The City of Kirkland is embarking on a major transformation with the launch of the first phase of "Village Lacey Green."

 Located in the immediate vicinity of the future Fairview–Pointe-Claire REM station, this large-scale project led by developers Prével and TGTA plans for the construction of over 950 homes.

The fruit of six years of citizen consultations designed to avoid the pitfalls of the past, this development stands out for its residential mix—integrating rentals, condos, and single-family lots—while promising significant economic and social benefits for the West Island.

A Model of Citizen Collaboration

What distinguishes Village Lacey Green is not only its scale but its genesis.

Unlike a previous proposal by another developer that had sparked outrage in the neighborhood due to perceived excessive densification, this project is the result of a rare consensus.

Promoters Prével and TGTA opted for a patient and inclusive approach.

 For six years, they held consultations with a working group and more than 550 citizens.

 The objective: to harmonize the new neighborhood with the existing residential fabric.

 "What changed everything was the involvement of the developers from the very beginning," highlighted Valentino Pietrantonio, a citizen representative, during the announcement.

This listening process translated concretely into the master plan.

 To allay fears and respect Kirkland’s character, the project is not made up solely of towers.

 It offers a diversified residential mix including townhouses and—a rare occurrence for a project of this density—lots for single-family homes (bungalows), directly answering the requests of current residents.

Phase 1: Focus on Rentals

The kickoff concerns the eastern portion of the land, with the construction of a nine-story rental building.

 This building will include 252 units (ranging from one to three bedrooms).

The first tenants are expected within two years, coinciding with the full commissioning of the REM in the sector.

"We still underestimate the impact of the REM's arrival," declared Laurence Vincent, President of Prével, recalling that transport infrastructure is the true engine of this urban renewal.

The real estate development of the West Island reaches a major milestone with the launch of the first phase of Village Lacey Green in Kirkland.

 Valued at $850 million in total, this project spans 1.6 million square feet.

The first phase alone mobilizes approximately 18% of this total budget.

The project unfolds on a site of 1.6 million square feet.

 Unlike uniform developments, the master plan proposes a varied typology totaling more than 1,000 doors:

• 950 units divided between condos and rental apartments;

• 11 townhouses;

• 47 lots intended for single-family homes.

Variable Density and Architecture

The architecture, entrusted to the firms Provencher_Roy and Gauvreau Design, is inspired by the mid-century style, a nod to the built heritage of certain surrounding suburban sectors.

The urban plan applies a logic of progressive density: the height of the buildings will increase as one gets closer to the REM station.

The buildings will thus vary from 4 to 12 stories, allowing for a visual transition toward the heavy transport infrastructure.

Mobility and Parking: The 1:1 Ratio

Although the project is focused on public transit (TOD), the automotive reality of the West Island is taken into account.

 Laurence Vincent, President of Prével, confirms that households in the first phase will benefit from a ratio of at least one parking space per unit.

The goal is not the immediate disappearance of the car, but its reduced use.

With the arrival of the REM, anticipating service in this sector by 2027, the automobile could become optional for daily commutes to downtown.

Land Planning and Public Spaces

A significant portion of the site, more than 17% of the total area, is reserved for the development of parks and public spaces.

The plans specifically include a central park designed for seasonal versatility, with the capacity to transform into a skating rink during winter.

A Flagship Project for Active Transport (TOD)

This first tower is not just a simple residential building; it embodies the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).

By replacing a section of the immense asphalt heat island that was the shopping center parking lot, this project aims to intelligently densify the immediate sector of the station to maximize the use of public transit.

The building will propose a mix of uses, combining modern residential units—meeting a glaring rental demand—and commercial spaces on the ground floor, all connected by safe pedestrian layouts leading directly to the REM platforms.

It is a pivotal step for the urban development of the West Island of Montreal.

This flagship building, which will rise at the foot of the Fairview–Pointe-Claire REM station, marks the kickoff of the creation of a true "downtown" for the western suburbs.

Economic Impact:

The economic impact of this first phase is considerable and will unfold on several levels:

1. Direct Investment and Job Creation: The construction of this tower represents a major private investment of several million dollars.

   The construction site will immediately generate hundreds of jobs in the construction, engineering, and architecture sectors, stimulating the local economy.

   
   

2. Commercial Revitalization: The arrival of hundreds of new residents right on the site will offer a captive customer base for the merchants of the Fairview center and surrounding businesses.

   
   

   This could compensate for the transformation of consumption habits affecting traditional retail.

   
   

3. Tax Base: For the City of Pointe-Claire, transforming surface parking into a high-density building represents a significant increase in land value and, consequently, municipal tax revenues, allowing for the funding of better public services without increasing the burden on existing homeowners.

Social Impact:

Beyond the economy, the social fabric of Pointe-Claire will be transformed:

• Fighting the Housing Shortage: In a context where the vacancy rate remains critical in Greater Montreal, the addition of new units is a breath of fresh air.

  
  

This project offers a housing option for local workers, but also for seniors in the community who wish to sell their single-family home while staying in their neighborhood (the concept of "downsizing").

• Mobility and Quality of Life: Living a few steps from the REM, future residents will be able to reach downtown Montreal in less than 30 minutes, without a car.

  
  

This favors a more active lifestyle less dependent on the automobile, reducing congestion on Highway 40.

• Creating a Living Environment: The project plans for the development of public squares and green spaces to replace the asphalt.

  
  

The goal is to create a lively meeting place, breaking the "bedroom community" image often associated with the suburbs.

With this first tower, the face of Pointe-Claire is changing.

 The Fairview sector ceases to be a simple shopping destination to become a complete, integrated, and sustainable living environment.

As the first REM trains prepare to roll, this construction signals that 21st-century urbanism has well and truly taken root in the West Island.