Grand Boulevard Sector
In 2022, the Council decided to concentrate on the Grand Boulevard area as a new defined sector within the SaintRaymond sector due to its high vulnerability caused by a concentration of social housing units, many of those specifically destined to individuals with challenging backgrounds
Portrait of Territory
The Sector is bounded by Cavendish and Belgrave on the West and the East and Sylvia Smith and Saint-Jacques on the north and the south. The Grand sector has a high concentration of social housing (2 family HLMs, 3 OSBL housing, 1 coop). The railway and the overpass represents an important obstacle. Public security, isolation, and lack of facilities are some of the challenges in the sector. Despite the challenges faced by the residents, there is often a strong sense of community.
MOBILISATION: Residents Initiatives, Activities, Events, Projects
To break the social isolation and reconnect with residents, we hosted many outdoor activities like Mini Sugar Shack, St-Jean BBQ, Building Community Garden, Halloween in Grand, December Together, lemonade stands, information kiosks, and more.
The Council conducted regular meetings with partners to collaborate on solving current issues, such as addressing violence within specific buildings. Weekly animation sessions were held for LCSG residents, and food insecurity was tackled through the Pantry Project in collaboration with the Depot Community Food Centre and the Lions Club.
Two community gardens were established, with raised beds maintained by residents, in partnership with OMHM, LCSG and PEP to enhance food security, reduce isolation, and provide therapeutic benefits. To break social isolation and reconnect with residents, the Council hosted numerous outdoor activities, including a Mini Sugar Shack event, St-Jean BBQ, building a community garden, Halloween in Grand, December Together, Earth Day celebrations, door-to-door outreach, information kiosks, eclipse viewing with free glasses distribution, a tax clinic, and more.
CONCERTATION
Since 2006 the Council has worked in the priority sectors and has been working on creating a space to bring together people working in these sectors (it is now called the Table of Action for the Priority Sectors, TAPS).
Objectives
- Re-establish the Sector committee
- Engage and connect residents, institutions and groups
- The issues related to the railway crossing infrastructure in the sector, namely, Melrose Tunnel, Grand Boulevard Overpass and Decarie Viaduct
- Safety of residents
- Finding a community space or recreation area nearby for residents.
- Social isolation & safety feeling
- Drugs
- LCSG
- Habitation communautaire NDG
- Mission Old Brewery
- OMHM
- Montreal Central Lions Club
- Provigo Mehdi Taallah (sponsor)
- MNA
- Incredible Edibles NDG
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Partnerships Projects
LCSG Animation sessions Grand Community and Solidarity Housing
Partners: LCSG, OMHM, HCNDG, PEP, The Depot Community Food Center
Over the past year, the LCSG program at Grand Boulevard offered 40 inclusive activities to reduce social isolation and improve residents’ quality of life. Implemented in two phases—from rebuilding trust to expanding creative and practical sessions—the program included gardening, cooking, music, games, and digital literacy.
Collective gardening became a key feature, transforming outdoor spaces into community hubs. Seasonal events and shared meals deepened neighborhood ties. Participation steadily increased, with many isolated residents becoming actively involved. The program successfully fostered connection, creativity, and resilience in the community.