Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada and the most populous city in the province of Quebec, has been known for its historical architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food scene. However, the city has also struggled with air quality issues due to its high population density and industrial activities. Fortunately, the city has taken steps to improve its air quality, making it easier for its residents and visitors to breathe.
One of the major contributors to air pollution in Montreal is transportation. The city is known for its traffic congestion and frequent construction, which leads to high levels of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter in the air. To combat this, the city has implemented several initiatives to reduce the number of cars on the road. One of these initiatives is the BIXI bike-sharing system, which allows residents and visitors to rent bicycles at various stations throughout the city. Since the launch of BIXI in 2009, over 50 million bike rides have been taken, reducing the number of cars on the road and decreasing air pollution.
Another transportation initiative is the introduction of electric buses. In 2016, Montreal's Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) announced plans to purchase 40 electric buses by 2019. These buses are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 50%, improve air quality, and make public transportation more eco-friendly.
Montreal's focus on sustainable transportation options has also led to the creation of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), a $6.3 billion electric light rail transit network that will connect the city's downtown core to its suburbs and the airport. The REM is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tonnes per year and reduce traffic congestion on major highways by up to 25%.
In addition to transportation initiatives, Montreal has also implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. The city's bylaw, Règlement sur les aspects énergétiques des bâtiments (RABEE), requires all new construction and major renovations to meet energy efficiency standards. By 2030, the city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 80% compared to 1990 levels.
Montreal's efforts to improve its air quality have been recognized globally. In 2015, the city was awarded the C40 Cities Awards for its "Sustainable Montreal Plan 2010-2015", which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% per capita by 2020. The city has also been recognized by the World Health Organization for its efforts to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable transportation options.
Despite these efforts, Montreal still has room for improvement when it comes to air quality. In a report released by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) in 2019, Montreal was ranked as the second most polluted city in Canada after Vancouver. The report cited transportation and industry as the main sources of pollution.
To address these issues, Montreal has launched several new initiatives. In 2020, the city introduced a new bylaw that requires all new construction projects to install green roofs or solar panels. Green roofs help to absorb rainwater, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality. Solar panels help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by generating clean energy.
Montreal has also launched a new initiative called Plantons 1,000 arbres, which aims to plant 1,000 trees in the city each year. Trees are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. The initiative encourages residents and businesses to volunteer to plant trees in their neighbourhoods.
In addition to these initiatives, Montreal has also launched several awareness campaigns to encourage residents to make sustainable choices, such as carpooling, cycling, and reducing energy consumption. The city's Energia campaign encourages residents to reduce their energy consumption by turning off lights and unplugging devices that are not in use.
Montreal's efforts to improve air quality have not gone unnoticed by its residents. In a recent survey conducted by the city, 88% of respondents said that they felt the city was taking steps to improve air quality. 68% of respondents said that improving air quality was a top priority for them.
In conclusion, Montreal has made great strides in improving its air quality over the past decade. The city has implemented several initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and buildings, and has been recognized globally for its efforts. However, there is still work to be done to address air quality issues in the city. Montreal's new initiatives and awareness campaigns are a step in the right direction and will help the city to breathe easier in the years to come.