NEWS FROM RIGHT HERE
2025 Activity Report – Highlights
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
2025 was a year of courage and cohesion for the District Central. Driven by a major realignment and a renewal of its governance, the SDC strongly reaffirmed its role as a catalyst, choosing to act with conviction on behalf of its community. This new direction, supported by local businesses, led to bold stances on key issues and strengthened engagement with decision-makers.
At the same time, the organization reached decisive milestones in asserting the neighborhood’s identity and supporting the local economy. At the heart of every decision lie strong shared values—innovation, collaboration, proximity, and pride—which fuel the resilience of the District Central and, more broadly, that of Quebec.
AN AMBITIOUS MISSION, DRIVEN BY STRONG VALUES
SDC District Central’s mission is to breathe new life into a legendary neighborhood, showcase its vitality, and propel it to the forefront of Montreal’s economic scene. Its initiatives are anchored in trust, community, courage, and the joy of taking action.
A STRONGER, MORE COHESIVE VOICE
In 2025, the SDC District Central strengthened its capacity to represent its members by leveraging an expanded role for the Board of Directors. Through a business delegation dedicated to borough relations and task forces created to address specific issues, the SDC has solidified a coherent and proactive voice in service of its members.
This newfound agility has enabled the SDC to intervene swiftly on several major files, including the north–south bike path, the District Central PPU (Urban Development Plan), and the future of the vacant lot at 50–150. This proactive stance is also reflected in a sustained presence across the ecosystem: active participation on six standing committees and tables, a notable presence at over a dozen socioeconomic events, and ongoing relations with provincial and federal representatives, as well as the local Chief of Police.
At the same time, the SDC deployed communication efforts on an unprecedented scale. Six major public relations campaigns generated nearly 120 media mentions and over 37 million impressions—doubling the reach of the previous year. This increased visibility, combined with a growing number of partnerships—notably with Tourisme Montréal, YUL Airport, Caisse Desjardins du Centre-nord, the M.A.D. Festival, mmode, and PME MTL Centre-Ouest—bears witness to the rising interest in the District Central and the strength of its transformation.
A PROSPEROUS, TIGHT-KNIT BUSINESS COMMUNITY
In 2025, the District Central confirmed the strength of its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thanks to the Connector of Opportunities service, 207 business matches were made, nearly 100 new entrepreneurs were met, and 28 experts were mobilized to support companies in overcoming their challenges. This performance illustrates the vitality of the territory and the importance of a collaborative business network.
The year was also marked by major mobilization initiatives: a successful first edition of Campus Relève, pilot projects in business hubs, visits and exchanges with the City of Montreal, and over a dozen networking activities bringing together nearly 450 participants. A key highlight: an economic roundtable with the Hon. Mélanie Joly, which allowed local businesses to engage directly with the Minister on international trade issues.
AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION
In 2025, the District Central continued the transformation of its urban landscape with signature interventions that are redefining the neighborhood's identity. La Prairie Louvain and its iconic sunflowers once again brought color to the area, while permanent installations are now taking over: the inauguration of Ruelle L’Oasis, the rollout of the first phase of wayfinding signage on Chabanel, and the creation of a new mural on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
Driven by the support of the Government of Quebec and numerous public and private partners, these initiatives solidify the vision of an innovative, sustainable, and welcoming District Central. Their distinctive character even earned them a place at the Montréal du Futur exhibition, highlighting their impact on the territory's evolution
A DISTRICT IN M.A.D. MODE
In August 2025, the District Central celebrated its fashion heritage by hosting its first-ever runway show, organized by the M.A.D. Festival for its 25th anniversary. The loading dock at 433 Chabanel West was transformed into an urban catwalk, where 13 local businesses presented 60 looks designed and produced right here in the neighborhood. Before a crowd of nearly 300 spectators, designers showcased their exceptional craftsmanship. One of their creations was later featured in the festival’s grand finale parade, giving the District visibility well beyond its borders.
A CELEBRATION OF URBAN AGRICULTURE
With 390,000 sq. ft. under cultivation and 28 active organizations, the District Central is Montreal’s largest urban agriculture hub. In 2025, it hosted the very first Fermes en villes banquet, bringing together 280 guests for a 100% local meal prepared by Chef Marc-André Royal. La Prairie Louvain was transformed into an open-air dining room to celebrate the district’s agricultural expertise. Co-organized with PME MTL Centre-Ouest, the event strengthened the ties between urban farms, the food industry, and the business community.
A VIBRANT SUMMER SEASON
From May to September, the District Central pulses with the rhythm of public activities and entertainment. Summer 2025 offered a rich and unifying program, bringing the streets, public spaces, and neighborhood gathering spots to life. Between pop-up installations, cultural performances, and social events, hundreds of workers enjoyed a vibrant, accessible, and resolutely festive season.
INVESTMENTS THAT PAY OFF
In 2025, the SDC District Central invested $1,675,000 into activities, projects, and services directly tied to its mission. This commitment represents 88% of the $1.9M in total expenditures, demonstrating the priority placed on supporting the business community and the vitality of the territory.
On the revenue side, 53% comes from the private sector—member assessments, voluntary contributions, sponsorships, and partnerships—reflecting the buy-in and mobilization of local businesses. The remaining 46% comes from various levels of government, including key support from the Fonds signature métropole, totaling $1M over three years.
Furthermore, the efforts invested in raising the profile of District Central have resulted in the SDC being invited to participate in various events to share insights on the ongoing revitalization of its territory and the initiatives deployed to support this goal.
COMMITTED BUSINESS LEADERS
To successfully carry out its mission, the SDC District Central relies on an extensive network of volunteers, drawn primarily from the business community. Their commitment—whether serving on the Board of Directors, participating in one of its working committees, or acting as ambassadors—ensures the relevance of every initiative the organization undertakes.
A SKILLED AND PASSIONATE TEAM AT THE SERVICE OF ITS MEMBERS AND TERRITORY
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