The Borough of Lachine held a public consultation meeting on June 19 regarding the redevelopment project of Galeries Lachine. Ultimately, this new development in Lachine is expected to accommodate nearly 1000 housing units, in addition to all current businesses that will be relocated on the site.
The information session began with speeches from the mayor, Maja Vodanovic, and city councilor and president of the Lachine Urban Planning Advisory Committee (CCU), Micheline Rouleau. Rouleau emphasized the importance of avoiding past mistakes like the Topaz project. “When I oppose, I propose. Have the decency to propose something,” she said before adding that when projects like these fail, “we lose people.”
Following this introduction, the meeting continued with a detailed presentation by Sihem Bahloul-Mansour, division chief – permits and inspection, specifying that the development will be spread across five distinct buildings, with a green screen to the east for residences located a few meters from the site.
Tenants will have access to underground parking, while customers of the businesses can use a new green parking lot with over 300 spaces. Both the Borough and the developer, Harden, have promised that no business will close during the construction. The construction is to be carried out in several phases.
Height and Traffic at the Heart of Public Concerns
If the project is accepted, some buildings could reach up to 10 stories in certain sections, as permitted by the new regulations. Several people wondered why this was necessary.
“Today, what we’re being asked to do is increase density to have smaller buildings, more greenery on the grounds, and to promote public transportation,” responded Michel Séguin, director of urban planning and business services.
“Ten stories is unacceptable; we want it as far away as possible,” said a neighbor living a few meters from the current parking lot.
To those who claim that the development of approximately 950 units will bring more traffic congestion to the area, the developer responded that there should be no significant impact during peak hours, according to traffic studies.
Underground Parking for Businesses?
Many residents of Lachine mentioned that even with its new format, the parking lot would remain a “heat island” and suggested to make it entirely underground, which would allow for a large park in the center of the urban development. The developer confirmed that this could be possible at the end of the commercial leases with major banners like Maxi, Pharmaprix, and Dollarama, which require a front and an outdoor parking lot.
“Currently, if we had to make underground parking, there would be no project, because these businesses don’t want it; it doesn’t work,” responded Denis Léonard, vice president of development at Harden.
A former borough councilor even suggested that access to the businesses could be directly from the residential towers, which would be possible in the central towers, said Ms. Bahloul-Mansour.
Additionally, another citizen asked if there would be places to park or recharge electric bikes. Michel Séguin confirmed that the developer has obligations in this regard and that they are also working on car sharing and a future tramway station.
A Project for Lachine Residents?
When asked about prices, Mr. Léonard replied that “to do a project like this, it involves social and family housing, but what dictates the price is the market. It will be offered to the people of Lachine first. We would favor rental housing, but it really depends on the market.”
Another person questioned the timeline for completion. The division chief – permits and inspection confirmed that the project could move forward as soon as it is adopted, in principle, in September. Construction should begin in 2025, in phases, and be completed around 2030.
Living just a few meters from the current parking lot, she also wondered how close the new constructions would be. Due to an easement, the new residential towers would be at least 10 meters from the already built neighboring residences, if not more.
In conclusion, a resident called for the presence of a school and a sports center on the site. Both Ms. Vodanovic and Mr. Séguin stated that they are in discussions with the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Center for a school in the area, but the project is not currently planned. The same goes for a sports center on site.
The photo at the top of this article was taken by Carl Sincennes on June 19.
This article has been automatically translated by its publisher from an article originally published in French on Nouvelles d’Ici.
