Meet Victor Char: Envisioning the Future of Quartier des lumières

Behind the development of Quartier des lumières are dedicated teams working to envision, plan and gradually bring this new Montréal neighbourhood to life.

We spoke with Victor Char, Project Manager, Urban Planner and LEED Accredited Professional in Neighbourhood Development, about his role, his vision for the project and the ideas shaping its transformation.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role in the Quartier des lumières project?

I’m a Project Manager, Urban Planner and LEED Accredited Professional in Neighbourhood Development, with 14 years of experience in real estate development and sustainable mobility.

My role has two main components. First, I work closely with our internal and external planning and design teams to develop a project that balances construction efficiency, regulatory requirements, appeal and quality of life for future residents, while prioritizing a human-scale approach and climate resilience.

I also work with the development team to engage with the borough and navigate the project approval process. Our goal is to help create a complete and inclusive neighbourhood that brings together housing, green spaces, educational facilities, shops and services.

What do you think makes this project unique?

Quartier des lumières stands out not only for its scale, but also for the remarkable history of the site.

The Radio-Canada complex and tower have been part of Montréal’s skyline since the 1960s. More than 60 years later, Groupe MACH has the opportunity to transform this site into a vibrant neighbourhood guided by contemporary urban planning principles: a complete, inclusive, resilient community designed on a human scale.

The Radio-Canada tower will be preserved and will remain an important landmark within the neighbourhood. Around it, new buildings will gradually help restore a finer-grained, more accessible urban fabric that is better connected to the surrounding city.

Repurposing the tower will also preserve an iconic example of Montréal’s modern architecture while reducing the need for new materials, construction waste and the emissions associated with demolishing and rebuilding the structure.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far while working on the project?

One of the main challenges has been adapting the project's planning as needs and market conditions have evolved rapidly over the past few years.

Originally, Quartier des lumières was envisioned with a significant office component and a stronger focus on becoming a business district.

However, the pandemic fundamentally changed the way we work, live and think about our cities. In response, Groupe MACH adapted its vision to create a neighbourhood with a greater emphasis on community and everyday living.

Looking back, this evolution has allowed us to develop a vision that better reflects today's needs: a neighbourhood with more residents, a greater mix of uses and a more vibrant atmosphere.

Which design decision will have the greatest impact on the daily lives of future residents?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Quartier des lumières is the vision of creating a vibrant, accessible neighbourhood across multiple levels.

Residents, workers and visitors will be able to walk through lively, landscaped outdoor spaces while also accessing shops, services and workplaces through indoor pathways.

This combination is particularly well suited to Montréal's climate, especially during the winter months or periods of bad weather.

The indoor and outdoor pathways have been designed to complement one another, helping create an active and welcoming neighbourhood throughout the year.

Has there been a particular collaboration that has stood out during your experience on the project?

I've had the opportunity to work closely with Daniel Arbour on the planning of Quartier des lumières. His experience in urban planning and extensive knowledge of large-scale developments bring an especially valuable perspective to our work.

On a project of this scale, having access to complementary expertise and working alongside people with extensive experience in urban transformation is a tremendous asset.

This collaboration directly contributes to refining the vision for Quartier des lumières and turning it into a concrete development plan.