Montreal’s Hippodrome to become carbon neutral social housing, green spaces [Video]

The City of Montreal has unveiled its plans to convert the Namur-Hippodrome area into a carbon-neutral district focusing on social housing, public transportation and greenery.

Located in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, officials say they hope “the area will stand out for its urban and mobility innovation” and leave “a minimal environmental footprint.”

The plan is to build up to 20,000 new dwellings, including a potential 9,000 on the site of the former hippodrome race track.

“A significant portion of these dwelling units will be meant for social and community housing that will be affordable and family-friendly,” the city states.

There are also plans to have stores and businesses, as well as 14 hectares of green public spaces, including a central park and a green belt.

Officials note the area will be accessible and public transit-friendly with the addition of a tramway that will connect the district to the Metro system.

…