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The city of Montreal wants to prevent that oops moment when a new neighbourhood is built and it emerges that there’s no land left over for a park, a school or a community centre.

For years, residents have been asking that major housing projects include public amenities like schools, libraries and green space.

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On Thursday, Éric Alan Caldwell, the executive committee member responsible for urban planning, said the city is adopting a legislative tool that will allow it to pre-empt land for public use.

The power to do so was included in a provincial bill passed last year that awarded the city metropolis status.

In addition to new powers — control over bar and store hours, housing, health, the homeless and the integration of immigrants — Bill 121 enables Montreal to match purchase offers on land needed for community purposes like roads, parks and sports facilities.

Caldwell said city council will adopt a bylaw enshrining the right of pre-emption at its monthly meeting next week.