Montréal, March 13, 2015 – The ninth edition of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s annual Strategic Forum on Major Projects was held today, with the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Robert Poëti, as well as Mayor of Montréal and Chair of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, Denis Coderre, in attendance. The real estate and urban redevelopment projects presented to the some 425 Montréal decision makers gathered at the Palais des congrès de Montréal total over $4 billion in investment.
“The development of the city and its major projects continues the trajectory started a few years ago that shook it out of it inertia,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Close to 75 major projects worth over $30 million are currently in the construction phase in the metropolitan area, totalling investments of $14 billion. Greater Montréal will now have the vitality and pace of development that befits a major, modern city.”
“McGill University’s proposal for the surplus Royal Victoria Hospital buildings and presentations on the development of the Quartier de l’innovation and the redevelopment of the neighbourhood of Mile-Ex demonstrate a move into modernity, while preserving our historical heritage,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Royal Victoria offers incredible development potential for McGill University. We applaud the announcement made by the Government of Quebec, which has committed to investing half of the $8 million required for feasibility studies, a crucial step for these projects.”
“Celebrations for the 375th anniversary of Montréal will get under way in less than two years,” Mr. Leblanc said. “Among the many projects proposed, renovating Saint Joseph’s Oratory, transforming the Alexandra Quay in the Port of Montreal, revitalizing Sainte-Catherine St. and covering the Ville-Marie Expressway are opportunities for our city to develop the signature infrastructure it needs for its development and international reputation. The Ville de Montréal’s announcement of its intention to hold a design competition for the new public square beside the Champ-de-Mars metro station shows the importance of having high standards of quality for these projects. It is essential that all the players concerned – both government and private partners – take part in completing these important projects.”
“Whether the new next-generation data centre presented by Urbacon, the major Destination YUL condo project, the ambitious Réseau Sélection investment plan or the second phase of the Technopôle Angus, the private projects presented during the Strategic Forum are firmly rooted in modernity, new technology and sustainable development,” Michel Leblanc said. “This strong trend shows that the city has its eyes squarely on the future and that it has the expertise and creativity it needs to make its mark. All the conditions are in place for Montréal to catch up with and even surpass major intelligent cities around the world in the coming years.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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