Brossard’s elected officials have initiated a regulatory process to better control development and building density.
At the City of Brossard council meeting held on March 21, elected officials initiated a regulatory process aimed at providing a better framework for development and building density on its territory.
The city of Brossard is experiencing intense real estate pressure, accelerated by the arrival of the REM. Numerous development projects are underway, in the planning stage or planned for the region. At present, the sectors to be developed or redeveloped and the intentions gathered from various developers could represent a potential of around 57,000 new residential units on the territory. Without concrete action, this potential could more than double the city’s current population. However, demographic data seem to show that this potential is unachievable by 2060. Taking into account infrastructure capacity and financing, less than half of this development potential seems realistic.
Last November, in a speech to members of the Chambre de commerce et de l’industrie de la Rive-Sud, Mayor Assaad announced a major project to build the Brossard of tomorrow. The town needs to plan its infrastructure and public facilities in line with coherent, realistic development. The adoption of an interim control by-law will enable Brossard to proceed with studies, analyses and the implementation of an adequate regulatory framework to guarantee urban and social development that meets the expectations of its citizens. The new regulatory tools will make it possible to create better projects with specific requirements in terms of density, environmental standards and affordable housing.
THE CITY DOESN’T STOP DEVELOPMENT
“We don’t want to stop development, and it’s very important to point this out. We simply want to provide it with a better framework, guidance and support. In fact, nearly 8,000 housing units will be able to continue to be built in sectors already under construction or given priority during the application of this interim control by-law, which is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2024,” declared Mayor Doreen Assaad. “Our ambition is to develop an integrated vision of our city in terms of our urban environment, while maintaining our financial health, and in line with the will of our citizens. This will enable us to better support growth,” she continued.
The city will set new goals, identify areas for development and redevelopment, establish guidelines and plan for the additional infrastructure, public and community facilities needed to support growth.
“Brossard wants to ensure that it develops in the general interest of its community. As elected officials, we have this responsibility, and we will assume it fully. Our message to developers is very simple: you’re part of our community and we’re counting on you to build tomorrow’s Brossard together, for the benefit of all Brossard residents. I believe we’re on the right track, and our interim control, which will be in effect until the summer of 2024, is the necessary path for us to get it right,” concludes Mayor Assaad.
