Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a unanimous position to provide up to $1,600,000 to SOLIDES for demolition of the building at 1030, rue Beaubien Est and 6469, rue Boyer in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. This is an orientation for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting. The stated goal is to make the site safe and enable a future social-housing project.
- The proposed contribution would cover eligible demolition costs and related professional fees.
- The money would go into a notary’s trust account; the notary would pay the demolition contractor and professionals.
- After demolition, SOLIDES must transfer the property at no charge by August 31, 2027, unless the city approves a later date in writing. The city chooses whether it goes to the city or a new organization.
- The city’s housing service director would be authorized to sign the notary’s professional-services contract.
- The earlier agreement envisioned converting the building into 19 affordable rental homes for vulnerable people. This decision concerns demolition, not a defined replacement housing project.
What it means for you#
- SOLIDES: The proposed funding is conditional on the agreement’s terms, including the free transfer of the property after demolition.
- City and taxpayers: If the agglomeration council approves the orientation, the city would provide up to $1,600,000 from the housing service’s operating budget.
- People seeking social housing: City staff say the land is intended for a future social-housing project. This decision does not set out that project’s size, timing, or eligibility rules.
Money#
The proposed contribution is up to $1,600,000, from the city housing service’s operating budget, to be paid in 2026 if approved.
- The amount is an estimate of demolition costs, including related professional fees.
- The city had already approved up to $13,796,905 for the earlier project and had paid $7.6 million for acquisition, related costs, professional fees and interior stripping.
- City staff say they will seek approval to use the remaining $6,124,665 from the earlier funding for a new social-housing project. That approval has not been obtained.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not include the full contribution agreement, so its other payment conditions and rules cannot be verified.
- The future housing project, its operator, timeline and number of homes are not specified.
- It is unclear whether approval will be obtained to use the remaining earlier funding for a new project.
Case for#
- City staff say engineers found major defects in the building’s structural façades and that it cannot be recovered. They say demolition is needed for safety.
- Staff say SOLIDES cannot pay for demolition, and approvals to use the earlier federal housing contribution for it were not obtained. A separate city contribution addresses that funding gap.
- Requiring a free transfer to the city or a new organization could keep the site available for a future social-housing project.
Case against#
- The city would add up to $1,600,000 in public funding after already approving up to $13,796,905 for the original project.
- The earlier plan for 19 affordable homes is not replaced here with a defined project. The future housing outcome and the use of the remaining earlier funding are uncertain.
- SOLIDES must transfer the property at no charge, with the city choosing the recipient. The materials do not explain how the city will choose a new organization or what terms would govern the future project.