Environmental equity and access to parks in Greater Montreal: an analysis of spatial proximity and potential congestion issues

Past studies have shown that the distribution of parks is not always equitably distributed in urban areas, raising concerns about environmental equity and justice. Most of them have analyzed park access by using the closest walking network distance. However, access could also vary locally according to both supply (park area or facilities) and the potential demand (population surrounding the park) by using the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method. This study aims to verify the existence of environmental inequities for four population groups (children, seniors, low-income individuals, and visible minorities) according to park proximity and potential park congestion. To do so, three accessibility measures are calculated: closest park (shortest walking distance) and two gradient E2SFCA (hectares and facilities per inhabitants). We find higher potential park area and facility congestion in inner-city neighborhoods than in suburban municipalities. Generalized linear models and multinomial logistic regression analyses show no drastic degrees of inequity over Greater Montreal. However, visible minorities and low-income households are more prone to live closer to potentially highly congested parks both in terms of hectares and facilities.