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This proposal was selected because:

Guidelines for development projects located on public land increasingly include considerations regarding soil permeability and the reduction of heat islands, whenever possible. For example, Avenue de Montoie was completely redesigned to reduce vehicle speeds while also making room for separated, landscaped areas. The small plaza in front of the Mont-Repos swimming pool was built on the roadway and now offers a green, tree-lined space for neighborhood residents and visitors.

Climate Plan and Urban Pavement

Avatar: Francois Francois

Selected

1. Background:

As part of the climate plan, I haven’t followed all the discussions and debates, but it seems to me that one type of nature-based solution (NBS) has been overlooked: ground cover.

It is possible, at minimal cost, to address two aspects of paving that are relevant to mitigating the urban heat island effect: the color of the pavement and its permeability.

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2. Proposal:

Regarding permeability, it would be worthwhile to promote more permeable surfaces in all public spaces (excluding roadways and streets with heavy pedestrian traffic) where conditions allow. This would in fact represent only a small portion of public space—though a significant one—such as park paths, certain park areas, courtyards of municipal buildings, school playgrounds, large parking lots on the outskirts, etc. These concrete surfaces could be replaced with gravel, wood chips, open-joint pavers, green spaces, or other materials during each renovation project. It would be beneficial if concrete were not the standard but rather the last resort—used only when no other option is available without causing significant inconvenience to users.

Regarding color, it seems to me (and I may be wrong) that over the past few decades, the color of new asphalt has been getting darker and darker, yet we know the impact that surface color has on the urban heat island effect. So I was simply wondering if the selection criteria for asphalt (and ultimately for any other pavement material) used in new paving projects could include the color of the finished product, in order to favor lighter shades.

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3. Motivation:

The issue of heat islands—and ultimately, the quality of life in the city—affects us all.

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