Montréal, June 8, 2016 ‒ The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal applauds the initiative undertaken by the Ville de Montréal as part of its Stratégie centre-ville (Downtown Strategy) presented today by Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre and the executive committee member in charge of the downtown strategy, Richard Bergeron. The four areas of focus announced for consultations are in line with the business community’s priorities, which believes it is imperative to give the Ville de Montréal directions to strengthen downtown.
A strong downtown for a strong city
“We are pleased to see that the Strategy considers downtown the economic driver of not just the city, but of the province as a whole,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Downtown is the main centre of employment for the province, and the Strategy’s focus on developing the knowledge economy is excellent news. The action plan that will emerge from the Strategy should have concrete efforts to support the ecosystem of innovation and creation by including different players from the sector.”
Commercial arteries central to the Strategy
“While the Strategy rightly points to the importance of Sainte-Catherine St., the Board of Trade believes that Saint-Laurent and Saint-Denis, which are part of downtown, also need special attention,” Mr. Leblanc added. “The commercial arteries’ situation is one of the business community’s major concerns because they actively contribute to the city’s economic health. The ambitious goal of increasing the population of downtown by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050 will have a positive impact on local businesses.”
Mobility to support targeted population growth
“The Board of Trade is pleased to see the importance the Strategy places on urban mobility,” Michel Leblanc said. “Easy access to downtown is essential for attracting new head offices, for the health of commercial arteries and to reach the goal of attracting thousands of new residents. The Strategy points to the importance of the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) (Metropolitan Electric Network) for the development of downtown and emphasizes the importance of completing this project on time. The action plan should be concrete and aligned with any mobility and transportation initiatives.”
A strategy that needs support from all levels of government
“The efforts announced today by the Ville de Montréal are essential and will be instrumental in creating future business opportunities,” Michel Leblanc said. “The Board of Trade would like to point out that it is important that the provincial and federal governments participate in the Ville de Montréal’s efforts, particularly when it comes to financing the REM. The Board of Trade will be delighted to contribute to the Ville de Montréal’s efforts and is eager to see the details of the action plan in 2017.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration, and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to businesses of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
gberube@ccmm.qc.ca
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