At the core of what we have always tried to accomplish is bringing people together through the built environment.

Shopping centers are a destination where people connect and we want to continue to provide that connection in the new development with the creation of a distinctive outdoor space, framed by the proximity of the new buildings, and animated by events throughout the year.

Local services will be walking distance from the residences where they will be able to pick up fresh produce after work or hangout with friends on one of the patios at a restaurant around the corner.

The units being designed will have deep balconies and large fenestration, offering more usable space and ideally enhancing the quality of life of the residents residing there.

The transformation of the parking lot, and its 900 surface parking spaces, into a mixed use development not only reduces our heat island footprint, but encourages public transportation and well-being with the use of the REM.

The heart of the project: A lively public square for the community to enjoy

Designed by Claude Cormier, the plaza is the piece de resistance of the development, connecting old and new, creating a place for citizens to just be. The plaza, and surrounding area, will be open to the community year-round with the vision of it being an urban ecosystem for all to enjoy.

Read your favourite book under the tree canopy to the sound of the water feature, walk your dog, or spend the afternoon embracing the hustle and bustle while a local artist plays guitar, the plaza has been curated to be a place of assemblage for all to embrace.

Environment

The size of a football field, the plaza aims to be a place of assembly amongst nature. The 40 various native species of trees (alongside the other 48 other trees to be planted on the rest of the phase 1 site) have been carefully curated to avoid monoculture, creating a diverse canopy of dense foliage coverage.

Several native species and deciduous trees.
A variety of conifers adapted to the urban conditions of the site.
Each tree will be planted in a volume of 25 m3 of soil to ensure healthy growth.
Presence, under the canopy of tall trees, along with a flowering shrub layer to attract pollinators (insects and birds).
Reduction of heat island.

Social

The large outdoor space created to encourage social connection and community through both private and public curated events such as:

Concerts
Exhibits
Civic celebrations
Christmas markets
Artist Exposés
Farmer/Local Market stands
Recreation

An urban oasis tucked between the mall and the new construction, giving new life to a concrete slab and offering another way to engage with the community and bring people together.

Mobility

The project emphasizes sustainable transportation, i.e. walking, cycling, public transportation (REM and bus), an essential characteristic of a TOD-type development, as required by the Metropolitan Land Use and Development Plan (MLUDP) of the Montreal Metropolitan Community.

The project would be carried out near Highway 40 and very far from residential neighbourhoods and therefore would have little to no impact on them.

Conducive to an interesting community life, this living environment would include:

Friendly spaces open to the entire population and emphasizing the pedestrian experience:
Large sidewalks;
Bike paths;
Parking for bikes;
Self-serve bicycle service