Summer 2020 adventures often seemed to include some sort of escape from the four-walled, cemented city structures we live in. Gaspésie became a key destination for Quebecers: French-speaking small towns at a safe distance from skyscrapers. This summer has yet to reveal which destination might become #1, but the answer will soon be revealed as the construction holidays have begun.
The mass temporary migration reveals a deeper dilemma for city planners: there is simply not enough tranquility in cities. Public spaces often tend to have elements of greenery and are usually placed at a walking distance of people’s homes, providing both accessibility to nature and sound barriers. However, they are often too small, therefore unable to host a variety of activities. This encourages situations with a conflict between peace and excitement, such as the overcrowding at Îles-de-Boucherville, where partygoers will blast music on boats until sundown and overturn kayaks and canoes (Radio-Can, 2021).
Silence and space have been somewhat rediscovered with social isolation. Although we do need interaction, a balance of both crowded and clear is necessary for inner peace. The future calls for better preservation and development of our green spaces by offering enough services and activities for the growing demand.
Reference
Lefebvre, K. (Host). (2021, July 14). Une cohabitation difficile sur le fleuve, avec Philippe-AntoineSaulnier. [Radio episode]. In Le 15-18. Radio-Canada Ohdio. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/
Botanical garden of Montreal. Image source: Author.