Revitalizing Chinatown: Calls for Investment from Business Leaders in Montreal

Business leaders from Montreal's historic Chinatown are urging the local government to take action to revitalize the district. They are advocating for a range of measures to breathe new life into the area, including cheaper parking rates, faster building permits, and a strategy to enhance nightlife.

For years, Chinatown has faced various challenges, including issues related to drug dealing and homelessness. However, local authorities report that many of these issues have been addressed. With the hope of boosting economic activity, merchants and developers are now calling on the city to invest in Chinatown.

Recently, there have been reports of declining revenues for businesses in the area, which have been impacted by ongoing construction projects. Roads leading into the district from Old Montreal have been closed, and business taxes are notably high. Vincent Lupien, a property owner with eight commercial tenants, spoke about these challenges during a recent news conference organized by local business stakeholders.

“Businesses are facing very high taxes and strict municipal regulations that slow down renovations. We also lack visible measures of support from the city,” Lupien stated. He emphasized the need for incentives to improve the old buildings that have fallen into disrepair due to stringent heritage protection regulations.

As part of their proposal, business leaders are calling for a parking policy in Chinatown that is similar to those in cities like Vancouver and Edmonton, where flat rates of $3 to $5, or even free parking during weekends, are implemented. They also want a compensation plan providing $5,000 to merchants who have lost income due to street closures on significant thoroughfares such as St-Laurent Blvd. and St-Urbain Blvd.

Additionally, they are seeking to promote Chinatown's restaurants with a dedicated marketing strategy and a fund for upgrading storefronts. Steve Shanahan, a former city councillor and consultant for a business revitalization committee, stressed that economic vitality is essential for the success of Chinatown. “When business operations are restricted, it discourages investment. A lack of investment leads to decay, which is exactly where we find ourselves now,” Shanahan explained.

Ongoing discussions and plans are expected to address these issues further, and business leaders remain hopeful for a revitalized Chinatown that attracts both residents and visitors.

Chinatown, Montreal, business