Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously approved the city’s position on a draft deed for the land at 3 658,8 square metres on rue Jolicoeur, in Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough. The deed would let the City accept the federal Crown’s transfer of its 50% undivided interest in the land, without monetary payment, for social housing. The stated goal is for the City to hold all the ownership rights and then transfer the land to a non-profit organization for non-market housing. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The City already owns 50% of the land; the Crown’s 50% share would go to the City, subject to the draft deed’s terms.
- The land is intended for a later transfer by the City to a non-profit organization. This decision does not itself transfer the land to that organization or create housing.
- City staff report that an incomplete environmental study found the land does not meet the applicable standard for residential use. Soil studies are planned after the acquisition, by the City or the non-profit organization.
What it means for you#
- People seeking social housing: The decision supports a possible future housing site, but it does not set out a housing project, number of homes, eligibility rules, or a construction timeline.
- The City and a future non-profit recipient: The City would receive the Crown’s half-share without paying money for it. The City intends to transfer the land to a non-profit for non-market housing.
- Residents and taxpayers: This is a property transaction, not a new housing service or benefit. The available material does not say what soil studies or any needed cleanup would involve.
Money#
The Crown’s interest would be transferred without monetary payment, but the total public cost is not stated.
- City staff say the market value of the Crown’s 50% interest is more than $150,000.
- No estimate is given for soil studies or any later work needed to make the land suitable for housing.
What is unclear#
- The draft deed’s detailed terms and conditions are not included.
- The materials do not say what the soil studies will find, who will pay for them, or whether cleanup will be needed.
- The timing and terms of the planned transfer to a non-profit, and any housing plans, are not provided.
Case for#
- City staff say acquiring the remaining share would give the City full ownership rights and allow it to transfer the land for non-market housing.
- The City would pay no money for the Crown’s share, and city legal staff reported no title irregularities or legal issues.
Case against#
- The environmental study is incomplete and indicates the land does not meet the standard for residential use. The cost and extent of further studies or any needed cleanup are unknown.
- The decision does not guarantee that the land will be transferred to a non-profit or that housing will be built.