For this mandate, our team started by executing n context analysis, which identified the deep impact of significant urban transportation infrastructure projects on the area.

The neighbourhood is mainly composed of industrial and commercial uses with very few formal public spaces. An analysis of existing public spaces focused mainly on the character of streets, industrial land and railway and highways rights-of-way. This analysis made it possible to identify the areas with the greatest development potential and allowed us to recommend various options, including the redevelopment of intersections and the optimal use for the rights-of-way of certain public streets.

The development potential of the three priority sites chosen by the City was identified, including the former hippodrome, the land on either side of the Décarie Expressway and a link between Namur metro station and the site of the former hippodrome. This study took into account the planned extension of Cavendish Boulevard and the development of new buildings on the site of the former hippodrome. In the long term, by identifying landscape features, it is now possible to present a set of planning recommendations for public spaces in the area.

• Research and analysis of the history and evolution of the area
• Identification of constraints and opportunities related to the redevelopment of existing public spaces
• Evaluation of the development potential for the former hippodrome site and the area around the Namur metro station
• Development of objectives for the public domain of the entire area
• Development of design scenarios for the future Cavendish-Jean-Talon link, including all modes of transportation (vehicular, bus, bicycle, pedestrian)
• 3D modeling of study area and future projects
• Coordination with professionals

ARUP, Civil Engineering
Jonathan Cha, Heritage Consultant