The 16th edition of the Major Metropolitan Projects Strategic Forum was held April 29, 2022, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, with guest Luc Rabouin, Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal and member of the Executive Committee responsible for economic and commercial development, knowledge, innovation and design at the Ville de Montréal.
Close to 500 participants and some 20 experts from different areas gathered to take stock of major real estate and infrastructure projects that contribute to the development and influence of the city. Here is a look back at the high points of this annual event.
“The city’s economic momentum has continued despite the pandemic. We are still seeing intentions to invest, and that’s positive.”
– Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
“We are building ambitious projects to lay the foundations for the Montréal of the future. A major project like the blue line is decisive for the future of our city.”
– Luc Rabouin, Mayor Plateau-Mont-Royal and member of the Executive Committee responsible for economic and commercial development, knowledge, innovation and design at the Ville de Montréal
Block I – Infrastructure and evolving housing: solutions for Montréal’s challenges
Panel – Infrastructure and buildings: Leverage for a smarter, greener city
“Clients have to promote collaborative contractual models and add requirements related to the decarbonation of projects, both at the design and the construction stages.”
– Geneviève Roy, Senior Director, Environment and Sustainable Development, Pomerleau
STM presentation – Bellechasse bus garage
“The electrification of transportation is THE solution to climate change.”
– Chantal Gauthier, Executive Director, Engineering and Major Projects, STM
Panel – Cutting-edge industrial projects
“We have to get the most out of a building on a lot, promote mixed use and be innovative. That’s the future.”
– Jean-Michel Vanier, Vice-President, Finance, Lufa Farms
Kiewit presentation – ESG criteria applied to construction
“There are benefits to applying ESG criteria to construction: for employee retention, customer standards… But the most important of these is that it is simply the right thing to do.”
– Jean-Pierre Gauthier, Senior Vice-President and District Manager, Kiewit
Block II – Innovative real estate projects and boroughs of tomorrow
Building in Montréal: Ideas for harmonious development
“A neighbourhood on a human scale does not mean not building towers, but rather building towers right.”
– Laurence Vincent, President, Prével
Presentation – OMHM: Îlot Rosemont project
“Îlot Rosemont is the largest social housing project in Quebec. The conditions are in place for the project to come to fruition and be part of the neighbourhood.”
– Isabelle Thérien, Director of Asset Management and Development, Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal
FTQ presentation – Solar Uniquartier project
“We need to respond to the ever-evolving needs of the clientele and offer it unforgettable living environments.”
– Jean-François Mauger, Leasing Director, Devimco Immobilier
Panel – Collaboration at the heart of land-use planning and urban development
“Density is one of the responses to the climate challenge. However, education is required.”
– Christian Yaccarini, President and CEO, Société de développement Angus
Block III – A city at the forefront of architecture and urban planning
Presentation – ODEA Montréal
“Our vision of ODEA Montréal is a mixed project where everything has been considered to live, work, and thrive.”
– Stéphane Côté, President, Major Projects Division, Cogir
Panel – Capitalize on heritage and architectural boldness to distinguish Greater Montréal
“Repurposing built heritage is fundamental in urban development.”
– Taïka Baillargeon, Assistant Policy Director, Heritage Montréal
McGill presentation – New Vic project
“The Montréal ecosystem is conducive to creating connections and innovation.”
– Yves Beauchamp, Vice Principal, Administration and Finance, McGill University
Panel – Downtown development: Reviving a sector with a high density of economic activities
“Major real estate projects can be a solution for attracting and retaining labour downtown.”
– Jean Laurin, Principal, President and Managing Director, Avison Young
About the Major Metropolitan Projects Strategic Forum
The Major Metropolitan Strategic Forum was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. It was produced in association with Lavery Lawyers and the Ville de Montréal, in cooperation with the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, Kiewit, the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Rogers for Business and SNC-Lavalin, and in partnership with the Association de la construction du Québec, AGF Group, Avison Young, Broccolini, Hydro-Québec and Rayside Labossière.