In the heart of Rosemont, an architectural treasure awaits its transformation to become a symbol of sustainability and innovation for Montreal. The old Carrières incinerator, once used to dispose of the city’s waste, is ready to become a source of life rather than an agent of destruction. It is time to convert it into a modern greenhouse that could play a crucial role in the food security of Quebecers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of food security and the resilience of local food supply chains in Quebec. The need to produce a significant portion of our food within the city is more evident than ever. This is where the old Carrières incinerator comes into play. This iconic structure offers invaluable potential to become a cutting-edge greenhouse.
“Food autonomy is not just nice words. This is for security reasons. There is an urgent need to produce more [de nourriture] in Quebec,” declared Quebec Premier François Legault in 2023. Converting the former Carrières incinerator into a modern greenhouse in Montreal would be a step in the right direction, strengthening our resilience and reducing our dependence to food imports.
Let’s imagine for a moment a state-of-the-art greenhouse in this space, using vertical and hydroponic farming techniques to grow a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs year-round. Such a facility could not only produce fresh, healthy food for Montrealers, but also reduce dependence on food imports, reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to food transportation and create local jobs.
Furthermore, the conversion of the former Carrières incinerator into a modern greenhouse would be a model for adapting the urban infrastructures of the past to the needs of the future. This would demonstrate Montreal and Quebec’s commitment to environmental sustainability and food resilience. Recycling an obsolete industrial building into a high-tech agricultural facility would be an inspiring example for other cities facing the same challenges.
Of course, the conversion would require some initial investment, but the long-term benefits would far outweigh these costs. There are opportunities for public-private funding and grants to support such an innovative project. Additionally, the greenhouse could be designed to also serve as an education and research center, fostering innovation and collaboration in urban agriculture.