Milton Park Community

Milton Park is one of Montreal’s oldest neighbourhoods. By the 1970s, many buildings had deteriorated, and developers planned to replace them with expensive high-rises, threatening the displacement of residents. In response, the community united to protect their homes, creating the Communauté Milton Parc (CMP).
With government support, residents and allies formed housing cooperatives and non-profit groups. Together, they purchased over 150 buildings and organized them under a shared ownership model governed by a Declaration of Co-Ownership. This system ensured affordability, long-term tenancy, and prevented speculation. CMP became the largest cooperative housing project in North America.
Residents, organised into 15 cooperatives and supported by six non-profits, manage their own buildings and share responsibilities. All housing is held in trust, cannot be resold, and rents remain low. This structure protects the diverse community, promotes participation, and prioritises housing as a public good.
Renovating existing buildings instead of demolishing them reduced environmental impact. Some co-ops adopted green technologies and created the Urban Ecology Centre to promote sustainability.
Financially, CMP used a mix of public funding, low-interest mortgages, and rent revenue to cover costs. As mortgages near completion, funds can support further renovations or help families in need.
Socially, CMP provides stability, fosters community involvement, and strengthens democratic participation. Challenges such as disagreements and leadership gaps have been managed through dialogue and education.
CMP has inspired other projects and shows that strong community organisation, backed by professional support and government cooperation, can create lasting, affordable housing alternatives.