Saint-Laurent Gateway TOD Master Plans 2026
Saint-Laurent unveiled two overarching plans on May 12, 2026 that set a long-range course for the southern portion of the borough. The announcements mark a deliberate shift toward transit-oriented development (TOD) in two distinct but complementary ways: a Gateway Plan that envisions complete, walkable neighborhoods anchored by robust public transit access, and Hodge-Lebeau, Quebec’s first industrial TOD, designed to transform a major employment corridor around the Côte-de-Liesse REM station. The news arrives at a moment when REM service has already begun serving the area, with the Côte-de-Liesse station opening in November 2025, providing a physical backbone for the proposed transformation. This pairing of gateway-focused revitalization and an industrial TOD signal a data-driven strategy to rebalance land use, mobility, and economic activity in a borough that has long operated at the intersection of manufacturing, logistics, and regional growth. The public-facing rollout emphasizes measurable targets, greener streets, and more integrated local services, all anchored by the presence of high-capacity transit. In Saint-Laurent, the future is already here, and the two master plans chart a path toward decades of transformation. (montreal.ca)
Two master plans, one strategic objective, and a long horizon of implementation define the May 2026 move. The Gateway Plan covers a vast area of nearly 300 hectares and focuses on four major gateways that connect Saint-Laurent from the south: Alexis-Nihon, Marcel-Laurin, Décarie boulevards, and Avenue Sainte-Croix. The intent is to gradually redevelop industrial and commercial sites into mixed-use neighborhoods that are centered around public transit and active transportation. These neighborhoods would feature pedestrian-friendly, safe, green streets, along with housing, offices, community spaces, services, and local shops. The plan also identifies a substantial commitment to green space—up to 160,000 square meters—to combat heat islands, improve stormwater management, and provide places for leisure and recreation. The scale and ambition of the gateway concept reflect a deliberate design for a transit-oriented, climate-conscious, economically diversified southern Saint-Laurent. (montreal.ca)
On the industrial side, Hodge-Lebeau stands as Quebec’s first industrial TOD. The plan seeks to transform a strategic employment corridor adjacent to the REM station into a modern, innovative, and better-connected hub that accommodates industrial activity while incorporating TOD principles adapted to an industrial context. The master plan outlines an phased approach extending through the long term, with a target horizon that reaches into 2050. The REM station’s presence is central to this transformation, and the plan proposes a new innovation and mobility hub immediately around the Côte-de-Liesse REM node, including a public square and an overpass to cross the rail lines safely. The emphasis here is not only on densification of industrial sites but also on ensuring safety, efficiency, and collaboration among logistics stakeholders, workers, and nearby residents. The Hodge-Lebeau plan is explicitly designed to model how manufacturing and logistics jobs can coexist with high-quality urban spaces, affordable mobility options, and reduced travel times to the REM. (montreal.ca)
The combined message from the Saint-Laurent administration highlights a shared vision: improving residents’ quality of life, rethinking transportation modes to better connect neighborhoods, strengthening environmental resilience, and fostering innovative economic growth. The gateway and TOD strategies work in tandem to position Saint-Laurent as a connected gateway to Montréal’s south shore while establishing a modernized industrial base that can attract investment and talent. A representative statement from the municipal leadership captures this sentiment: “Today, Saint-Laurent is reaching a pivotal milestone in its development and entering a new phase in its history… we are laying the groundwork for future developments and improvements that will reflect our proposed vision: a community that is even greener, more innovative, better connected and more attractive—for both residents and businesses alike.” (montreal.ca)
What Happened
Gateway Plan: A complete, connected gateway showcase
- Scope and geography: The Gateway Plan targets nearly 300 hectares of Saint-Laurent’s southern area, focusing on four entry corridors that serve as the borough’s southern interfaces with the region: Alexis-Nihon, Marcel-Laurin, Décarie boulevards, and Avenue Sainte-Croix. The design emphasizes a phased approach to redeveloping large blocks of industrial and commercial sites into walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that prioritize transit accessibility and active transportation. The aim is to create a consistent, pedestrian-first urban experience along these gateways, with a balanced mix of housing, employment, retail, and public amenities. (montreal.ca)
- Key features and built form: The plan envisions a prestigious business district along the autoroute, a linear park running alongside railway corridors, a reimagined rear-rail crossing to improve pedestrian access, a new entrance shelter at the Du Collège metro station, and a redeveloped front area of the metro station to reduce congestion and improve the user experience. The four pillars of the gateway transformation include: a distinctive gateway business district, a connective linear park, a redesigned rail crossing that prioritizes safety and accessibility, and an integrated public realm with spaces for community life. The long-term outcome is a complete, green, transit-oriented, mixed-use precinct with housing, offices, services, schools, and local shops. (montreal.ca)
- Quantified outcomes: In aggregate, the gateway transformation is intended to accommodate up to 10,000 new residents, generate up to 200,000 square meters of business space, and create roughly 25,000 square meters of local retail and service spaces, along with a new school and 10,000 square meters of community and public spaces. These figures anchor the plan’s growth expectations and help translate the gateway vision into measurable development goals. (montreal.ca)
Hodge-Lebeau: Quebec’s first industrial TOD
- Industrial TOD, reimagined: The Hodge-Lebeau master plan is framed as an industrial TOD, a carefully crafted attempt to bring transit-oriented principles to a sector traditionally dominated by logistics and warehousing. Adjacent to the western gateways and bisected by REM infrastructure, the Hodge-Lebeau sector is described as a strategic employment hub that will be reorganized to align better with high-capacity transit access. The plan’s core idea is to reshape the corridor around the REM station to facilitate safer, more efficient movement for workers and deliveries, while fostering shared-use facilities and a more sustainable, innovative industrial ecosystem. The emphasis is on Industry 5.0 readiness, greener street networks, and a stronger connection to surrounding neighborhoods. (montreal.ca)
- Public space and mobility investments: A centerpiece of Hodge-Lebeau is a 6,000-square-meter public square surrounding the REM station, designed to help people orient themselves, wait, and gather. An elevated pedestrian and bicycle overpass crossing the CN rail tracks provides a critical east-west connection that reduces congestion at grade and improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan also calls for transforming Rue Hodge into safer, more efficient corridors—one-way eastbound traffic on that street, two protected one-way bike lanes, widened sidewalks, and improved tree lines—to support a healthier urban environment for workers and nearby residents. (montreal.ca)
- Phasing and long-term horizon: The Hodge-Lebeau TOD is framed as a multi-decade transformation, with progress measured in phases that will continue through 2050. The plan’s long horizon acknowledges the scale of industrial modernization, the complexities of logistics, and the need for coordinated investments in infrastructure, land use, and public realm improvements. The plan also emphasizes an approach that balances the needs of industrial activity with protected transit access, pedestrian comfort, and active mobility options. (montreal.ca)
A quick comparison at a glance
| Plan | Focus | Key Features | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Plan (Portes d’entrée) | Residential and commercial neighborhoods connected to transit | Four gateway corridors; new housing and services; linear park; enhanced REM access; redevelopment of Du Collège station frontage | Long-term, phased; aims to anchor growth for decades; public engagement ongoing (sessions to be announced) |
| Hodge-Lebeau TOD | Industrial transformation around REM, with TOD principles | Industrial hub around Côte-de-Liesse REM; 6,000 m² public square; pedestrian overpass; safer, bike-friendly streets; shared facilities | Multi-decade, leading to 2050; phased implementation |
Section 1: What Happened (in detail)
Gateway Plan Unveiled: A complete, connected gateway for the south
Saint-Laurent’s Gateway Plan marks a bold reimagining of a broad swath of the southern borough. The plan’s core idea is to convert aging industrial and commercial sites into mixed-use neighborhoods centered on transit and active transportation. The four gateways—Alexis-Nihon, Marcel-Laurin, Décarie, and Avenue Sainte-Croix—serve as the backbone for this transformation, creating visible, legible entry points into the borough and knitting together a network of public spaces, services, and employment opportunities. The gateway concept emphasizes a pedestrian-first approach, safer streets, and a more vibrant local economy as a public good. The plan’s emphasis on green space—up to 160,000 square meters—reflects a commitment to climate resilience, heat island mitigation, and enhanced quality of life. Together, the gateway elements aim to create “complete neighborhoods” where residents can live, work, shop, and enjoy social spaces without relying heavily on car travel. This long-range vision is framed as a multi-decade transformation, with public engagement activities and incremental steps designed to build momentum toward that future. The gateway strategy is designed to complement the industrial TOD in the adjacent Hodge-Lebeau sector, ensuring a cohesive south Saint-Laurent narrative rather than isolated development pockets. (montreal.ca)
Hodge-Lebeau TOD: A modern, strategic industrial evolution
The Hodge-Lebeau plan is presented as “Quebec’s first industrial TOD,” signaling a deliberate attempt to pair transit access with industrial activity in a way that supports both efficiency and livability. The plan is anchored by the Côte-de-Liesse REM station, which opened in November 2025 and serves as a critical mobility hub for workers and goods. The master plan emphasizes the creation of an innovation and mobility hub next to the REM station, including a central public square and a pedestrian and bicycle overpass to cross the rail lines safely. The emphasis on a densified yet context-appropriate industrial ecosystem aims to modernize the sector, attract investment, and support the region’s shift toward Industry 4.0 and 5.0. Alongside the public square, the plan includes urban design and mobility improvements—such as a safer, more clearly defined Rue Hodge, enhanced bike infrastructure, widened sidewalks, and green landscaping—that are intended to support a higher-quality workplace environment and more efficient logistics. The plan’s long horizon, extending to 2050, reflects the scale of industrial modernization required, while also acknowledging the need for phased, collaborative implementation that can adapt to evolving market and infrastructure conditions. (montreal.ca)
Public participation and ongoing information sharing
Saint-Laurent’s leadership signaled an inclusive approach by announcing public information sessions under the slogan “In Saint-Laurent, the future is already here!” The administration plans to organize sessions to present the strategic directions and answer questions from residents and stakeholders, reflecting a commitment to broad-based consultation as the plans move from concept to implementation. The two master plans are available online for public review, reinforcing the emphasis on transparency and community input as the city advances toward the long-term transformation. The inclusion of stakeholder engagement as a formal element of the process underscores the city’s intent to balance the needs of residents, workers, businesses, and service providers as the southern gateway and industrial corridor evolve. (montreal.ca)
Why It Matters
Economic and employment implications: A new industrial and mixed-use balance
The Hodge-Lebeau TOD’s designation as a first-of-its-kind industrial TOD in Quebec signals a significant shift in how Saint-Laurent views its core employment zones. By aligning industrial activity with high-capacity transit access, the plan aims to attract new manufacturing and logistics tenants that benefit from proximity to REM service, thereby creating a more resilient, innovation-driven economy. The combination of industrial modernization, improved access to REM, and the potential for shared facilities and services opens opportunities for productivity gains, supply-chain efficiencies, and new collaboration models between manufacturers, research institutions, and service providers. The gateway plan’s broader mix of housing, local retail, and community spaces further strengthens the local economy by increasing day-to-day demand for goods and services within walkable neighborhoods, reducing trip distances, and supporting a more diverse, urbanized economy in the south. Together, these plans present a more diversified economic base for Saint-Laurent, reducing overreliance on single-use industrial land while preserving jobs and attracting new investments. (montreal.ca)
Mobility, safety, and livability: Reconfiguring traffic for people
Mobility improvements are central to both plans. The Hodge-Lebeau corridor’s emphasis on protected bike lanes, widened sidewalks, and safe, clearly marked crossings signals a shift toward more walkable and bike-friendly mobility networks, with an emphasis on coexistence among pedestrians, cyclists, and trucks. The gateway plan’s emphasis on a safe, connected cycling network and a reimagined rail crossing underscores the goal of safer, more seamless movement across the southern Saint-Laurent area. The REM’s presence at Côte-de-Liesse is a critical enabler for reducing car dependence and encouraging transit usage, a shift that could yield improvements in congestion, air quality, and commute times for both workers and residents. The public realm investments, including the central square around the REM and the linear park along rail corridors, are designed to offer social spaces and ecologically managed environments that improve resilience to climate stressors while enhancing neighborhood identity. (montreal.ca)
Environmental resilience and climate adaptation: Greener, cooler streetscapes
The gateway and Hodge-Lebeau plans both foreground environmental considerations. The Gateway Plan’s commitment to up to 160,000 square meters of green spaces, including parks and biodiversity areas, aligns with climate resilience goals and heat mitigation. The Hodge-Lebeau plan expands green infrastructure through landscaped buffers, planted strips, and ecological water management features designed to reduce heat islands and improve stormwater handling in an industrial context. Taken together, the two plans demonstrate a broader city-building objective: to weave green spaces and climate-smart design into both the public realm and the built environment, even in areas traditionally dominated by logistics corridors and industrial facilities. The goal is not only to reduce environmental impacts but also to create healthier, more attractive working and living environments that can attract a skilled workforce and support long-term urban vitality. (montreal.ca)
Who will be affected and how: Residents, workers, and local businesses The gateway plan’s housing targets (up to 10,000 new residents) and commercial targets (up to 200,000 m² of business space; 25,000 m² of retail and services) directly affect current residents and existing businesses, as land uses shift to a more mixed, transit-oriented pattern. For residents, the emphasis on safer, greener streets and improved access to public transit offers potential reductions in car dependency and better access to local amenities. For workers in the Hodge-Lebeau corridor, the plan offers a more attractive workplace environment, with the REM station as a central hub, improved pedestrian and cycling connectivity, and new public spaces that serve as gathering points during breaks and after work. Local businesses may benefit from increased customer footfall in 6,000 m² of public space around the REM hub and enhanced storefronts along major corridors, though the relocation and reconfiguration of industrial sites will require coordination with logistics operators and compliance with new traffic and loading zone configurations. The plans emphasize shared use of facilities, which could reduce duplication of infrastructure and services while improving efficiency for the participating businesses. (montreal.ca)
What’s Next
Timeline, phasing, and next steps
The master plans are designed as long-range visions with phased implementation. Hodge-Lebeau, in particular, is described as spanning the next two decades and culminating in a future-oriented industrial district that integrates the REM with manufacturing activities, green space, and mobility improvements. The gateway plan likewise articulates a multi-decade horizon for redeveloping gateway areas into complete neighborhoods anchored around transit and active transportation. The REM’s opening in 2025 is a key milestone that anchors the TOD strategy, providing a rail-linked platform upon which the new neighborhoods and industrial hubs can evolve. Public information sessions are planned to inform and engage residents and stakeholders as the plans advance through design, approvals, and implementation phases. Updates to the schedule will be posted on the official pages, and Saint-Laurent officials emphasize the importance of ongoing consultation as design details evolve and as funding and regulatory approvals progress. (montreal.ca)
Next steps for stakeholders and watchers
- Public engagement: The “In Saint-Laurent, the future is already here!” sessions will offer residents, workers, and business leaders the chance to comment on strategic directions, ask questions, and contribute to the planning process. This engagement is essential given the scale of the changes and the need to align infrastructure investments with user needs and local character. (montreal.ca)
- Design and approvals: The gateway and Hodge-Lebeau plans will move through municipal regulatory processes, with phased design work, environmental assessments, traffic studies, and urban design reviews. While timelines for approvals are not fixed in the public releases, the long-range horizon suggests that early design work, corridor-specific charrettes, and pilot initiatives could begin within the next few years. (montreal.ca)
- Infrastructure coordination: The REM station and related infrastructure provide a backbone for TOD growth. Coordinated investments in streets, bike networks, sidewalks, and public spaces will need alignment with provincial, regional, and partner agencies to ensure integration with the wider transit network and freight movement. The emphasis on shared use of facilities and co-location of services signals a collaborative approach that will require ongoing intergovernmental and inter-agency coordination. (montreal.ca)
- Monitoring and milestones: Given the scale and long time horizon (to 2050 for Hodge-Lebeau), ongoing monitoring of performance metrics—ridership changes, transit mode share, housing/unit deliveries, employment growth, and environmental outcomes—will be essential. Public-facing progress updates are anticipated as projects advance from concept through design, permitting, and construction phases. (montreal.ca)
Closing
Saint-Laurent’s gateway and TOD master plans reflect a deliberate strategy to reframe a southern quadrant of the borough as a model for transit-oriented, climate-conscious urban development. By pairing gateway-focused redevelopment with an industrial TOD that sits squarely on a REM transit node, the municipality signals a comprehensive approach to land use that seeks to balance housing growth, job creation, and mobility improvements in a way that strengthens the region’s competitiveness while enhancing daily life for residents and workers alike. The presence of the Côte-de-Liesse REM station, which has already opened, anchors the initiative in reality and helps set the stage for the long-range changes laid out in the gateway and Hodge-Lebeau plans. As Saint-Laurent moves from plan to project, the emphasis on transparency, public participation, and phased implementation will be critical to maintaining trust and ensuring that the transformation translates into tangible benefits for the community. For readers and stakeholders seeking ongoing updates, the city’s official channels and the plan portals will remain the primary sources for the latest milestones, schedules, and opportunities to participate in shaping the southern gateway’s future. (montreal.ca)
Photo by Charlie Deets on Unsplash
In Saint-Laurent, the South Shore’s transit future is taking shape through carefully designed master plans that connect mobility, economic vitality, and livable neighborhoods. As the process unfolds, observers will be watching not just the built form and land use changes, but the lived experiences of residents, workers, and local business owners who will navigate the transitions in the years ahead. The Saint-Laurent gateway TOD master plans 2026 represent more than a set of documents; they are a blueprint for how a major Montreal suburb can adapt to a rapidly changing transportation and economic landscape while preserving the unique identity of its communities. The coming months will reveal the specifics of engagement schedules, early-scale pilot projects, and the initial steps on the road toward a more connected, more sustainable, and more vibrant southern Saint-Laurent. (montreal.ca)