Strategic Forum on major real estate projects: a vitality that will change the face of the city
Montréal, March 15, 2013 – Today the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal held the seventh edition of its Strategic Forum on major projects, with Montréal Mayor Michael Applebaum in attendance. Over 350 decision makers came together to discuss major real estate and urban revitalization projects, which represent a total investment of $14 billion and have contributed to the momentum the city has seen in recent years.
“With over 80 cranes on the skyline, our city’s vitality is hard to deny,” says Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The projects presented today herald a new face for the city: the densification of downtown with high-rise apartment buildings, the construction of the first office towers in almost 20 years and the revitalization of neighbourhoods like those surrounding the Outremont switching yard and the Maison Radio-Canada. The entire territory is now benefiting from the city’s revival.”
“In addition to major institutional projects, the private sector has new residential, commercial and mixed-use projects,” Mr. Leblanc said. “The announcement of a major project in the Quartier des spectacles by Canderel and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ will increase the amount of luxury office space available in a unique urban setting. Construction Broccolini’s 50-storey L’Avenue project will be the tallest mixed-use tower in Montréal. Cadillac Fairview has announced a long-term investment plan of over $2 billion in the Windsor Station area. We haven’t seen such enthusiasm in a long time.”
“The Olympic Park’s redeployment is on the right track, with $200 million in investments planned for the next four years,” Mr. Leblanc said. “The Space for Life attraction and the upcoming opening of the new Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, a $48 million investment, will enhance the city’s tourism offer. These projects will revitalize the living environment of surrounding neighbourhoods and act as catalysts for an improved commercial services offer. They offer unique opportunities for the business community.”
“Innovation and creativity do not emerge from a vacuum,” Michel Leblanc said. “Infrastructures to accommodate researchers and creators and to generate innovative ideas are essential to differentiate us from the competition. The Quartier de l’innovation, which will be launched officially in May 2013, is an example of best practices in integrating to the living environment. Technoparc Montréal and its Éco-campus Hubert Reeves have announced a potential investment of $250 million. The Université de Montréal’s development of the Outremont site, in addition to meeting the university community’s needs, will create a whole new neighbourhood for Montréal. These projects are concrete proof of our visionary approach to urban development, an approach that will foster our knowledge economy.”
“These new pieces of infrastructure demonstrate a desire to live, work and play in Montréal and to offer residents new, revitalized neighbourhoods,” Michel Leblanc says. “This enthusiasm is excellent news. It is important that we keep up the pace and move ahead to bring structuring projects to fruition. It’s essential to the city’s prosperity and vitality.”
For an overview of the Strategic Forum on the city and its major projects, click here and watch our video.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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