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LaSalle TOD
By : AECOM
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Concept / concept in landscape and/or urban development : Platinum Winner
Categories : Urban Design / TOD Project : Silver Certification
The area near LaSalle station, located on the Candiac line of Montreal’s commuter train network, is characterized by the presence of underutilized urban spaces and enclave residential neighborhoods with low densities. In this respect, in 2021 the LaSalle Borough awarded AECOM a mandate for the detailed planning of the LaSalle TOD area, aiming to refurbishing the area, enhancing its heritage and promoting the use of active and public transport. The project complies with the metropolitan planning objectives, which targets household growth around public transport infrastructures.
The vision emerges from an extensive participatory process including a co-design workshop with the population, a survey to measure support for the development scenarios, and interviews with certain key players. It honors the area’s multiple identities, weaving a convivial fabric while enhancing its industrial heritage. Implementing this vision will be an opportunity to create a friendly, welcoming, sustainable and interconnected living environment.
The development concept offers residential densification that is articulated and adapted to the various land interfaces with potential for transformation and optimization. It aims at adding around 2,000 dwellings, raising the average density to 114 dwellings per hectare in the main hub. An additional area of over 125,000 m2 of office and industrial space is also proposed, as well as over 15,000 m2 of commercial space and over one potential hectare of new parkland.
In order to promote the harmonious integration of new buildings within the existing urban fabric, proposed heights do not exceed six storeys in places, and are modulated according to the morphological particularities.
To give the area a more human scale, increase its connectivity and encourage the use of active modes of transport, several new streets and active links, both public and private, have been incorporated into the concept. These axes constitute proper green spaces, with bioretention infrastructures, various plantings and spaces adapted to the comfort of pedestrians and cyclists. The erection of a new intermodal hub is also a strong gesture in favor of the use of public transport.
In the end, the concept puts forward the intersection of three major deployment strategies dealing with mobility and greening (streets, parks and squares) as well as land optimization (adapted density). A genuine architectural strategy was developed to this end.
Various new spaces, both publicly and privately held, are planned as part of the development of this TOD area. These include multi-purpose forecourts that will showcase heritage facilities or link to new buildings on the land to be transformed. Other developments are also envisaged, such as a lively public square at the intersection of Jean-Milot Street and Lafleur Avenue, a neighborhood park (Wanklyn), as well as gathering spaces enhancing the station and Seagram heritage buildings. The design celebrates the area’s exceptional industrial heritage, reflecting its rich history and proximity to the Lachine Canal and rail lines. In addition, it proposes new resilient public amenities, reflecting best practices in sustainable development and ecological transition.
Collaboration
