26 signatures halt 525-unit housing project on Nun’s Island

A 525-unit housing development was blocked by 26 people in Nuns' Island.

8 Place du Commerce is currently home to a large parking lot and a commercial building.

For a group of developers, it’s a great location to develop 525 new housing units. But some people on Nun’s Island say, ‘Not in my backyard.’

“I’m so in favour of blocking all of this. The densification has become so monstrous,” said Sylvie Martel.

“I don’t think it would be good for the island,” said Marylena Catanese. “I’ve lived here for 10 years. The traffic, there aren’t enough schools, not enough clinics.”

Claribel Gamboa added: “There are already a lot of buildings in the neighbourhood. I don’t think we need another.”

One developer, MACH Group, requested a zoning change.

It was backed by the borough but blocked by residents.

Twenty-six people signed a register, just a few more than were needed to trigger a referendum and force public consultation, stalling the project.

Some say that’s a shame.

Bertrand Guermeur said: “[It’s] a bad idea, I’m sure. Because we need to open everything to everybody.”

“It would be great to have some more activity,” said Raymond Breard.

Julien Regragui added: “If it’s every time not in my backyard, nothing’s going to move, nothing’s going to get better. And there’s some decision that has to be taken to avoid those blockage.”

The province is trying to limit these kinds of challenges.

Bill 31 gives municipalities the power to sidestep potential referendums in the name of solving the housing crisis.

In a statement sent to CTV News, the borough of Verdun said the 8 Place du Commerce project was not initially eligible for fast-tracking under Bill 31.

However, it is currently working on a clear and transparent framework to guide the use of these powers, which it expects to adopt in June, along with the tabling of the project under this resolution.

With more housing projects expected across the city, what happens here could shape how Montreal moves forward.