"Schéma d’aménagement et de développement"
Since 2015, the “Schéma d’aménagement et de développement” (land use planning and development concept) has established the major orientations related to land use planning and development for the 16 municipalities and the 19 boroughs of the island of Montréal.
A vision of the future and major orientations
The strategic vision and land use planning and development of the agglomeration takes an approach strongly focused on sustainable development. This vision is comprised of three major orientations.
Promote an excellent living environment
The objective is to promote neighbourhoods that are compact and diverse, where services and employment centres are close by, and where the architecture and design of public spaces is of high quality. Daily life is planned so as to minimize travel and to give priority to public transit and active transportation in an environment where constraints and disturbances are mitigated. Beyond the physical environment, actions are also defined in a matter to provide diverse, quality living areas that can meet the needs of citizens at every stage of their life cycle.
Fuelling vitality of the agglomeration and the central core of the metropolis
The agglomeration’s downtown is the heart of the metropolis. Support is essential for its dynamics, economic, cultural and tourism vocation and educational, health and entertainment mission, all while making it a major residential area as well.
In addition to this Centre, the agglomeration includes two major economic activity hubs, in the East and in the West. They are differentiated by their specific vocations and the Concept seeks to support their vitality and complementarity. Accessibility also contributes to the dynamism of the agglomeration. Different projects focusing on the road network as well as public transit will be implemented, while also taking into account walking and cycling.
Ensure the appropriate use of the land and heritage
The Concept seeks to make appropriate use of agglomeration sites that are of interest because of their landscapes, natural and human-created components or agricultural use. It proposes a comprehensive design of these components through an integrated vision, called Trame verte et bleue (green and blue nature network).
It also proposes a reference framework for the better understanding, protection and use of heritage.
Land use designations and densities
Major land use designations
These designations reflect the intent of the Concept with regard to future development, by assigning particular vocations to the different parts of the agglomeration. Each major land use designation includes a range of allowable uses and construction types in areas that are mapped for these purposes as a function of established objectives.
Occupation densities
Regarding density and land use, the Concept, in compliance with the Metropolitan Planning and Development Plan (PMAD), establishes an average density threshold for most areas in the agglomeration slated for construction or transformation, where residential use is authorized. The density established by the PMAD is defined according to the lowest average residential density, expressed as the number of dwelling units per gross hectare. Within the agglomeration, density thresholds vary from 30 to 150 dwelling units per hectare.
The agglomeration contains three large areas, with the following objectives:
- Consolidate urban compactness in the central part of the agglomeration
- Support the intensification and diversification of urban activities in priority areas peripheral to the central area.
- Reinforce urbanization in the agglomeration extremities
Appendices and maps (in French)
Large format maps
Interactive maps
Data is available for downloading via the city’s open access portal.
Modifications to regulations
To meet the needs of certain projects, regulatory changes may be proposed, which would affect urban planning regulations in an area.
December 1, 2020
Modification of the land use designation for the Molson-Coors Brasserie as part of the special urban planning program for the Faubourgs (Ville Marie)
March 1, 2017
Floodplain variance, as part of the development project for the Plage de Verdun, located in Verdu
December 19, 2016
Floodplain variance, as part of the development project for the Plage de l’Est, located in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles
Council standing committee for the Land use Planning and Development Concept (Commission sur le schéma d’aménagement et de développement de Montréal)
The mission of this council standing committee for the Concept is to guide decision-making by municipal elected officials and to promote citizen participation in debates of public interest. It consults the population of the Montréal agglomeration when a modification to the Concept has been requested. You can participate in the consultations and obtain information about the files considered.
Quick search
Need help?
Contact us if you have questions.