Montreal cancels Outremont modular housing plan over contamination concerns

Montreal has cancelled a plan to build 30 modular housing units in Outremont after city officials said the vacant lot would require too much decontamination to make the project viable. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the estimated cost per unit had risen well above the level she считает workable for modular housing. The city had already spent about $1 million preparing the site, and officials said the land did not meet the standard needed for residential use. The decision has been criticized by opposition councillors and housing groups, who argue the city needs more transitional housing as it continues to face affordability and homelessness pressures. Some advocates pointed out that the site was reportedly decontaminated in 2013 and said the city should look for another location or move ahead with a different housing plan.