Quartier Concordia in city budget

The City of Montreal has officially recognized the Quartier Concordia project and will be investing in its development. The announcement was part of the Montreal budget for 2007, released Nov. 29.

Quartier Concordia will transform the Sir George Williams Campus from a random collection of buildings into a welcoming and cohesive urban environment in the area bordered by Sherbrooke, Guy and Bishop Sts. and René Lévesque Blvd.

While Mayor Gérald Tremblay and Ville-Marie Borough Mayor Benoit Labonté have publicly endorsed the project, this is the first time funding for the project has been mentioned in the budget. The amount is unspecified.

The goals of the Quartier Concordia project include improving the use of outdoor spaces, stimulating street life, and providing respite for the Concordia community and the public.

Quartier Concordia will maintain a welcoming environment for the Concordia community and the surrounding neighbourhood, highlight landmarks, improve the use of space, promote the display of artwork and create a distinct campus environment within the downtown core.

Two years ago, the Montreal firm Groupe Cardinal Hardy worked with the university on a design for the area. For images, please go to buildings.concordia.ca/sgw/quartier.php.