Borough launches beautification program
Once upon a time, neighbourhood alleys were gathering places where children played — the spot where games of hide-and-seek were launched and spontaneous sprints or games of jacks took place.
Alleys are a thing of the past in new developments and in older neighbourhoods where they still exist, they have fallen silent.
Lachine has launched a program that could turn that reality on its ear.
Mayor Maja Vodanovic said the majority of the borough’s 84 alleys are empty and unused and that the Programme de ruelles communautaires invites groups of citizens to apply for a $25,000 grant to transform their particular alley into a usable space for the community.
“We had been hearing from citizens that they wanted to do something with the alleys,” Vodanovic said. “They wanted to be able to gather, but instead of holding a block party, they wanted to get together in the back lanes. It’s part of the movement we are experiencing where more and more people want to spend time outside and they want more green.”
There is a process to follow leading up to the application for the $25,000.
A citizens committee with representatives from both streets backing onto the alley must be formed. Then the committee must obtain the approval of at least 75 per cent of homeowners on the two affected streets.
Some of the alleys in Lachine are privately owned, so the committee must call 311 to see if their alley is in the public domain.
Then the committee must associate itself with a local non-profit organization with experience in community outreach and neighbourhood programs. It would be the non-profit’s responsibility to manage the budget if a project should be accepted. Links to the various Lachine-based non-profit organizations will be posted on Lachine’s website in the weeks to come. Up to $5,000 of the $25,000 will go to the non-profit.
Should a project be accepted, it will be the responsibility of the citizens committee to do the maintenance required to keep the alley in good shape.
Vodanovic said no two alleys need be the same.
One could have basketball nets, another a hockey rink.
“The possibilities are endless,” she said. “If the two streets agree and no one needs to access to backyard parking, they could even dig up the asphalt and plant grass. It’s a way for neighbours to connect and the children to get to know each other. It strengthens the sense of community.”
The deadline for applications is Oct. 1. For details and to access the application form, visit the borough’s webpage at ville. montreal. qc.ca.