A New Urban Chapter Begins in Montréal

Montréal, June 19, 2025 – Canada Lands Company is unveiling a major project that will redefine the urban landscape of Saint-Laurent borough.

The master plan for the redevelopment of the former National Film Board (NFB) head office located at 3155 Côte-de-Liesse Road, proposes a bold transformation: to create an inspiring neighbourhood deeply rooted in the values of sustainability, creativity, and community living.

Just steps from the future Côte-de-Liesse REM station, this strategic site of nearly 49,000 square meters (528,000 square feet)—equivalent to six football fields—will become a true hub of life, designed with and for the community. The project, the result of a collaborative process launched in 2023, brought together residents, community groups, experts, and municipal representatives to imagine a shared future.

Three Pillars, One Vision: A Complete, Human, and Inspiring Neighbourhood

The master plan is built around three complementary pillars that will bring new energy to the area:
•    Residential Hub: An inclusive living environment with 700 housing units, 50% of which will be below-market, and integrated community spaces to promote social diversity and accessibility.
•    Commercial and Office Hub: An economic engine with local shops and innovative workspaces, representing 35% of the site’s area.
•    Arts and Culture Hub: A living tribute to cultural and cinematic heritage, with the restoration of iconic studios and the creation of a creative hub where art and innovation meet.

A Model for Sustainable Development

•    Preservation of Built Heritage: 80% of existing buildings will be reused, reducing the carbon footprint and honoring the site’s history.
•    Generous Green Spaces: Over 8,860 square meters of new parks and green areas will enhance quality of life.
•    Mobility and Connectivity: A new street will connect to Carré Benoit, strengthening ties between neighbourhoods.
•    Clean Energy: A carbon-neutral district energy system will be implemented, and LEED certifications will be pursued for all buildings.

A Vision Becoming Reality

Decontamination and infrastructure work will begin once final approvals are received from the City. In 2026, Canada Lands Company will launch its land sale or lease program and seek proposals for the commercial zone.

About Canada Lands Company

Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation specializing in real estate development and attraction management. Since 1995, it has contributed to enriching communities and the Canadian experience by unlocking the full potential of the properties it owns and operates in Montréal and across Canada. The Company acquires, transforms, and reintegrates surplus federal lands into sought-after communities, helping to create housing. Canada Lands is also a recognized leader in managing iconic tourist attractions, including the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto, as well as the Montreal Science Centre and the Old Port of Montreal. Canada Lands strives to increase economic, social, and environmental value in all its real estate and attraction projects and is proud to have generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for the Government of Canada since its inception.

For more information about Côte-de-Liesse visit: https://engage.clc-sic.ca/cote-de-liesse