The Integrated Urban Revitalization zone of LaSalle (RUI)

How can we provide affordable and accessible living spaces for newcomers in LaSalle?

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Migrants have been present in the Jardins de LaSalle neighbourhood since the 1950s, when the area was first built. Before Expo 67, this marked the beginning of Montreal’s golden age, characterized by strong population growth and the construction of major road infrastructures to support the integration of cars into the city. The neighbourhood became very attractive to immigrants seeking to achieve their American dream in a multilingual and multicultural city located close to the future Expo 67 site.

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However, this optimism was challenged by tragedy. The explosion of a gas line created a 20-foot-deep crater and killed 28 residents of Jardins de LaSalle, according to the historical report Tragédie à LaSalle, l’explosion du 1er mars 1965 (2016) by Denis Gravel. Nevertheless, Expo 67 was not affected by the tragedy, even though it took place less than one kilometre from the highway connecting Montreal to the exposition. The neighbourhood was left isolated in its mourning while the city celebrated the optimism of Expo 67. The neighbourhood remains marked by this tragedy to this day, and it is time for it to begin a new chapter in its urban development.

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Many efforts by the city and local population have led to urban redevelopment plans, including the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plan, whose final report was submitted on December 13, 2023, and the Lachine-East Eco-district, published on April 2, 2024. In addition, the new Highlands of LaSalle residential project is a first step toward densifying this isolated suburb. On the other side of the highway, the Airlie-Bayne revitalization zone aims to improve living conditions for marginalized immigrant populations, primarily of Nigerien origin and without permanent residency, according to the 2021 census.

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My thesis project is located at the intersection of five major initiatives.

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First, the Lachine eco-district and the LaSalle TOD plan propose the construction of six-storey residential buildings, a commercial office hub as part of the Lachine Canal 4.0 plan, and the creation of a civic hub with a new community centre and sports centre on the other side of the canal. The plans also include a pedestrian connection between the Highlands and the Lachine eco-district. With this new density, a new tramway network is planned to connect LaSalle to Angrignon metro station, currently served by bus 112 on Airlie Street and bus 106 on Newman Street.

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Third and fourth are the Lower Highlands and Upper Highlands. These two sectors differ in household income according to the 2021 census: in the Lower Highlands, the average income is $50,000 CAD, while in the Upper Highlands it is $75,000 CAD. Visible minorities are also predominant in the Lower Highlands and Jardins de LaSalle. These sectors are currently separated by a railway line and a rugged terrain approximately 4 metres high. However, the Lower Highlands and the new construction in the Upper Highlands present an interesting density that can inspire the redevelopment of Jardins de LaSalle, at more than 200 people per hectare.

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However, mobility alone is not sufficient to support this density. The existing train station is located on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, and buses 112 and 106 run every 30 minutes throughout the day without connecting to the train station. To provide mobility adapted to this new density, the project proposes a new commuter train station with a pedestrian bridge connecting the Highlands to Jardins de LaSalle while respecting universal accessibility. In addition, bus frequency could increase to every 2–5 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes outside peak hours. This would ensure connectivity with downtown through the new train station and bus connections to Angrignon station.

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Finally, the Airlie-Bayne urban revitalization zone will be connected to the neighbourhood through the development of bike paths and higher-frequency bus service.

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Inspired by the Airlie-Bayne revitalization report and two previous projects for newcomers built in Winnipeg, my thesis project is framed around the themes of mobility, affordability, public/community spaces, private/political spaces, and water management integrated with the creation of new green spaces.

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I propose a community core and commercial/civic hub in front of the new Jardins de LaSalle train station, along a community axis connecting Ménard Park with the Highlands. The public square will include café terraces, restaurants, and a two-storey affordable supermarket. The north wing of the public square will house a community centre open to the public, with an entrance facing Ménard Park to connect with this existing civic and recreational hub, recently redeveloped in 2021. The street will function as a mobility hub with local bus stops in front of the train station.

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Finally, the public square near the train station will include sponge forecourts to collect and treat rainwater, which will then be reused in the train station toilets, the residential building toilets, and for cleaning streets and public spaces.

The hierarchy of public and private spaces is key to this project in order to account for political differences and the diverse customs of the populations who will live there. The development of collective housing for 250 newcomers in need of housing is inspired by Welcome Place by 5468796 Architecture (2010), including a collective kitchen and a nearby medical centre that can also serve the broader community.

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Today, LaSalle residents are largely ethnic minorities, and the neighbourhood supports a wide diversity of religions, customs, and traditions. My choice of the Manitoba Start Arrival Services project (2012) serves as a basis for designing public spaces that help integrate newcomers into LaSalle’s community programs and the job market.

The integration of an early childhood centre within the community centre is also planned for daytime use, while the space could benefit the adult population in the evening through intercultural activities.