In acquiring large tracts of land from the Blue Bonnets raceway in 2017, the Ville de Montréal took over one of the largest vacant sites in central Montréal. Located along highway 15 and in walking distance to the Namur metro, the land resisted development pressures on the Décarie area through the 20th century.
The Ville de Montréal undertook consultations to shape a vision for developing the Namur-Hippodrome area. The Chamber focused on the importance of being ambitious and making the raceway site a place for urban experimentation and innovation with respect to sustainable development, diversity and public transit.
To achieve these goals, the Chamber has made a series of recommendations in urban development, governance and infrastructure. Major investments will be required in the area to limit the impact on traffic and promote the adoption of public transit. The Ville de Montréal will also have to rally institutional and public authorities and private partners around a clear vision. The Chamber encourages the Ville de Montréal to be ambitious and create the conditions to make the raceway site a model project.
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