Transition Montréal looking to limit gentrification

Montreal mayoral candidate Craig Sauvé announced that his party, Transition Montréal, is looking to support independent businesses if they win the upcoming municipal election.

“For the past 12 years, I’ve met thousands of independent business owners across Montreal. In every neighbourhood, there are unique and inspiring success stories. But each time an independent business closes, it feels like we lose a piece of Montreal’s soul,” Sauvé said.

Sauvé says that Transition Montréal is looking to reduce gentrification, which is the process of making a poor area more attractive so that wealthier people move in, as much as possible from the private market.

In doing so, the party plans to add funding to the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM), which already acquires buildings at risk.

“Our local businesses are what give our neighbourhoods their personality: the places where we meet, where we share news from the community, where we discuss the issues that affect us all. They must be protected from unpredictable rent hikes,” Sauvé said.

“The case of Wellington Street illustrates the urgency of taking action. After being named the coolest street in the world, business owners saw their rents skyrocket, and some were forced to close their doors.”

Transition Montréal hopes to preserve the quality of life in Montreal and keep the city affordable for everyone.