Description
What if yesterday’s factories and forgotten lots could become the foundation of tomorrow’s most sustainable communities?
Across Canada, post-industrial lands sit idle—contaminated, underused and disconnected. But these places hold extraordinary potential. With the right vision and strategy, municipalities can breathe new life into these sites, turning them into neighbourhoods that are climate-resilient, economically vibrant and socially inclusive.
In Montréal’s southwest boroughs, a team of designers, engineers and researchers collaborated to reimagine underused areas. They prioritized the reuse of existing structures, integrated green infrastructure and created pathways for community involvement offering a scalable model for municipalities across Canada.
Why embrace circular neighbourhood planning?
- Reuse before you rebuild: Save money and reduce carbon by adapting existing structures
- Design with intention: Use life cycle analysis (LCA) to guide low-impact development
- Build climate-ready communities: Integrate green infrastructure and clean energy solutions
- Engage communities in the process: Use collaborative approaches that prioritize local voices
- Lead with policy: Activate policy levers that empower municipalities to drive circular change
The factsheet highlights a real-world pilot in LaSalle, Ville Saint-Pierre, and Lachine-Est that explores how to move from theory to action, from neglected to reimagined. Whether you’re leading planning efforts, shaping policy, or looking for inspiration, this is your blueprint for action.