Eco-campus Hubert Reeves

A vision of the future

A UNIQUE SITE IN CANADA. DEDICATED TO COMPANIES IN THE CLEANTECH INDUTRY.

The Éco-campus Hubert Reeves site represents a vision of the future for a science and research park. It benefits from a carefully thought out development plan aiming to integrate buildings with the strictest respect of nature and sustainable development. Also, the site will be integrated into a coherent grouping of 5 clusters focusing on ecological and recreational connectivity and more than 46% of the territory will be transferred and recognized as a protected area, to be integrated into the des Sources nature park. This will truly be a first in North America!

Sustainable development

This important project blends into the concept plan of the coulée verte du ruisseau Bertrand ecoterritory and will focus on targeted objectives:

  • Protect and ensure sustainability of natural, cultural and landscape wealth
  • Improve the ecological and recreational connectivity
  • Promote the recognition of assets, locally and regionally

The concept plan is based on the Ruisseau Bertrand as the “backbone” of the project, leading to the Pôle des Sources, located south of the ecoterritory. The Pôle des Sources is bordered by the Montreal International Airport to the south. The proximity of the aircraft tracks to a natural park requires of course a bird control, which was addressed in the planning of the Pôle des Sources.

The Pôle des Sources includes in its zone the parc nature des Sources, located within the boundaries of the Technoparc St-Laurent Campus. Thanks to the important conservation project of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves, wetlands, herbaceous and shrub fallows are protected.

Future Nature Park

The site of the Éco-campus Hubert Reeves is a site dedicated to the protection of the Pôle des Sources area. By ceding the northern part to make a connection with the parc nature des Sources, more than 46% of the territory is therefore recognized as a protected area and more than 68% of the actual wetlands will be bonified.

The water measures will ensure adequate water supply in quantity and quality to maintain a sufficient level of water to protect the integrity of wetlands, all under the supervision of a team composed of ornithologists, biologists and planners. The core objective is to truly consolidate the parc nature des Sources.

A first in North America

On the eve of the completion of improvements to the site, it must be stressed that companies that can move in on the site are primarily dedicated to clean technologies, nanotechnologies and sustainable development. A potential of more than 1,600 new jobs for Montreal’s economy.

To learn more about this unique project combining the strictest respect of the ecoterritory, sustainable development and the integration of research and development in clean technologies, please click the link below:

THE ÉCO-CAMPUS HUBERT REEVES. IMAGINE.

For media contact:
Please communicate with Mr Carl Baillargeon, Director Communications & Marketing at (514) 956-2525, extension 2530

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have grouped several questions and answers on the Éco-campus Hubert Reeves project. This FAQ will help you understand all the aspects of the project, divided in 4 distinct sections.

WATER

Is there a decrease in water levels in the body of water located in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves?
As it is the case every year, it is normal to witness a decrease (and disappearance) of the water accumulated in the body of water located in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves (as well as in the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves marsh located in the northern part of the site) because the water supply is not constant, and there is an increase of the evapotranspiration and percolation of the water. It should be noted that the water accumulated in the body of water in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves is the result of snow and ice melt, as well as the accumulation of rains. Each year, this body of water dries up during the summer months.
Is there any use of equipment to pump/drain streams?
Although there may be false rumors that water is being pumped by some equipment, none was never used to pump/drain water, neither by Technoparc Montreal, the Borough of Saint-Laurent, nor by the City of Montreal or any other contractors engaged by them.
Does the levee-dike trail reduce the volume of water in body of water located in the southern part of the site?
No, the levee-dike trail does not affect the water volumes of the body of water located in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves. There is no connection between the two. The only link to the body of water in the southern part of the site and the recent developments is the extension of Alfred-Nobel Boulevard, which blocks the water entry from the north. On the other hand, it is essential to note that the lowering of the ground in this part of the site carries water from the south to the north, not vice versa. In this regard, the extension of Alfred-Nobel Boulevard helps to maintain a water level in this part of the site, preventing in some respects the flow of water from the body of water located in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves.
Is the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves marsh connected to the ruisseau Bertrand?
Not at this time, as there is a control valve that is not operational as of July 2017, enabling the water level of the marsh to be maintained at its desired height of 31.6 m (relative to the level of the sea). The height rating will therefore be easily adjustable according to the seasons in the future. At the moment, the ruisseau Bertrand is thus supplied with water by the runoff of rain over the entire Technoparc and two other sources from the City of Dorval. It is interesting to note that the ruisseau Bertrand course follows a circuit that surfaces at the intersection of Chemin Saint-François and the railway, and then enters underground to pass under Highway 40, and go all the way up to the Rivière-des-Prairies. Future plans provide for a vast and complete connection from the Ipex marsh to Bertrand Creek, but this project will materialize within several years (an ecoterritory concept plan for Bertrand Creek’s green track).
Is the pond located in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves interconnected with the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves marsh or other marshes in the area?
No, no marshes nor ponds are currently interconnected. As we are currently at the beginning of this great consolidating project, the total interconnection of the marshes will not happen before a few years.
Why is the water not maintained in the southern part of the site?
This pond follows a water cycle that takes account of the precipitations and meltings of snow and ice. Since its appearance in the southern part of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, it is filled in the spring and then gradually emptied in the summer and filled up in stages during the fall. This pond cycle is the same since its appearance, almost 30 years ago.
What is the purpose of these works to extend the Alfred-Nobel Boulevard and to build a dike?
These two interventions are primarily aimed at preserving the site as well as reshaping a water link on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site. Then, the establishment of a connection between marshes in order to maintain a stable water level, to maintain the integrity of the latter and also to replenish Bertrand Creek in the future when there is an excess of water in the marshes. To date, the marsh water at the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site has been retained by the dike. In addition, the construction of the dike, which will in fact be a dike trail, will enable all citizens, not only from the Borough of Saint-Laurent, but also from the City of Montreal and beyond, to benefit from a path in the heart of a future nature park.

BIRDLIFE

Has the bird named Least Bittern been seen on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site?
No, the Least Bittern bird has not been spotted on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, nor on the Technoparc Montreal site. According to repeated findings by government officials, the Least Bitterne was seen in another site that has no connection with the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, nor Technoparc Montreal.
Are authorized representatives of Wildlife Canada and the Quebec Ministry of the Environment regularly visiting the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site?
Yes, representatives from Wildlife Canada and the MDELCC came to the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site on a number of occasions to monitor compliance with federal and provincial laws and regulations. During each visit, representatives from Wildlife Canada and MDELCC noted that all of Technoparc Montreal’s interventions and the other contractors involved were in compliance with the laws and regulations established.
Are we witnessing a decrease in the number of bird species?
For many years, the grounds of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves of Technoparc Montreal have been surveyed by numerous ornithologists (amateurs and professionals), biologists, wildlife officials and various consultants and government authorities, and we are able to properly justify (including e-bird reports) that there is no indication of a decrease in the number of bird species on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site at Technoparc Montreal.
Does the number of bird species on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site and the surrounding sites decrease year by year?
No, it has not. By consulting the e-bird database on August 15, 2016, there were 162 species, while there were nearly 180 species on July 1, 2017 at the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site and nearby sites. It can therefore be concluded that the number of species increased by more than 11% from August 2016 to July 2017, during which time the extension of the Alfred-Nobel Boulevard and the development of the dike trail were carried out.
Who carries out measurements of the number of bird species?
There are several amateur and professional bird watchers feeding the e-bird database, reporting on the estimated number of bird species on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site. In addition, Technoparc Montreal has consistently used the services of a recognized professional organization, Groupe Hémisphères, which draws up annual reports of its site visits during the period from March to October.
Did the street and dike construction works harm birdlife?
Throughout the dike and street construction works, a wildlife officer was on site to ensure that no avian species was injured or that nests were destroyed and/or moved. The Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site is one of the most protected industrial park locations in Canada and the works carried out is representative of the desire to keep this site in perfect balance.
Is there any supervision during constructions works?
In addition to the professional consultants biologists and ornithologists of Groupe Hémisphères, many engineers and the Director of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves are constantly on site to ensure that under no circumstances construction works harm the protected environment. In addition, the work takes place outside the nesting period on the location, to ensure that there is absolutely no impact on birds. All the professionals active on the site have the mission to carry out all interventions with the most precaution in order to maintain the balance of the site.
Is Technoparc Montreal going to do development works during the nesting period?
No. During the summer of 2016, Technoparc Montreal and the other contractors involved in the development of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site took the initiative not to perform any development works during the nesting period. Furthermore, to make sure that there is no impact on the avian wildlife, Technoparc Montreal even extended this period of non-work by several weeks. The same initiative also applies in 2017.
Why do we find a large number of ducks near the water in the southern part of the site? Is there a risk of accidents for these people?
At the southern edge of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, there are sometimes ducks, probably because many people feed them daily. This explains their presence as well as the risk of accidents on the ducks, because several vehicles circulate at all hours on the Saint-François Road. We ask the population not to feed the ducks so that they can find their food in a natural way and so that they do not venture on the Saint-François Road, at the risk of an unfortunate accident.

VEGETATION

Why do we find more and more large grasses on the site?
Unfortunately, we are witnessing an invasion of large grasses, including phragmites, on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site at Technoparc Montreal. The elimination of the phragmites poses an enormous challenge and is the subject of several researches in the world. At the provincial level, the spread of this European genotype is out of control. This partly explains the development of the dike trail, which aims to maintain a high water level in the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves marsh, which will protect it from the spread of the reed warbler and, ultimately, of its possible disappearance as it is often the case.
Are we dealing with high-quality forests?
Although the site that will be preserved is composed of mature trees of over 30 years old, the species richness is rather poor. Since the site of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves was formerly an agricultural land, the species that have taken root are mainly ash and maple. It must be emphasized that given the mission to develop an environmentally-friendly site and to improve the ecosystem, there are constant efforts to preserve the most significant trees and plantations, especially along the Alexander-Fleming Street and the remodeled territory of Bertrand Creek, located in the northwest of the site.
When was the date of deforestation?
Deforestation for the construction of the dike trail took place in 2014 and the deforestation of the Alfred-Nobel Boulevard, in 2015. It should be noted that no deforestation will be carried out for infrastructure works. In addition, Technoparc Montreal is committed to planting along the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves dike trail, which will enhance biodiversity, enrich and retain soils and create a canopy to prevent the spread of phragmites.

PROJECT

Why the idea of developing on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site when there are other sites available?
The Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site is located at the southwest tip of Technoparc Montreal. It represents a rich site with regards to the fauna and the flora. The first objective is to create a site that can find the perfect balance between the “3 E”: Ecology, Environment and Economy. By transferring more than 46% of the land to the future Des Sources nature park, we ensure the sustainability of the first 2 “E”, and by attracting companies in clean technologies, sustainable development and environmental technologies, we ensure a unique site in Canada that will integrate the human with nature, and thus set an example for future developments in industrial and scientific parks. The Eco-campus Hubert Reeves will become a world reference and Montreal will prove its leadership in this field.
Does Technoparc Montreal have the necessary authorizations for the development plan on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site?
Yes, it has. In 2013, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Fight against Climate Change (MDELCC), through certificates 22 and 32, authorized Technoparc Montreal to make the development plan on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site.
What is Certificate 22?
Section 22 of the EQA (Environment Quality Act) states:

“No one may erect or alter a structure, undertake to operate an industry, carry on an activity or use an industrial process or increase the production of any goods or services if it seems likely that this will result in an emission, deposit, issuance or discharge of contaminants into the environment or a change in the quality of the environment, unless he first obtains from the Minister a certificate of authorization.

However, no one may erect or alter any structure, carry out any works or projects, undertake to operate any industry, carry on any activity or use any industrial process or increase the production of any goods or services in a constant or intermittent watercourse, a lake, pond, marsh, swamp or bog, unless he first obtains a certificate of authorization from the Minister.”

The first subparagraph refers mainly to projects in the terrestrial environment, whereas the second subparagraph covers, in particular, works in a water or moist environment.

On February 6, 2013, Technoparc Montreal obtained the Environmental Certificate of Approval 22 that allows for the backfilling of portions of wetlands in exchange for compensation for land with a minimum area of ​​land and investments to increase the site biodiversity. As a result of this authorization, three conservation zones have been created (the eastern area (IPEX swamp), Eco-campus Hubert Reeves in the south and Bertrand creek in the northwest. These three areas are now recognized as conservation areas and are totaling 2,325 million square feet, or 12.9% of the total space of Technoparc Montreal, and the equivalent of 31 (Canadian) football pitches. In total, Technoparc Montreal obtained four environmental authorization certificates, thus authorizing all the work carried out to date.

Are authorized representatives of Wildlife Canada and the Quebec Ministry of the Environment regularly visiting the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site?
Yes, representatives from Wildlife Canada and the MDELCC came to the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site on a number of occasions to monitor compliance with federal and provincial laws and regulations. During each visit, representatives from Wildlife Canada and MDELCC noted that all of Technoparc Montreal’s interventions and the other contractors involved were in compliance with the current established laws and regulations.
Why does Hubert Reeves endorse this project?
Over the past decades, Mr. Hubert Reeves has been as concerned about biodiversity as he is about the economy and the social aspects. For Mr. Hubert Reeves, it was a determining criterion in the selection of the files suggested to him. The site proposed by Technoparc Montreal was an adequate response to Mr. Reeves’s criteria, which explains why it was named Eco-campus Hubert Reeves. During the past year, he also reiterated his public support for this project, in which he “saw in the ecologist approach of these promoters an important step in favor of nature protection”. According to the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Fight against Climate Change, the Technoparc’s development and conservation project is an innovative and integrating project at several levels. “All of the development and drainage of the area has been designed to provide a continuous supply of wetlands with water, and thus ensure environments conducive to indigenous flora and fauna. An interesting feature of the project is the connectivity of natural environments. Indeed, the conservation area was designed to maintain a diversity of natural environments connected by a water network. “
Why making a street if there is no short-term construction?
In any development project, it is standard to carry out the infrastructure works before the buildings provided for in the plan are built. This is done in the case of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves development plan.
Will the areas designated as non-developable by Technoparc Montreal be eventually developed?
In 2013, the Borough of Saint-Laurent modified the zoning of the three territories concerned to recognize them as conservation zones and to include them in the urban plan. As a result, no building permits will be issued to build in these areas.
Is there a beaver trap?
In recent years, we have been compelled to manage the beaver population under two important points on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site. First, beavers can drift the water circuit, which means that swamps can dry out much more quickly. The fact that they have the ability to cut a large number of trees (more than 20 per week!) would destroy the richness of the existing ecosystem and would allow an accelerated increase of the phragmites on the site, since this plant does not like the shade produced by the foliage of the trees.
Are the grounds of Technoparc Montreal and the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves private lands?
Yes, the lands are private property. In 2016, due to the presence of several people on the grounds of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site and in view of the ongoing development, Technoparc Montreal considered it appropriate to place signs prohibiting entry security for citizens who enter the site. In spite of these no-entry signs, the site is still frequented by several people, and some do not hesitate to ask for financial contributions to make guided tours on the private grounds of Technoparc Montreal. To date, Technoparc Montreal has maintained its policy of total transparency and good corporate citizenship by tolerating the presence of unauthorized persons on the site, but Technoparc Montreal recalls that people who are on the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site without prior written approval by Technoparc Montreal are liable to fines and are also liable for damage to the property, bird nests, wildlife or, where applicable, personal injury and/or death. We would also like to remind you that ornithologists who come to Technoparc Montreal must comply with the Code of Conduct for amateur ornithologists of the Regroupement Québec Oiseaux (which is unanimous in the community) which stipulates, among other things, the respect of private and public properties, as well as posted instructions, obtaining permission before entering private property and disclosing observations to persons who allow access to the property. Lastly, Technoparc Montreal declines all civil liability in the event of its introduction on its land.
Have you started meetings and discussions with citizens who are concerned about the project?
Yes. On our own initiative, we met with a number of citizens who were concerned about the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves project. Our doors have always been open to listening to concerns, understanding them and, above all, clearly explaining the conservation project for the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, so that citizens can hear the true version of the facts and not disparate displays on social networks. In August 2016, we initiated a meeting with several groups of citizens and also organizations targeting the protection of the environment and wildlife. Following this initiative by Technoparc Montreal and the Town Hall of the Borough of Saint-Laurent, many were better informed and reassured. It should be noted that although he was invited, Mr. Joël Coutu refused to attend the meeting. Also, at this meeting in August 2016, a person posing as the spokesperson of Sierra Club Canada-Quebec section was opposed to any development project. Our organization even tried to see if some adjustments were possible with the people opposed to the project, but we have always had an inadmissibility on their part.
Has Technoparc Montreal already worked with the Green Coalition?
Yes, it has. In 2011, the Green Coalition assisted Technoparc Montreal in conducting avian sampling at the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves site, with the goal of setting up the project presentation for the Certificate 22 from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Fight against Climate Change (MDELCC). At that time, the Green Coalition had all the information about the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves project, and their collaboration contributed to obtain Certificate 22. In September 2016, the Green Coalition filed a lawsuit against Technoparc Montreal, The Borough of Saint-Laurent and the MDELCC. The application for interim interlocutory injunction to stop the works was rejected on September 27, 2016 by Justice Guylène Beaugé. On April 28, 2017, Justice Pierre Nollet also dismissed another Green Coalition appeal to involve an American citizen as well as an American organization in the lawsuit. Despite these two decisions favorable to Technoparc Montreal, the Green Coalition maintained its request for a permanent injunction. This should be expected in the fall of 2017 or early 2018.

LETTERS AND EXTERNAL NOTICES

We are also happy to be sharing structured publications on the concept to highlight the real issues in this zone of the scientific park (please click on the links):

Letter from Mr Hubert Reeves (french)

Analysis from Regroupement Québec Oiseaux (french)

Concept

Developed as an international technology portal dedicated to clean technologies and sustainable development, the Éco-Campus Hubert Reeves is a defined zone in the Technoparc, with more than 46% of the zone dedicated as a protected area.

The innovative infrastructures that make it up provide an exceptional work environment fostering:

  • The research and development of clean technologies
  • Knowledge transfers
  • The demonstration of cutting-edge clean technologies

Location

Located on Alfred-Nobel boulevard in Saint-Laurent on the outskirts of a renowned regional park, and only 10 minutes away from the Montreal International Airport. Its 20 acres make it the largest site of its kind in Canada.

Support

Not only will Éco-campus Hubert Reeves residents benefit from first-rate infrastructures, quality of life and visibility, they can also take advantage of Technoparc Montréal’s ongoing support and services:

  • Research project value enrichment services
  • Business establishment and expansion support services
  • Financing services
  • Business development through professional networking
  • Consulting and support services

For further information on business establishment terms and conditions, contact Sylvain Ouellette, Director, Business Developtment, Cleantech & Nanotechnologies at 514-956-2525, ext. 2542.

You can also consult our 2014 brochure, which has been replaced by our “imagine” brochure (2016), also available through the link above on the page.

Ready to join the Éco-campus Hubert Reeves?
Contact us right away.

Consultation - EN