McGill University Community Sustainment

Introduction

	Our mandate:
	To assess potential sites for an ecologically sustainable, diverse, and co-operative residence.
	To provide our client with the best recommendations for the advancement of this project

Shortlist of buildings ÒThe Six PackÓ

Narrowing the shortlist

Analysis of les Habitations Jeanne-Mance

Proposed Physical Changes

Existing Social Linkages

Slide 8

Issues

	Fate of Jeanne Mance in 2009 / Province is not involved
	Politics of the site
	Diversity of current population and perceptions of project
	Proximity to CŽgep and UQAM
	Private interests
	CityÕs acceptance (PRU underway)

Analysis of 20-30 Avenue Mont Royal Ouest

Slide 11

Parking & Transit

Pedestrian and Vehicular Movement

Lighting, Safety and Wind

Issues

	Building has small artistic/professional businesses and residents (7% vacancy)
	Area is gentrifying and building and land values have been  increasing
	Building consumes the whole lot
	Parking dilemma

Analysis of the Montreal Chest Institute

Slide 17

Parking & Transit

Pedestrian & Vehicular Movement

Issues

	Research clinic intends to take over two buildings on west of street.
	Admin building needs over $1 mil in renovations.
	St. Urbain is a busy and potentially dangerous street.
	There are many services available for residents, although community gardens are lacking.

Other issues and recommendations

Recommendations

	The scope of the project is likely too large for current market conditions. MUCS will have more success starting with a pilot project of between 10-20 units.
		Amount of money needed will be smaller
		It will be better to deal with unexpected problems at this smaller scale
		It is a chance to prove that the ecological model can be brought into the downtown
		Integration can be assessed without ÒdumpingÓ hundreds of students into a community

Recommendations

	MUCS needs to identify like-minded partners who can fund the project. Possibilities are:
		Adding a substantial social housing component and seeking government assistance
		Working with McGill, which may lead to a more conventional building
		Finding existing groups that want to setup co-op projects and working with the ÒgreenestÓ
		Working with developers committed to ecological design.

Recommendations

	MUCS needs to Òget professionalÓ, by forming an official body to deal with partners and developing a business plan.
		Before you start asking for money, you need to be able to prove how much you need and how you will pay it back
		Coming up with a self-financing plan will add credibility to the project
		Forming more official structures will help ease confusion about who MUCS is and who speaks for you.

Consultations

	Ms. Isabel Corral, McGill University Health Centre
	Brian Karasick, McGill Planning Office
	Jason Prince, Corporation de DŽveloppement ƒconomique et Communautaire, NDG
	Martin Bazinet, NDG Community Council
	Danielle Juteau, Les Habitations Jeanne-Mance
	Sylvie Simard, CLSC des Faubourgs
	Alex Hill, Alternatives
	Phillip Carpenter, Floor Fellow Ð Gardner Hall, School of Engineering
	Stephanie Brown, Undergraduate McGill Student
	Francois Thivierge, Centre Dollard-Cormier
	David Hill, Gestion DHC, Real Estate & Management
	Jane Rabinowicz, Santropol Roulant

Thank You