Located in the L’Île-des-Sœurs neighbourhood, West Vancouver Park offers a unique connection to the St. Lawrence River. In response to the growing number of citizens practicing non-motorized water activities, the Verdun borough of the City of Montreal sought to create a structured access to the water. The project also aimed to limit informal shoreline access points that were contributing to bank degradation and disturbing local biodiversity.

The mandate consisted of designing a functional and safe intervention integrated into the existing topography while respecting the natural character of the site. The design sought to provide clear and durable access to the river while improving the ecological condition of the shoreline.

The proposal includes the creation of a natural descent toward the water. The access was built using natural stone carefully integrated into the existing slope. On either side of the descent, vegetated interlocking stones stabilize the bank while supporting the landscape integration of the intervention. At the top of the descent, a small plaza was designed as a quiet place to contemplate the river landscape, featuring informal seating made of large natural stones.

As part of an ecological restoration approach, a wide riparian strip was revegetated to restore the shoreline’s ecological potential and strengthen its resilience. A discreet cedar log fence channels movement and protects the bank from direct access.

The project also incorporates an ecological approach to stormwater drainage in order to reduce erosion observed on the site. Specific precautions were taken in accordance with ministerial requirements due to the presence of sensitive wildlife species, including the brown snake and the copper redhorse. Targeted actions were also proposed to limit the spread of invasive alien plant species.

Together, these interventions aim to balance public access to the river with the protection of riparian ecosystems while enhancing the landscape of this sensitive natural site.