In this period of economic uncertainty, the City of Montreal is proud to announce the launch of a new financial support program for Sociétés de développement commercial (SDCs) affected by major infrastructure work. Aware of the challenges that construction sites represent for merchants and the business community, the city is introducing this program to reduce the impact on local businesses.
To support SDCs, the city will invest up to $6,500,000 over the next three years.
New: strategic support to anticipate and manage the impact of construction sites
This two-part program introduces a major new feature: support for SDCs upstream of construction sites. SDCs can receive up to $150,000 to better anticipate and plan the actions and mitigation measures to be implemented, offer specialized training and carry out economic and market studies. This new feature is a direct response to the needs expressed by SDCs during the City's consultations.
The second component of the program is designed to support SDCs during construction, with grants ranging from $53,000 to $350,000. These funds will be used to inform and attract customers and maintain traffic in sectors undergoing construction, thus facilitating the continuity of commercial activities despite disruptions.
The City of Montreal is also working with its partners to establish a post-construction assistance program to revitalize commercial activity and reduce vacancies. This latter component will be developed over the coming months and will aim to revitalize areas affected by construction work.
“This new financial support program is essential to help our SDCs anticipate and manage the impact of major infrastructure work, and to ensure that they fully play their role as partners in economic development. At a time when buying local is more important than ever, we need to encourage people to visit our local commercial arteries. This program recognizes the local expertise of the Sociétés de développement commercial, which will have the means to ensure better communication with visitors to commercial arteries, as well as merchants, before, during and after the completion of major projects. This is an additional tool to support local economic development and improve the predictability of construction work,” points out Alia Hassan-Cournol, responsible for economic development and higher education, the fight against racism and systemic discrimination, and delegate for reconciliation with aboriginal peoples on the executive committee of the City of Montreal.
“Following the Sommet sur les chantiers organized by the Ville de Montréal in 2023, the public administration wanted to focus its actions on real needs in the field. We therefore conducted a survey of the population, which confirmed that communication and information sharing about construction sites remain opportunities for improvement. That's why we're proud to announce a major program of financial support for business development associations, which will help improve communications around worksites, notably through new, more appropriate worksite signage, information campaigns and concerted mitigation strategies. Thanks to this support program and the support of our partners, we are confident that we will be able to better limit the irritants associated with major worksites in the metropolis,” says Émilie Thuillier, President of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal, responsible for infrastructures, buildings and asset maintenance.
“The ASDCM applauds the City of Montreal's initiative to support commercial development corporations affected by major infrastructure work. This program represents an essential measure to help SDCs and their members get through these challenges and ensure the economic vitality of our neighbourhoods,” adds Sébastien Ridoin, General Manager of the Association of Montreal SDCs.
An ongoing commitment to support merchants
Since 2018, the City has implemented several programs to support SDCs and merchants in worksite situations. This new measure is in addition to the direct assistance offered to merchants through two programs, the financial assistance program and the lump-sum subsidy program, both dedicated to supporting businesses affected by major works.
The City of Montreal will continue to innovate and dynamically transform itself over the coming years. Thanks to this proactive investment, the city is ensuring better coordination of worksites with businesses directly affected by these transformations. This approach aims to reinforce actions already underway, thereby reducing impacts and improving the quality of life of Montrealers. By supporting the businesses affected, the city is helping to preserve the economic vitality of the neighborhoods and to offer attractive commercial arteries.
