As Montreal faces a housing shortage, conflicts over development projects are unfolding in various parts of the region, including vacant lots, natural spaces, and waterfront areas that were previously untouched.
Proposals for new construction in places like a protected forest in the West Island and green spaces on Nun’s Island are facing resistance from local communities. The rising demand for housing presents a challenge for upcoming municipal leaders, who must navigate the competing interests of development, environmental conservation, and resident concerns about neighborhood changes.
In Pointe-Claire, residents are opposing plans to build on a forested area near Fairview Mall, close to an upcoming light-rail station. The 16-hectare site has become a focal point in the suburb’s upcoming municipal election. Save Fairview Forest, a local environmental group, is advocating for the protection of the entire forest and suggesting alternatives like redeveloping the mall site or its extensive parking lot.
Similar debates are occurring across Montreal and its suburbs as municipalities grapple with the need for more housing while preserving green spaces and addressing citizen input. Some housing projects have been stalled by a minority of residents using referendums to block zoning changes, prompting the Quebec government to explore ways to balance citizen rights with the housing crisis.
In Westmount, the city council recently approved a controversial plan to construct four 20-storey residential towers near downtown, despite opposition from residents concerned about the city’s heritage and the suitability of the proposed units for families. While acknowledging the need for housing solutions, critics of the plan argue for modifications to better align with the community’s character.
On Montreal’s South Shore, a group in Châteauguay is resisting the development of a woodland near Highway 30, citing concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of vital forested areas. The group emphasizes the importance of sustainable community development and affordable housing near public transportation hubs.
After a period of slower growth, the Montreal region saw an uptick in housing starts in early 2025, driven by new rental units. Experts emphasize the continued need for more housing, particularly multi-unit buildings suitable for families near public transit hubs. Balancing housing demands with the preservation of green spaces remains a key challenge for urban planners and policymakers in the region.
