A fashionable neighbourhood

Isabelle Hudon
President and CEO
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Montréal, August 15 2008 - The Acadie-Chabanel area, located in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough in Montréal, has long been within the purview of a very specific sector of the economy: the design and production of clothing. This industry is a major centre of employment, representing some 23,000 jobs in Montréal, which ranks the city third among North American urban areas in terms of clothing production.

Companies operating in this milieu, facing stiff foreign competition over the last few years, have had to adjust to the new context. In order to remain competitive, local companies have had no choice but to gamble on innovative niche product lines, equip themselves with cutting-edge technology, and call upon the services of the most creative talents. Several among them therefore work with Montréal designers who enjoy a reputation and reach that go well beyond our borders.

Arriving at just the right time, the investment recently announced by the City of Montréal for the revitalization of the area and the improvement of public spaces will play an important strategic role in increasing the sector's potential for development, in addition to attracting even more businesses of all types. Several buildings in the neighbourhood offer large surface areas that can meet the needs of many organizations and businesses, and are close to major transportation routes in the heart of Montréal.

Montréal has many neighbourhoods whose environment makes them highly desirable. With this new investment — which is in addition to those made in the last few years, notably for the construction of the Chabanel train station and for economic development initiatives —, not only will the Acadie-Chabanel area be able to sport its finest attire but it will also become a true fashion district.