site. As a result, the risks of flooding will be reduced, while vegetative covering will be increased, making for an inviting alley that is permeable and safe, offering a shared living space.

These projects demonstrate Provencher_Roy’s core commitment to sustainability principles and water management solutions.