A development plan is being created for the Wellington Basin area in Montreal, which has been mostly abandoned in recent years. The 8.5-hectare former federal port lands on the south side of the Peel Basin are set to be developed by Crown corporation Canada Lands, with aims to create a mixed community that includes economic development, housing, and reintegrating the former port lands into the city. Of the 2,800 new homes to be built, 1,000 will be affordable and social housing. The project also includes excavating the former Wellington Basin to create a natural swimming basin with a beach.
Advocates of the project believe that the Wellington Basin area has a lot of potential and will become an extension of Pointe-Saint-Charles and Old Montreal. They emphasize the importance of providing affordable housing in the area and creating a real neighborhood that makes sense. Architect Ron Rayside, from Rayside Labossière, which was consulted about the project, highlights the significance of affordable housing and community development in the Wellington Basin redevelopment project.
Montreal independent city councillor Craig Sauvé has raised some concerns about the affordability of housing in the project. He questions if the affordable housing units will truly be accessible to all community members, given the expensive housing prices in the surrounding area. Sauvé believes that many in the community would prefer to see all public land remain public for public use, such as public housing. Canada Lands has not specified how many of the 1,000 affordable units will be designated as social housing. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2025 and take five years to complete.
The development plan for the Wellington Basin area is seen as a way to revitalize the abandoned lands and create a vibrant and inclusive community. By including affordable and social housing in the project, there is an opportunity to address urgent housing needs in the area. With plans to reintegrate the former port lands into the city, the Wellington Basin redevelopment project aims to create a sustainable and livable neighborhood that benefits all residents.
The project has garnered support from various stakeholders who see the potential for the Wellington Basin area to become a thriving extension of nearby neighborhoods. The focus on affordable housing and community development underscores the importance of creating inclusive and accessible spaces for all residents. By addressing concerns raised by community members, such as the affordability of housing and the use of public land for public good, the Wellington Basin redevelopment project has the potential to positively impact the surrounding area.
Overall, the development plan for the Wellington Basin area in Montreal represents an exciting opportunity to transform a neglected area into a vibrant and inclusive community. By prioritizing affordable and social housing, the project aims to meet urgent housing needs and create a neighborhood that makes sense for residents. With construction set to begin in 2025, the Wellington Basin redevelopment project has the potential to revitalize the area and provide a model for sustainable urban development.
