MULTIFONCTIONNALITÉ DE L'AGRICULTURE URBAINE À MONTRÉAL : ÉTUDE DES DISCOURS SUR LA BASE DU PROGRAMME DES JARDINS COMMUNAUTAIRES

N° ISBN - 978-2-7380-1284-5International audienceUrban agriculture can be a solution for contemporary urban problems. In scientific literature, urban agriculture is demonstrated to contribute to food security of urban populations, to offer leisure activities, to resolve environmental problems, to participate in the preservation of health, to develop social networks, to embellish urban neighbourhoods and to promote viable urban development. In addition it can contribute to the local economy and stimulate educational values. However, what is the real situation in Montreal's program of community gardens? The present study aims to identify the issues raised by urban agriculture for the various actors involved in the program. We also examine the degree of coherence between the multiple functions outlined in the official texts of the city of Montreal and the experience of actors participating in community gardens. Variables such as the status of the actors (gardeners, garden presidents, horticultural facilitators, development agents), and the different urban neighbourhoods are analyzed. The data of the study is based on eleven semi directed interviews. Results illustrate the existence of multifunctional urban agriculture where some functions take priority over others depending on the representation of actors. In summary, the issues differ or converge according to the status of the actors, the neighbourhoods and the urban agriculture functions outlined by the city in its official texts