PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING ON DRAFT BY-LAW MODIFYING THE MONTREAL MASTER PLAN (04-047)
janvier 20, 2011
TO ALL INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED BY DRAFT BY-LAW MODIFYING THE MONTREAL MASTER PLAN (04-047).
NOTICE is hereby given by the undersigned:
THAT the borough council adopted at its meeting held on January 17, 2011, draft by-law modifying the Montreal Master Plan (04-047);
THAT a public consultation meeting shall be held on Monday, February 7, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., in room 205 of the borough hall located at 4555 rue de Verdun;
THAT during this public consultation meeting, the borough mayor shall explain this draft by-law as well as the consequences of its adoption, and shall hear individuals interested in voicing their opinion on this matter;
THAT this draft by-law may be consulted at the borough hall, room 102, 4555 rue de Verdun, Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., without interruption.
Here is a brief summary:
SUMMARY MODIFICATION TO THE VERDUN BOROUGH'S CHAPTER OF THE MONTREAL MASTER PLAN
PLANNING ISSUES, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
The Verdun Borough's chapter of the Montréal Master Plan identified ten (10) local planning and development issues that have been selected for the borough's territory. The present project proposes two (2) new local issues and includes additional objectives and actions to complete several existing issues. Such additions, directly related to the planning orientations, express the borough council's will to develop our territory.
Here are new development elements proposed within the framework of the modification to the Verdun borough's chapter of the Montréal Master Plan:
1. Oversee and assist in developing the site of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute
The site occupies a total surface area of 60 hectares with several detached buildings and other buildings connected together. The borough frequently receives requests to expand or modify the existing structures as additional space is needed due to the international reputation of the institute. In view of the ever-changing context, the institute should be required to establish a development plan as well as define guidelines to oversee the modifications presently carried out separately and give more flexibility with respect to uses. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would specify the actions required in order to develop the campus-style site of this internationally renowned institute with respect to the architectural and natural heritage. These actions aimed to:
– monitor the preservation of all or part of certain buildings of heritage value; – establish with the institute a conservation zone for environmental purposes; – reach an agreement with the institute on the location of a bike-pedestrian path along with the terms and conditions as well as take into account the safety of patients and the overall development; – authorize complementary uses to its existing buildings; – proceed with the integrated site planning for the construction of the new hospital; – favor the construction of a new institute that will enhance the borough with its modern and well-designed building.
2. The heritage preservation of ensembles of buildings
Certain ensembles of buildings require heritage preservation through regulations since they were designed with a global view as well as architectural and planning elements giving a distinctive character. This ensemble of buildings would consist of Wartime houses. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would specify the actions required to enhance the overall heritage quality of buildings in such sector. These actions would: – result in more flexible standards for exterior wall materials applicable to Wartime houses while maintaining and protecting the original features of the buildings.
3. Continue the revitalization of the commercial zones
a) Place du Commerce
To meet the demand resulting from residential development and the influx of thousand of employees in the northern tip of L'Île-des-Soeurs, it is necessary to pursue commercial development in the entire sector as well as include additional residential uses. This will stimulate the sector and eventually offer a complete living environment. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would confirm our intention to expand commercial mixed use to all buildings on place du Commerce.
b) rue Wellington
New developments to the already vibrant rue Wellington would reinforce this main commercial artery as a vital part of the neighborhood as well as meet the needs of its ever demanding and modern customers. For example, the addition of a micro-brewery use would improve and revitalize this commercial sector. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would specify such intentions by adding actions aimed to:
– carry out a feasibility study on establishing a pedestrian area on a section of rue Wellington or a one-way traffic by integrating a bike path; – develop a public domain beautification plan; – allow new uses to revitalize rue Wellington and rue de l'Église.
Also:
– allow new uses to commercial sectors excluding the sector of rue Wellington and rue de l'Église; – maintain commercial sectors in residential environment to offer proximity services in sectors less well served.
4. Change the religious-oriented category of churches for social housing or community project
TO compensate for the shortage of vacant land and the current real estate market, the transformation of churches into social housing would be a solution within the framework of the objective aimed to encourage the creation of social housing. It is desirable to favor social housing or community projects when changing the religious-oriented category of such buildings prior to considering other projects from the private sector. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would give priority to the transformation of churches into social housing or community projects further to changing the religious-oriented category of churches.
5. Redefining the warehouse sector on chemin du Golf
In order to continue the process initiated in 2005 with the Montreal Master Plan, it is advisable to demolish the warehouses located along chemin du Golf and authorize the construction of rental housing buildings. This new action would complete the objective aimed to provide an improved rental housing stock in keeping with Montreal's Housing Code. This sector was already identified in the Master Plan as sector to revitalize. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would: – allow the demolition of warehouses located along chemin du Golf, – authorize the construction of rental housing buildings, – require a minimum building height of four (4) stories instead of one (1) story, and authorize a maximum building height of twelve (12) stories instead of three (3) stories for this sector specifically.
To achieve this project would require the acquisition of riverbanks and the urban integration of this sector to the nearby residential sector. This new density would provide additional green space and allow additional views of the waterfront with buildings perpendicular to chemin du Golf.
6. Adjustment pertaining to the service station on the northern tip of L'Île-des-Soeurs neighbourhood
Presently, the Master Plan allows a service station with a floor area ratio (F.A.R.) of 2. In reality, the service station floor area ratio is inferior to 1. A modification is required to reduce the floor area ratio. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would modify the map entitled “Building Density” in order to create a new sector applicable to the future service station with a density inferior to the floor area ratio of 1.
7. Consolidate existing civic and community centres by focusing our efforts on socio-community activities and municipal services
In order to enhance the existing infrastructure and to provide further services pertaining to activities, the borough will improve the objective to consolidate civic and community centres by focusing our efforts on socio-community activities and municipal services. These new actions would meet the increased demand in educational activities, cultural venue and aquatic activities. The modification to the Verdun Borough's chapter would specify such intentions by including the following actions: – support the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys in its effort to maintain the same services at the elementary level, – enhance the borough by providing a new cultural venue in Guy Gagnon building, – provide additional aquatic facilities with the construction of a two-pavilion aquatic centre.
Given at Montréal, arrondissement de Verdun, Québec this January 20, 2011
Louise Hébert Director of the borough office and Borough council secretary
