SAINT-LAURENT, QC, June 9, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The boroughs of Saint-Laurent and Ahuntsic-Cartierville are pleased to take a new step in the detailed planning of the Bois-Franc transit-oriented development (TOD) area with the tabling of the final report prepared for this purpose by the firm Provencher_Roy.
The Bois-Franc TOD area extends within a radius of one kilometre (1 km) from the Bois-Franc train station. The station—part of the Deux-Montagnes exo train line at the present time—will be replaced by the Bois-Franc station of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) by 2023, which will bring major changes to this neighbourhood located on the boundaries of the two boroughs.
Quotes
"This planning process has proven to be a rich and captivating undertaking for all stakeholders. The report indicates that the sector being studied has the potential to welcome some 15,000 new residents over the next 20 years. In this context of sustained densification, the importance of the extension of the Orange line, from the metro to the REM Bois-Franc station, cannot be ignored, as well as the need for other public infrastructure in order to provide adequate services to residents. The report is becoming the ultimate reference tool for making informed decisions that are aligned with a shared vision for this new housing and transportation hub, which we hope will be exemplary and reflect the best urban planning practices."
Alan DeSousa, Mayor of Saint-Laurent
"With the arrival of a REM station, mobility habits in this sector of Bordeaux-Cartierville will be transformed. This sector will be connected to a fast and efficient public transit network to downtown Montréal, the airport, several higher education institutions and many other areas of Montréal and neighbouring municipalities. The detailed planning that is being adopted today is intended to enable the two boroughs to take full advantage of the arrival of the REM station in order to make it a complete living environment that will focus on sustainable mobility and sustainable development."
Émilie Thuillier, Mayor of Ahuntsic-Cartierville
Highlights of the Bois Franc TOD
The detailed planning report can be viewed on the Saint-Laurent borough website.
In summary, we note that the revitalization and requalification processes planned for the sector are spread over a period of more than 20 years. Eventually, the development concept drawn up for detailed planning purposes identifies the following development potential:
- 7,700 new housing units
- 39,600 m² of office space
- 37,700 m² of commercial area
- 23,300 m² of floor space dedicated to institutional functions
- 104,350 m² of parks, public squares and green spaces (±), which together with the green spaces to be developed and the existing parks would eventually account for nearly 17% of the TOD area.
According to the report, the investments to be made by the City to carry out the planned initiatives are estimated at nearly $87 million over more than 20 years, while for the same period, the total fiscal impact would be equivalent to nearly $670 million.
Two boroughs, one vision, three strategic priorities
In the spring of 2019, the project was the subject of a public consultation, in the presence of 85 residents, and was followed by a brainstorming session in which 45 community representatives, public and private partners, students and professionals took part.
Based on an approach rooted in consultation among the various authorities and with the community, the report presents a vision statement for the Bois-Franc TOD area, which is based on three main strategic priorities.
Vision statement
An intermodal and multi-functional transportation hub that is accessible and attractive, and centred around a complete living environment that is a good place to live, work and play
Strategic priorities
- Complementarity of networks, i.e. better connectivity for public and active transportation networks, and ecological networks on the scale of the TOD area and beyond
- Restructuring of the built environment and landscape setting, i.e., a gradual transformation of the living environment to foster the emergence of a vibrant, sustainable and distinctive environment
- Reorganization of the social fabric, notably through the influence of the intermodal and multi-functional hub around the REM, and the creation of new community anchors that stimulate residents' sense of belonging
Next steps
The adoption of a joint special urban planning program (PPU) for the two boroughs is a first step in the implementation of the process, which will be followed by several regulatory amendments to be made next year.
What is a TOD?
A TOD is a medium- to high-density real estate development, structured around a high-capacity public transit station, such as a train station, a subway station, a light rail station or a bus stop. Located within walking distance of a major access point within the public transit system, a TOD is a neighbourhood that combines active transportation, social mix and urban design, in particular.
The planning process for the Bois-Franc station sector is a joint project carried out by the boroughs of Saint-Laurent and Ahuntsic-Cartierville, with the financial support of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.
SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent
Source: Geneviève Bouchard, chargée de communication, Direction d'arrondissement, Division des communications et des relations avec les citoyens, 514 855-6000, ext. 4058 / [email protected]; Information: Marc-Olivier Fritsch, Media Line : 438 368-3318 ou 514 825-6231; Marlene Ouellet, Chargée de communication, Arrondissement d'Ahuntsic-Cartierville, (514) 868-4141
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