Work to build Montreal’s newest neighbourhood at old Molson brewery site begins

Construction is fully underway at the site of the old Molson Brewery, where developers are building a brand new neighbourhood. And with a lot of the groundwork and demolition done, we're getting a clearer picture of what the community will look like. Of course you're going to need school, of course you're going to need daycare, grocery stores, parks, all that is planned in the project. The Molson Brewery was founded in 1786 and is a key part of the city's history. Developers are turning the site into a new neighborhood, including almost 5,000 housing units, stores, and a park open to the public. The builders say they're taking inspiration from the site's history, which used to house a church, a college, and row houses. I think it's in line with the original vision of Molson, which believe in a neighborhood which encompass art, culture, social, economics, family, living, and so on. There are still a lot of details to work out. About 1,000 social and affordable housing units are a part of the project, but organizers are still figuring out government funding and finding community partners. They've also set aside land for a school, but are waiting on approval from the education ministry. There are even hopes to bring in Le Galopin from La Ronde, one of the oldest galloping carousels in the world. They say discussions with the amusement park owners are still underway. It's sort of a reflection of how we approach public space. There's this idea of playfulness. A carousel would be kind of a little bit of magic. Heritage Montreal says it's excited the project is advancing. It's an extremely complex site. And you have to salute the desire to really put forward the history of the place. There is no apartment in Montreal, so 5,000, you said, that's going to be very good. We're kind of excited and it's going to revamp the whole village here. The builders still plan to finish the first rental complex by 2028, but say it will take years longer to bring their vision for the whole neighbourhood to life.