Articles from EST Media Montreal

The tunnel-boring machine for the extension of Montreal's Blue Line metro has arrived from Germany at the Port of Montreal. The assembly of this 9.7-meter diameter machine will take several months, with operation expected in spring 2026. Excavation work is underway, and the public will be invited to name the machine. The project is progressing on schedule with significant progress at multiple stations.

Projet Montréal plans to continue infrastructure investments in the Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough. Led by Caroline Bourgeois, the strategy includes projects such as sidewalk construction, road repairs, and enhancing travel safety. The program also includes establishing a permanent river shuttle and securing pedestrian areas.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Montreal (CCEM) calls for a firm commitment to the Eastern Structural Project, emphasizing the need for heavy transport. While Mobility Infra Québec (MIQ) is considering options like the tramway, as recommended by the ARTM, the CCEM rejected the idea of a rapid bus service. Most municipal parties support the tramway, which is seen as crucial for urban revitalization in East Montreal.

The revitalization project of Vieux-Pointe-aux-Trembles is progressing, with the upcoming delivery of affordable housing and plans to repurpose the Saint-Enfant-Jésus Church into a cultural hub. Led by the Société de développement Angus, the transformation aims to revive the historic city center. The first phase includes new residential and commercial buildings, while the second phase focuses on creating cultural and community spaces. Transitional occupancy and citizen involvement initiatives have helped maintain commercial vitality in the area.

Candidates for the mayoralty of Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve are focused on two main issues: housing access and waste collection. Anaïs Houde emphasizes the need to address the housing crisis, while Alia Hassan-Cournol advocates for innovative housing solutions. Chantal Gagnon aims to adjust waste collection policies to better meet residents' needs.

PME MTL marks its 10th anniversary by highlighting its vital role in supporting Montreal's entrepreneurs. The organization manages several territorial hubs, providing services from financing to business development. During the pandemic, it handled a significant rise in financing requests. Projects like Synergie Montréal in circular economy and the Quartier des Arts du Cirque showcase its impact on the local economy.

Projet Montréal introduced phase 2 of its housing development plan in the Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie district, featuring four off-market housing projects totaling 61,000 m². Each large residential project will include a minimum of 20% off-market housing. The initiatives provide housing for diverse resident groups and prioritize community and ecological projects. These developments aim to address the housing crisis with bold solutions and promote social diversity.

With the blue line metro extension underway, real estate development is accelerating in Anjou with 2500 housing units planned but few social housing options announced. Discussions are ongoing between the city and developers to include social housing units despite initial plans indicating otherwise. Financial agreements have been reached to support social housing, and other avenues are being considered, such as using the Règlement pour une métropole mixte to encourage inclusivity.

Construction has officially begun for the highly anticipated Faubourg Contrecœur project, ending a 15-year wait for residents in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The development aims to eliminate a food desert with a planned IGA Extra opening in 2026, alongside local shops and sustainable infrastructure. Despite previous delays caused by various obstacles, the project is finally moving forward with political backing.

The City of Montreal and the STM have introduced the names of the future stations for the Blue Line extension, honoring significant cultural and women's figures. The extension project is progressing well with excavation work on schedule and within budget. The infrastructure project aims to revitalize eastern Montreal, creating urban and economic development opportunities, with the extension opening projected for 2031.

The Ville-Marie borough has initiated a multifunctional project on Larivière Street, integrating stormwater management, greening, and recreational and cultural facilities. This innovative project includes retention basins, a climbing wall, a public art piece, and water play areas. Other infrastructure works are underway to enhance the city’s resilience against heavy rainfall. The sewer collector under several streets is also set to be rehabilitated to improve structures and prevent failures.

Laurence Petit, known as the 'Fairy of the Sidewalks,' transforms sidewalk cracks in Montreal's eastern neighborhoods into mosaic artworks. Her projects include a collaboration with the Montreal Insectarium to celebrate insects and a personal project supported by the Quebec Arts and Letters Council. Despite initial challenges with Quebec winters, she has developed a new technique that ensures the durability of her outdoor art. Her vision is to make Eastern Montreal a mosaic destination.