Moving War Time Housing

During World War II, Montreal was a hub of military activity and industrial production, which led to a significant influx of workers and soldiers. However, this sudden population surge created a severe housing shortage, prompting the city to implement various measures to address the problem.

One solution was the creation of so-called “Movers War Time Housing” units, which were designed to be easily transportable and affordable. These units were essentially small, pre-fabricated houses that could be quickly assembled and disassembled as needed. They were constructed using lightweight materials, such as wood and aluminum, to facilitate transportation.

The Movers War Time Housing units were initially intended to house industrial workers, particularly those working in the manufacturing of military equipment. However, as the war progressed, the units also became home to military personnel and their families.

One notable example of Movers War Time Housing in Montreal was the “Victory Village” in Saint-Laurent. This community was built in 1942 and consisted of 600 small bungalows that could house up to 3,000 people. The village had its own school, shopping center, and community hall, making it a self-contained community.

Another example was the “Dorval Gardens” housing project, which was built near the Dorval airport to house workers who were involved in aircraft production. The project consisted of 1,100 units that could accommodate up to 5,000 people. The units were designed to be easily transportable and could be quickly assembled and disassembled.