Montreal council backs land sale for STM expansion

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position supporting a sale and related property changes for the Société de transport de Montréal’s (STM) Rielle mechanical ventilation station in Verdun. This is an orientation for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting.

  • The proposed sale covers lots 6 575 502, 6 575 506 and 1 185 632 for $257,425, plus applicable taxes, if any.
  • The proposed deed would give the STM passage, load-limit and no-construction servitudes over part of lot 6 575 503.
  • The resolution also calls for all four lots to be closed and removed from the public domain.
  • The STM would acquire the property and servitudes to support repair and expansion of the ventilation station. The sale would be without warranty, at the STM’s exclusive risk.

What it means for you#

  • STM: If the transaction proceeds, it can complete the property arrangements for the station project. Construction is already underway and is expected to continue until December 2027.
  • City and public: The lots would no longer be part of the public domain. City staff say the sale would help bring the station’s facilities up to current standards and regularize the STM’s property titles.
  • Users of municipal parking lot 520: The STM has already been allowed to occupy lot 6 575 503 without charge for construction. The materials do not say how this affects parking availability.

Money#

The sale would bring in $257,425, plus applicable taxes, if any.

  • The STM would pay on the day the deed is signed.
  • The revenue is assigned to the agglomeration’s budget and would be recorded in the operating budget of the Service de la stratégie immobilière et de l’habitation.
  • No estimate is provided for other costs related to the transaction or construction.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not say whether the stated sale price has been reassessed since the market value established by the city on September 15, 2022.
  • They do not describe any effect on parking users beyond the STM’s free construction use of lot 6 575 503.

Case for#

  • The transaction would let the STM complete a project already underway and formalize its property rights around the station.
  • City staff say the negotiated price was based on a market-value assessment by the city.

Case against#

  • The price is based on a 2022 market-value assessment, and the materials do not explain whether a newer assessment was considered.
  • The city would transfer property without warranty, although the deed places the risks on the STM.