The project to transform the Voyageur island into a gigantic real estate complex will be launched in “a few sleeps”, assured the Plante administration on Monday, in the face of the impatience of the opposition in the municipal council.
Mayor Valérie Plante announced on January 12 the imminent publication of a call for tenders to find a developer for the former bus station, located at the corner of Berri and Maisonneuve. Five weeks later, the process has still not started.
On Monday, the head of housing within the Plante administration, Benoit Dorais, assured that there were only “a few sleeps” left before the publication of the call for tenders. “We are more than confident, we are certain that there are developers who will be able to submit interesting projects in consortium to be able to meet certain housing needs. »
The City of Montreal has owned the Voyageur islet since 2018. Mr. Dorais argued that a first project including numerous office spaces had first been prepared, but that the pandemic derailed it, explaining a part of deadlines.
Mr. Dorais answered questions from opposition MP Chantal Rossi. “Everyone understands that we must tackle the housing crisis quickly,” she attacked. “Everyone, except the administration, which tells itself that it will do its paperwork by seeing how Montrealers who need affordable housing will manage in the meantime. »