The federal government is transferring the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul-Penitentiary property in Laval, Quebec, to Canada Lands Company (CLC) to help meet its ambitious plan to build four million new homes. The transfer will occur by the end of 2025.

The site ceased operating as a federal correctional facility and was declared a surplus asset in 1989. In1990, the property was declared a National Historic Site of Canada.

The government is currently identifying properties within its portfolio that have the potential for housing and is actively adding them to the Canada Public Land Bank. The goal is to turn these properties into housing through a long-term lease.

Work will continue between CLC and stakeholders to create a vision for the penitentiary site, while Correctional Service Canada will help complete the disposal due diligence requirements, including heritage and environmental considerations.

“This facility has been part of the Laval landscape for over 100 years and has contributed to the safety of our communities,” said Minister of Public Safety David J. McGuinty. “The addition of this federal property to Canada’s public land bank, and its upcoming transfer to Canada Lands Company, will guarantee it a new purpose. Our government is committed to ensuring that the well-being of the community in the East of Laval is at the heart of this new purpose.”