Following the outcry sparked by Hydro-Québec's choice of the Berri/Ontario site, the Crown corporation confirmed its plan to acquire the former Miséricorde Hospital.Héritage Montréal spokespersons Dinu Bumbaru and Taïka Baillargeon were approached by the media on September 2, the day of the announcement.
Our press review:
- https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/grand-montreal/2025-09-02/megaposte-de-transformation/hydro-quebec-achete-l-hopital-de-la-misericorde-pour-15-millions.php
- https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/chroniques/2025-09-03/nouveau-poste-au-centre-ville-de-montreal/la-misericorde-d-hydro-quebec.php
- https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2025/09/02/station-electrique-au-centre-ville-de-montreal-hydro-quebec-recule-face-a-la-pression-populaire-et-change-de-site
- https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/transports-urbanisme/913728/hydro-quebec-fait-acquisition-ancien-hopital-misericorde
- https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2189692/poste-electrique-centre-ville-hydro-quebec-hopital-misericorde
Decommissioned by the government in 2002, this heritage complex is remarkable for its history, architecture and social vocation. Recently, Montreal used its "Bill 31 superpowers" to authorize a real estate project involving several demolitions, a 90 m residential tower and community components. Hydro-Québec's scenario would preserve public ownership of the site, but raises questions. How would we integrate this technical equipment into the area and make it cohabit with other desired uses for the site? Will heritage be sacrificed yet again to cover up a lack of planning? Hydro-Québec will have to indicate how it intends to contribute to requalifying this heritage complex, and how the OCPM's consultations, the promised competition and future site management will lead to a viable exemplary achievement. In short, we're waiting for details and commitments.
