SAM MEHENNI

Summary

As part of the third studio of the master's degree in urban planning at McGill University, the city of Montreal called upon our services to develop a TOD strategy in the vicinity of the future Langelier metro station, on the Blue Line extension.

The project site, as it stands today, covers an area of 31 hectares, and is loosely triangular in shape with the Parc du Boisé-Jean-Milot flanking its longest side to the east. It is characterized by large single and double storeyed box stores and retail spaces with large extensive parking lots catering to shoppers and other users of the space.

The findings from these assessments, along with the TOD examples from other cities, were used to create three development concepts for the area and substantiate a vision based on a cohesive community. Four guiding principles and numerous goals and actions are detailed in support of the masterplan. The principles, as elucidated in the report, are:

Inclusive and Diverse Milieu
Rich Human-Scale Experience
Innovative Spaces
Communal and Environmental Resilience

The objectives presented are complementary and support the idea of a dense and vibrant neighborhood on a human scale. Active transport occupies a central place, and the imagined corridors — with a strong connection to the Langelier metro — promote gatherings within the planned public spaces. Moreover, 23% of the site’s footprint shall be occupied by green spaces in order to reduce heat islands and create a pleasant living environment. Additionally, 3,495 housing units are on offer, for an average density of 112 units per hectare. The site will also almost double its retail area with the new building density, while offering a better shopping experience for residents and visitors.