Press release
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal submits its brief
on the City of Montreal 's Master Plan
to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal
Montreal, June 18, 2004 On behalf of its some 7,000 members, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal today submitted its brief entitled Making the City of Montreal 's Master Plan a major development tool for the City.
Through its recommendations, the Board of Trade wants to participate in the renewal process of the City of Montreal's Master Plan as well as help, at this preliminary stage, identify the initiatives most likely to have an impact on the City's development and competitiveness and generate more wealth for its citizens, commented Benoit Labonté, president and chief executive officer of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
The brief is divided into two main sections: the first contains our comments on city-wide issues; the second outlines our concerns and recommendations with regards to implementing the vision set out in the Master Plan for the future of Montreal 's Centre.
Given the fact that implementing and financing the projects contemplated in the Master Plan represent a major challenge, it is important to target the issues and projects that are most important for the City as a whole. By prioritizing certain projects, the City will not only be in a better position to complete this initial series of projects, it will derive financial benefits, notably, in the form of greater property tax revenues that could then be reinvested in a second wave of projects, which in turn will help improve Montreal's urban fabric and drawing power, continued Benoit Labonté.
Our recommendations stem from a firm conviction that a disciplined, diligent application of an inspiring and mobilizing vision of a city's planning can allow it to significantly speed up its progress and growth. The Board of Trade believes in Montreal 's ability to demonstrate ingenuity and creativity to set up high-quality urban complexes. Indeed, the Quartier International is an eloquent example of this ability and the Master Plan leaves room for many others, concluded Mr. Labonté.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of the Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and 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:
Julie Desjardins
Agent, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
julie.desjardins@ccmm.qc.ca
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4008
Hyperlink to brief: http://www.ccmm.qc.ca/master_plan (PDF, 200 Ko)