$320M for infrastructure of Montreal’s future Quartier Namur-Hippodrome

To build more housing in the city, the Government of Canada and the City of Montreal announced on Monday morning a joint investment of $320 million for the infrastructure needed to develop the first phase of the Quartier Namur-Hippodrome.

“Investing in essential infrastructure, such as drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste treatment systems, is necessary to build more housing in Montreal faster,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “The Government of Canada wants to support Quebec communities while advancing our shared housing goals and needs.”

The future site was dedicated for more than 200 years to agriculture, then equestrian activities as the former Blue Bonnets raceway, later named the Montreal Hippodrome.

The new living environment is expected to accommodate up to 20,000 housing units for a potential population of 40,000 people.

$320 million for Phase 1 of the Quartier Namur-Hippodrome

This amount, which represents a federal government investment of up to $128.3 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CFLI), is in addition to the City of Montreal’s $192.5 million investment to begin implementation of the Quartier Namur-Hippodrome urban project.

Specifically, they announced on Monday that this amount will be used to build the drinking water and stormwater and wastewater management infrastructure for Phase 1 on the racetrack site.

This will provide service to 2,250 non-market housing units, as well as infrastructure for the redevelopment of the rest of the neighbourhood, they explained.

“The investments announced today mark the start of construction of the Namur-Hippodrome district, which reflects the vision we have been championing for eight years: affordability, access to structuring public transit, a range of local services, and a quality of life on a human scale,” said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal.

“This comprehensive district will serve as an example across the country by meeting the needs of the population,” she added. “After all the work that has been done to develop the ambitious vision of the Namur-Hippodrome district, I am extremely proud to leave a well-planned project and to confirm today the first investments that will make it a reality.”

“I am delighted with today’s announcement because it paves the way for the realization of the Namur-Hippodrome district, a key project that will contribute to increasing the housing supply for Montreal families,” said Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for Housing, Minister responsible for the Laurentides region and Member of the National Assembly for Prévost.

“Housing challenges in Quebec are numerous and require the mobilization of all stakeholders,” she added. “As the new Minister responsible for Housing, I will monitor this issue closely and continue, with all our partners, the work already underway.”

The plans of the brand-new living environment in the Namur-Hippodrome district were unveiled back in April last year.

The project in the Côte-des-Neiges-NDG borough is expected to bring up to 20,000 new housing units, including 50 per cent off-market housing, that will meet the needs of borough and the Montreal community.

“Building a strong Canada starts with strengthening our community infrastructure,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Minister responsible for Official Languages ​​and Quebec Lieutenant.

The neighbourhood is expected to have shops, services, and 14 hectares of public green space.

Redesigned public and active transit networks are also in the plans, “that address current and future mobility challenges.”

Schools, community, sports, and cultural centers, a library, and healthcare centers will also be built.

“The investment announced today in Montreal will help build essential infrastructure, increase the housing supply, and meet the needs of Quebec communities,” added Guilbeault. “By supporting promising projects like the Quartier Namur-Hippodrome, we are helping to build more housing for all Canadians.”