Starting a Business in Lachine

Last updated April 18, 2024
Reading time: 2 min

Are you interested in starting a business in the Borough of Lachine? Here’s your chance to discover a lot of practical information on the advantages of doing so in Lachine and the resources available to you.

Your resources in the Borough of Lachine

The Economic Development Commissioner

Ghislain Dufour, the Economic Development Commissioner, is the ideal person to help and guide you in your entrepreneurial endeavours. 

To reach him:

By phone: 514 898-7748 

Email: [email protected] 

Mailing address: 1800, boulevard Saint-Joseph, Lachine (Quebec) H8S 2N4

Permit applications 

At Lachine Borough Hall, located at 1800 boulevard Saint-Joseph, the permit counter is your point of service for handling your applications. For example, you can obtain your commercial occupancy and sign permits there. Applications for certain permits may also be made online at montreal.ca.

Permits

When you start a business, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary permits to operate it. Here is a list of the main permits issued by the Borough of Lachine:

Certificate of commercial occupancy  

The occupancy permit, also known as a “certificate of occupancy”, is essential if you want to carry out commercial activities on premises that are not intended for residential use. You must obtain this permit prior to opening your place of business in order to certify that your activities comply with the urban planning bylaw.    

Certificate of authorization for posting 

You want to install or modify a sign? You must first obtain a commercial sign permit. You may also contact a contractor who specializes in sign installation to apply for the permit on your behalf.   

Conversion permit

Before undertaking any interior or exterior renovations, you must have a conversion permit. You may obtain this permit at the Lachine permit counter or online

Temporary occupancy of public property for construction purposes permit

Are you planning to do some work and place materials on the street or sidewalk? You will need a permitto temporarily close a street to traffic.

The partners

PME Montréal West-Island 

The Borough works with PME Montréal West-Island to support entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. This organization offers a number of services, including assistance in finding financing. It also manages subsidy programs.

Association centre-ville Lachine (ACVL) 

All commercial establishments located on rue Notre-Dame, between 6e and 19e avenues, are represented with the Borough by the ACVL. Rue Notre-Dame in Lachine is one of the main streets in the Borough. It focuses on local businesses and offers a great destination for Lachine residents who want to buy local.

The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC)

Since its creation in 1978, the WIMCC’s mission has been to represent the interests of its members and to encourage and promote the development of its business community. Its territory extends from Lachine to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.