The Bridge-Bonaventure district: a living environment worth updating
The city wishes to transform the Bridge-Bonaventure district into a living and working environment focused on public and active transportation, access to the shores, enhancing the industrial heritage and the Expo 67 legacy. Over the next few years, between 12,000-13,500 dwelling units may be built.
In order to provide the framework for this district’s transformation, the city has adopted, on May 12, 2025, an enhancement master plan. The plan will provide the necessary framework for public property developments and real estate projects by setting objectives and design guidelines.
Project description
Located near the St. Lawrence River, Old Montréal and the Lachine canal, the Bridge-Bonaventure district is one of the gateways to Montréal and is home to several iconic features of the city’s identity, including Habitat 67, the Farine Five Roses sign and Silo number 5.
Various infrastructures run through the district (railways, highways, port waterways). What’s more, the area is unique due to the distinctive elements that link it to the water (river and canal) as well as manmade geographic elements, such as embankments, docks, dikes, canals, all of which have been consistently evolving for more than a century.
Overview of the district’s potential
- A potential for approximately 12,000 to 13,500 dwelling units (including social, affordable and family housing units);
- An area of approximately 600,000 m2 available for commercial activities;
- At least 43 hectares of green areas and parks;
- Approximately 12 km of additional bike paths;
- Several new connecting routes for active transportation to be assessed;
- A potential REM station under assessment;
- A pedestrian priority zone;
- At least one site for community facilities, including a school.
Benefits for the community
The Bridge-Bonaventure district will be undergoing significant changes over the next few years, in accordance with the following vision:
“DNA of the Bridge-Bonaventure district: economic vitality strengthened through the creation of diverse living and working environments that are connected, resilient and carbon-neutral, focusing on sustainable mobility, the preservation of the district’s character, heritage, and the meshing of public areas and iconic locations.”
This vision for the future of the district aims for a transformation tailored around 5 broad orientations:
- An economic vitality strengthened by living and working environments that preserve the spirit of the area;
- Heritage and landscaping components that are proptected and showcased;
- Appealing gateways to the city that offer unique landscapes for an enhanced suer experience;
- Improved connections and active and public transportation at the core of the area’s mobility developments;
- A harmonious blend of public areas and iconic sites linked by green and blue corridors.
The transformation of this district will provide Montrealers with:
- New rest and recreation areas offering spectacular views of the city and its iconic elements, such as Silo 5, the Farine Five Roses sign and Habitat 67;
- Reconditioned and enhanced heritage sites reflecting the area’s history;
- Accessibility on foot and by bike to the shires of the Saint-Lawrence River and Lachine canal;
- New complete living environments, including numerous local stores, dwelling units and workplaces easily accessible through active and collective transportation;
- A diverse array of dwelling units, including affordable housing adapted for families, seniors and persons living with a disability;
- A resilient and green environment that contributes to the city’s carbon neutrality goals.
Public consultations
In 2019, the Montreal public consultation office (OCPM) carried out a public consultation , pertaining to the vision and enhancement objectives for the area.
In accordance with one of the OCPM’s recommendations, the city organized a participatory process and held thematic workshops. These actions yielded content for the master plan and mobilized stakeholders by creating a working group with key actors.
In 2023, the OCPM carried out a new public consultation regarding the draft master plan for the enhancement of the Bridge-Bonaventure district. An analysis spanning over a few months yielded a report that included 21 committee recommendations.
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