Amid a housing shortage in the Montreal area, development disputes are unfolding in various locations, including vacant land, natural reserves, and previously untouched waterfront areas. Proposals for new construction are facing opposition from local residents, from a protected forest in the West Island to green space on Nun’s Island.
As demand for housing rises, future municipal leaders will be under pressure to strike a balance between urgent development needs and environmental conservation, while also addressing resistance from residents wary of neighborhood transformations. In Pointe-Claire, plans to build on a forest near Fairview Mall have sparked disagreement among residents ahead of the upcoming municipal election.
Save Fairview Forest, a local environmental group, advocates for protecting the entire forest instead of clearing trees, suggesting alternative development options such as reworking the existing mall site or its extensive parking area. Similar debates are occurring citywide and in suburban areas, with the need for more housing facing challenges from citizen opposition and zoning regulations.
Government consultations have been held to address the conflict between residents’ rights and the necessity for increased housing supply. In Westmount, the approval of a development plan for four 20-story residential towers has stirred controversy, with concerns raised about the project’s impact on the city’s heritage character and suitability for families.
On Montreal’s South Shore, an environmental group in Châteauguay is resisting the development of a woodland along Highway 30, citing concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of one of the last forested areas in the region. The ongoing debates underscore the delicate balance between housing needs and preserving green spaces in the Montreal region.
Following a housing start uptick in 2025, experts emphasize the ongoing demand for more housing units, particularly multi-unit buildings close to public transportation. Despite construction cost challenges, the push for increased housing density around new REM stations remains crucial for attracting residents who rely on public transit. In Pointe-Claire, there are calls for a harmonious approach that safeguards the forest, develops existing asphalt areas, and upholds the quality of life for current and future residents.