There was some lively debate on this blog back in November when the plans for the old Canada Post site in Pointe-St-Charles (site tri-postal) were released. Now its time to make those comments heard by decision makers. The OPCM is holding a public information and question session next Tuesday, February 17th.
In my previous post, I was optimistic about the project after speaking with an architect from L’OEUF, who enthusiastically described the family-oriented housing plans and measures that are being taken to obtain a LEED Neighbourhood Development certification. The last couple pages of the developers’ proposal (pdf) are interesting because they break down the measures that could be taken to meet the LEED criteria.
On the other hand, the Save Griffintown blog gave the project a more critical rundown in a post entitled Nice Idea, but Not a Neighbourhood. Author AJ Kandy gives a nod to Canada Lands’ sustainability objectives but criticizes the layout of basins, buildings and public spaces, saying it resembles a Shenzen iPod factory more than an urban mixed-use neighbourhood.
He also points out that, while the developers focus on reconnecting historic Basin street, the development seems to turn its back on Ottawa street, where it ties in with the rest of the neighbourhood:
“Where Guy Street meets it at Ottawa, it shies away with an unwelcoming windswept plaza. Ottawa Street is fronted not with businesses or housing, but rather is flinched away from with set-back berms, which practically guarantees that it’ll remain a dead thoroughfare.”
Expect questions about contamination as 84% of the soil on the site needs some level of treatment. Digging up the historic basins should get rid of the most severely contaminated soils (the bassins were originally filled in with dirt excavated from the metro system). Traffic and transit will also no doubt be on the agenda.
WHEN: Feb 17, 19h
WHERE: l’Église Imani Family & Full Gospel Church, 540 rue Richmond.
Image: Canada Post site, looking North from the Lachine Canal. Image from the Bassins du Nouveau Havre Plan Directeur.
2 comments
But a berm is green, and thus “green space” and instantly wonderful.
If they get rid of the soil contamination at the same time as building this project then I’d say it’s worth it. Doubt that will happen though.