The city of Montreal announced plans to construct 1,650 affordable housing units across two key locations. The development will take place on the former Molson brewery site and within the Namur‑Hippodrome neighbourhood, marking a significant expansion of the municipality's low‑cost housing inventory.
Officials said the projects are part of a broader effort to address the shortage of affordable homes in the city. By targeting the historic brewery grounds and the residential area of Namur‑Hippodrome, the plan aims to integrate new dwellings into established neighborhoods while revitalizing underused land.
The initiative, reported on July 18, 2026, follows a series of municipal studies that identified the need for additional affordable units. The selected sites were chosen for their potential to accommodate a sizable number of residences without requiring extensive new infrastructure. The former Molson brewery, once a major industrial landmark, offers a large parcel of land suitable for high‑density construction, while the Namur‑Hippodrome area provides an opportunity to increase housing options within an existing community.
The city has not released detailed timelines for the construction phases, but the announcement signals that planning and preparatory work are underway. Stakeholders anticipate that the new units will help alleviate pressure on the local housing market, offering options for families and individuals who face rising rental costs.
Montreal's commitment to expanding affordable housing reflects ongoing policy priorities aimed at ensuring that residents of varying income levels can find suitable accommodation within the city. The addition of 1,650 units is expected to contribute meaningfully to those goals, though further updates on design, funding and completion dates are pending.
The projects underscore the municipality's strategy to repurpose existing sites for public benefit, turning former industrial spaces and established neighborhoods into homes for those who need them most.