Concordia in the Quartier des grands jardins

Representatives of Concordia University presented their vision for the City of Montreal’s Quartier des grands jardins at a public meeting on April 20, 2011. The presentation was made to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (1550 Metcalfe, 14th floor) in the context of a consultation on the city’s Programme particulier d’urbanisme (PPU).

Concordia proposes adding value to the De Maisonneuve Boulevard bicycle path by introducing flora to the section of the median running from Bishop Street to Guy Street. | Photo by Concordia University

“We are delighted that the City of Montreal and the Ville-Marie Borough are committed to rejuvenating the western part of the downtown core. In the last ten years, through the Quartier Concordia urban planning project, the university and the city have worked hand in hand in this important process”, says Roger Côté, Concordia’s Acting Vice-President, Services, who presented on the university’s behalf.

“We admire the city’s vision and, as the largest institutional property owner and economic player in this area, we have five recommendations to ensure the success of the PPU Quartier des grands jardins”, adds Côté.

1. On imposing the blanket preservation of sites with built and landscape heritage:
   Concordia recommends: Protecting only those buildings with heritage interest and promoting quality landscape design.
2. On the urban densification along St. Catherine Street and in the Quartier Concordia sector:
   Concordia recommends: Increasing the density and height limits from the levels proposed in the PPU.
3. On the addition of public green spaces:
   Concordia recommends: Introducing a public park in the eastern zone of the PPU by converting the lot adjacent to St. James the Apostle Church on St. Catherine Street at Mackay.
4. On the imposition of access to private institutional green spaces as a condition for approval of future development projects:
   Concordia recommends: Conferring with each institution individually, and taking into consideration that institution’s willingness and ability to sustain such access. The city must also clearly indicate its potential support of such access.
5. On extending the efforts to green public spaces as the hallmark of the Quartier des grands jardins:
   Concordia recommends: Adding further value to the De Maisonneuve Boulevard bicycle path by introducing flora to the section of the median running from Bishop Street to Guy Street.

Concordia University is an integral part of the fabric of Montreal and a major driver of economic and social development in the downtown core.

Vertical gardens are just one way to integrate green space in urban development.

In 1999, the university adopted a Plan directeur de développement to guide its expansion and growth. This plan was conceived with a long-term vision for growth to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff in the face of a steady rise in demand for a Concordia University education. 

Over the past decade, more than $500 million has been invested in transformational infrastructure projects, the majority of which are located in the western portion of the downtown core. Through the Quartier Concordia project, the university has revitalized the area, shaping it through an appropriate level of urban densification and leading sustainable practices.

At every stage of Concordia’s rapid development, the needs and interests of Montrealers have been taken into account. The university’s long-term vision for this neighbourhood is true to the objectives laid out in the PPU. Concordia is committed to the success of the Quartier des grands jardins.


Related link:
•  Projet Particulier d'Urbanisme - Mémoire présenté par l'université Concordia
•  Revitalisation de l'ouest du centre-ville - PPU Quartier des grands jardins