This Montreal group wants to turn old metro trains into a cultural hub
Some old metro trains in Montreal are about to get a second life.
The non-profit organization, MR-63, purchased eight vintage metro trains from the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) after they were taken out of service in 2016. The team plans to recycle the 1960s metro cars and turn them into a new, cultural hub.
Their plan features a cafe, bar, art galleries, boutiques and event space.
A prototype called Station FM-R was set up over the summer, just off the Lachine Canal. It featured a cafe, food counter, community garden, stage and relaxation area.
The group is looking to the government and private donors to help them raise the $7 million to bring their vision to reality by 2020. MR-63 plans to make the hub a carbon-neutral space through the use of solar panels.
The project is slated to begin construction on the corner of rue Peel and rue Ottawa in Griffintown in 2019.