Combining sustainable development and economic growth – Ensemble Montréal favourable to a model project in the area of green technologies in Montréal’s east end
Montréal, July 23, 2018 – The Leader of Ensemble Montréal, Mr. Lionel Perez, and the spokesman of the Official Opposition for economic development, Mr. Aref Salem, give their support to a project by Solargise, a British company in the clean energy sector that wishes to locate on the site of the current Métropolitain Anjou golf club in east-end Montréal.
The company, which has developed a new technology for the manufacture of recyclable and non-polluting solar panels, would create 1,000 direct jobs in addition to establishing a green technologies research centre in a labour market that’s been neglected for many years, thanks to an investment of $2.3 billion.
“To Ensemble Montréal, it’s obvious that this project combining sustainable development, high technology and economic growth would contribute to energize and redefine east-end Montréal’s industrial sector while strengthening the position of our metropolis in the world economy. This is why we support it,” affirmed Mr. Perez.
The only obstacle that’s blocking Solargise is the desire of the Plante administration to expand the Anjou Woods nature park on the site coveted by the company. Announced last May, this park proposal was endorsed by Ensemble Montréal councillors at the June 18 council meeting. However, they had not been informed of the Solargise project which had already been submitted to the administration. Since then, the Executive Committee has placed a land reserve on several lots of the Métropolitain Anjou golf course.
“We deplore the fact that information may have been hidden from the elected representatives when a vote of Council was being held. Having heard about the project in full detail, we are convinced it is an economic opportunity that must not be missed. The hesitation of the Plante administration at the vast potential of this transformative project is absolutely deplorable. Faced with such a large investment, one would have expected the mayor to give it a priority” declared Mr. Perez, recalling that Solargise is supported by the Québec government, Montréal International, the Metropolitan Montréal Board of Trade, Hydro-Québec and many other economic players.
A green site accessible to the public
Ensemble Montréal is enthusiastic about this project which fits perfectly with Montréal’s developing clean technologies cluster. The creation of a high technology cluster reinforcing Québec’s know-how in the field of renewable energies is excellent news, particularly in the core of this industrial neighbourhood where the lands are highly contaminated by previous industrial activity.
“The environmental qualities of the project itself are amplified by the fact that the company is ready to devote 30% of the site’s surface area to the creation of green spaces accessible to the public. The development of a technological campus in the heart of green spaces and woodlands will be an extremely positive model for the future. This is exactly the type of investment that will build Montréal’s industrial future,” added Mr. Salem.
Ensemble Montréal councillors are aware of the issues and challenges of Montréal’s east end, since they represent the boroughs of Montréal-Nord, Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles and Saint-Léonard, as well as the Louis-Riel district of the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
“This sector is the third-largest job market in Montréal. The mayor is constantly trumpeting that the east end of Montréal needs love and investments. It’s time now to take action. There is fierce competition to attract this type of green industry,” concluded Mr. Salem.
