West Island Road Study Sparks Hope for Pierrefonds Development Amid Legal Battle
Montreal's latest capital works program includes a study for an urban boulevard connecting to the future Kirkland REM station, potentially reviving a long-stalled residential development project in Pierrefonds. This move comes as real-estate developers pursue a $258 million lawsuit against the city, alleging disguised expropriation of their land.
City's Capital Works Program Raises Questions
The issue stems from a sentence in the city's 2026 municipal operating budget unveiled in January. The project description for a $60.5-million transportation corridor connecting buses and bicycles to the Kirkland REM station and Grand Parc de l'Ouest states the city will study the potential for "an urban boulevard to facilitate access to planned developments in the west."
Ali Argun, lawyer for the developers, told The Gazette that if the administration of Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada adds an urban boulevard for cars, it would effectively create the access route needed for their residential project. However, he emphasized that his clients are not requesting the boulevard themselves.
Mixed Signals and Legal Proceedings
Argun stated that Martinez Ferrada's Ensemble Montréal administration has offered no clear position on his clients' project, continuing what he described as years of mixed signals from the city. The developers—Développements Pierrefonds Inc., Les Immeubles l'Équerre Inc., and Quartier de l'Ouest de l'Île—remain frustrated by what their lawsuit alleges is bad faith by municipal authorities.
"The city's lawyer has stated there's 'nothing left to discuss,'" Argun said, "yet the city's urban planner is in constant contact with my clients' architect and is making requests for modifications to the project."
Mayor's Office Maintains Transportation Focus
Martinez Ferrada's office declined to comment on the matter since it's before the courts. Spokesperson Joanna Kanga emphasized that the transportation corridor continues to be planned as a bus and bicycle route.
"To date, the project continues with the aim of creating a public and active transportation corridor to better serve the Kirkland REM station and the Grand Parc de l'Ouest," Kanga said in a written response, noting preparatory work could begin as early as next year.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The developers originally filed a $178-million lawsuit against Montreal in 2019 after then-mayor Valérie Plante announced the creation of the Grand Parc de l'Ouest and declared that a long-planned urban boulevard would not be built. Plante stated that removing car access effectively blocked the developers' project.
After suspending the lawsuit for negotiations, the developers resurrected it in February 2025, seeking $258 million plus costs. The lawsuit alleges that statements and actions by Plante and other officials "constitute a veritable confiscation of the developers' private properties."
Community Concerns and Project Details
The citizens group Sauvons l'Anse-à-l'Orme, which opposes development on the lands, expressed concern about the urban boulevard study. Group spokesperson Sue Stacho said, "As unofficial stewards of the Grand Parc de l'Ouest, Sauvons l'Anse-à-l'Orme has grave concerns that this road will be a step closer to giving developers access that will facilitate a development."
The developers' project, now referred to as Cap-Nature de Pierrefonds-Ouest, calls for 3,800 housing units on two abutting properties, with another 600 units possible on a third property if the city approves greater density. Argun noted that road access exists via Pierrefonds Blvd., with only emergency vehicle access via Antoine-Faucon St. currently denied by the city.
Next Steps in Legal Process
Both sides are scheduled to appear in court in April to establish a schedule for motions and procedural steps before trial dates can be set. Argun said the city's proposed schedule extends to October 2027, meaning a trial might not occur before 2029 if proceedings follow that timeline.
The developers maintain they have spent millions of dollars on plans and years acceding to municipal demands for project approval, only to face what they describe as contradictory actions from city officials.
