Over the last decade several proposals have been made for the development of the "Peel Basin Site", a vast stretch of land surrounding a widening of the Lachine Canal (the "Peel Basin"), at the bottom of Peel Street (site). Most notable was a very colourful proposal by the joined forces of le Casino de Montreal and Le Cirque du Soleil for the southern part of the site. This proposal was withdrawn after very vocal opposition of community groups in the area. Currently it is rumoured that Wal-Mart is interested in the same site and that it is making plans to construct a mega mall/mega parking lot on the site.

The intent is that the talent participating in the 2006 CCA Charrette will come up with proposals that will make evident the unique qualities of the land surrounding the Peel Basin. The Southern part of the site forms the tip of a proposed Green Crescent of sites surrounding the Pointe St. Charles-Sud Ouest area, linking the green shoreline of Verdun with the renovated Old Port area; it is hoped that this Charrette will play a role in promoting people-friendly uses not only for the Peel Basin, but for the whole Green Crescent as well.