Downtown Montreal merchants sound alarm over safety, financial security

Officials from Quebec’s merchants’ association, the Société de développement commercial (SDC), for downtown Montreal are worrying about safety in the economic heart of the city.

They point to a recent 2024 survey that polled close to 1,000 respondents that revealed that 74 per cent of workers in downtown Montreal say they have noticed a deterioration in safety on public transit.

Another study, conducted by Léger at the end of 2024, showed that 78 per cent of downtown Montrealers felt little or no sense of security around their workplace due to an increase in “drug addiction, homelessness and mental health issues,” the press release wrote.

“This feeling of insecurity is incompatible with our role as an economic engine, university capital, and tourist and cultural hub. Workers, visitors, and residents of all ages must be able to feel safe there day and night,” said Glenn Castanheira, Executive Director of SDC downtown Montreal.

The SDC also warns of financial consequences. With the city preparing to release its new property assessment roll and facing an anticipated $417-million deficit, the current 15 per cent drop in the value of downtown commercial properties could spell major losses. Downtown Montreal alone generates 23 per cent of the city’s revenues — about $1.6 billion annually.

Castanheira pointed to 1000 De la Gauchetière, where a 15 per cent decrease in value could mean a $2-million annual loss for city finances.

“There are 1.6 billion good reasons to act quickly to reverse these trends. Montreal’s economic health and public finances depend directly on the vitality and security of the downtown core.,” said Castanheira. “With the election just days away, candidates must speak out quickly to ensure leadership on these issues. Because no election promise can be fulfilled without the financial stability that the downtown core provides.”