Housing, public transit among top priorities for Downtown Montreal businesses ahead of elections
Posted September 14, 2026 1:52 pm.
Businesses in downtown Montreal are demanding Quebec political parties to prioritize the “economic vitality and long-term appeal” of the neighbourhood, which they call is a strategic asset for the province.
In a press release Monday, the Société de développement commercial (SDC) Montréal Centre-Ville, said that a survey of among its members showed four key priorities ahead of the Oct. 5 elections: investing public transit infrastructure, raising Montreal’s global profile, promoting winter tourism and addressing housing and homelessness. The association represents about 5,000 businesses in the Ville-Marie district.
“(Downtown Montreal) is at once the economic and cultural heart of Quebec, a place to live, a tourist destination, and an international showcase,” said said Jules Hébert, executive director of SDC Centre-Ville.
“We are asking the parties to fully recognize this role and, above all, to tell us how they intend to take concrete action to ensure its long-term vitality and appeal.”
The group is demanding parties to ensure predictable funding for public transit projects like modernization of the STM and other ARTM networks in order to ensure that downtown remained accessible.
Citing a survey by the Montreal Council on International Relations (CORIM) which showed that 62 per cent of respondents believed that Montreal’s international brand image was not strong enough, SDC Centre-Ville would like the next government to invest in raising the city profile on the global stage. The organization called on investing in a new Montreal Convention Centre and in hospitality infrastructure to attract major events and investors.
Businesses would also like support to be increased for winter events like the Santa Claus Parade, the Great Montreal Christmas Market, and Montréal en Lumière to attract tourists.
The survey also showed that 80 per cent of businesses saying addressing homelessness and the housing crisis should be a top priority for the next government and called on accelerating construction of social and affordable housing and a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, mental health and addiction.
