Public consultation on controversial plan to convert Mile End warehouse into hotel, commercial space
The City of Montreal is holding a public consultation on a project that would transform an iconic Mile End industrial building into a hotel and commercial space.
The Van Horne Avenue landmark, most recognized by its oblong shape and rooftop water tower, is wedged between a railroad and the Saint-Laurent viaduct.
The proposed project would convert the structure into a multi-use complex containing a hotel, restaurants, offices and a public rooftop terrace. In addition to revamping the existing building, an extension would be added on the adjoining property.
The plan to convert an iconic warehouse on Van Horne Ave. would include constructing a new structure on the adjoining property. (City of Montreal)
In an online consultation open until Feb. 12, 2023, the city is asking participants to rate their feelings about various factors, such as the building's proposed uses and different aesthetic elements.
While some Montrealers are optimistic about the project, saying it would attract tourists to the area and reenergize businesses, others aren't on board.
Some have called on the city to convert the space into affordable housing, arguing the current plan would accelerate gentrification in the area.
On Saturday afternoon, about a third of the city's online "suggestion box" for the project was filled with calls for more housing.
"Considering the horrendous housing crisis in Montreal, this space should clearly be used for social housing. Anything else would be shameful," one comment reads.
An illustration of plans to convert a Mile End warehouse into a multi-use complex. (City of Montreal)
But Montreal appears to have closed the door on turning the landmark into apartments of any kind.
Following the Lac Mégantic rail disaster in 2013, "the construction of housing is no longer permitted right near the main railroad tracks," the city's website states.
Additionally, the area's urban development plan specifies buildings north of Van Horne be used for commercial purposes.
Other requests in the suggestion box include a community center, a shared artists' space and an entertainment venue.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.