The commercial first floor of the Pointe-Sainte-Charles condo complex is designed to enhance the neighbourhood’s appeal. An attractive outdoor space has been set aside for terraces, and doubles as a loading dock and delivery area. At the rear, courtyards provide a private, relaxing haven. A garden of perennials, shrubs, and saplings is bordered by a water feature that visually echoes the nearby canal and the reflections of the glazed industrial buildings while affording privacy for residents. The colours and textures of the site – stone pathways, mulch, plants – deftly contrast with the contemporary style of the building. The developer transferred their share of the site to the city. It now links the Lachine Canal bike path to Saint-Patrick Street. The overall effect creates a pleasant living environment where both nature and community life can flourish.