A historic first for the development of Montreal's East End. The City of Montreal is today launching a call for proposals for exemplary, green and innovative industrial projects on the first decontaminated municipal land in Montreal's East End. This initiative marks an important step in the revitalization strategy for this sector, and aims to attract exemplary industrial projects that will serve as catalysts for future development in the East End.

The City is launching a call for proposals to select the best projects for these strategic sites. Located in the heart of the Secteur industriel de la Pointe-de-l'Île (SIPI), lots 12 and 13 represent a $14 million investment in decontamination. As owner, the Ville de Montréal will give preference to projects that stand out for their environmental excellence, their contribution to sustainable development, their limited impact in terms of nuisance and their positive contribution to the community. Selection criteria will give preference to companies demonstrating strong economic performance, offering distinctive architecture, adopting exemplary environmental practices, and potentially integrating clean technologies, research and development activities or urban agriculture initiatives.

A new land strategy

For the sale of these plots of land, the city is adopting an innovative land strategy, giving preference to private treaty sales, which are more flexible than the conventional call for projects. This simplified approach offers greater agility in selecting the projects that best meet the development objectives for the eastern part of the metropolis.

The city plans to extend this land strategy to the entire urban area. This approach will enable development to be guided by a preference for projects that are in line with the vision of a dynamic, sustainable and prosperous metropolis, in alignment with the priorities of the Montréal 2030 strategic plan, notably :

innovation: integrating innovative concepts into their design and implementation;

Sustainability: demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development practices and ecological transition;

Economic impact: make a significant contribution to Montreal's economic growth;

urban integration: harmonizing with the existing urban fabric and respecting the character of surrounding neighborhoods.

The lots

The lots in question, identified as lots 12 and 13, are located in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste/A40 zone of the Secteur industriel de la Pointe-de-l'Île (SIPI), in the Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles borough. They represent over 100,000 m2, the equivalent of Laurier Park.

Plot 13, bordering Highway 40 and its service road, is strategically located. It offers a unique opportunity for an emblematic project, capable of energizing and enhancing this rapidly changing employment hub.

As for the larger plot 12, it features a natural characteristic that could prove a major asset for a distinctive project: a wetland of almost 8,000 m2. This feature offers the possibility of harmoniously integrating development and ecological preservation.

Both sites were decontaminated as part of the $100 million agreement signed between the city and the Quebec government in 2020.

Projects sought

For the two sites in question, the City intends to give priority to projects that perform significantly in the following areas:

economic performance: contribution to local prosperity, quality jobs, advanced technologies, and promotion of research, urban agriculture and clean technology projects;

architectural signature: a unique, avant-garde style that enhances the area;

environmental responsibility: reduction of carbon footprint, responsible use of resources and circular economy activities;

climate resilience: energy and resource self-sufficiency, climate impact mitigation and access to essential services.

Quotes

“Following the City's acquisition and decontamination of these two sites, we are proud to launch a call for proposals to develop them. This is a decisive step in our strategy to revitalize Montreal's east end, combining economic performance with environmental responsibility. This $14 million investment in decontamination reflects our determination to create the right conditions for green, innovative and sustainable projects, in line with our vision for the Pointe-de-l'Île industrial sector (SIPI). This step illustrates our determination to transform formerly contaminated land so that it reaches its full potential in the service of a resilient and sustainable economy, for the benefit of the entire metropolis.”

- Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal

“This is the new face of economic development that we want for the East End of Montreal: exemplary projects that will give a decisive boost to the ecological transition of this sector. It's obvious to me: we can and must combine economic performance with positive environmental impacts. My vision is clear - to attract companies that boost the economy while making a tangible contribution to sustainable development. To achieve this, we're innovating with an open call for proposals that allows us to select the best initiatives for these municipal lands, which would otherwise be decontaminated and ready for development. By thinking outside the box and avoiding excessive administrative constraints, we are creating the ideal conditions to attract innovative projects that will stimulate the economy while generating positive impacts for local communities.”

- Luc Rabouin, Executive Committee member responsible for economic development and higher education

The Pointe-de-l'Île Industrial Area (SIPI)

Couvrant 30 km², le SIPI est l'un des plus importants projets de revitalisation industrielle au Canada. En concertation avec le gouvernement du Québec, la Ville veut en faire un véritable projet de société, un exemple mondial de transition écologique de l'économie. La Ville a adopté une vision mobilisatrice pour le développement du secteur, largement appuyée par la population et les acteurs locaux. Cette vision a conduit à l'élaboration du Plan directeur du Secteur industriel de la Pointe-de-l'Île.

La réhabilitation des sols dans l'Est

Le programme de réhabilitation des terrains contaminés dans l'Est de Montréal, lancé en 2020 grâce à un accord de 100 M$ conclu avec le gouvernement du Québec, a connu un démarrage difficile en raison de la pandémie. La situation s'est nettement améliorée depuis. Jusqu'à maintenant, plus de 38 M$ ont déjà été dépensés et près de 70 M$ supplémentaires sont engagés ou en évaluation, ce qui à terme permettra l'assainissement de 600 000 m2 de sol contaminé, soit l'équivalent de deux fois le parc Lafontaine. Les deux terrains municipaux mis en vente ont été décontaminés à même l'enveloppe de l'entente, au coût de 14 M$.

Perspectives des deux terrains