A primary school visit at the eco-district of Technopôle Angus

Before winter sets in in Montreal, the 5th grade primary school students from Monsieur Pascal's class at the Paul-Bruchési school had this great opportunity to visit the Angus Locoshop and the outdoor amenities of the eco-district of the Angus Technopole.

It was the team from  Société de Développement Angus that generously opened its doors to us and guided our young visitors during this discovery morning.

The students moved in small groups through the alleys of the eco-district to see the particularities of this exemplary site in terms of urban development.

Thanks to the explanations provided by David Goulet-Jobin, Engineer, Real Estate Project Manager at the Société de Développement Angus, the students were able to visualize how rainwater was managed in the eco-district. These are in fact collected in vegetated water retention areas which act as a sponge, thus feeding the vegetation present, mainly native species, and reducing watering needs. This also offers the advantage of reducing pressure on the city's infrastructure during periods of rain and storms.

Other explanations were also provided on the orientations of buildings and green paths which take into account the prevailing winds to promote air circulation, but which also seek not to hinder the passage of wild animals. Indeed, it is not uncommon, David explains, to have visits from raccoons or even foxes, present in particular along the railway line adjoining the Technopôle grounds.

A little further along the route, the students learned that beneath their feet was a 61 cubic meter basin of groundwater, the equivalent of a small swimming pool, collecting rainwater. They were able to get an overview of the plant species planted and notice the presence of insect hotels and bird houses. David also tells us that we regularly see a few bats flying in the evening!

Energy loops and impacts on energy savings, water circuit in Montreal and how to improve its use, quality of constructed buildings are all concepts that were addressed during this visit with words adapted to the age of our young visitors

The second part of the visit took place in the Locoshop Angus buildings. The students were able to immerse themselves in the history of this industrial district of Montreal once occupied by the Canadian Pacific which was the spearhead of the manufacturing of locomotives and wagons.

Thanks to the presentation made by Isabelle Hébert, Director of Communications and Marketing at SDA, the students realized that between these restored brick walls and metal structures, a whole community of workers from different origins, working in numerous professions, once gathered. A real city within a city featuring some unique facilities for workers.

By rolling out (virtually) a timeline from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, the students were able to understand the significant impact of the Second World War on the evolution of Locoshop Angus' activities and the repercussions of technological developments and society on the manufacture of locomotives, and consequently on local jobs and neighborhood life.

Our young audience was also able to discover the role of the Société de Développement Angus in the recovery of this site to make it an exemplary site in terms of economic development, social integration and sustainable development.

It was finally around the wooden architectural model (which was obviously very popular) that the students all gathered and sent their thanks and muted applause (there is a technique) to Isabelle and David, as well as to everyone from the SDA team, including Amélie Olivier, Communications and Special Projects Advisor, without whom this enriching visit would not have been possible.

It was time for the students, their teacher and Mélanie from the daycare, to get to the classes of the Paul-Bruchési school.