Exploring green alleys through the lens of hybrid governance: opportunities and challenges

Green alleys are urban greening projects that transform alleys into green infrastructure and spaces for citizen ownership. Despite a substantial body of literature on green alley initiatives in North America, insights into their governance mechanisms remain limited. This study addresses some of these gaps by examining programmes in three Quebec cities: Montreal, Quebec City, and Trois-Rivières. We draw on the concept of “hybrid governance”, which refers to collaborative processes between governmental and non-governmental actors in the planning and management of these projects. Our study is guided by two questions: How does the governance of green alleys vary across these three cities? And what are the benefits and limitations of “hybrid” green alley governance? Multiple sources of data were gathered, including field observations, surveys, and interviews with local stakeholders. Our findings elucidate the arrangements established among citizens, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and municipalities in the design, implementation, and long-term management of the projects, as well as how residents perceive and take ownership of these initiatives. We also highlight the critical role of residents and NGOs in the success of the projects, while underlining the risks of leading to undesirable socio-spatial exclusion. This research can support municipalities, NGOs, and citizen groups in promoting more equitable and sustainable urban greening.