The Canada Malting plant in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough, known for its iconic “pink house,” is at risk of imminent collapse, as indicated by a recent engineering assessment. The report, authored by André Houle from STP ING inc., highlights the urgent threat posed by the deteriorating structure, particularly a detached facade wall that could potentially fall onto St-Ambroise Street.
According to Houle, controlled demolition is the safest and most practical solution to mitigate the critical danger posed by the building. The report underscores concerns that winter and spring conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles and seismic activity, could exacerbate the risk of collapse.
In response to the report, La Malterie Inc., a subsidiary of Renwick, the property owner, has submitted a demolition request to the city. Part of St-Ambroise Street has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. The city is currently evaluating the demolition request to ensure the necessity of emergency actions.
Antoine Poulin, representing the Sud-Ouest borough mayor, emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough review before approving the demolition, considering the historical significance of the Canada Malting plant. The primary focus is on the compromised brick facade facing St-Ambroise Street, while other sides of the structure are deemed less critical.
Renwick’s president, Noam Schnitzer, expressed commitment to preserving the heritage of the site through the proposed La Malterie project, which includes 685 housing units, with 20% designated for social housing. The development plan also encompasses community spaces, businesses, and services while safeguarding the “pink house.”
The community group À nous la Malting has advocated for the conversion of the site into a collectively owned complex featuring affordable rental units and various community amenities. Disagreements between the developer, the city, and the community group have persisted over the site’s future use.
Built in 1905 by the Canada Malting Co., the plant has been abandoned since the 1980s, leading to its current state of disrepair. Despite safety measures implemented by Renwick, the building remains a target for urban explorers and houses the iconic “pink house.”
Houle stressed the urgency of securing the area, expressing surprise at continued access to the hazardous building. The engineering report warns of life-threatening risks for anyone entering the premises due to falling debris and structural instability.
While the city follows protocol for approving street closures, stakeholders acknowledge the pressing need for immediate action to address safety concerns. The developer is tasked with ensuring public safety and community engagement while adhering to set conditions for future development at the site.