CAB: From Industrial Past to Sustainable Artistic Future

The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program is a federal initiative geared to infusing strategic investments in green infrastructure projects across Canadian communities. Its aim is to enhance sustainability, promote cleaner energy, improve resilience to climate change, and all told, facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy with a net-zero objective by 2050.

The construction of sustainable infrastructure systems, including green upgrades to existing public community buildings, is essential for simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint and enhancing community facilities, for the benefit of all Canadians. The fund, which operates in partnership with provincial and municipal levels of government as well as private sector stakeholders, is also designed to encourage and promote innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. 

In a similar vein, the Quebec government has launched its own program for implementing eco-friendly building practices. Known as the Programme d’innovation en construction bois (PICB), it promotes the technological knowledge and application of wood-based construction methods. PICB provides funding for the research and development of innovative wood construction technologies, which serve to boost the forestry sector, promote the province’s objectives of sustainable development, minimize adverse environmental impacts, and further advance the decarbonization of the economy.

A project that is currently underway in Quebec is representative of the coalescence of the above-mentioned programs. With the financial support of GICB and PICB, an old industrial building, located in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough of Montreal, is currently under renovation and expansion. 

In alignment with the environmental parameters set by these governmental programs, the project stands as a model of urban renewal. The architectural heritage and exterior envelope of the building is preserved as well as its structural elements of origin, comprised of wood, steel, and stone masonry. The building’s existing space will be extended from two to four floors, using Quebec timber and following carbon-neutral design standards.

The revitalized industrial complex will house the CAB, a multidisciplinary arts space, where artists can give full expression to their creativity and have access to studios, exhibition and performance spaces, as well as common areas where their art can be further shared and appreciated. 

As an artistic landmark in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, CAB serves as a dynamic cultural center where the public can have meaningful exchanges with artists and community members can participate in stimulating neighborhood programs. 

SAJO has been tasked with undertaking this 90-week project as general contractor, in partnership with the architectural practice, Atelier Barda, and the engineering firms, Latéral Conseil, and Dupras Ledoux.