Context

The provisions governing large- and medium-sized retail businesses are drawn from the following statements presented in Part I of the Master Plan :

• Action 12.1: Promote quality architecture that is ecologically sound and respectful of Montréal’s character.
  
• Implementation measures :
  • Establish regulatory control at the municipal level which will ensure the review of large- and medium-sized retail projects and which will aim to govern architectural quality and integration with their surroundings;
  • Improve the urban landscape and ensure the harmonious integration of shopping areas and large- and medium-sized retail businesses at street level by favouring the construction of buildings close to public thoroughfares, determining construction heights adapted to the scale of streets and limiting the number and size of vehicle entrances and exits.

The provisions governing large- or medium-sized retail businesses aim more specifically to :

• Control the site planning and layout of buildings and large- and medium-sized retail facilities in order to ensure their architectural quality and integration with their urban context;
• Ensure that projects are harmoniously integrated with the dominant characteristics of their surroundings;
• Favour the architectural quality of projects as well as the creation of structured, attractive environments that are safe for pedestrians.

Provisions

5.3.1 Impacts on traffic

• When a large- or medium-sized retail project whose surface area is greater than 4,000 m2 is approved through the procedure for Specific Construction, Alteration or Occupancy Project for Buildings (SCAOPB) or a conditional use, borough by-laws must require a study of the impacts on traffic in order to identify the effects of the project and any appropriate mitigation measures.

5.3.2 Site planning and architectural integration criteria

• Borough by-laws shall mandate that any project involving a large- or medium-sized retail establishment be subject to the following criteria :