Longueuil, Brossard reveal complete redesign of Taschereau Boulevard

Taschereau Boulevard, a major thoroughfare on Montreal’s South Shore, could be about to undergo a significant transformation.

The cities of Longueuil and Brossard jointly released their preliminary vision for a comprehensive overhaul of the boulevard on Monday morning.

“We are aware that the redevelopment of Taschereau has been hotly debated in recent years and that several versions of this project have emerged in the past, but they lacked consistency,” said Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier. “This project will mark a fundamental transformation for the area: moving from a motorway-style thoroughfare to a green, friendly and safe urban boulevard, lined with new neighbourhoods, local shops and office space.”

The revitalization is expected to span from the Longueuil-Université-de-Sherbrooke terminus in Longueuil and the Panama terminus in Brossard, complete with a rapid bus service (SRB).

“With more than 58,000 daily trips between Brossard and Longueuil — making Taschereau Boulevard the fifth busiest corridor in Quebec — a major transformation is needed,” the press release notes. “Issues related to climate change and the unprecedented housing crisis reinforce the need to establish a structuring link between the two cities.”

According to the mayors, 221 hectares of land could be redeveloped to create “complete and connected living environments with a redesigned architectural identity, where concrete will give way to a greener, more integrated and attractive environment.”

“Transforming Taschereau Boulevard is no longer an option. It is a necessity to reconcile mobility, quality of life, safety and urban attractiveness,” said Brossard Mayor Doreen Assaad. “Unlike megaprojects that get bogged down, our approach is simple, realistic and ready to be implemented.”

The plan proposes creating up to 12,000 homes, including affordable housing, rentals, condos and more, as well as adding 55,000 m² of offices and other commercial spaces.

The project also includes a dedicated bike lane and walkway, as well as upgraded water and sewer networks.

“We are confident that we are finally on the right track, one that will allow us to move forward,” said Fournier. “While the scale of the redevelopment is considerable, I am convinced that with the support of all our partners, we will be able to deliver a project of the highest caliber, in line with the aspirations of the people of Longueuil, Brossard and the entire region.”

The project is in collaboration with Transports Quebec, the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the Autorité régionale du transport métropolitain (ARTM), and more.

Next steps include conducting “preliminary studies for underground infrastructure” in addition to sourcing resident input “at key stages.”