Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position supporting the acquisition of three land parcels in the City of Mont-Royal for the Cavendish Boulevard extension. It would allow acquisition by expropriation or another means, and authorize $3,900,000 plus applicable taxes for it. The stated goal is to help build road infrastructure for the Namur–De la Savane area.
- The parcels total 4,952.5 square metres, southwest of chemin Dalton and southeast of boulevard Cavendish.
- The city’s legal affairs department would be tasked with taking the required steps; city staff would also be authorized to sign cadastral documents for the city as expropriator, if needed.
- This was an orientation for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting.
What it means for you#
- Landowner: If the acquisition proceeds by expropriation, the land could be taken for the road project. City staff say the parcels are vacant and have no registered lease.
- City administration: The legal affairs department would undertake required procedures. The decision does not itself set out the steps, timeline, or compensation for an owner.
- Residents and taxpayers: The land is intended for the Cavendish Boulevard extension. This decision does not itself build the road or guarantee the project’s results.
Money#
The authorized amount is $3,900,000 plus applicable taxes; the available material gives no final acquisition price.
- City staff estimate potential acquisition costs at $3,900,000 plus applicable taxes. This is a preliminary estimate, not the land’s market value, a maximum purchase price, or the expropriation payment.
- The estimate may include purchase costs, soil testing, potential damages, interest and expert fees, but excludes any soil rehabilitation.
- City staff say up to $4,094,512.50, net of rebates, would be financed under an existing agglomeration borrowing bylaw. The expense would be paid 100% by the agglomeration; the budget is shown as available in the city’s 2026–2035 capital program.
What is unclear#
- Whether the acquisition will be by agreement or expropriation, and what the final price or any expropriation compensation will be.
- Whether soil rehabilitation will be needed and, if so, what it would cost.
- Which taxes will apply and how the authorized amount relates to the financing amount.
Case for#
- City staff say the parcels are needed for road infrastructure for the Cavendish extension and that acquiring them would support mobility in an area constrained by rail lines and the Décarie Expressway.
- The existing land reserve is due to expire in July 2026. Staff say timely action is needed to preserve the city’s rights and secure control of the land.
Case against#
- Expropriation can take land from its owner. The materials do not state the final compensation or explain how the owner’s interests would be addressed.
- The cost is uncertain: the estimate is not a cap, and it excludes any soil rehabilitation.