The former Canada Malting complex in Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighbourhood is facing demolition after a new engineering report concluded the deteriorating industrial landmark poses an “imminent danger.”

Développement La Malterie said Thursday it is establishing a security perimeter around the property at 5020-5070 Saint-Ambroise St., with part of the street closing as the site is secured. The owner said the report, commissioned by the Southwest borough, recommends demolition for public safety.

The work would include controlled demolition of the entire front portion of the brick building, subject to borough authorization, with the security perimeter remaining in place until the work is completed.

The move adds urgency to the future of a long-abandoned Lachine Canal property that Développement La Malterie acquired in 2024 and is seeking to transform with 685 housing units.

Its La Malterie proposal includes 20% social housing, along with retail, community and public space. A preliminary project application filed in November 2025 remains under borough review.

The redevelopment would also reopen public access to the canal while retaining elements of the site’s industrial heritage. Parts of the former malting complex date to 1905.

Pictured: The former Canada Malting complex at 5020-5070 Saint-Ambroise St. in Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighbourhood.

Credit: Denis Tremblay / Parcours riverain – Ville de Montréal, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)