Public Consultation Begins on Séville Block Rehabilitation in Western Downtown

Montréal, April 6, 2009 – The Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) consultation process begins tomorrow on the redevelopment project for the Séville block in the western downtown area of the borough of Ville-Marie.

The project aims to redevelop the properties along the north side of Sainte-Catherine Street West, between Chomedey and Lambert-Closse Streets, including the old Séville theatre building. The plans call for the demolition of buildings and the construction of a student residence building. The site is currently occupied by three-storey buildings, all of which are now vacant. These buildings were constructed between the end of the 19^th century and 1930. The old Séville theatre building is slated for heritage treatment.

The project planned for the site requires variances to the urban planning by-law of the borough of Ville-Marie and to the Montréal Master Plan in terms of density and height. The city council gave the Office the mandate to proceed with the consultation pursuant to section 89.5 of the Charter. A referendum register may be opened following the consultation. The “Résidences Séville” project would include community, recreational and administrative spaces, in addition to 1155 rooms for students.

The first information session will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting, representatives of both the City and the developer will present the project and required legislative amendments. Citizens may then ask any questions they like. The presentation of briefs will be held three weeks later, on Tuesday, April 28, also at 7:00 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the offices of the OCPM, 1550 Metcalfe Street, 14^th Floor (Peel Métro).

All available information pertaining to the consultation may be obtained at the offices of the OCPM, the Direction du Greffe de la Ville de Montréal, 275 Notre-Dame Street East, and the Ville-Marie borough office, 888 de Maisonneuve Boulevard East, 5^th Floor. The documentation is also available on the Office Web site at www.ocpm.qc.ca. For information, please call 514 872-8510.

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Luc Doray
Tel.: 514 872-3568
Cell: 514 977-8365