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Context
Montréal’s downtown core is the international showcase of the city and, by extension, Quebec as a whole.
Its significance makes it a true driving force for the province’s economy.
This highly strategic area has been hard hit by the health crisis.
It is at risk because its vitality depends largely on the traffic generated by the 310,000 workers, 11 million tourists and 100,000 students who used to eat and shop in the area but will not return for many months.
The risk of this temporary shutdown becoming permanent is all too real. The health measures could plunge Montréal's downtown into a downward spiral.
That is why we are presenting a four-pronged document:
- an analysis of the sector's importance
- a look at the impact of the crisis
- case studies on support measures for city centres here and elsewhere
- a plan containing specific courses of action
The Strategic Forum on Downtown Area will be an opportunity to join representatives from a variety of backgrounds to delve further into the topic.
- Demonstrate its economic and strategic importance for the city
- Identify and specify the effects, challenges and opportunities stemming from the COVID-19 crisis
- Assess the effectiveness of existing government assistance measures and present measures to be considered to support businesses
- Present the recovery or sectoral assistance strategies implemented elsewhere that may apply in Québec
- Issue courses of action and sectoral recommendations to political decision-makers in Greater Montréal (spearheaded by the Chamber and its partners)
- Promote the ability to rebound through innovation, new business models and corporate strengths
- Determine the elements to be developed to strengthen and promote a return to growth
- Identify business challenges and opportunities for companies in the short, medium and long term
- Define potential courses of action for development and relaunch based on established strategic priorities
Event format in a nutshell
- Starting at 7 a.m., log on, join the movement and take part in a networking session (optional)
- Conferences starting at 8 a.m.
- Around 11:15 a.m., end of conferences
- Discussions between all participants until 1 p.m.(optional)
- Virtual booths throughout the activity
Program
7:00 a.m. Access to the platform and networking period
8:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
8:05 a.m. Political Words
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The Honourable Mélanie JolyMinister of Economic Development and Official Languages
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Valérie Plante Mayor of Montréal
President of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal
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Chantal RouleauMinister for Transport
Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
8:45 a.m. Talk – Presentation of the Downtown Sector Action Plan
9:15 a.m. Collaborative session to enrich the Action Plan to Strengthen the Downtown Area
9:40 a.m. Panel Discussion – Experience and trust in the heart of downtown renewal
Host:
Panelists:
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AZAMITFounder and creative director
SOUK and IN TOTO
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Annik DesmarteauVice President, Office, Quebec
Ivanhoé Cambridge
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Éric FournierPartner and Executive Producer
Moment Factory
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Émile Roux Executive Director, Business Development Corporation
Montréal centre-ville
10:25 a.m. Panel Discussion – Developing tomorrow's downtown today
Host:
Panelists:
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Serge GouletPresident
Devimco Immobilier
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Vincent Kou Vice-President, Corporate Development & Growth
Brivia Group
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Jean Laurin President and Chief Executive Officer
Devencore
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Laurence VincentCo-President
Prével
11:10 a.m. Closing remarks and presentation of the highlights of the collaborative session
11:15 a.m. Networking
1 p.m. End of the Forum