The decline in traditional manufacturing activity has led to the loss of a number of industries in the employment areas surrounding the Centre. The disappearance of certain types of industrial establishments, particularly those near housing, has helped improve the residential environment
(see Objective 18).

However, many dynamic industrial firms now established within the diversified employment areas of the Centre’s periphery are key components of the local economy. The Plan proposes to recognize, in the zoning by-laws, these industrial activities that are well integrated into the urban fabric.

The disappearance of some industrial activities has left numerous vacant lots and underused buildings. A number of these underused areas have potential for a diversification of their economic activities, with a view to sustaining employment vitality and diversity near densely populated neighbourhoods. In light of this, the Plan supports the adaptation of these under-performing areas by broadening the range of permitted economic activities and promoting the densification of employment areas surrounding the Centre.

Implementation measures

• Maintain the dynamic industrial activities established in the areas surrounding the Centre in accordance with the following principles:
  • Protect industrial sites from the unplanned insertion of housing projects that could undermine their functional character and productive value for the economy.
  • Provide an appropriate interface between industrial activities and housing areas, notably by containing operations and odours within industrial areas and improving their relationship with the street as well as the exterior quality of the buildings.
  • Promote the relocation, to appropriate employment areas, of activities that generate major nuisances in residential areas.
  • Maintain sites reserved for public infrastructure: public works yards, municipal vehicle maintenance centres, electric power stations, etc.