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Montreal’s iconic, but largely unused, Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) will not be transformed into student housing, at least for now. Plans for the redevelopment of the historic site have been put on hold due to escalating costs associated with restoring the building’s heritage elements, the Quebec government announced Friday. The decision impacts a proposal to house over 1,100 students on the grounds of the former hospital, located near McGill University.
The project, initially envisioned as a way to address a growing shortage of student accommodation in Montreal, faced significant financial hurdles. A feasibility study commissioned by the government and delivered last week by CDPQ-Infra – a subsidiary of Quebec’s pension fund manager – revealed that approximately 79 per cent of the $845 million projected price tag, or $667 million, would be dedicated to restoring the six buildings on the site, four of which are designated heritage properties.
Construction on the original Royal Victoria Hospital began in 1891, and it served as a key medical facility until 2015, when operations moved to the fresh Glen site of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). The move left the historic building overlooking downtown Montreal largely vacant. The proposed redevelopment aimed to repurpose the site although preserving its architectural heritage. Yet, the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI), the Quebec government’s real-estate branch, determined that prioritizing public infrastructure investments was necessary in the current financial climate.
The SQI stated that while the CDPQ-Infra proposal was designed to minimize public funding, the overall costs proved prohibitive. The remaining 21 per cent of the project’s cost, approximately $178 million, would have been financed by CDPQ Infra in exchange for a return on its investment.
Deterioration and Heritage Constraints
The CDPQ-Infra report highlighted the advanced state of deterioration of all six buildings under study. The four heritage buildings, at least 100 years old, are subject to municipal regulations that currently prevent demolition. Restoring these structures to meet modern standards while respecting their historical value presents a complex and expensive undertaking. Dinu Bumbaru, with Heritage Montreal, explained that years of neglect have contributed to the high restoration costs, and further delays will only increase the financial burden. He expressed hope that the idea of student housing on the site would not be abandoned entirely, citing a critical need for affordable student accommodation in the city.
According to the CDPQ Infra report, Montreal faces an estimated undersupply of 8,600 student beds over the next decade. Addressing this shortage is seen as crucial to supporting the city’s universities and attracting students. However, balancing the need for student housing with the preservation of historical landmarks remains a significant challenge.
McGill University’s Separate Plans
While the student housing project is on hold, McGill University has separate plans for the Royal Victoria Hospital site. In an email to CBC News, the university stated It’s not involved in the student housing project but that its plans to build a research and learning hub at the location are on track for completion by 2029.
The SQI is now consulting with partners, including the City of Montreal, to determine the next steps for the site. The future of the Royal Victoria Hospital remains uncertain, but the need to balance heritage preservation, public investment, and the demands of a growing student population will undoubtedly shape the discussions to come.
The shelving of this project underscores the challenges inherent in redeveloping historic properties in urban centers. Finding viable solutions that address both preservation concerns and contemporary needs will require careful planning and significant investment. The SQI’s decision to prioritize other infrastructure projects suggests a shift in focus, but the long-term future of the Royal Victoria Hospital site remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
What comes next will depend on the outcome of consultations between the SQI, the City of Montreal, and other stakeholders. Further assessments of the buildings’ condition and potential funding models will be crucial in determining the site’s ultimate fate. The need for student housing in Montreal remains acute, and finding a sustainable solution for the Royal Victoria Hospital site will be a key priority for the city’s future.
Have your say: What do you feel should be done with the old Royal Victoria Hospital site? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
