Pride always has a city
Projet Montréal unveils its commitments for downtown
Montreal, October 2, 2025 – Projet Montréal presents its commitments for downtown, the economic and cultural heart that plays a major role for the metropolis, Quebec and Canada. However, it has faced significant challenges in recent years, marked by the pandemic and the crisis of vulnerabilities. The proposals put forward are based on the sector's exceptional potential: densely populated, rich in commerce, with lively neighborhoods with distinct identities, bringing together cultural and academic institutions as well as a major employment pool.
"We love our downtown. It is the beating heart of Montreal, a space that brings together thousands of residents, workers, merchants and visitors. We have been bold in our approach to this neighborhood with the work on Ste-Catherine Street West. Our platform shows the same ambition for the future, including the revitalization of new spaces. We are pleased to see that our platform and the demands of the downtown core are very much aligned," said Luc Rabouin, leader of Projet Montréal.
A downtown that is lively all year round
Sainte-Catherine Street West, the busiest commercial artery in the country, is already undergoing a transformation to become more attractive and user-friendly, thanks to a major renovation project that enhances the public space. Projet Montréal's platform proposes to go further by doubling the budget allocated to the Downtown Strategy from $10 million to $20 million in order to increase the number of events and activities, both in public spaces and in the underground city. While summer is already a lively season, winter represents a unique opportunity to increase the vitality of the downtown core. Added to this vision is the year-round pedestrianization of Sainte-Catherine Street East, in order to extend the unique atmosphere of the Village and make it an essential cultural and commercial hub.
Promoting the downtown core
To consolidate the role of downtown as a showcase for the city, Projet Montréal strongly supports the expansion of the Palais des congrès. This major project will attract international events, ensuring that Montreal remains the leading venue for business events in North America, stimulating the local economy and revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods, including Chinatown and the Quartier international. Funding for major festivals will also be secured so that they can continue to innovate, grow, and attract millions of visitors, thereby contributing directly to Montréal's economic, cultural, and tourist appeal.
Improving daily life
To improve cleanliness, Projet Montréal also proposes doubling the budgets of the cleaning brigades to ensure an increased presence and constant maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. In order to limit the impact of construction sites, Projet Montréal reiterates its commitments to centralized management of work by a dedicated team, the prohibition of orange cones on most streets, and proposes the implementation of more user-friendly coverings for areas under construction.
A parking pooling strategy will also be implemented to optimize existing spaces and better meet the needs of merchants and customers. This will complement the already extensive transportation options, including eight metro stations and the upcoming arrival of the McGill REM station.
Innovate and attract talent
To enhance the attractiveness of the downtown core, Projet Montréal's platform calls for the creation of a digital creativity innovation zone in partnership with UQAM. This project aims to position Montreal as a leader in a rapidly growing sector, attract new businesses, stimulate job creation, and generate tangible economic benefits for the downtown core.
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Source :
Simon Charron
Chief's press officer
Projet Montréal
