Montreal for Montrealers
Guaranteeing access to fresh produce within walking and biking distance throughout Montreal
MONTREAL, September 24, 2025 — Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin today pledged to roll out a series of measures to ensure access to a public market within a 15-minute walk or bike ride anywhere in Montreal. The commitment to improving the quality of life is clear: to enable everyone to buy fresh, local and seasonal produce close to home, regardless of their neighborhood. This initiative will ensure healthy and local food in all neighborhoods, combat food deserts, strengthen neighborhood life, promote active transportation by foot or bicycle and support local producers and merchants. In collaboration with the Société des Marchés Publics de Montréal, the mayoral candidate also wants to invest $40 million in the three major public markets (Jean-Talon, Atwater, and Maisonneuve). This funding will enable the modernization and adaptation of facilities for year-round use of these iconic institutions in the Montreal landscape.
A network of local markets
In addition, Luc Rabouin wants to support the creation of a network of farmers' markets throughout the city, ensuring that everyone has access to a market within walking or biking distance. Ultimately, 85 local markets will be created across the city. Projet Montréal is committed to creating at least 40 new markets during the next term of office. Projet Montréal believes that quality of life begins at the corner of the street. This announcement is part of an overall vision to simplify and improve the daily lives of Montrealers by using the tools available to the city to deliver concrete solutions. Other measures along the same lines will be presented in the coming days and weeks.
Quotes
" Public markets are not just places to buy groceries. They are the new church squares—places to meet, live, and socialize. Projet Montréal's strength lies precisely in creating these places where people can meet, interact and experience their neighbourhood together. By bringing markets closer to residents, modernizing them and making them accessible year-round, we are taking concrete action to strengthen the community and improve everyday life," said Luc Rabouin, leader of Projet Montréal.
"The Jean-Talon, Maisonneuve and Atwater public markets are part of the soul of Montreal. Residents of neighborhoods like Rosemont are fortunate to have access to one of these iconic institutions, but this is not the case for citizens living in more outlying neighborhoods who do not have a large market nearby. People shouldn't have to travel to central neighborhoods to access local, fresh and affordable products. With these measures, we are enhancing the appeal of our large markets while ensuring equitable access to healthy food in all neighborhoods of the city," said François Limoges, mayor of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and candidate for reelection.
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Source :
Simon Charron
Chief's press officier
Projet Montréal
