by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal city hall has acquired nearly $30-million from the Quebec government for decontamination of land, particularly in the East End. With an additional investment of nearly $6-million from the city itself, this decontamination will allow approximately 20 real estate projects — that were previously on hold — to move forward.

Luc Rabouin, the president of the city’s executive committee and head of finance, explained that most of these projects are housing projects, along with daycares and community spaces.

“That represents several hundred housing units. Everyone must be aligned on housing, that’s the priority.”

In November of 2023, the provincial government established a land development committee specifically to acquire, decontaminate and resell contaminated industrial land. The administration of Mayor Valérie Plante has been criticized by the opposition for not acting quickly enough to take advantage of this program.

Plante commented on today’s news, saying, “We are taking action to house Montrealers.”