Prospérité Humaine: Gouin-Laurentien 2040
By: Magda Barrera, Christian Binette, Thushanti Selvarajah, Colin Stewart
McGill University School of Urban Planning
Studio 1
Fall 2012
Introduction
This Master Plan is a proposal to promote the economic development of the Gouin-Laurentien sector in Ahuntsic-Cartierville for the purpose of providing residents with an enviable quality of life. Research conducted during a preliminary phase of the project had identified a number of problems including a shortage of affordable, family-size housing, lack of an attractive built environment, difficulty in retaining residents, high levels of unemployment, and stagnant or decaying commercial corridors. At the same time, the sector presents important strengths such as commercial corridors, large local institutions, the slated arrival of two new metro stations, and the existence of underutilized plots of land which can be effectively used for economic development. This plan seeks to capitalize on these current strengths to revitalize the economy and develop a prosperous and dynamic neighborhood. It is structured along three main goals: increasing employment, revitalizing commercial activity, and attracting investment. In order to achieve these goals, it presents objectives and initiatives in a wide range of areas including public transportation, job training, new development projects, and the built environment. The concept map and master plan present graphical representations of our proposed vision for the Gouin-Laurentien sector in 2040.
Vision
This Master Plan is based on a vision for a dynamic, prosperous local economy that serves the need of local residents. The Gouin-Laurentien sector will be a vibrant and complete neighborhood, characterized by active commercial corridors with varied retail and service offerings, numerous employment opportunities for local residents, and an attractive urban setting. Local institutions and new development projects will be well-integrated into the neighborhood fabric, acting as agents for economic development. The new metro stations will increase access to the rest of the city, while residents will benefit from greater pedestrian connections and interlinked parks and greenways. Local residents will also find it easier to remain in the neighbourhood thanks to the construction of affordable, family-size housing tailored to the diverse population that makes up the sector. Finally, a coherent and well-designed built environment will provide an attractive and appealing setting for urban dwellers to live, shop and work in Gouin-Laurentien.
Concept Plan
Master Plan
Goal 1: Increase access to employment for local residents
Goal 2: Revitalize commerce
Goal 3: Create an attractive environment for investment
Transit oriented development at the Bois Franc station
Public transportation connections
