A recent engineering report commissioned by the City of Montreal has raised concerns about the stability of the Canada malting plant in the Sud-Ouest borough, famously known for the “pink house.” According to the report by STP ING inc., the brick and concrete silos of the plant pose an immediate threat to public safety and could collapse at any moment.
The report highlights a detached facade wall that Engineer André Houle, the report’s author, warns is on the brink of collapse. Houle emphasized the potential danger of the bricks falling onto Saint-Ambroise Street, urging for the street’s closure to prevent any accidents.
The risk of collapse is expected to increase during the winter and spring due to freeze-thaw cycles and potential seismic activity, as indicated in the report.
Developer Proposes Demolition
La Malterie inc., a subsidiary of Renwick, the property owner, has submitted a demolition request to address the imminent danger posed by the deteriorating structure. In the meantime, part of Saint-Ambroise Street will be closed off to ensure public safety.
The proposed redevelopment plan by La Malterie Inc. includes 685 housing units, with 20% designated for social housing. The project also features community spaces, businesses, and services, with a commitment to preserving the iconic “pink house.”
Disagreements persist between the developer, the city, and the community group À nous la Malting regarding the future use of the site, with the group advocating for a social housing initiative on the premises.
Constructed in 1905 by the Canada Malting Co., the plant saw additions in the 1940s before being abandoned in the 1980s. Despite efforts to secure the site, it remains a target for urban explorers and is home to the distinctive “pink house.”
Safety Concerns Ignored
Engineer Houle expressed astonishment at individuals still entering the hazardous building, citing deteriorating brick and steel arches as significant risks. The report warns of the life-threatening dangers within the plant and emphasizes the urgent need for safety measures to be implemented immediately.
Houle criticized the delay in closing off the area, stressing the critical need for proactive safety measures. The City of Montreal has been contacted for a response to address the pressing safety concerns.
