In a move toward urban biodiversity and local sourcing, the Saint-Laurent council has approved greenhouses in residential backyards and vegetable gardens in all yards. The decision at its general meeting on June 6 allows urban agriculture activities inside buildings and on their rooftops, with particular emphasis on industrial rooftops.
“By democratizing access to urban agriculture in Saint-Laurent, we want to meet the growing needs of our residents and take a concrete step towards biodiversity and greening our territory. This will promote fast food chains and local sourcing, opening opportunities for new, innovative projects on our commercial and industrial rooftops. It's about continuing our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change,” said Mayor Alan DeSousa.
This decision complements the second edition of the May Garden Month program, where almost 2,000 residents bought seedlings for their vegetable gardens. These gardeners can now enter the “Mon Jardin écolo” competition for the most beautiful gardens between July 10-28. The zoning bylaw amendment expands access to urban agriculture activities, permitting greenhouses in residential backyards, where previously vegetable gardens could only be set up in back and side yards.
For businesses, the new “urban agriculture” use in industrial zones allows growing fruits and vegetables inside buildings and producing edible mushrooms, insects, and fish. Nearly 1,000 industrial and some commercial buildings are included in this provision. Greenhouses are also permitted on all industrial rooftops, subject to certain conditions. This action consolidates Saint-Laurent's position as a leader in urban farming, demonstrated by the 2020 inauguration of the fourth Fermes Lufa commercial greenhouse – the world's largest urban farm on the roof of a former industrial building.
Image provided by Ville de Montréal – Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent
