The 15th edition of the Strategic Forum on Major Projects was held June 16, 2021, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
The federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, and the Mayor of Montréal, Valérie Plante, joined over 350 participants and some 20 experts from different settings to take stock of major real estate and infrastructure projects that feed into the vitality and attractiveness of Greater Montréal and contribute to its relaunch.
“Montréal is on the move; an enormous impetus continued during the pandemic. Developers continued to invest despite the uncertainty. Structuring projects are coming, and they have the potential to deliver a green relaunch.” – Michel Leblanc, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
“There are four major challenges related to major projects: transportation, the ecological transition, housing, and labour and talent shortages.” – Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal
“After the COVID-19 crisis, we will face another crisis: climate change. We need to find innovative solutions to make investments to address it. Montréal recognizes that infrastructure is not limited to roads and bridges; it’s also natural infrastructure, bike paths, public transit, and adaptation projects.” – Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Block 1 – Infrastructure and real estate at the heart of the city's recovery
Strategic investments in Greater Montréal
“Clean energy, green infrastructure, public transit, trade, transportation, and high-speed Internet are strategic sectors for Canada.” – Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer, Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
Collaborative models as a driver of sustainable development
“Collaborative approaches facilitate consultations with third parties and stakeholders, integrate optimizations, and evaluate life cycles.” – Philippe Junger, Alternative Delivery Director, Construction Kiewit
Relaunching Greater Montréal with alternative procurement models
“Alternative supply models work and normally cost less than a project that uses conventional means.” – Ilan Dunsky, Partner and National Co-Chair of the Infrastructure and PPP Group, Dentons Canada LLP
Promoting real estate projects in a climate of sustainable development
“We are concerned when we look at the future from the perspective of the climate crisis. To deploy infrastructure projects, we need clear direction and governance, as well as fluid collaboration between the levels of government.” – Jean-Marc Fournier, CEO, Urban Development Institute of Quebec
Block 2 – Creative projects for the future and vibrant sustainable neighbourhoods
Espace Montmorency, key to Laval's development
“We have an incredible opportunity to rethink cities and modernize and adapt them to attract families, workers, head offices, and students, to participate in economic vitality.” – Martin Raymond, Vice-President, Investments, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
NOVIA: in the heart of New Longueuil
“Partnerships are critical for infrastructure projects. It is so important to have interests that are aligned and ensure the Ville shares our vision and intentions.” – Annie Lemieux, President, LSR GesDev
Innovation and biodiversity at the heart of Montréal Space for Life projects
“Everything is connected in nature and in society.” – Julie Jodoin, Acting Director, Montréal Space for Life
Accelerating the development of Montréal's east end
“The REM project is a powerful vehicle for the development of Montréal’s east end. We have an unprecedented opportunity to rethink the structure of the eastern part of the city. The project was designed to respond to the need to connect employment pools and employees.” – Harout Chitilian, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Development and Strategy, CDPQ Infra
Innovative and sustainable practices in the construction sector
“A single player in an industry will not be able to accelerate innovation. That will happen by creating partnerships, as we are doing with the Factry, for example.” – Carolyne Filion, M. Eng., Innovation Manager – R&D and Special Projects, Pomerleau
Block 3 – A new era for downtown
High-speed real estate projects
“Major projects are essential drivers of our economy, job creation, and the relaunch. We are working in partnership with the private and public sectors to develop structuring projects, according to criteria of sustainable development.” – Vincent Kou, LL.B., Chief Investment and Development Officer, Brivia Group
A downtown landmark gets a makeover
“The Bay project will restore the building’s heritage legacy and make it a mixed project with offices, which will be connected to the Montréal metro and the future REM station. We need to offer more services to attract workers back to offices.” – Brian Fahey, Urban Planner, President, Fahey
Speech by Luc Rabouin
“We need to strengthen the residential side of downtown and leverage greening, the quality of public spaces, sustainable mobility, culture, and diversity. The acceleration of real estate projects downtown will lead to concrete change.” – Luc Rabouin, Ville de Montréal's Executive Committee member responsible for economic and commercial development, and design
Dreaming the downtown of tomorrow
“Montréal is a playground; it’s the ultimate example of urban well-being.” – Yves Lalumière, President and CEO, Tourisme Montréal
About the Strategic Forum on Major Projects
The Strategic Forum on Major Projects was developed by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. This event was made possible through the cooperation of our Gold sponsors: Dentons and the Ville de Montréal; our Silver sponsors: Le Devoir, the Montreal Gazette, and the Palais des congrès de Montréal; and our Bronze sponsors: the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, Pomerleau, and Rio Tinto.