Press release
Major projects in Montréal: the private sector takes the torch
Montréal, March 30, 2011 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal today held the fifth edition of the Strategic Forum on major projects. More than 500 decision-makers met to discuss 13 major projects that will shape the Montréal of the future. Developers took the opportunity of this mobilizing event to make important announcements, such as the new Windsor sector real estate project around the Bell Centre and the development of Radio-Canada land. Based on preliminary estimates, these projects represent an investment in the city of more than $12 billion.
“Today’s event demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that Montréal is on the move,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Major projects are making steady progress in a number of areas of the city. Every year, this Strategic Forum shows us the drive of public and private developers. Some of the worksites are about to get under way and a number of others will do so in the coming months.”
“Cadillac Fairview’s announcement of the Windsor sector project around the Bell Centre is excellent news,” Mr. Leblanc said. “It will combine new residential space and commercial development that will add density and energy to this part of downtown. Also, Radio-Canada announced that it has recently made major steps forward in its efforts to develop its land. This officially marks the beginning of this long-awaited project with incredible potential.”
“The many residential developments downtown, particularly Prével’s Bassins du Nouveau Havre, are proof of the growing appeal of the heart of Montréal as a place to live,” Mr. Leblanc said. “This is in addition to the fact that the Quartier des spectacles, the Quartier de l’innovation and the university hospitals are all under way. The year 2011 will be remembered as a turning point: the year all of these projects were in progress at the same time. It’s very encouraging.”
“Last year, major projects that were going ahead were primarily institutional and public projects,” Mr. Leblanc said. “This year, the private sector is taking up the torch and announcing ambitious projects and massive investments. For next year, we expect commercial private projects to materialize. Things are coming together to take Montréal to the next stage in its development.”
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