A heritage building in Montreal will be transformed into an inclusive and accessible community hub after receiving more than $11.3 million in federal funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, officials announced.

Located at 5611 Clark Street in Montreal’s Mile-End neighbourhood, the building formerly housed the Luke Callaghan School. The Alexis-le-Trotteur daycare centre, which will continue to operate on the property.

Plans call for other financial partners of the Société de Développement Angus (SDA) to contribute an additional $7.9 million to the conversion project.

“This community centre project emerged in a context of real estate pressure and the weakening of community uses,” said Christian Yaccarini, president and CEO of SDA. “The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal’s decision to divest itself of the building housing the Alexis-le-Trotteur daycare centre, which has been in the neighborhood for over 40 years, gave us the opportunity to acquire it, ensuring that it remains on the premises while allowing us to develop a community centre to meet the needs of the area.”

The funding will support renovations to convert the heritage building into a modern community space that will house multiple organizations providing support and services to Montrealers. The facility’s official name is expected to be announced in the coming months. The project aims to create a sustainable and functional space where community organizations can establish long-term operations and expand services.

Planned work includes accessibility upgrades and infrastructure improvements intended to reduce energy consumption and improve the building’s long-term sustainability.

The new community hub is expected to provide residents with access to services including food assistance, family support, social integration programs and support for people with physical disabilities, while also contributing to neighbourhood revitalization and strengthening Montreal’s community network.

The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program was created in support of Canada’s $2-billion Strengthened Climate program. with had an allocation of $1.5 billion when it was launched in 2021 and received a $500-million boost in 2024.

Pictured: Former Montreal school that is being converted into a community hub.

Photo: Images Montreal

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