2,000 more housing units in revised Bridge-Bonaventure development project

Developers want to build 2,000 more housing units than initially expected as part of the major commercial and residential project in the area around Montreal’s iconic Farine Five Roses sign.

The Bridge-Bonaventure project – south of Griffintown – would include 9,500 new housing units, the Vision Bridge-Bonaventure consortium revealed Tuesday.

The group wants to fully redevelop the area bordering the Old Port and the Bonaventure Expressway.

It envisions “the expansion of the Quartier des artisans, innovative architecture, an environmentally conscious neighbourhood and greater connectivity between neighbourhoods.”

The consortium is asking the City of Montreal to choose “the most efficient regulatory approval process possible” in order to begin construction.

“We want to create an extraordinary area, a new way of life of which Montrealers will be proud, an inspiring and exemplary 15-minute district that will become a benchmark for the world,” said Pierre Jacques Lefaivre, the senior vice-president of Groupe Mach.

“We’re committed to meeting the challenge of ecological transition and tackling the changes of the day: climate change, housing shortages and telecommuting.”

The proposed project has been criticized by some for not doing enough for social housing.

The consortium says its proposal includes affordable and social housing in excess of the city’s target of 20 per cent.

“It also includes the creation of a civic hub capable of integrating a public school and other community, cultural and sports services.”