Joel Goldenberg – The Suburban LJI Reporter
The federal crown corporation Canada Lands Company is seeking ideas in the next several months for the former National Film Board site at 3155 Cote de Liesse in St. Laurent, and its top goal is to tackle the housing crisis. The venerable 84-year-old film company’s headquarters is now in downtown Montreal. Any construction on a new project could begin in 2025.
CLC’s website includes details on a potential project for the St. Laurent site. “A master plan is currently being created and will define the development and urban design criteria for this nearly 4.9 hectares (12.1 acres) site,” a company statement says. “More precisely, it is part of a collaborative design process broken down into several activities and involving various stakeholders, including: Residents and workers from surrounding neighbourhoods, community groups, organizations and those with expertise in local issues, and municipal representatives.”
The company is inviting “stakeholders and the community not only to express their aspirations for the future site, but also to play an active part in shaping its development and inform the master plan. “The future of the NFB’s historic site is in keeping with its cinematic DNA, which has the capacity to tell the story of the past while reinventing itself as a space that contributes to the community in which it is located. This goal will be achieved by providing a variety of uses, creating a welcoming public space, and implementing a sustainable development strategy.”
CLC says the goals of a project are to “tackle the housing crisis, with the addition of affordable and market housing; repurpose most existing buildings to encourage economic development and artistic uses; be exemplary in the sustainable development of the property; and create a living environment that is open to the community and its needs.”
Throughout January and February, there will be an Online Activity – Site Visioning activity for the general public. Details on how to participate are forthcoming.
Other phases include an engagement workshop in April to look at three scenarios, at separate events for targeted stakeholders and the general public, and an online alternative for the general public; and in June, a participation activity at separate events for the general public and targeted stakeholders, and finally, a virtual presentation activity.
For more information on the project and to register for various activities, go to engage.clc-sic.ca/cote-de-liesse.