General goals
- Develop vacant or underused lots for residential and
employment purposes
- Improve the area’s accessibility for freight transportation as well as for motorists, public transportation users, pedestrians and cyclists
Planning issues
This area, located on the boundaries of the boroughs of Anjou, Mercier – Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Rivière-des-Prairies – Pointe-aux-Trembles – Montréal-Est, is characterized by huge vacant lots that are intended primarily for industrial use. These cover some 180 hectares, excluding the site of the still-operational Lafarge quarry. Considering the previous uses of this land, contamination risks may constrain the development of certain portions. Furthermore, the compatibility of the site’s use with the neighbouring living environment must be ensured.
The area’s development will require improving its north-south connections. In this regard, the extension of Boulevard Rodolphe-Forget between Boulevard Henri-Bourassa Est and Rue Notre-Dame Est, including the redesign of its interchange with Autoroute 40, would improve the accessibility of the area for passengers and freight. Studies determining the precise route of the extension have yet to be completed.
Public transportation service in the area is presently limited by low-density land uses and the discontinuity of the road network. In this respect, the City is considering creating an east-west public transportation corridor, linking the projected metro station at the corner of Boulevard des Galeries d’Anjou and Rue Bélanger with the future Avenue Bourget. A north-south public transportation corridor running along Boulevard Rodolphe-Forget, which would strengthen the network and improve service in east Montréal, is also under consideration.
The nature park between the Anjou Golf Course and Boulevard Henri-Bourassa Est presents substantial potential for the enhancement of the natural environment. Presently closed to the public, it could eventually be used for a wide range of activities.