The first elementary school will be built in the heart of the new MIL Montreal neighbourhood, located in the borough of Outremont. This week, the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal adopted a draft by-law that will allow for the establishment of an elementary school in the heart of this new neighbourhood, which is intended to be green, vibrant and connected. Thanks to an exemplary collaboration with the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, the Centre de service scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSSMB), the Université de Montréal and the Société de transport de Montréal, the City of Montreal anticipates that the school will be able to accommodate up to 652 students, divided into 32 classes, as early as 2024. Located across the street from the new MIL campus of the Université de Montréal, the science-oriented school will be built adjacent to a large neighbourhood park that can be used by students.
"The long anticipated realization of this project is great news for all children and parents in Montreal and especially in the Outremont borough. In the long run, this new school will allow local youth to complete their schooling close to home. The partners associated with this beautiful project have a common goal: to offer the entire community an innovative and stimulating environment that promotes educational success. I am proud to reiterate that the government places education at the heart of its priorities," said Education Minister Jean-François Roberge.
"This is a real tour de force that we have achieved with our partners, after two years of hard work! The integration of this school is necessary to ensure both the vitality of the MIL Montreal neighbourhood, the Outremont borough and the quality of life of the families living here. "Being located in the heart of the neighbourhood and close to other services will provide maximum benefits to everyone the community, " said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
"I salute the collaboration of all those involved in this project. Together, we are building an exemplary living environment, anchored in its community and which truly meets the needs of its population. The new elementary school will strengthen the civic function of this sector of the neighbourhood," said Eric Alan Caldwell, who is responsible for urban planning and mobility on the executive committee.
"Outremont's population has become younger over the past decade with the arrival of many young families. After having actively worked to meet the need for more spots in our daycare centres and completing the renovation of our schools, the arrival of a brand new elementary school is the crowning achievement of our efforts and will make the lives of these young families even more pleasant. This new school will complete our civic pole which will include our intergenerational community center, a new park and Place Alice-Girard," added Outremont Mayor Philippe Tomlinson.
"Building an elementary school within walking distance of the Science Complex is a powerful symbol for our shared vision for a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood where all generations can come together. The school's students will have as neighbours both university students and researchers, and I can already see several opportunities for partnerships. Our doors will always be open to them," said Daniel Jutras, Rector of the Université de Montréal.
"We are delighted that this project, initiated back in 2015 by Ms. Diane Lamarche-Venne, then president of the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Board, has finally reached this important step with the metropolis and we salute the commitment of all parties who contributed in the development of this school of the future," says Dominic Bertrand, director general of the CSSMB.
Initially planned to be located near the road and railroad tracks, the site of the future school was later moved to the heart of the new development. A land exchange between the City of Montreal and the Université de Montréal, the collaboration of the many partners, and the financial support of the Ministère de l'Éducation, have made it possible to integrate this new school project.
The CSSMB plans to make some of the school's spaces available for use by citizens as well. The design of the park should begin in the next few months and will include a citizen participation process. As with any bylaw modification of this type, the proposal will also be submitted to the OCPM in the coming months.
