Downtown Laval PPU

In recent years, with the active participation of its residents, Ville de Laval has made a radical shift in its governance and vision of the territory. In line with its new “urban by nature” vision, Laval is reviewing the detailed planning of its downtown area to bring it up to the level of its ambitions. The urban renewal study entrusted to civiliti covers the four sectors that define the future city center, currently fragmented by shopping malls and road and motorway infrastructures.

Through a series of major public and private development projects, the urban design exercise aims to link together the common identity and specific characteristics of Laval. The concept is based on significant heritage and urban markers that have emerged from an analysis of the area. The vision of the future city center is based on a large-scale green network, with an increased canopy and the creation of cool islands. Signature public spaces link the main amenities and living spaces in each sector by means of accessible, pleasant, lively and safe routes. The new living environments tie in with the green infrastructure by offering a wide range of programming. A large metropolitan landscape – the coulée du Souvenir – spans the freeway trench like a gesture of repair and identity.