$1B Brossard mixed development aims to be 'new centre of Montreal's South Shore'
Devimco-led project would include LRT stop, construction to begin by early 2017
The company behind the Dix30 shopping development in Brossard is plowing ahead with another major South Shore project, which will include a station for the new Caisse de dépôt-backed light rail train.
Estimated at more than $1 billion, the Devimco project is described as "the biggest mixed property project in Quebec" that aims to become the "future city-centre of Montreal's South Shore," according to a statement from the company.
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The project, dubbed Solar Uniquartier, was unveiled at an announcement Monday attended by Health Minister Gaétan Barrette, the MNA for the area and Brossard Mayor Paul Leduc.
The new development will be located at the northwest intersection of Highways 10 and 30, near the Dix30 shopping centre.
Roughly 2,500 residential units will be built around a large public square. It will also have 1,000,000 square feet of commercial and office space, along with hotels, a park, a convention centre and a "European-inspired" sports complex.
Construction of the development is slated to begin later this year or in early 2017, with the first homes ready two years later.
Light rail project is crucial
Unlike the Dix30 shopping centre, the new development is expected to cater to walking and cycling rather than cars.
Brian Fahey, the urban planner for the project, says mass transit is key to the development as it will offer easy access to the proposed light rail trains.
"Being connected to the LRT is really most important for us because all people living in our development are going to be able to walk toward the LRT and cross over the public space or central park," he said.
The LRT is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
With files from Elias Abboud and Radio-Canada's Thomas Gerbet