Montreal’s population expected to decrease by 200,000 in five years: Quebec Institute of Statistics

The Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) is projecting a decline in Montreal’s population in the coming years.

According to its most recent scenario  demographic bulletin published at the end of July, the Island will lose 201,000 residents by 2030 — a decline of almost 10 per cent of its population in five years. The data was first unveiled in a La Presse report.

Currently, nearly 2.2 million people live on the island of Montreal. 

“Economy is going down, everything’s going, everything’s getting expensive,” said one Montrealer. “Inflation is increasing why are people gonna have babies.

Some Montrealers say this projection is bad news for the city.

“For the economy I guess it wouldn’t be too much of a good thing, if demand decreases for local producers as well and like store owners, I don’t think that would have the best impact,” said one resident.

“It’s bad for the economy, everything,” said another.

The ISQ also projects that the departure of Montrealers to the suburbs will also continue 

“I can understand some people who are who wants more quiet life,” said one Montrealer, as a car honked on by on a downtown street. “Like now, for example, who just wants to live in the suburbs, so they can just enjoy a peaceful peaceful life.”

The projections are revised yearly by the ISQ and it takes into account the Legault government’s new immigration targets.

While 64,250 permanent immigrants are expected to arrive this year, the ISQ’s “reference scenario” has been reduced to 45,000 starting next year due to increased “regionalization” of newcomers who will settle throughout Quebec.