As Montreal faces a housing shortage, clashes over development are unfolding in various locations, including vacant lands, natural areas, and waterfront spots once deemed off-limits. Proposals for new construction, from a protected forest in the West Island to green spaces on Nun’s Island, are encountering local opposition amidst a surge in housing demand.
The upcoming municipal leaders will grapple with the challenge of balancing the need for urgent development with environmental conservation efforts and resistance from residents wary of neighborhood changes. In Pointe-Claire, plans to construct on a forested area near Fairview Mall are stirring dissent among some residents, who advocate for preserving the entire forest.
The ongoing debates highlight the complexities of democracy and development in Montreal and its suburbs. While citizens express concerns and push for environmental protections, the pressing need for more housing presents a significant dilemma for municipalities. Efforts to address housing shortages are met with challenges, including residents blocking projects through referendums, prompting the Quebec government to explore ways to navigate these conflicts.
In Westmount, the approval of a controversial development plan for four 20-storey residential towers sparked debates, with residents questioning the project’s compatibility with the city’s heritage and family living needs. Despite reservations, the plan was passed, emphasizing the necessity of accommodating housing demands in transit-accessible locations.
On Montreal’s South Shore, an environmental group in Châteauguay is resisting a woodland development along Highway 30, citing concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of vital forested areas. The group advocates for sustainable community development and affordable housing options close to public transportation.
Following a housing start increase in the Montreal region in early 2025, experts stress the ongoing need for more housing, particularly family-friendly multi-unit buildings near public transit. While construction costs pose challenges, experts emphasize the importance of densification around new REM stations to enhance transportation accessibility and meet housing demands effectively. In Pointe-Claire, a balance between forest preservation and nearby development is seen as a viable solution to protect the environment and enhance citizens’ quality of life.
The complex interplay between housing demands, environmental concerns, and citizen participation underscores the intricate urban development landscape in Montreal and its surroundings.
