Montreal’s municipal government announced on July 18 that it will build a total of 1,650 affordable housing units across the city. The plan focuses on two key sites: the former Molson brewery property and the Namur‑Hippodrome neighbourhood, both earmarked for new residential development.
The announced units are intended to expand the city’s supply of affordable homes, a sector that has struggled to keep pace with demand. By converting the former industrial brewery site and revitalising the Namur‑Hippodrome area, officials aim to create a mix of apartments and townhouses that meet income‑based eligibility criteria.
City planners have identified the former Molson brewery as a prime location because of its size and proximity to existing transit routes. The redevelopment is expected to integrate the new housing with community amenities, though specific details on design and timelines have not been released. In the Namur‑Hippodrome neighbourhood, the proposal seeks to add density while preserving the character of the surrounding residential streets.
The initiative comes amid growing concern over a shortage of affordable housing in Montreal. Local advocacy groups have repeatedly highlighted the gap between the number of low‑income households and the availability of suitable rental or ownership options. By targeting underused industrial land and under‑developed neighbourhoods, the city hopes to address the imbalance without expanding into greenfield areas.
While the project’s financing structure has not been disclosed, municipal officials indicated that the development will involve partnerships with non‑profit housing providers and possibly provincial funding streams. The city’s housing department will monitor progress and report on unit delivery as construction phases begin.
If the plan proceeds as outlined, the 1,650 new units could represent a measurable increase in Montreal’s affordable housing stock, offering relief to families and individuals facing steep rental costs.
The announcement underscores the city’s broader strategy to tackle housing affordability by repurposing existing urban sites rather than pursuing new suburban expansion.