Montréal welcomes COP15 conference on biodiversity
Jamie O'Meara
This article was published on December 5, 2022.
There are an estimated one million species at risk of extinction on planet Earth, a worldwide crisis that also has huge implications for humanity. That’s why Montréal is honoured to be hosting the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP15), which will see city shine on the world stage as thousands of delegates gather at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, December 7 to 19, to take action against the loss of global biodiversity. Join us in giving the expected 8,000 to 10,000 delegates from around the world the warmest of winter-Montréal welcomes!
The COP15 “Blue Zone”: things to know
As might be imagined, due to the sheer scale of COP15 and the high-profile nature of many of its guests, security precautions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety, and this includes the creation of a high-security Blue Zone around the Palais des congrès. The Blue Zone will impact traffic, public transport and movement in and around the site before, during and after COP15, but a little advance planning will get you to your destination. Note the following:
- There is a fenced-off area around the Palais des Congrès that will provide secure access for authorized people only.
- Installation of Blue Zone security fencing is completed since November 27, and dismantling will begin on January 8.
You can find more information on the Ville de Montréal website.
The Salon des métiers goes to “The Big O”
Although originally planned to be held at the Palais des congrès, exceptionally this year because of COP15, the highly anticipated Salon des métiers d'art du Québec will relocate to the 300 level of the storied Olympic Stadium in the Montréal Olympic Park. For over 65 years, the popular holiday market has made gift shopping easy peasy, offering shoppers a panoramic choice of high-quality artisanal products from handcrafted housewares to imaginative jewellery and decorations, comfy winter fashion, fantastic seasonal food and drink, fanciful artistic creations and so much more. This year, over 180 artisans and exhibitors will be showcasing their creations. Take advantage of reduced-price, presale admission tickets, available now.
Getting around town
For those of you planning to travel south of downtown by public transport during COP15, fear not, you’ll still be able to get where you want to go. Simply be aware that the Place d’Armes metro station directly underneath the Palais des congrès will be closed December 1-20. Also, during that time period, a number of bus stops in the area — on routes 55, 129, 361 and 365 — will be out of commission. And even though some routes will be affected, the STM is providing alternatives in order to keep us all rollin’. The STM has a web page dedicated to updates to schedules and route changes.
Jamie O'Meara
Jamie O'Meara was the Editor-in-Chief at C2 Montréal and the former Editor-in-Chief of alt-weekly newspaper HOUR Magazine.