City of Montreal unveils mission to transform Saint-Michel into cultural, tourist hub
Posted July 9, 2026 5:56 pm.
Last Updated July 10, 2026 10:02 am.
The Quartier des arts du cirque (QUAC) unveiled its mission for the development of the Saint-Michel area on Thursday, in collaboration with the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec.
A key part of the Quebec government’s Eastern Development Plan, the QUAC wants to transform the area into a major cultural, creative and tourist hub where art serves as a driver of social, economic, and environmental transformation.
For QUAC director general Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Saint-Michel is “much more than an urban development project.”
“We want to demonstrate that it is possible to sustainably transform a neighbourhood by creating spaces where citizens can learn, create, start businesses, live, and come together,” said Brunelle. “Saint-Michel has all the ingredients to become a world-class cultural destination while remaining deeply rooted in its community.”
As part of the event, the QUAC unveiled the first major private investment in the Quartier des arts du cirque, with Groupe HD investing $150 million for the construction of 380 housing units on Jarry Street East. Groupe HD co-president Jean-Philippe Hébert says the group believes in the QUAC’s ambitious vision.
“We believe that creating complete living environments, where housing, culture, high-quality public spaces, and community initiatives coexist, represents the future of urban development. We are proud to be making a tangible contribution to this transformation,” Hébert said.
The QUAC also inaugurated the new phase of Galerie LA 40 under the Metropolitain, which features 20 new murals created by 11 Montreal artists this year, in addition to 100 participatory artworks created by Montreal youth and neighbourhood organizations.
Brunelle says the goal is to bring more housing and greenery to the area.
“Commercial development on Jarry is essentially oriented towards the community, making sure the youth have their opportunities. We’re having micro-commerce where can try different experiences, to sell their own products that they invent, if you want. And the Galerie LA 40 which will be, if we continue nicely, the largest exterior gallery in the world.”
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada says planning needs to go beyond the immediate area to ensure people can work and live in Saint-Michel.
“We have an urban fracture, which is the 40, and we have to make sure that it’s also part of the development, she said. “Seeing artists, and seeing arts, being at the core of that development, I think it’s reassuring because it’s a process where all community gets involved in the process.”
Ultimately, Martinez Ferrada says Montrealers should feel a lot of pride in the development.
“As mayor, I am very proud to see this neighbourhood, which I love, contribute to building a more dynamic, inclusive, and ambitious Montreal. This is a project that Saint-Michel, East Montreal, and the entire city can be proud of.”
