Working to protect and enhance Chinatown, the City of Montreal announces the acquisition of a 263 m² lot located at 1100-1102 rue Clark, at a cost of $1.98 million. As the City also owns the two adjacent lots, 1092-1098 and 1104-1106 rue Clark, this acquisition is particularly strategic and will enable the realization of a structuring project of 45 to 60 housing units.
At the appropriate time, the city intends to resell the lots it owns to a partner committed to developing a non-market housing project on the site. The aim is to support the vitality of the sector and the Clark block by working with partners willing to develop housing there, while ensuring that the heritage of this emblematic district of the metropolis is preserved. This acquisition represents a new opportunity to house families or individuals in vulnerable situations. This strategy also aims to give a helping hand to housing organizations, by enabling them to acquire land at a good price.
“The acquisition of this property is further proof of our commitment to housing. It's a new opportunity to get closer to our target of 20% of housing off the market by 2050. It is by being proactive and agile that we will be able to enable all Montrealers to have a sustainable and affordable roof over their heads, whatever their age or income. Each new project is another step towards overcoming the housing crisis,” said Benoit Dorais, vice-president of the Ville de Montréal's executive committee, responsible for housing, real estate strategy, property assessment and legal affairs.
“Today, we are setting an important milestone that has been eagerly awaited by the community, enabling the development of a project on this land located in the heart of Chinatown. This district is at the heart of Montreal's identity, and is a pillar of downtown's community, social and cultural life. We are committed to continuing to work with the community to protect and enhance this cherished area. This is a priority for our administration,” said Robert Beaudry, Executive Committee member responsible for urban planning, the OCPM and homelessness.
“In the current context of the housing crisis and after years of mobilization, the Chinatown Round Table is delighted to be working with the City of Montreal to launch the development of social housing on rue Clark, a severely neglected historic street. We hope that new families, young people and workers who can contribute to the vitality and living heritage of Chinatown will soon be able to move in! The community is already rejoicing,” exclaims Leslie Cheung, President of the Montreal Chinatown Roundtable.
Revitalizing Chinatown
This acquisition is part of the 2021-2026 Action Plan for the development of Chinatown, which enables the development of concrete actions to protect the district's heritage, enhance its quality of life, boost its commercial vitality and promote community collaboration.
Since the start of 2024, the city has invested more than $450,000 to support projects that promote the district's reputation and effervescence, community action and improved cleanliness. In addition, the Borough of Ville-Marie has provided some $120,000 in funding to help revitalize the area by facilitating projects with a strong social and environmental impact.
