The construction of a large electrical transformer station near the Grande Bibliothèque continues to attract criticism. The area’s MNA, Manon Massé, is calling on the new Minister of Energy, Christine Fréchette, not to approve the sale of the land to Hydro-Québec.
The elected representative from Québec solidaire went so far as to propose the construction of the new station behind the Voyageur block, even if it meant expropriating the owner of the abandoned commercial building located there.
In a letter sent last week, Manon Massé asked Minister Fréchette to at least take the time to study this option. “The site east of the Voyageur block, on the Saint-Hubert Street side, has been abandoned—or should I say, in disrepair. And this has been the case for too long already, by a private owner who doesn’t give a damn about receiving numerous tickets from the City of Montreal. The entire community would applaud his expropriation!” argues the MNA for Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques.
The building in question, which is covered in graffiti, has been vacant for years. It is owned by Vancouver-based real estate group Aquilini.
Manon Massé agrees that building an electrical transformer station at this location could pose some problems, particularly because of the bus station right behind it. She also acknowledges that the land could be too small to build a station that would supply the entire neighbourhood with electricity. In this case, the Québec solidaire MNA believes that it would be possible to build two electrical transformer stations: one behind the Voyageur block; the other next to the Grande Bibliothèque, but underground.
“All of this deserves to be evaluated rather than adopting a decree in haste,” wrote the MP in the letter addressed to Christine Fréchette.
“Distorting a public good”
Let us recall that Hydro-Québec plans to build a single transformer station on the green lot next to the Grande Bibliothèque. This project is intended to replace the station located above the hill, on Berri Street, in order to meet the growing needs of the sector. The new station, which should come into operation between 2029 and 2033, will be three times more powerful in terms of kilovolts than the one currently in service.
This land of the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) was originally to be used to expand the Grande Bibliothèque. But after studying five sites to build the new substation needed in the area, Hydro-Québec determined that this location was the best option; BAnQ will therefore transfer the land to Hydro-Québec. This sale is to be used to partially finance the Maison de la chanson project in the former Saint-Sulpice library.
Despite a request for access to information from the Dutythe two state companies refused last May to disclose their discussions on this subject so as not to harm the transaction, which is not yet sealed.
The construction of a huge electrical transformer station in the heart of the Latin Quarter is seen as an urban disaster by many, including Lise Bissonnette, former director of BAnQ and founder of the Grande Bibliothèque. Manon Massé agrees. According to the MP, the project would “distort not only a public good, but the cultural heart of our city.”
Questioned by The Duty On Tuesday, Hydro-Québec reiterated its decision to move forward with its project on the land next to the Grande Bibliothèque. The Crown corporation confirmed that it had studied the site near the Voyageur block at the request of Manon Massé. “Our assessment shows that this location is unsuitable for the project,” concluded Hydro-Québec, which emphasized that this scenario would involve expropriations and consequences for the activities of the bus station.