Let's look at a project that will transform the face of Montreal for decades to come: the Namur-Hippodrome district.

It is a project of rare magnitude, which testifies to our metropolis's ambition to build a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.

A historic announcement was recently made: the governments of Quebec, Canada, and the City of Montreal are uniting to invest 320 million dollars in the startup phase of this colossal undertaking.

This money is not just initial capital; it is a strong signal that the Namur-Hippodrome project, after years of planning, is now entering a phase of realization.

The Scope of the Project:

Located on the former site of the Montreal hippodrome, this 60-hectare (or 6 million square feet) territory is one of the last large undeveloped lands in the heart of the island.

Its strategic position, at the intersection of two metro lines (Orange and Blue) and near major road arteries, makes it a prime location for a large-scale development.

The objective is clear: to build a new integrated and green neighborhood, a truly complete living environment, which will stand out for:

• 20,000 housing units: This is the most impressive figure.

Faced with Montreal's housing crisis, this number is crucial. More importantly, a significant portion of these units will be dedicated to affordable and social housing.

The ambition is to achieve between 30% and 50% social, affordable, or family housing, which would be a unique model in Montreal. This will include cooperatives, community housing, and units for low-income families.

• New activity hubs: Beyond residences, the neighborhood will include local businesses, offices, community facilities, schools, and daycares, thus creating thousands of local jobs.

• Green and blue infrastructure: The former hippodrome site will be transformed into a sustainable neighborhood, integrating urban parks, public squares, green roofs, and source-based stormwater management systems (the "sponge city" concept).

• Sustainable mobility: Proximity to the Namur and Hippodrome metro stations (future Blue Line station) will be maximized. Secure bike paths and pedestrian corridors will be developed to encourage active transportation and reduce reliance on cars.

Economic Implications:

The initial investment of 320 million dollars is a catalyst.

It is earmarked for site preparation, engineering studies, decontamination (if necessary), and the development of the first public infrastructures (streets, sewers, parks).

But the economic spin-offs go far beyond:

• Billions in private investment: The site's preparation by public funds will attract billions of dollars in private sector investment for the construction of 20,000 housing units and commercial and institutional infrastructure.

• Massive job creation: The project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, and thousands of permanent jobs once the neighborhood is inhabited and businesses are established.

• Increased tax base: The development of this neighborhood will significantly increase tax revenues for the City of Montreal.

• Revitalization of surrounding neighborhoods: The creation of a new activity hub will have positive repercussions on neighboring districts (Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Mont-Royal).

Challenges and Next Steps

A project of this magnitude is not without its challenges. Coordination among multiple stakeholders (three levels of government, organizations, private developers, citizens) is crucial.

Potential site decontamination, the complexity of financial arrangements to ensure social diversity, and social acceptability will be major points of focus.

The next step, thanks to the announced funds, will be the acceleration of planning studies, decontamination, and preliminary infrastructure work.

The first constructions could begin within a few years, but the full development of the neighborhood will span about fifteen years.

The Namur-Hippodrome project represents a bold vision for Montreal.

 It aims to create a 21st-century neighborhood where affordability, sustainability, social diversity, and quality of life are at the forefront.

 It is an investment in Montreal's future, a testament to its capacity to innovate and transform to meet contemporary challenges.