Roger-Luc Chayer (Photo: Portail Constructo)
Following the announcement of the redevelopment of the former site of the large multinational Molson, maker of several beer brands, the Gay Village in Montreal had high hopes for the arrival of thousands of new residents expected by 2027. But now, a major obstacle has arisen: the land is much more contaminated than anticipated, and the real estate developer doesn’t have the financial strength to cope with such a considerable expense.
According to the Journal de Montréal, « We have about a hundred million dollars in costs related to the decontamination of the site that we hadn’t necessarily planned for. […] I wouldn’t say the project is blocked, but we are in discussions with various government entities to find a solution together, » said Leonard Verrilli, Director of Major Projects at Montoni. Verrilli did not wish to disclose details about the type of toxic materials discovered on site.
Request for Government Assistance
Where things get complicated is that the developer is now requesting financial aid from the Quebec government. However, according to Minister France-Élaine Duranceau, the budget allocations available in the past are no longer available today. But the real question remains: why not hold billionaire Molson/Coors accountable for the environmental damage caused on this site, which was used by the company for decades without any real consideration for soil contamination?
Molson’s History in Montreal
Founded in 1786 by John Molson, Molson Brewery is one of the oldest companies in North America still in operation. Located in Montreal, on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, it has marked the city’s economic, social, and cultural history for over two centuries. In its early days, the brewery produced small quantities of beer for British settlers. Quickly, thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of the Molson family, the company grew to become a pillar of the Canadian brewing industry.
Molson also diversified its activities over time: rail transport, finance, theater — but beer remained at the heart of its identity. The Molson factory, located near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, became a Montreal landmark, visible from afar with its glowing logo.
In 2005, the company merged with Coors to form Molson Coors, a multinational corporation. In 2019, a shock occurred: the announcement of the closure of the Montreal brewery. The historic site, now slated to be transformed into a residential project, leaves behind a rich legacy but also significant environmental challenges.
A Necessary Accountability Legacy
Molson nonetheless sold its land and buildings to a consortium of developers for a handsome sum of 126 million dollars. Why not involve Molson in part of the decontamination costs? This gesture could represent a true legacy for the city of Montreal, after centuries of profits made from this site. The question is worth asking. Until these funds are found, the project risks being delayed — and Montrealers certainly don’t need such a setback amid the affordable housing crisis.
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