Montreal’s Future with REM: Are Modest Apartments at Risk of Demolition for Development, Like Vancouver’s SkyTrain?
A recent article in Le Journal has raised concerns about the potential impact of the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) on Montreal’s housing landscape. Drawing parallels with Vancouver’s SkyTrain, the report highlights the demolition of modest apartments near train stations in the suburbs to make way for denser new constructions, including condo towers.
Shamilya Alexeeva, a long-term resident of a building in Burnaby, Vancouver, which is slated for demolition, shared her sadness at having to leave the place she called home for almost 20 years. Thousands of other citizens have faced similar experiences in the past decade, all in the name of urban intensification. Murray Martin of ACORN British Columbia, an organization advocating for tenants’ rights, has fought against such demovictions and expressed concerns about the lack of replacement units in the face of a housing crisis.
While Montreal’s plans for development near REM stations are said to be less aggressive than those in Vancouver, there is still worry about the potential demolition of rental units. Murray Martin pointed out that Burnaby’s development plan targeted 5,000 rental units for demolition, representing nearly half of the city’s rental stock – a concerning prospect given the already high rents in the region.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Montreal area exceeds $1,100, according to data from the Canada Mortgage Corporation and Housing (CMHC). This poses a significant challenge for residents like Ahmed, who has been aware of his building’s impending demolition for five years. Despite his efforts, he has been unable to find an affordable alternative and worries about the impact on his family, particularly his child with special needs.
The transformation of Vancouver’s Metrotown area is cited as an example of how skyrocketing rents can lead to the displacement of families. Shamilya Alexeeva highlighted the disappearance of children from the neighborhood’s playgrounds due to the increased cost of living. However, there is hope for some residents, as Mayor Derek Corrigan’s defeat in the election has led to mandatory housing offers at the same price for tenants affected by redevelopment projects.
Shamilya Alexeeva, who will soon move into a tower currently under construction, acknowledged that living in a high-rise will not be the same as having access to nature, which she values. However, she expressed comfort in dwelling in a dense city like Moscow, where she grew up.
It remains to be seen how Montreal’s REM will impact the city’s housing landscape. While concerns about the potential demolition of modest apartments exist, there are also measures being implemented in Burnaby to address the issue. As the future unfolds, it will be crucial to strike a balance between development and preserving affordable housing options for Montreal’s residents.
