A new chapter unfolding on the shore of the St. Lawrence River
Image gallery available here
Technical data sheet on the CHAPITRE Quartier Molson residential block available here
MONTRÉAL, Oct. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- MONTONI and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ held a ground-breaking ceremony today marking the start of construction on Quartier Molson and the transformation of the former brewery complex into a whole new neighbourhood for Montréal.
The first step in the project is CHAPITRE Quartier Molson, a rental apartment block with 383 units designed by Sid Lee Architecture, representing an investment of more than $190 million. The building, which will also house a 22,000 sq ft supermarket for future residents as well as the extended neighbourhood, is slated for delivery in summer 2028.
In addition to the residential block, the initial phase of the project work will include the Îlot des Voltigeurs--the heritage portion of the site destined to become the beating heart of the future neighbourhood--and the first off-market housing units on the site, with construction set to begin in 2027.
The ceremony was attended by Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montréal, Claude Pinard, Chair of the City of Montréal Executive Committee and Councillor for Saint-Jacques District, alongside an array of key players representing the city's economic, social and cultural sectors, who joined Dario Montoni, President of MONTONI, and Martin Raymond, President and CEO of the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.
SOHMER PARK COMES BACK TO LIFE
To highlight this project milestone, Sohmer Park--a favoured gathering place of Montrealers in the late 19th century, which will be re-created in its original location as part of Quartier Molson--was revived "in miniature" for the day. The reconstitution delighted the guests attending the launch of the iconic site's redevelopment--a new chapter being written.
"We are fully mindful of the magnitude of the responsibility entrusted to us as the developer of this new Montréal neighbourhood, on an iconic site imbued with history and heritage fronting over half a kilometre of the St. Lawrence River shore. Our ambition is to make this neighbourhood a top destination in the city, worthy of its heritage value and of Montrealers' aspirations for it, now and for generations to come. Today begins a new chapter in Montréal's history and we are honoured to help write it."
– Dario Montoni, President
MONTONI
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Once complete, Quartier Molson will be a complete, sustainable and vibrant living environment on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Taking shape over a 7-to-10-year timeframe, the project will comprise nearly 5,000 housing units, along with shops, local services, restaurants, hotel accommodations and civic amenities. It will be anchored by Sohmer Park, a vast public space offering matchless views onto the river, Île Sainte-Hélène, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Molson tower and Mount Royal.
AN EAGERLY AWAITED SCHOOL
The developers are eager to see a school incorporated into the future living environment, and have set aside land on the site for that purpose. The final decision is now in the hands of the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal and the Québec Ministry of Education.
1,000 OFF-MARKET UNITS
True to the vision embraced by the development consortium since the project's beginnings, Quartier Molson will be home to some 1,000 off-market housing units, spread across the site to ensure a true social mix. This target, confirmed as part of the agreement with the City of Montréal pursuant to the By-law for a Diverse Metropolis, includes 717 units on the consortium land.
In addition, the Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) project will deliver approximately 370 social and affordable housing units, including about 150 units made possible through a portion of the site transferred by the developers. The SHDM project will be located in the western section of Quartier Molson, at the intersection of Atateken Street and de la Commune Street.
"This exceptional project aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing transformative sites. Our investments will not only help revitalize a former brownfield site to benefit all types of households; they will also generate long-term economic and social benefits. We are pleased and proud to partner with MONTONI and all of the professionals involved in the project. Our complementary strengths are key to today's launch of this first phase of an inspiring neighbourhood aligned with market needs."
– Martin Raymond, President and CEO
Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
Quartier Molson will include a vast network of public green spaces that will enhance the site's connections to the St. Lawrence River and contribute to the area's revitalization. Sohmer Park, the pivotal element of this landscaping work, will provide clear views of the river, Île Sainte-Hélène, the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Molson tower, while reclaiming its historic role as a gathering place. The Craig Linear Park, which will also be handed over to the City of Montréal, will help restore connections with the Sainte-Marie neighbourhood. Together, the two parks will span some 161,000 ft2 of public spaces.
Throughout the site, courtyards, "pocket parks," gardens and gathering spaces will form an accessible, green and lively network of passageways for residents, visitors and the community. These spaces will account for 23% of the site's total surface area.
CELEBRATING HERITAGE
The architectural, historic and social heritage of the former Molson brewery is at the heart of the project vision. Emblematic features like the Molson tower, chimney stack, clock and sign will be showcased so that they remain strong identity markers in the Montréal cityscape for future generations.
Guided by a disciplined approach supported by consultations with heritage experts, Quartier Molson will weave powerful connections between the site's built heritage and industrial origins and Montrealers' collective memory.
URBAN FABRIC
Less than 15 minutes' walk from the Champ-de-Mars, Beaudry and Papineau métro stations, Quartier Molson will benefit from a strategic location in the heart of Montréal. It will be integrated into the city's public transit and active mobility networks, ensuring fluid travel for residents and visitors to the area.
Designed to be a predominantly pedestrian neighbourhood, the project will emphasize urban pathways, high-quality public spaces and planted landscapes encouraging active transportation.
SUSTAINABILITY
The goal is to make Quartier Molson a model for the future of sustainable real estate development worldwide. Incorporation of an energy loop system capable of supplying power to the entire neighbourhood is currently under study. The development is also targeting both LEED and ZCB (Zero-Carbon Building) certification.
This approach will help create a resilient, sustainable and forward-looking neighbourhood, for the benefit of future generations.
PROFESSIONAL INPUT
The Quartier Molson project is being brought to life thanks to the expertise of leading design partners including Sid Lee Architecture, CCxA Architectes paysagistes and Équipe Laurence.
References
About MONTONI
A pioneer of sustainable building in Canada, MONTONI develops, builds and manages real estate projects at the leading edge of design, performance, urban planning and occupant wellness. Its fundamental purpose is to create value for its clients, the environment and the community.
To date, MONTONI has completed more than 700 projects representing over 30 million square feet of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential construction and 30 corporate campuses, with another 25 million square feet under development--an impressive portfolio of properties across Québec.
Proudly holding the title of one of Canada's Best-Managed Companies for 25 straight years, MONTONI has committed to making ESG criteria a permanent strategic reflex. It has completed more than 7 million square feet of LEED-certified buildings and more than 2.3 million square feet of Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) spaces. Construction is also nearing completion on properties totalling nearly 7 million square feet, which are aiming to meet the most stringent environmental standards. MONTONI's ambition is to build a real estate heritage that will be a source of pride for future generations. For more information, visit www.groupemontoni.com/en.
About the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ contributes to Québec's economic development by strategically investing alongside industry leaders in profitable real estate projects. It backs mixed-use developments that combine residential, retail and office components, as well as industrial projects, with a strong focus on sustainable development. As at June 30, 2026, the Fonds immobilier had 26 projects in development or under construction valued at $4.2 billion, including nearly 5,200 residential units under construction, and 84 operating assets totalling 7,418 residential rental units. The Fonds immobilier is a member of Bâtiment durable Québec.
SOURCE MONTONI
Media inquiries: MONTONI, Jean-Baptiste Portrait, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and Communications, 514 863-9568, [email protected]; Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ: Josée Lagacé, Vice-President, Communications, Marketing and Investor Relations, 514 707-5180, [email protected]
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