The Québec government is investing $15 million and Montréal $10 million to carry out tangible short-term actions to reimagine the role of the downtown area.

Assistance for businesses

• Expansion of the Fonds Entrepreneuriat commercial - $4 million
  • Managed by PME MTL, the city’s business support network, this fund helps merchants, restaurant owners and bar owners.
• Conversion of offices into collaborative spaces - $2 million
  • This subsidy program is designed to attract small businesses to the downtown core. SMEs can get support to arrange their office layout.

Developments in the downtown area

• Initiatives to make the downtown core attractive to workers and visitors - $6 million

These initiatives will include various approaches:

• Developing a return-to-work protocol in collaboration with the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal and other stakeholders. 
• Supporting cultural and tourist activities.
• Making large commercial streets active, pleasant and safe environments, to attract consumers while maintaining physical distancing. 
• Designing outdoor work spaces to encourage activities and initiatives such as co-working.
• Revitalization of Chinatown - $2 million
  • Supporting activities to revitalize this renowned district, which is home to more than 150 businesses employing about 500 people.

Supporting cultural, commercial and tourism vitality

• Supporting fine dining - $2 million
  • Campaign to promote fine dining and support restaurant owners
• Supporting the “Recovery plan for downtown Montréal” implemented by the Quartier des spectacles in partnership with the Montréal centre-ville commercial development corporation - $3 million

Improving workers’ and visitors’ experience

• Stepping up efforts to keep streets and construction sites clean - $1 million
• Extending free parking - $3 million

Supporting the transformation over the longer term

• Renewing strategies in collaboration with community partners and budget for contingencies - $2 million