Article content

The city of Montreal has identified more than 300 lots in its central boroughs where it will exercise its newfound “right of first refusal” in order to purchase private land or buildings for the purpose of low-cost or subsidized housing.

“What this means is that the city will have a chance to buy, before anyone else, land or buildings that are put up for sale in priority sectors that have been identified,” Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said in a news conference on Monday.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Montreal claims first right of refusal on 300 properties for social housing Back to video

“In a booming market like Montreal’s, where land and buildings are in short supply on the market and quickly find buyers when they are available, this right of first refusal will make it easier for us to get our hands on lots that can accommodate community and social housing.”

Montreal signed a new deal with the Quebec government in 2016, known as the “Réflexe Montréal agreement”, which granted the metropolis more power, including that the city must be given the option to purchase certain lands for certain purposes. The administration has already passed bylaws identifying properties where it will exercise this right in order to build libraries, schools, sports facilities and parks.