Montreal’s changing skyline
The city is experiencing an upswing in construction and development, especially in the downtown sector, and it is having an impact
Looking out over the skyline of Montreal’s downtown core, it’s easy to see that things are changing. Cranes can be seen, hammers can be heard and new buildings seem to be going up overnight.
There’s no question that Montreal is undergoing a boom in development. But why now? And what does it mean for the city?
This kind of development is what you want to be seeing for a metropolis like Montreal, said Clarence Epstein, director of special projects and cultural affairs at Concordia University.
“Some European cities protect their architecture so much that it hinders development,” he said. “We don’t really do that in North America, except maybe for parts of Quebec City and New Orleans — but not Montreal.”
In most cities, development accomplished through both the private and public sectors works to change the cityscape every 10 years or so.
“But the pace in Montreal has been much slower,” Epstein said. “Not because of an effort to protect the city’s architecture, but because its economy hasn’t performed the same way as that of other cities, such as Toronto.”
That is, until recently; now we’re seeing an upswing in new constructions and developments. It reflects the city’s current situation — one where both private and public resources are in play to add new buildings, primarily residential constructions, to the Montreal skyline.
In every generation we see a movement toward a different priority, Epstein explained.
“Roughly 300 years ago, churches dominated Montreal’s skyline and were a distinct characteristic of the city,” he said. “Then came the Industrial Revolution, when factories were erect-
“... The lifeblood of the city is an active downtown core.” Clarence Epstein
ed, especially along the canal, and came to define the cityscape in Montreal.”
After that, commercial leadership began to take place in Montreal and skyscrapers started being built. Post-World War II Montreal was full of all kinds of aspirations for development, Epstein said.
“Residential, commercial and industrial developments all got underway, and defined the movement in Montreal,” he said. “But in the last 20 years or so, development has been very slow — until recently, with a shift towards building residential towers in the downtown core and surrounding areas.”
Indeed, residential buildings are popping up all over the city. From Mile End and the Plateau neighbourhoods, to the downtown centre and historical areas around the Atwater Market, new condos are going up everywhere.
“There’s clearly a belief by private developers that there is a market for their products that exists in several areas of the city,” Epstein said. “Simultaneously, the city is welcoming this development, particularly giving incentives to encourage the owners of empty lots and parking lots to sell or develop their land.”
The boom in condo development is indicative of a change in the habits of Montreal inhabitants, as Montreal has historically been known as a renters’ city.
“There are a number of reasons why this is changing,” Epstein said. “Perhaps most notably, baby boomers are downsizing and at the same time the younger generation coming out of university has decided to get into the real-estate market sooner and buy property rather than renting.”
A lot of the properties being purchased downtown are relatively small: 800- to 1,200-squarefoot units. The advantage i n these small units is that they’re more affordable for buyers and, because of their size, developers can fit more of them into a building.
“It’s creating a change i n the whole texture of the city as opposed to just its skyline,” said Phyllis Lambert, founder and chair of the Canadian Centre for Architecture. “I think the densifi-
“I think the densification is very positive. We need to bring people from the suburban areas into the city; the growth is excellent.” Phyllis Lambert
cation is very positive. We need to bring people from the suburban areas into the city; the growth is excellent.”
The areas around the Quartier International de Montréal and the Quartier des Spectacles are great examples of how new residential buildings are creating opportunities for commercial developments as well.
“Several quality buildings have since been constructed in those areas,” Lambert said. “When these types of developments are organized properly with the community, they’re very effective and successful.”
And the impact on commercial activity in the city is undeniable.
“Having more condos means an influx of downtown residents,” Epstein said. “I think the city has been hoping for that kind of densification for a while now.”
Until recently, there has been an exodus of people moving from downtown to the suburbs for a variety of reasons, including to raise a family or own a property on a large piece of land.
“But the lifeblood of the city is an active downtown core,” Epstein said. “So its densification is to be encouraged. Along with more residents, comes greater activity.”
This includes busier restaurants, movie theatres and cultural venues that will not only serve a tourist community, but a local clientele as well, which is much more likely to use those services regularly and create positive spinoff for the city.