20-20-20: Montreal Sets New Goals for Inclusionary Zoning

Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante is championing a new approach to inclusionary zoning, recently released in draft form to the public.

1 minute read

June 15, 2019, 5:00 AM PDT

By Francois Goulet


Montreal, Quebec

BakerJarvis / Shutterstock

"Starting in 2021, developers in Montreal will be required by law to set aside 20 per cent of new housing units for social housing, 20 per cent for affordable housing, and 10 to 20 per cent for family-size units, or pay the city compensation," according to an article by Marian Scott.

Unlike the city’s current housing strategy, in place since 2005, "the bylaw will apply to all new projects, not only ones that require a zoning change." 

"Under the bylaw, developers will be required to sign an agreement with the city to help achieve housing goals in order to obtain a permit."

"Builders of residential projects with at least 50 units will be required to set aside up to 20 per cent of them for affordable housing, 20 per cent for non-profit housing, or pay compensation in land or cash," according to Scott.

The law is still in draft form, recently made publicly available after an 18-month process. Montreal Valerie Plante doesn't expect the new policy to be adopted until 2020.

Friday, June 14, 2019 in Montreal Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

The Seat of Government

Good Planning Under Bad Leadership

Planners must sometimes work under bad leadership. Here are suggestions for responsive planning in challenging political environments.

February 3, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Amtrak train with downtown Seattle in background.

Amtrak Cascades Line Breaks Ridership Record

The route linking Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC served nearly one million riders in 2024.

February 2, 2025 - Daily Hive

Vacant interior of open plan office with large buildings and stacked wood planks on floor.

Over 71K Office-to-Apartment Units in the Pipeline for 2025

Adaptive reuse projects are continuing to bring thousands of new housing units onto the market as demand for office space remains low.

4 hours ago - RentCafé

Crane and construction on multi-story buildings in downtown Houston, Texas.

How Houston Can Be a Model for Housing Reform

The city builds more new housing than almost any other and has dramatically reduced homelessness, yet low-income families struggle to find affordable housing.

5 hours ago - Urban Edge

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

6 hours ago - Cowboy State Daily