The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, working closely with urban ecology specialists, is committed to a series of initiatives to create a greener, more sustainable territory while reducing the impacts of climate change.
Aligned with its 2022–2026 strategic plan, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is taking concrete steps to reduce its environmental footprint through vegetation projects, academic research, and forward-thinking cultural programming that encourages ecological awareness.
In 2026, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership stepped up its sustainability efforts and signed the 2030 Sustainable Tourism Pledge to demonstrate its commitment to improving its sustainability performance between now and 2030, in addition to obtaining Level 4 certification from GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway. This significant distinction was earned following a rigorous review of the Partnership’s practices and performance against criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This milestone helps guide the next action plan and set measurable sustainability goals.
Located on the newest public square in the Quartier des Spectacles, the Esplanade Tranquille rooftop garden provides 7,000 sq ft of cultivable soil in downtown Montreal. Created in collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the Urban Agriculture Laboratory (AU/LAB), and the City of Montreal, it functions as both a testing ground and an initial step toward a circular economy.
The Quartier des Spectacles, a vast open-air venue, includes large paved areas for events. A strategic planning consultation highlighted the community’s desire for a greener, climate-resilient environment. In response, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership has launched numerous greening initiatives, from potted trees to vegetated structures, in partnership with the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM) and UQAM. Backed by the Fonds d’initiative et de rayonnement de la métropole (FIRM) and Tourisme Montréal, these efforts aim to enhance the Quartier’s greenery and build urban greening expertise.
To maximize the impact of its green initiatives, the Quartier des spectacles Partnership relies on a specialized team and collaboration with academic partners. Three research projects have been done in collaboration with UQAM and the Pôle sur la ville résiliente:
Every summer, the Quartier des Spectacles becomes a space for initiatives that raise public awareness of urban ecology through installations, workshops, and performances. Pedestrian streets, notably Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Denis, promote sustainable mobility and host increasingly welcoming and greened installations. The Partnership collaborates with several partners to enrich its summer programming, including Sentier Urbain, which offers awareness activities at the Jardins Gamelin.
If you’re interested in adding potted trees to your space, we provide dedicated support and guidance.
Contact Charles P. Giguère, Facilities, Equipment and Greening Manager: charles.giguere@quartierdesspectacles.com
Founded in 2008, GreenStep helps small and medium-sized businesses measure and improve their sustainability performance. To date, the organization has supported more than 3,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes across various sectors, including tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, and manufacturing. Through its Sustainable Tourism division, GreenStep offers assessment, training, strategy, and support services to businesses and tourist destinations. GreenStep is the only Canadian provider of sustainable tourism pathways covering all types of businesses and tourist destinations.
To learn more, visit www.greenstep.ca.
