Montoni and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ and Groupe Montoni have reconfirmed plans to develop 5,000 multi-residential homes on the former Molson Brewery site in Montreal.

The Quebec-based firms have unveiled their vision for the massive project after firming up ownership of the site earlier this year.

The companies said their goal is to make the waterfront redevelopment project, named Quartier Molson (the Molson Quarter) “a model of sustainable real estate development, creating an unparalleled environment for living, working, meeting, entertaining and attracting tourists.” 

The 5,000 homes will accommodate all types of households, including social, affordable and multi-family housing. The 1.1-million-square-foot project will also comprise a “vast” public park and “emblematic” views of the former brewery.

“This overall plan is the outcome of several years of hard work with our partners at the Fonds immobilier and architecture firm Sid Lee, with active co-operation from the City of Montreal,”: said Dario Montoni, president of Montoni.

“Our intent is to capture the soul and history of this unique place and to create a sustainable, vibrant, genuine mixed-use neighbourhood. We sincerely hope that this new neighbourhood will appeal to the Montréal community, honour the rich history of the site, of the Molson family and become a source of pride for everyone who loves our city.”

Earlier this year, Fonds acquired Groupe Sélection’s stake in the project through a court-monitored bankruptcy protection process and then sold a portion of that interest to Montoni. The deal gives Fonds and Montoni 50-50 ownership in the redevelopment project.

Potentially, six million square feet of commercial space could be developed on the site, the Fonds and Montoni said previously. Plans call for 200,000 sf of retail space, a museum and “brewery experience,” park and school.

The retail offering will situated in the Îlot des Voltigeurs, a major attraction along the Old Port recreation and tourism corridor, serving as home to offices, shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as experiential and event venues designed to boost local economic vitality. 

The Fonds, Montoni and Groupe Sélection acquired the site together after acquiring from Molson Coors Canada in 2019 for $126 million before the latter company dropped out.

“We feel privileged to be co-owners of this iconic site and to be actively contributing to its development, along with our partners,” said Martin Raymond, president and CEO of the Fonds. “We firmly believe that this new neighbourhood will be a showcase, with almost 5,000 families moving there to live, while at the same time being resolutely forward-looking by incorporating sustainable building practices. 

“Our investments will benefit not only our shareholder-savers, but also the economy as a whole.”

Such features the Molson tower, chimney stack, clock and lighted sign will be enhanced, becoming key neighbourhood landmarks, said the Fonds and Montoni.

The companies said the project is designed to be a model for the future of sustainable real estate development, targeting both LEED and Zero-Carbon Building certification, and will use advanced energy-efficiency technology, including, potentially, an energy loop system currently under study.

“It will lay the foundations for a resilient, green neighbourhood that will be an inspiration to future generations,” said the companies.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025 after necessary permits are obtained. The initial construction phases will include the development of the Îlot des Voltigeurs and the social and affordable housing component.

Photo: © Adrien Sallandrouze Photographe, distributed by, and republished with the permission of CNW Group/Montoni/Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ