Cité universitaire internationale

A joint project of Montréal's universities, the Cité will comprise 3,200 dwelling units, destined mainly for foreign students. A main complex that would offer more than 2,200 units is planned, plus satellite facilities for certain institutions. These facilities would offer a wide range of student services (reception, restaurants, meeting places, study rooms, conference rooms, games rooms, fitness centres, etc.) and some would also be open to local residents.

The number of units currently available in Montréal's university residences is slightly over 3,800. The four Montréal universities estimate that more than 7,000 units are required in order to meet their needs.

6.3

Foster the fulfillment of the Centre�s residential function

Cit� universitaire internationale

The Master Plan provides for the possibility of building residential projects in Griffintown, which until now has been largely devoted to other activities. It also reiterates the City's support for locating the Cit� universitaire internationale in the Centre.

Located near the CBD, Griffintown was one of the cradles of industrial activity in North America. Its decline was precipitated by the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 and it gradually became a unstructured area in search of a new vocation. The recent arrival of the �cole de technologie sup�rieure and student housing along Peel and Notre-Dame West augurs well for the desired renewal of Griffintown. The rehabilitation of the Lachine Canal, which is now open to pleasure boating, should also be beneficial. In this context, the Plan favours mixed uses, including housing, as being conducive to its revitalization.

In view of Griffintown's heterogeneous built environment, its rich industrial heritage and the presence of major road and rail infrastructure along its eastern boundary, this area will require detailed planning (see Section 4.8.1).

Implementation measures

Favour the construction of housing in certain parts of Griffintown, particularly:
- east of De La Montagne;
- on the site currently occupied by Canada Post.
Encourage the relocation of some activities incompatible with residential use.
Maintain institutional and economic activities along Peel and Notre-Dame West and in the western part of Griffintown.
Redesign Peel between the CBD and the Lachine Canal.
Preserve buildings with heritage or architectural value.