The project envisions a new neighborhood on the former site of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) headquarters, located at 3155 Côte-de-Liesse Road, across from the Metropolitan Expressway in the Saint-Laurent borough, near Highway 401.

Canada Lands Company, which has owned the land since December 2023, presented a redevelopment plan that blends memory and modernity.

Spanning 49,000 square meters—equivalent to six football fields—the future neighborhood will include three distinct hubs: residential, commercial, and cultural.

Approximately 80% of the existing buildings will be preserved, reflecting a deep respect for the site's architectural heritage.

Cultural Hub

The legendary film set and two theater halls of the NFB complex (occupied from 1956 to 2019) will be preserved and transformed into an arts and culture hub.

The exact future of this hub (music, cinema, circus) is still under discussion.

CLC is seeking cultural partners, but it is certain that these heritage buildings will not be demolished.

The cultural hub will preserve the theater halls and the iconic NFB film set.

A historical axis will also be dedicated to the renowned filmmaker Norman McLaren.

Residential Hub

Four residential buildings ranging from 7 to 15 stories will accommodate approximately 1,700 residents.

50% of the units will be off market, dedicated to social and affordable housing.

One building with around 100 units will be the first to welcome tenants, as it will be preserved.

Commercial and Office Hub

This commercial hub will offer modern office spaces.

More than one-third of the site’s area will be dedicated to new commercial and office spaces.

Residents have expressed a need for small local shops, which are currently almost nonexistent in the area.

Small businesses will be located along Houde Street.

Green Spaces

Over 8,800 square meters of green space will be developed on the site, including a large public park at the heart of the neighborhood.

Transportation and Parking

The project is designed around public transportation.

The future Côte-de-Liesse station of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), scheduled for 2025, will be located 800 meters away.

The master plan includes a maximum of 350 underground parking spaces for residents, as well as two parking spots in front of 3155 Côte-de-Liesse Road.

A new street will be built, accessible via Houde Street, to open up the neighborhood and provide quick access for emergency and public service vehicles, as well as direct access to the central park.

Cost and Timeline

The total cost of the project will amount to several tens of millions of dollars.

The decontamination of the land alone will cost approximately $3 million.

Decontamination work will begin as soon as final approvals are obtained from the City of Montreal.

CLC expects to receive these approvals by spring 2026, due to delays related to the upcoming municipal elections.

The company plans to begin marketing and leasing the land in 2026.

Public Consultation Process

Since acquiring the land, CLC has conducted two public consultations, attracting hundreds of participants.

Discussions were held about the possibility of a primary or secondary school, but the local school service center identified other more suitable locations for such a project.

A third public consultation to present the master plan in more detail is scheduled to be held at the former NFB headquarters.