Amid a housing shortage in the Montreal area, development conflicts are escalating in various locations, including vacant lots, natural spaces, and waterfront areas previously deemed off-limits. Proposals for new constructions are encountering resistance from local communities, ranging from a protected forest in the West Island to green areas on Nun’s Island.
As the demand for housing rises, incoming municipal leaders will confront the challenge of balancing immediate development requirements with environmental preservation concerns and opposition from residents wary of neighborhood transformations. In Pointe-Claire, some locals are objecting to development plans on a forested patch near Fairview Mall, close to an upcoming light-rail station.
The 16-hectare forest site has become a focal point in the suburb’s upcoming municipal election, with Save Fairview Forest advocating for its protection. They suggest exploring alternatives such as reconfiguring the mall site or its extensive parking lot to preserve the forest and enhance the community’s quality of life.
Similar dialogues are unfolding across Montreal and its environs as municipalities grapple with the need for more housing while also addressing residents’ concerns about preserving green spaces and community character. Some housing projects have faced resistance from a small number of residents through referendums, prompting discussions at the government level on balancing citizen rights with housing imperatives.
In Westmount, a contentious development proposal for four 20-storey residential towers near downtown’s western edge has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it does not align with the city’s heritage and lacks family-friendly units. Despite reservations, city council approved the plan, citing the pressing need for housing and the site’s proximity to public transportation.
On Montreal’s South Shore, an environmental group in Châteauguay is opposing the development of a woodland along Highway 30, emphasizing concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of vital forested areas. Members advocate for sustainable development practices and the creation of affordable housing near public transit hubs.
Following a housing start uptick in the first half of 2025 after a slowdown in previous years, experts highlight the continued necessity for more housing, particularly multi-unit buildings suitable for families near public transit. While construction costs have posed challenges, experts emphasize the importance of increasing housing density around new REM stations to encourage transit usage and urban sustainability.
In Pointe-Claire, stakeholders aim to strike a balance between forest conservation and nearby development, envisioning a scenario where both objectives can be achieved to safeguard citizens’ quality of life and ensure future generations’ well-being.