The decision to suspend work for a month at the site where one of Montreal's largest social housing projects is planned was made by the developer who wants to “finalize” its financial package, the Mercier district said on Tuesday. –Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
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On Monday, Le Journal revealed that work at the Canoë project site on Hochelaga Street was suspended for more than a month after the municipality ordered the work to stop.
“In view of the start of the foundation and structural work, the district ordered the construction site to be stopped,” he then explained, also pointing out that the developer had requested a delay before issuing a building permit.
However, the district provided incomplete information explaining the situation yesterday, despite multiple requests from the Journal.
Mayor Pierre Lessard-Blais' office, which declined our request for an interview on Monday, actually wanted to provide details on Tuesday morning.
“The developer asked the municipality to temporarily withhold the issuance of the permit to allow it to complete its financial package and bring together as many success conditions as possible so that it can proceed with construction in the context of the current market situation,” said Councilor Alia Hassan- Cournol in a written statement from the Cabinet.
“Short and temporary” stop
The latter also assured that this situation has “no impact” on the schedule for the delivery of social housing, as they are planned “in later phases”.
Since Monday, the Journal has been trying to obtain explanations from real estate developer Rachel Julien.
He finally responded Tuesday afternoon via email through a public relations firm to confirm the district's information. This “short and temporary” shutdown of the construction site will have no impact on the schedule, assured Sabrina Duguay, spokeswoman for Rachel Julien.
Canoë is a major project that needs to deliver more than 830 residential units and 130 shared apartments. Last fall, the city of Montreal named it one of the metropolis' three most important social housing projects.