For the first time in years, Notre-Dame Street in Lachine is seeing new activity. A housing project that blends private apartments with communal spaces is part of the borough’s broader effort to revitalize the area. “We’re really happy that it’s booming because before around the market it was pretty dead,” said borough mayor Maja Vodanovic. She added that until recently, the neighbourhood was full of abandoned buildings and empty storefronts. “Now, the abandoned buildings are torn down, and new stuff is coming up,” Vodanovic said. Hundreds of new units are being built in the borough, and one project is trying a different approach. The Village Urbain development will offer complete private housing units alongside shared spaces where residents can cook and eat together, socialize, and grow their own food. “One aspect that is not really common in the market at this point is like the shared space, shared environment. That are conducive to more of a communal living,” said Jean Pelland, a partner at Sid Lee Architecture. The project has received funding from all levels of government. Sixteen of the 58 units will be sold at below-market prices, while the rest will be rented at affordable rates by the non-profit developer. “Since we’re subsidized by the government for affordable housing, we’re going to maintain the affordability, through the years,” said Charleine Coulombe, the director general of Village Urbain. Despite the neighbourhood’s growth, Vodanovic says efficient public transit to downtown is still missing. “I can’t imagine the development of Lachine without efficient public transport, like it has to come. I have faith and I keep believing and will keep pushing,” she said. Plans for a tramway have been shelved for now, even as the area continues to develop.
