My neighbourhood in METAMORPHOSIS

The District Central is readying itself for an emblematic, lasting transformation. Landscaping, greening, sustainable development… It’s up to us to create a vibrant, inspiring, rich, unifying, inclusive ecosystem.

READY TO SEE THE NEIGHBOURHOOD'S MORPHOLOGY TRANSFORM?

Discover the project

A key identity project

How do we move from an industrial neighbourhood to a verdant business district? In light of numerous consultations, the SDC District Central and its partners will be implementing a series of initiatives between now and 2028 to create stimulating living environments, foster the growth of flourishing businesses and bring real sustainable development to fruition.

Event organised by the SDC District Central.

here, we sow the seeds of flourishing projects

Sown in May 2023, the first phase of this metamorphosis seeks to address the needs expressed by our neighbourhood’s workers, business leaders, residents and visitors over the last number of years. Our leading feature is La Prairie Louvain — a monumental sunflower field that will brighten the entire neighbourhood.

After the success of its first edition with its 10,000 sunflowers, La Prairie Louvain is transformed in 2024 into a wild meadow of vibrant colors, mixing perennials and annuals.

Discover LA PRAIRIE Louvain

Our ambition

By 2040, our collective ambition is to become the greenest borough in Montreal.

That’s why the SDC District Central is focusing its efforts on these levers of change:

Showcase the vitality of our trendsetting territory

Grow our business sectors: design, urban manufacturing and technology

Become a pivotal area on Montreal’s economic scene

Facilitate the District’s accessibility and mobility

Give the neighbourhood a life of its own

Bank on sustainable development and a circular economy

Collective metamorphosis

Through its legendary history, the District Central has been fertile ground. At the moment, all its elements are grouped together to fulfill its maximum potential: sustainable mobility, a committed community and acknowledgement within Montreal’s socioeconomic ecosystem.

The District Central will undergo a remarkable transformation on the human scale, both locally and throughout the metropolis.

A larger-than-life showpiece (La Prairie Louvain), four-season trails, urban agriculture, leisure spaces, a large, rich and varied territory, a healthy dose of innovation and promising business sectors…

The District Central has what it takes for a successful metamorphosis. This transformation aims to increase biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island effect and create a more stimulating living environment – in the short, medium and long term.

See the action PLAN

Le Champ Lexical – Areas of intervention in District Central.

FIELDS AND SIGNAGE

Here is where we effect change

Fields, lighting, markings on the ground, lighting, murals… The blue skies and green grounds will be bedecked with yellow flowers that will spruce up the entire neighbourhood and act as a bridge between its spaces.

URBAN FURNISHINGS

Here is where trailblazers are woven

Inspired by the area’s genesis and machines that weave fabric — the raw material behind all innovations in fashion, our four-season urban furnishings are truly progressive.

EVENTS

It’s a hive of activity here

Yoga, musical performances, cinema under the stars, food trucks… Here, ideas intertwine, pollinate and restore their surroundings. All that’s left to do is to enjoy!

SEE SCHEDULE »

THE RETURN OF LA PRAIRIE Louvain

A monumental field of flowers to visit

Live an immersive experience in which you can admire

The return of the emblematic sunflower, this time surrounded by a diversity of species.
A multicolored meadow of perennials and annuals celebrating biodiversity.
A selection of plants used to make textiles, underlining the link with local industry.
A creative installation of a monumental arch, evoking the buildings that frame the site and the curtains that hang from their windows.

Opening hours: daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, except Thursdays, closing at 8 PM – free of charge

La Prairie Louvain

ALL ROADS LEAD TO LA PRAIRIE LOUVAIN

The SDC District Central is proud to
encourage sustainable mobility.

SEE LA PRAIRIE ON THE MAP »

Crémazie

BUS – 54 WEST

To Chabanel / Esplanade

Walk 250 m

SAUVÉ

BUS – 121 WEST

To Sauvé / Saint-Laurent

Walk 900 m

AMT + train

Chabanel station + walk 950 m

Ahuntsic station + walk 1,6 km

Sauvé station + walk 1,1 km

Corner Chabanel/Tolhurst

Corner Chabanel/Park Ave.

A SINGLE SEED THAT GERMINATES IS ENOUGH TO BOOST AN ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM.

The field will welcome workers and citizens with two brightly lit paths, street furniture and numerous events.

SOWING MONUMENTALITY

Back to our roots: back in the day, the District Central was cradled by the workings of the soil. By seeding the land once again, we are providing our neighbourhood with a lifeline. Sunflowers can grow several metres in a single summer and are just the thing to launch this great adventure.

POLLINATING AND CULTIVATING COMMUNITY

Sunflowers as social catalysts: by the sheer scope of the project, our sunflowers will hold a significant power of attraction over citizens. They’ll be a reason for folks to enjoy the grounds, share moments together and forge relationships. Our plants will inspire people to connect, by pollinating new ideas and making them blossom.

HARVESTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A local and circular economy: thanks to their seeds, sunflowers bring to mind the neighbourhood’s productivity, resiliency and aptitude for renewal. The sunflower plant yields edible oil and seeds, pollination and — let’s state the obvious — a majestic effect. The harvest is already looking bountiful!

“I think a lot of people know that the area to be very productive a lot of things going on in this area”
Sean Henry (CBC Daybreak Montreal)

“Armela Cucuzzella is the Research Chair in Integrated Design and Sustainability for the Built Environment at Concordia University, where she also teaches design. She said the SDC’s plan has the potential to redefine how residents think and feel about their neighbourhood.”
Cassandra Yanez-Leyton (CBC News)

READ OUR PRESS RELEASE