History and Mission

History

For the past several years, those interested in Montréal’s economic and urban development consider the Harbourfront as a territory worthy of special attention. In order to more closely examine the issues of such development, the City of Montréal convened the key stakeholders interested in their city’s future, specifically that of its Harbourfront, during the Montréal Summit in spring 2002. The main challenge with regard to this territory consisted in balancing public and private interests within an engaging and unifying development plan inspired by an integrated vision of the sector and enabling the various stakeholders to project a cohesive overall layout. This plan needs to identify the development desired and propose various intervention scenarios. As such, in October 2002, the Société du Havre de Montréal was founded with the support of the municipal, provincial and federal governments. It was born of the desire to continue the development efforts already launched for this territory. Its mission is to propose, for both the Harbourfront and its surrounding urban areas, the guidelines for a concerted development plan, along with a relevant implementation and financing strategy. From this is drawn a two-pronged task, enacted now to benefit the future, that consists in creating a planning and development vision for the Montréal Harbourfront and its river that does justice to both its heritage and future, and rethinking the connections between the river and the city to rebuild closer, more mutually beneficial ties.

Mission

The mission of the Société du Havre de Montréal is to propose, for both the Harbourfront and its surrounding urban areas, the guidelines for a concerted development plan, along with a relevant implementation and financing strategy.

Objectives

• Make the Montréal harbourfront an exemplary model of urban and sustainable development
• Develop and consolidate the harbourfront as a high-quality urban habitat
• Create a world-class hub of recreational and tourism activities
•  Foster economic growth and job creation
• Develop the isolated areas to the south of downtown
• Improve access to the River, its banks and recreational/tourism hubs