Author name: Cult MTL

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal is the latest city to entirely eliminate mandatory parking minimums, and the largest North American city to have done so. The city’s 2050 Urban Planning and Mobility Plan, made public last week, reveals the removal of mandatory minimum parking spots for both residential and commercial buildings citywide, in effect now.

The Valérie Plante administration has been working on abolishing parking minimums in Montreal since 2018, when urban planning experts and housing activists across North America began writing about the issue at length. The global climate and housing crises has moved many municipal governments worldwide to do the same.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

After making two announcements about off-market housing projects in recent weeks, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante spoke about the city’s plan to prioritize high-quality public, community or cooperative housing — units that will be protected from speculation.

In an interview with La Presse, Plante explained that this plan (summarized below by the executive committee’s urban planning specialist Robert Beaudry) is a response to the intersecting crises of housing and homelessness.

“(The city wants to) triple the percentage of off-market housing by 2050 to reach 20% of the total real estate stock in order to promote Montreal’s resilience and put a roof over the head of all Montrealers.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Following the forced closure of the Ferreira Café terrasse by firefighters last night, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has confirmed that their terrasse, and others on Peel Street, will be able to reopen today.

Ferreira Café owner Sandra Ferreira released a video on Instagram last night as her patrons were being cleared from the terrasse. Today, Ferreira explained that in order to reopen, they had to remove the roof of their terrasse, which, she maintains, the city had previously given special permission for the restaurant to install.

“We were all shaken by the testimony from Ferreira Café, whose terrasse was closed last night by teams from the City of Montreal’s Fire Safety Service (SIM) for safety reasons. The responsibility of the Fire Safety Service is to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors. The SIM must ensure constant dialogue and continue the search for solutions to combine security and vitality of the businesses that we all love.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal City Hall is marking the reopening of the old building at 275 Notre-Dame E. after a long period of renovations by holding an open house this Saturday, June 8. The free event promises tours, a look at the new museum space, musical performances, circus activities, educational storytelling, face painting for children and more.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante will be present for the open house.

“I am very happy to invite you to visit your City Hall on June 8! The home of Montrealers is now more open, more accessible and more democratic. I look forward to seeing you there!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal and the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) have launched a partnership that will ensure the development of 1,000 off-market affordable housing units over the next three years.

300 of these units will be reserved for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

“This agreement aims to accelerate housing construction and protect more units from speculation.”

This news follows a similar announcement last week about the forthcoming development of off-market student housing in Montreal.

Projet Montréal has also announced a new project that will bring 200 social housing units to Verdun. This first stage of the green redevelopment of the Hickson-Dupuis area could lead to the addition of 500 additional housing units.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Projet Montréal announced this week at the City of Montreal is investing $21.4-million in 670 off-market housing units for students. This four-part project will be built between 2024 and 2028. This is the first set of projects in the city’s partnership with the non-profit organization UTILE, a collaboration that aims to facilitate the construction of speculation-free housing.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented on the announcement, part of the city’s effort to combat the housing crisis.

“Creating off-market student housing has a double beneficial effect: it allows us to host, at an affordable cost, the students who make our city shine, and it allows us to free up large-family housing that Montreal families need. Montreal is a student city and plans to stay that way!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

SPVM Chief Fady Dagher has announced that the Montreal police force will ban the controversial “thin blue line” badges on uniforms. The badges have been associated with white supremacist and other racist groups in recent years, and were adopted by a number of police forces across North America in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In a closed-door presentation to the Public Safety Commission, Dagher also introduced a replacement badge to honour officers killed in the line of duty.

The SPVM’s ban — which will reportedly not be enforced with “disciplinary sanctions” — will come into effect in the fall. The thin blue line badges have already been banned by police forces in other Canadian cities. Earlier this year, Québec Solidaire advocated for a province-wide ban of the badge for police, a request that was rejected by the CAQ.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante shared a statement about the housing crisis today, saying that accelerating construction is the city’s top priority, while Projet Montréal announced specific goals: building 120,000 homes in 10 years, including 25,000 by 2026.

Plante outlined two measures that are reducing the bureaucracy around construction and incentivizing the development of new projects: the setting of a 120-day limit to deliver permits for new constructions and renovation projects, and covering start-up costs for non-profit organizations that are building social and affordable housing.

“Faced with the housing crisis, we must put in place measures to build more, faster. This is our top priority and we will continue on this path.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

With Canadians fed up with the cost of living — particularly the subset of inflation known as “greedflation,” referring to opportunism on the part of major retailers — a boycott of Loblaws grocery stores and Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies has been underway since May 1. A new Léger study finds that a majority of Canadians, 58%, support the boycott of Loblaws and its affiliated stores.

Organizers of the boycott, whose Reddit page Loblaws Is Out of Control has 83,500 members, have encouraged participants to end all shopping at Loblaws — as well as its subsidiaries and partners Shoppers Drug Mart (aka Pharmaprix), Provigo, Maxi and Joe Fresh — throughout the month of May, and indefinitely. They are also advocating writing to MPs and contacting the Loblaw company directly.

For the full list of demands and recommended actions, please see the embed below. To see all the brands associated with Loblaw, please click here.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has issued a statement following news that the Quebec government aims to ban evictions in the province until 2027.

The three-year moratorium on evictions is part of Bill 65, which was tabled in the National Assembly by Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau this morning. The law would prevent landlords from evicting tenants to subdivide a dwelling, enlarge it or change its use (ie. renoviction), but would not restrict repossessions with the purpose of having a landlord’s family move in.

Plante praised the news, expressing the importance of protecting the rights of tenants in Montreal ahead of Moving Day on July 1.

“The majority of people who live in Montreal are renters. These measures to protect them from evictions are therefore welcome. We must increase the means to protect tenants, many of whom are experiencing great stress as July 1 approaches.”

As per Bill 65, the ban on evictions could end earlier than the spring of 2027 if the vacancy rate for rental units in Quebec cities reaches 3%.

Bill 65 would also expand the “Françoise David law,” established in 2016, by raising the minimum age of low-income tenants protected from evictions and repossessions from 70 to 65.

The CAQ wants the bill to be adopted before the end of the parliamentary session on June 7.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Cœur-Nomade library and cultural centre is due to open in Montreal in 2026, serving residents of Ahuntsic-Cartierville as well as Montreal North. Announced in 2022, when the project won an architecture award of merit, the 4,193 m2 facility will be located at the corner of Henri-Bourassa E. and Oscar Avenue.

Last week, the City of Montreal awarded a $34,185,000 contract to Magil Construction Est du Canada inc. to execute the Cœur-Nomade project. Projet Montréal announced this news, and provided more information about the origins and goals of the city’s first-ever inter-borough library.

“Cœur-Nomade will combine the functions of a library, cultural space and socio-community space for cultural mediation, learning, creation and amateur and professional artistic practice. Through its programming, the new facility will actively encourage and support intercultural dialogue and intergenerational exchange. It will play a special role in improving the quality of life in the area, becoming its cultural and community hub.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

TikTok has been called out by David Vigneault, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), for exposing its users’ sensitive personal data to the Chinese government. Warning Canadians against TikTok, Vigneault told CBC that “there is a very clear strategy on the part of the government of China to be able to acquire personal information from anyone around the world” — information that could be used against them now or in the future.

Vigneault added that, “as an individual” (as opposed to the director of CSIS), he “would absolutely not recommend someone have TikTok.”

A TikTok spokesperson responded: “Singling out one platform and making unsupported accusations does not make Canadians safer. We will continue to engage with Canadian officials and would welcome the opportunity to meet with CSIS to discuss how we protect the privacy and security of Canadians.”

Chinese company ByteDance currently owns the controlling stake of the social media app, a move that has drawn widespread skepticism and a political movement to ban TikTok in some countries, notably the U.S.

Asked about Vigneault’s comments today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “Canadians need to listen” to such warnings.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Village’s 18th summer season begins on Friday, when the strip of Ste-Catherine East that lies at the heart of the LGBTQ2IA+ quarter will be closed to traffic and terrasses will open. The City of Montreal is supporting this annual endeavour with a new investment of $2-million in security, economic development and entertainment in the Village.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said that these funds will help “improve the dynamism and feeling of security in the Village.” Particular attention will be paid to Place Emilie-Gamelin.

The city, via the PME, has also put out a call for projects, and plans to spend $500,000 on pitches aimed at “improving the feeling of security and the attractiveness of the Village.”

Today’s news follows an investment of $150-million in the redevelopment of Ste-Catherine in 2023. Last year, the city also pledged 40 additional resources from Montreal police, supported by dedicated social workers trained to support the homeless and the mentally ill.

In a statement, Plante addressed the Village’s vulnerable population, noting that despite the city’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and mental health challenges — via emergency shelters and joint social worker and police brigades — it’s clear that more needs to be done.

“The street is neither a hospital, nor social housing, nor a mental health clinic. In the Village, there are too many vulnerable people who do not have a roof over their heads and who do not have access to the care they need. As long as we cannot collectively provide vulnerable people with shelter and the necessary health care, vulnerability will continue to exist on the streets. While social housing projects are emerging and services are developing, the city must act in the Village by virtue of its powers, and that is what we are doing.”

City officials also inaugurated the new Village Square today, launching a space for events and informal gatherings, with a terrasse café.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Representatives of the City of Montreal as well as the Quebec government announced that a project featuring 600 social housing units, part of a plan for a new eco-neighbourhood, will break ground in Lachine East in 2025. The first complex, located on 6th Avenue between Saint-Louis and Saint-Joseph, will include 90 family and single units on six storeys, with 500 more housing units and a market to follow on the same street. This larger plan aims to build a total of nearly 8,000 housing units and other amenities on a 70-hectare site.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented that this project is part of the city’s response to the housing crisis.

“Thanks to our regulations for a mixed city, nearly 100 new social housing units will be built in the Lachine East eco-district,” Plante said. “The 6th Avenue project will include nearly 600 housing units and will transform the area into a truly pleasant, green and mixed living environment.”

The first phase of the Lachine East eco-neighbourhood project is the result of a partnership between the municipal and provincial governments, a Pointe Saint-Charles neighbourhood improvement organization and community housing developer Bâtir son quartier.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has issued an alert about an emergency siren test being conducted across Montreal today. The system is in place at factories across the city to warn the public about toxic leaks of hazardous materials.

The public is being advised to not be overly alarmed when the emergency siren sounds between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“This Wednesday, May 8, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., a test of warning sirens will take place in Montreal.”

Here is the siren test schedule for participating factories across Montreal:

• From 9 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.: Lactalis Canada
• From 9:20 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Brasserie Labatt
• From 9:40 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.: Bœuf Mérite, Metro Richelieu
• From 10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.: Cold storage Total
• 10 to 10:30 a.m.: Dural – Multibond
• From 1:10 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Saputo Dairy Products Canada (Saint-Laurent)
• From 1:40 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.: Suncor Energy Products – Sulfur plant
• From 2 p.m. to 2 p.m. 10: Entreprise Indorama PTA Montréal
• From 2:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Saputo Dairy Products Canada (Saint-Léonard)
• From 2:40 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.: Pêcheries Atlantiques du Québec, Metro Richelieu

To hear what the siren sounds like (a cross between an emergency vehicle siren and an extremely loud slide whistle), please click here.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Ahead of the Climate Summit in Montreal this week, Dr. Mylène Drouin spoke with the media about the city’s fight against the climate crisis. Drouin said that half-measures, and the notion that actions have to be 100% socially acceptable, must be put aside in favour of radical action that will, at times, necessitate “unpopular decisions.”

“The time for half-measures in the face of the climate crisis is over,” Drouin said. “The city must accelerate the pace of its actions to achieve greater resilience without seeking social acceptability at all costs.”

Drouin spoke about prioritizing the reduction of GHGs, the augmentation of city’s green canopy, the promotion of public transit and active transportation and the protection of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change (such as extreme heat and smoke). She also quoted the WHO, saying, “climate change is the greatest threat to humanity.

“The list of challenges for Montreal is long, and time is starting to run out,” Drouin stated. “To bring about such important changes, quickly — because the urgency is there — everyone must play their part.”

The third annual Climate Summit, of which Drouin is a co-president, is taking place at the Grand Quai of the Old Port of Montreal on May 7 and 8.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

In a press conference today, shortly before the arrival of pro-Israel counter-protesters at McGill University, Quebec Premier François Legault made it clear that he expects Montreal police to remove the pro-Palestine encampment on the downtown campus.

“Everybody in Quebec has to respect laws,” Legault said in English. “Right now, the encampment is illegal, so we have to respect law and I want to make sure that police officers make sure that laws are respected.”

In French, Legault said, “I expect the police to clear these camps.”

McGill University has previously stated that the encampment goes against its own regulations. On Wednesday, a Quebec judge rejected a request for an emergency injunction against the encampment, which was made on the part of two McGill students who felt threatened by the presence of the protesters on campus.

A police spokesperson stated this morning that the police presence at the university today is meant to keep the peace between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters, as the latter group has planned an afternoon demonstration outside the Roddick Gates, just a few feet away from the McGill encampment.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

As announced by the Quebec government on Feb. 1, minimum wage in the province increased today by 50 cents per hour to $15.75. Approximately 207,500 workers in the province will be affected by this change.

Québec Solidaire MNA Alexandre Leduc, who represents Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, called the announced increase “not sufficient” and “ridiculous,” given that it corresponds to a 3% increase in the minimum wage, which is less than the current rate of inflation of 3.6% in Quebec.

In a press conference, Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet said today’s increases raises the minimum wage to roughly half the average hourly pay for workers in Quebec, which is the provincial government’s goal.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal revealed plans this week for an eighth sponge park in the city — the largest one yet, covering 4,300 m² of space, the size of approximately 10 basketball courts.

The absorption capacity of this green space at the corner of Joseph and Dupuis streets in Verdun — which also feature play and leisure areas, a dog park and “a countryside area with planted vegetation” — will be over one million litres.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante explained the need for sponge parks to reduce the risk of flooding in homes during heavy downpours.

“When there are torrential rains, a sponge park can relieve pressure on the sewers and allow water, which would perhaps go into residents’ basements, to be absorbed by these basins that we create,” Plante said.

“At a time when the whole world is confronted with the consequences of climate change, we have a responsibility to implement concrete measures to adapt to this new reality. We are stepping up our efforts to adapt the territory and protect the quality of life in all of the city’s neighbourhoods, to meet the needs of today and future generations.”

Work on the sponge park in Verdun is due to begin in the next few weeks and be completed in the fall of 2025.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

After Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault said yesterday that “managing public transport and transport companies is not a mission of the province,” Projet Montréal responded with a petition “to make Quebec understand that public transportation is an essential mission of the province.”

Montreal city councillor (and executive committee member for urban planning) Robert Beaudry shared the poll, stating that “public transportation is not a luxury, but a necessity.”

On Monday, members of the Metropolitan Community of Montreal (CMM) requested a meeting with Guilbault to address the province’s shortfall of over $560-million in public transit funding. The mayors of 82 municipalities in Greater Montreal called on the Quebec government to invest more in public transportation, otherwise they could resort to a “substantial increase” in the registration tax. 

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Following the release of the 2024 federal budget this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a video discussing changes to tax rates for the rich.

Explaining that 99.87% of Canadians will not pay “a cent more” in tax, Trudeau noted that multimillionaires will see an increase in taxable passive income earned from capital gains, excluding primary residences.

Previously, only 50% of that income was taxable, a percentage that will increase to 67% under the new budget. This move that is projected to generate $19-billion in new revenue.

“Those who will pay more tax are those who’ve benefitted from an economy that seems tipped toward them and away from everyone else,” Trudeau says. “We don’t think it’s fair that a teacher or electrician pays taxes on 100% of their income, while a multimillionaire pays taxes only on 50% of the passive impact come they make on capital gains. So we’re going to make them pay a little more.”

The change to capital gains tax rates has already sparked controversy, with Canadian business figures including Spotify CEO Harley Finkelstein describing it as “divisive and political.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has praised the federal budget, which was presented in the House of Commons in Ottawa by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Tuesday.

Plante specifically lauded the budget’s measures regarding social and affordable housing.

“I welcome the Government of Canada’s budget, which contains strong measures to promote rapid access to social and affordable housing,” Plante says. “Montreal will continue to make its voice heard with other levels of government and work with them to defend the priorities of the metropolitan region: building more housing, ensuring the city’s resilience and improving the quality of life.”

Budget 2024 includes the $6-billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which aims to accelerate the construction of the infrastructure needed to build more homes. This fund includes $1-billion for urgent pre-construction infrastructure needs, including water and sewer systems, as well as $5-billion for provinces and territories with “ambitious” housing plans, to support long-term infrastructure priorities.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

All three levels of government are investing in 763 new social and affordable housing units in Montreal, which will be built “quickly” according to the announcement from the Quebec Housing Corporation.

The 12 projects, the result of a call for projects by the Quebec Affordable Housing Program (PHAQ), are part of the Fund to Accelerate Housing Construction Canada-Quebec Agreement. Quebec and Canada are each investing $900-million, to which the City of Montreal will contribute “at least 40% of the grant.”

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante saluted the collaboration with the governments of Quebec and Canada, “which demonstrates that when all levels work together, it works.”

“This housing will help preserve the affordability of the metropolis and the diversity of its neighbourhoods, which are at the heart of the city’s identity,” Plante says. “Our administration has made the housing crisis a priority since day one and we will continue to innovate and support all initiatives to help all Montrealers find a roof that meets their needs and to their means.”

Montreal public health director Dr. Mylène Drouin shared a final reminder from Quebec’s Health and Social Services Ministry stressing the importance of not looking at the sun with the naked eye for the entire duration of the solar eclipse today.

The eclipse can be seen (with special eclipse glasses) in Montreal from 2:14 to 4:36 p.m., with totality occurring at 3:27 p.m. and lasting approximately 90 seconds. Note that glasses need to meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

“Remember that it is very important not to watch the eclipse with the naked eye for its entire duration. Observing without adequate protection may cause temporary or permanent vision problems.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

NDG residents who’ve been calling for a skatepark in their neighbourhood for years can finally look forward to their dream becoming a reality. On Wednesday, the City of Montreal announced that Skatepark Benny will be opening in 2025.

“This skatepark has been a longstanding demand of the borough’s population, but especially of the neighbourhood’s young people. And they’re right: there’s no skatepark worthy of the name in our borough,” says NDG/CDN borough mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa. “It’s high time we had a skatepark that meets the needs of the population of Montreal’s largest borough.”

Katahwa said that the construction contract for this skatepark will be awarded next week.

This news follows several efforts by NDG residents to get a skatepark built in the neighbourhood, dating back to 2014. Most recently, a petition in 2021 gained a lot of steam online, with the need for outdoor sports and leisure infrastructure heightened by the pandemic.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Coinciding with the beginning of the spring/summer season for the city’s bicycle-rental service BIXI yesterday, City Hall introduced 29 new projects that will either develop or upgrade existing bike paths across 33.2 kilometres of Montreal’s cycling network in 2024.

Sophie Mauzerolle, the executive committee member responsible for transportation, framed the expansion of the cycling network as part of the city’s plan to improve road safety for everyone.

“By developing its cycling network, the city is working towards meeting the objectives of Vision Zéro, which aims to eliminate serious and fatal collisions by 2024,” says Mauzerolle.

The new projects include:

• The REV boulevard Henri-Bourassa (a sustainable mobility corridor)
• The REV Viger/Saint-Antoine/Saint-Jacques (two sections)
• The REV Jean-Talon (first phase)
• Maurice-Duplessis Street (first phase)
• Terrebonne Street

BIXI, which launched across 60% of its network yesterday, is adding 1,300 bikes, 32 stations and 736 anchor spots this season. The bikes will continue to be available year-round after attracting 50,000 users over the course of the winter.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal city hall has acquired nearly $30-million from the Quebec government for decontamination of land, particularly in the East End. With an additional investment of nearly $6-million from the city itself, this decontamination will allow approximately 20 real estate projects — that were previously on hold — to move forward.

Luc Rabouin, the president of the city’s executive committee and head of finance, explained that most of these projects are housing projects, along with daycares and community spaces.

“That represents several hundred housing units. Everyone must be aligned on housing, that’s the priority.”

In November of 2023, the provincial government established a land development committee specifically to acquire, decontaminate and resell contaminated industrial land. The administration of Mayor Valérie Plante has been criticized by the opposition for not acting quickly enough to take advantage of this program.

Plante commented on today’s news, saying, “We are taking action to house Montrealers.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has launched the Responsible Landlord project, which includes the inspection of 10,000 rental housing units by the end of 2024. Inspectors will identify any unsafe or unsanitary conditions, such as toxicity, infestations and structural problems, and hold landlords to account if they don’t fix them — with fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.

“Having a clean home is not a luxury. Our Responsible Landlord project will help to better defend tenants’ rights and ensure housing in Montreal is healthier and safer.”

Inspectors will prioritize buildings with more than 100 rental housing units, particularly buildings where there have been complaints, as well as apartments in “vulnerable sectors” of the city.

The Responsible Landlord project also includes an investment in the Vivre en ville rent registry, which the city has encouraged Montrealers to participate in in order to collect data that could help the city deal with abusive rent increases.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the federal government will implement a Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights as part of the upcoming budget. The measure would amend the Canadian Mortgage Charter to allow prompt rent payments to apply towards a tenant’s credit score, unlocking future home ownership and borrowing ability.

As Trudeau explained during a press conference in Vancouver today, the Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights would also create “a nationwide standard for lease agreements giving renters a clear history of apartment pricing so they can bargain fairly.”

The federal government will also invest $15-million in provincial legal aid organizations to better protect tenants against unfair rent payments, renovictions and bad landlords.

The 2024 federal budget will be tabled on April 16.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Plateau Mont-Royal borough announced today that 200 new plots will be excavated in April to make space to plant trees in order to combat heat islands in Montreal. The city is asking drivers to respect the temporary parking bans next to these plots during the short-term road work project.

In 2022, the City of Montreal launched a study on heat islands and the impact of urban development on heat. The data on air temperature and humidity is being collected at 10 sites across the city over the course of 10 summers, through 2031.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has put out a call for proposals today to build social and affordable housing units on the site of the former bus station between Berri and St-Hubert streets, and de Maisonneuve boulevard and Ontario Street. The 700 units will be located in a new 23-storey building.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante called the project “a win-win,” given that the centrally located property is being offered “at a fraction of the price, with profitable and responsible terms.”

“We are giving ourselves the means to ensure that it is built quickly and efficiently. The city purchased the land and we made sure to set up a call for tenders so that it aroused strong interest from the market.”

Plante previously stated that the goal is for work to begin at the site in the summer of 2025. Plante announced the project in the context of the “the housing crisis raging throughout Quebec.”

“We are using all the means at our disposal to create affordable housing in Montreal. We intend to increase the number of such actions, which allow us to maintain the affordability of living in the city.

“This project will offer more social diversity to the sector and more affordable housing in Montreal. We can’t wait to see it get off the ground.”

Îlot Voyageur, which is currently occupied by an apartment building on the north end and a building that will be demolished on the south end, was the site of a scandalous unfinished UQAM real estate development project in the 2000s, which cost $300-million in public funds. The land was bought from the Quebec government by the city for $18-million in 2018.

The City of Montreal is calling on all tenants to register their current rent with Vivre en ville, whose online registry aims to help curb soaring rental prices — a situation that has exacerbated the housing crisis in Montreal for years.

Southwest borough mayor Benoit Dorais, who’s also the VP of the city’s executive committee, noted that registering rent “is essential while waiting for the government of Quebec to make such a measure mandatory.”

As Vivre en Ville general director Christian Savard explained, “the rent registry can be a valuable tool for governments in their mission to protect tenants against abusive rent increases and curb property inflation.”

To register your rent in Montreal (or elsewhere in Quebec or Ontario), please visit the Vivre en ville website.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that 92% of local restaurants and food businesses no longer distribute single-use plastics. This comes nearly a year after the ban on certain types of single-use plastics came into effect in Montreal. The ban includes most types of plastic takeout containers, including straws, utensils, cups and their covers, plates, burger containers and cylindrical containers.

Plante noted that the ban, which has been adopted in several other Canadian cities since it was tabled in Montreal in 2021, effectively reduces the amount of plastic in overflowing landfills. This is key to the ecological transition given that plastic takes up to 500 years to degrade.

Projet Montréal also heralded the news today.

“With 92% of establishments adopting ecological alternatives, we are proud of Montreal’s contribution to waste reduction. It is with these kinds of concrete actions that we can have a greener future!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced today that the city is distributing over 50,000 free protective glasses ahead of the solar eclipse on April 8. The glasses, which are available at 45 Montreal libraries “starting today and while supplies last,” will allow people to safely observe the upcoming eclipse.

“During an eclipse, the sun’s rays can cause permanent damage to your eyes. The glasses, offered in collaboration with the Planetarium and the University of Montreal, allow you to look at it in complete safety.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The City of Montreal has announced that a new permanent public square for summer events will be developed at the corner of Ste-Catherine and Wolfe: the Place du Village.

The square, which is supposed to be ready sometime this spring, will feature colourful bistro tables and chairs and a container converted into a reception area where drinks and food will be served. There will also be “a diverse cultural program” in the Place du Village, located at the heart of the portion of Ste-Catherine East that is pedestrianized in summertime.

Saint-Jacques city councillor Robert Beaudry said that this project is in line with the city’s Collective Intervention Strategy for the Village, and is “part of a series of projects and interventions that will soon be unveiled to promote the development of this emblematic district of Montreal.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

After the Quebec budget was announced by Finance Minister Eric Girard yesterday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante raised concerns that the province is abandoning public transportation.

Noting that the budget was released at a difficult time for Quebec, given multiple economic crises unfolding here and elsewhere, Plante said the announcement does not “respond to the glaring issues experienced in Montreal.”

“We are particularly concerned about the disengagement in public transportation, even though it is an essential service for the population. As mayor of Montreal and president of the CMM, I will continue to defend investments in public transportation, the construction of social and affordable housing, support for vulnerable populations and the adaptation of our territory to climate change. These are crucial issues that affect the entire population of Quebec.

“We have already achieved great things with our government partners. Despite the challenges, we continue to work to meet the needs of Montrealers.”

Housing advocates have also criticized the Quebec budget for failing to adequately address the housing crisis.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A number of faculties at both McGill and Concordia universities in Montreal are on strike this week. As many as 21,000 students have opted out of class from March 11 to 15 and are planning to participate in a protest on Wednesday against the tuition hikes being imposed on out-of-province and international students at English-language universities.

“For decades, students in Quebec have fought against unjust tuition hikes and assaults by privatization, and we’ve won. But now, Legault wants to take us back to square one. This racist and xenophobic move is jeopardizing our right to education and everyone’s future!

“Join us in the streets to fight back! This is not just about us; it’s about future generations of students who deserve access to affordable education. Let’s show Legault and his government that we are united, we are strong, and we will not back down!”

This is the second joint tuition protest by students since the move was announced by the Quebec government in October. Last semester’s demonstration was called the Blue Fall Protest, a call-back to the famous Maple Spring protests of 2012.

This student strike follows joint legal action against the province by the administrations of Concordia and McGill, which have both seen a significant drop in enrolment this year.

The protest will take place at de Maisonneuve and Mackay on Wednesday, March 13, 3 p.m. For more details, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

While everyone was bummed out by the cancellation of the 2024 edition of Just for Laughs this week, a reminder of another very special upcoming summer event has emerged. Fierté Montreal Pride unveiled the theme of the 2024 parade, which will close out the festival on Aug. 11: “We Are the Rainbow.”

“We Are the Rainbow is a rallying cry, inspired by the fight for the recognition and respect of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities’ rights. It is a reappropriation of the rainbow. It is a more inclusive evolution of its meaning. We Are the Rainbow. We are the possibilities. We are what’s to come.”

Fierté has also opened registration for community days (Aug. 9 and 10) and put out a job offer for community and content manager.

For more on Fierté Montreal Pride 2024, which will take place from Aug. 1 to 11, please visit the festival’s website.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced this week that 43 new social housing units are being built in Saint-Michel for homeless people, people at risk of becoming homeless and vulnerable youth.

The units will be located in housing projects by the Old Brewery Mission (OBM), which will cater to homeless Montrealers over 50 with a 27-unit apartment building, and Logis-Rap, who will open 16 studio apartments for youth. Both projects are being supported financially by all levels of government.

“The crisis of vulnerability that is affecting all of Quebec is directly caused by the housing crisis, and it’s projects like these that we need to multiply and accelerate.”

Montreal public health director Dr. Mylène Drouin and her provincial equivalent Dr. Luc Boileau spoke to the media about measles on Monday, sharing information about recent sites of potential transmission in the city. While measles is a virtually eradicated virus that’s easily preventable via basic childhood vaccinations, Drouin noted that vaccination rates in local elementary schools can be as low as 30%.

The measles resurgence appears to be a global phenomenon, with outbreaks reported in Florida as well as in parts of Europe and beyond. Quebec has the most measles cases in Canada, 10 (7 of which are in Montreal), 3 linked to travel and the other 4 via community spread. There are also 5 cases in Ontario and 1 in B.C.

Standard childhood vaccinations have included the measles vaccine since the 1970s, but experts have noted that two doses are required, not one as previously believed. Public health is urging everyone to make sure that they and their kids are up to date with their immunizations.

Symptoms of measles include itchy red spots, a rash that appears 3 to 5 days after other symptoms, which are similar to cold and flu: high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, which is why public health included end-dates for monitoring your condition if you’ve been to any of the sites of potential transmission.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

An anti-Airbnb protest will take place in Montreal this Wednesday, March 6 in front of a newly constructed building in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve that’s currently being used for temporary tourist rentals. Going against the borough’s bylaws (and contrary to what housing advocates and residents were told during construction), 3 of the building’s 29 units are currently listed on Airbnb. Advocates suspect that the rest of the units, which are furnished but with no tenants, are destined to serve the same purpose.

“We are calling on our neighbours to come together to proclaim loud and clear that this project will not be tolerated. Together, let’s put pressure on our local representatives to honour their commitments to our community. Let’s protect the integrity of our neighbourhood and work for dignified housing for all.”

The demonstration will take place at 3650 Ontario E. this Wednesday, March 6 at noon. Organizers (Entraide Logement Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Anti-évictions Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) are also holding a sign-making workshop this afternoon.

For more on the anti-Airbnb protest in Montreal, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec Court of Appeal has ruled that Quebec secularism law Bill 21 is constitutional. The law bars public sector employees in positions of authority (including teachers) from wearing religious symbols.

Though the law was upheld by the Quebec Superior Court following a challenge in April 2021, provisions relating to English school boards and a ban on face coverings for MNAs were struck down. The Quebec government appealed the ruling on English school boards, with Premier François Legault saying, “We fully respect the rights of the English-speaking minority, but secularism and Quebec’s common values have no language barrier.” English schools have had to abide by Bill 21 pending the conclusion of the government’s appeal, but their exemption from the law has been overturned by today’s ruling.

The earlier ruling also acknowledged that the law violates the rights of Muslim women and is “cruel” towards people who wear religious symbols and are forced to choose between their beliefs and their ability to work in the public sector.

In order to pass Bill 21 in 2019, the Quebec government invoked the notwithstanding clause, meaning the law couldn’t be challenged on the grounds that it violated basic rights according to certain sections of the charter. However, the law could still be subject to a Supreme Court challenge, and should this take place, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated in a press conference today that the federal government would intervene “to protect the rights and freedoms of Canadians.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante released a statement yesterday after the announcement of additional funding from the Government of Canada to fight car theft in the city. Following the dismantling of a criminal car theft network that morning in Montreal, Plante also issued a direct message to car thieves, saying, “You will be arrested.”

The federal government is investing $15-million to deal with car theft, to be distributed among police forces across Canada.

Last year alone, there were 11,831 vehicles reported stolen in Montreal, according to the SPVM.

“I want to thank the teams who worked on this important investigation and reassure the Montreal population. Safety is a priority and we are working as a team to curb the increase in thefts. I also welcome the announcement of this additional amount from the Government of Canada, which, in particular, helps us to carry out prevention and ensure that our young people do not fall into crime.”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Quebec Premier François Legault announced on Sunday that the provincial government has made an offer — one that he refers to as a “big move” — to teachers and education staff including an increase in both salary and support. This comes at the close of the latest round of negotiations on collective agreements with unions that were one strike prior to the holidays.

Legault said that the new starting salary for Quebec teachers, should this agreement be accepted, would be $65,000, while the highest salary level would be $109,000, representing increases between 18.6% and 27% “with the compound effect.” The province would also commit to creating 5,000 new permanent positions for teachers and 4,000 full-time equivalent classroom assistants.

“I am confident that with the agreement we signed, salary conditions in the education sector will become much more attractive and that we will gradually fill all positions.

“But I want to say to all Quebecers: this choice will have financial consequences. The next budget will be largely in deficit because of this choice, among other things. But we do it for the good of the Quebec nation. As Premier, I fully accept this. It’s the responsible choice to make!”

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

According to a report from the Montreal police, the city saw a 26% reduction in gun violence in 2023 compared with the previous year. The SPVM describe “armed violence events” as “firearm discharges, murders and attempted murder by firearm.”

Montreal police reportedly made 351 arrests last year in connection with events involving guns in 2023, and 774 guns were seized. 

The SPVM report attributes this decline in gun violence to various police initiatives, from officer visibility to criminal investigations and intelligence to crime prevention and deterrence programs, as well as work done by community organizations and institutional and government partners.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Amidst the ongoing housing crisis, the City of Montreal has announced what Mayor Valérie is calling a record-breaking initiative to secure affordable housing.

In the East End, 720 affordable housing units have been protected from speculation following investments from the city, other levels of government and private investors.

“This is the largest operation to protect affordable housing in Montreal. We are taking action to house Montrealers!”

By Lorraine Carpenter LJI Reporter

The Sûreté du Québec has confirmed that two women are dead and a third 70-year-old victim was critically injured in a multiple stabbing just before noon today in an apartment building in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Five ambulances were reportedly called to the scene of the armed assault in the town 45 kilometres west of Montreal, where one 44-year-old male suspect was arrested during a major police operation.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante commented on the incident when the news was first reported earlier today.

“What horrible news. All my thoughts are with the community of the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion.”

by Lorraine Carpenter LJI Reporter

Every Valentine’s Day, the Centre for Gender Advocacy and Iskweu hold a memorial march and National Day of Action in Montreal for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit people. The event aims to honour and raise awareness about the countless disappearances, killings and violence against First Nations and Inuit people over the years.

“Too many Indigenous families have lost loved ones to colonial violence. Many Indigenous women, girls, trans and Two-Spirit people wonder if they will be next. This cannot go on.

“In 2019, the final report of the National Investigation into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released. Now is the time to act, to honour recommendations on how to stop genocide against Indigenous communities. We refuse to let the countless hours of testimony and knowledge from thousands of Indigenous people be wasted. We have all the information we need.”

Iskweu notes that these events, which also take place annually on Oct. 4, offer an “opportunity to learn more about activists and elders, and be inspired to take action through songs and performances by Indigenous artists.” This event’s speakers and performers include MC Sarah Carriere, Elder Kevin Deer, the Travelling Spirit Drum Group and Ellen Gabriel, among others.

The annual vigil — on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. — will take place at Cabot Square, followed by a march on Ste-Catherine to Place du Canada. The event’s organizers encourage participants to bring drums, visual aids and/or candles.

The Assembly of First Nations, which is mandated to raise awareness about and address the issue of violence against Indigenous women, reports that Indigenous women and girls are five times more likely to be the victims of violence than other populations in Canada, and that that violence tends to result in more serious harm.

To view the final report by the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, please click here.

The Montreal MMIWG2S+ vigil and march will begin in Cabot Square (Atwater & Ste-Catherine) on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more details, please visit the event page.

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A protest against Quebec’s Bill 31 will be taking place in Montreal on Saturday. The demonstration’s organizers, the Coalition of Housing Committees and Tenants Associations of Quebec (RCLALQ), are also demanding a rent freeze in Quebec and that Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau step down.

“As Quebec goes through the most profound housing crisis in its history, as rents surge and evictions multiply, the government has proposed a bill that represents a direct attack on tenants. This is shameful!”

The protest will begin at noon at 425 Beaubien E. (corner St-Denis).

by Lorraine Carpenter, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Quebec government announced today that minimum wage in the province will increase by 50 cents per hour to $15.75 on May 1. This corresponds to a 3% increase in the minimum wage, which is less than the current rate of inflation of 4% in Quebec.

Québec Solidaire MNA Alexandre Leduc, who represents Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, called the announced increase “not sufficient” and “ridiculous.”