Summary#
On January 26, 2026, Montréal city council unanimously approved the city’s position on an addendum to the 2017 site-transfer agreement for the former racetrack in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. It would give the City until October 31, 2027, to begin transferring land parcels, instead of the previous October 31, 2025 deadline. The stated goal is to allow more time for planning the site’s development. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The deadline applies to beginning the transfer of parcels from the former hippodrome site, west of boulevard Décarie and south of rue Paré, within the planned écoquartier Namur-Hippodrome.
- The addendum replaces the agreement’s deadline. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.
- The City’s position does not itself complete a land transfer or require one to be completed by October 31, 2027.
What it means for you#
- People who live near or use the site: The decision extends the time allowed before the City must begin transferring parcels. It does not set out a development plan or change residents’ rights.
- The City: If approved by the agglomeration council, it would have until October 31, 2027, to begin transferring parcels under the 2017 agreement.
Money#
The decision summary says the addendum involves no financial compensation.
- No estimate is given for other costs related to planning or developing the site.
What is unclear#
- The supplied material does not include the full 2017 agreement or the full addendum, so the other terms and conditions governing the transfers cannot be checked.
- The material does not explain which parcels would be transferred first, to whom, or what “begin the transfer” would require in practice.
Case for#
- City staff say the time is needed for planning the site’s development and that the previous deadline has expired.
- Extending the deadline could give the City more time to plan before beginning parcel transfers.
Case against#
- The extension postpones the deadline to begin transferring land. The materials do not set interim milestones or explain what would happen if the new deadline is missed.