City of Montreal expands access to assistance programs for merchants in construction zones

The City of Montreal is expanding access to its assistance programs for merchants in several new sectors where construction is affecting their business.

“Construction sites in Montreal are a sign of economic dynamism and contribute to making our city even more unique and attractive, once completed,” said Luc Rabouin, a member of the city’s executive committee, responsible for economic and commercial development.

READ: Montreal setting up $5K subsidy program for businesses affected by construction

“However, we know that in the process of work being carried out, road construction can represent a real headache for merchants located on those streets. We are sensitive to this reality and that is why we have expanded the assistance available to them in order to support even more merchants and allow them to adapt their business practices from the start of a project. Businesses are an integral part of the vitality of our neighborhoods.”

17 new sectors in Montreal now eligible for a lump sum grant

During the latest executive committee, a resolution was adopted to make a new $5,000 lump sum grant program accessible to 17 new areas in the city.

This new program makes it possible to deploy assistance much more quickly to any eligible establishment located in a sector affected by major work lasting a minimum of six months on Montreal territory.

“The idea is to give a push,” says Rabouin. “Just to help every merchant. So it’s $5,000 for all merchants, which is enormous in terms of numbers. And after that they can still access other programs if they really have profit loss. So I think the combination of the two programs is really helpful and it’s what they asked from us, please recognize that there is an impact, even if we’re not able to demonstrate profit loss.”

Merchants can submit a request during the work period on montreal.ca, as soon as the ordinances come into force. Business owners who wish to be notified when the program is in effect can complete the form.

A simplified assistance program

The city of Montreal administration has reviewed its financial assistance program for establishments located in an area affected by major work by reducing the administrative prerequisites in order to simplify the lives of Montreal merchants and facilitate access to financial assistance.

The new version allows companies to benefit from support of up to $40,000 per fiscal year, all based on the loss of gross profit of the companies. The current administration was the first in the country to set up a compensation program for its merchants affected by the works. Those who are eligible are invited to submit a grant application no later than two years after the end of the work period.

“We are delighted with the expansion of the sectors of Montreal benefiting from the city’s measures aimed at simplifying access to financial assistance for businesses affected by major work,” said Sébastien Ridoin, from the Montreal commercial development corporation.

The Plante administration recognizes that construction work, while creating temporary headaches, is beneficial for both the businesses and the city.

“If you talk with merchants on St Hubert street,” says Rabouin, “they understand that it is a very good investment for them.”

Second phase of work on Ste-Catherine West

The city also announced the start of the second phase of the Ste-Catherine West Project, which continues the transformation of one of the city’s most important downtown streets.

Work will begin on August 7th and will be carried out in phases –to be completed by the end of 2025.

It will involve the reconstruction of infrastructure and development work on Ste-Catherine St., between Mansfield and Peel, the reconstruction of infrastructure and development work on Metcalfe, between Dorchester Square and Place Mount-Royal, and related work on Mansfield, between René-Lévesque and Sherbrooke.