How the participatory budget works

The participatory budget is a democratic process that allows Montrealers to decide how a portion of the municipal budget is spent. You come up with ideas for municipal improvements or facilities, and then you decide which ones the city will build.

The second edition of the participatory budget is taking place in various phases:

• October 13 to December 4, 2022: Residents put forward over 650 ideas.
• December 2022 and January 2023: The city sorted and classified the ideas received based on the main eligibility criteria. At this stage, 504 ideas were deemed admissible or potentially admissible.
• February to April 2023: Joint committees, made up of stakeholders and city staff, developed ideas into projects. They first identified 170 ideas to prioritize, then grouped similar ideas together or refined them to make feasible projects. This phase resulted in 56 developed projects.
• May to September 2023: The city assessed the technical, regulatory and financial feasibility of the projects, as well as its ability to implement them. This phase resulted in the selection of 31 finalist projects.
• Septeber 29 to October 29, 2023: Montrealers will vote on which projects to prioritize. Those receiving the most votes will be carried out within the $30 million budget.

Finalist projects

This year, the themes of the participatory budget are youth, equity and public safety. For example, ideas had to help meet the needs of young people, improve neighbourhood safety, or ensure equitable access to municipal facilities.

The 31 finalist projects will enable the addition or renovation of sports and leisure facilities, meeting places, or parks and green spaces, as well as the creation of facilities to promote safe, active travel.

How do you take part

Until October 29, all Montréal residents ages 12 and over, as well as merchants, can vote on which projects the city will carry out.