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
LIVE UPDATES | Watch live coverage of U.S. President Joe Biden's trip to Canada
As Joe Biden makes his first trip to Canada as president of the United States, CTVNews.ca is offering live coverage of the leader's visit. Follow our live blog on CTVNews.ca and the CTV News app for the latest updates.

WATCH LIVE | 'A lot to talk about,' Biden says in meeting with Trudeau, will soon address Parliament
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived on Parliament Hill saying that he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "have a lot to talk about," but that it's great to be in Canada.
Ontario crypto king kidnapped, tortured in an attempt to get millions in ransom, documents say
Ontario’s self-described crypto king was allegedly abducted, tortured, and beaten for days as his kidnappers looked to solicit millions in ransom, his father told a court in December.
Incredible photos show northern lights dancing across much of Canada
Sky-gazers and shutterbugs across much of Canada were treated to a spectacular display of northern lights Thursday night and into Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau introduces Jill Biden to curling during Ottawa visit
The United States' first lady was given a sweeping introduction to Canadian sports culture in Ottawa today as Sophie Gregoire Trudeau took Jill Biden to the curling rink.
W5 Investigates | 'Canadians should be very concerned about their drinking water': W5 investigates asbestos cement pipes
W5 investigates aging asbestos pipes across Canada and the potential health hazards if it ends up in your tap water. Watch W5's 'Something in the Water' Saturday at 7 p.m. on CTV.
Airbnb to pull listings that don't have proper permits in Quebec
Short-term rental company Airbnb says it will pull listings that don't have a proper permit from the Quebec government. The San Francisco-based company made the announcement eight days after a fatal fire destroyed an Old Montreal building that housed illegal rentals.
W5 EXCLUSIVE | New police force should be appointed to take over investigation into death of teenaged hockey player, complaint says
An Ontario couple has filed a request with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) to appoint a new police force to investigate the death of their 17-year-old son Benjamin, who died during a hockey team-bonding event in September 2019.
Restaurants and bars brace for biggest alcohol tax jump in 40 years
Canada's restaurant industry is bracing for the biggest jump in the country's alcohol excise duty in more than 40 years, spurring warnings the tax hike could force some bars and restaurants out of business.