Pandemic, inflation, trade wars with the United States... every time a crisis breeds economic uncertainty, the importance of local production returns to the forefront. District Central, a thriving industrial hub, holds all the cards to support Quebec’s manufacturing sovereignty. However, for this to happen, the ecosystem must recognize the district’s many assets for what they are worth and offer its full, unwavering support.

"We all agree that reclaiming our industrial capacity is crucial to facing current and future crises. That is why it is important to remember that Montreal’s District Central already holds the keys to ensuring the province’s autonomy," says Hélène Veilleux, Executive Director of the SDC District Central. "We are talking about 25 million square feet of space, featuring large loading docks, solid buildings, affordable rents, and available vacancies. All the ingredients are there. And what makes the difference is the proximity between players—the suppliers, the creators, and the logistics experts. This living ecosystem is our greatest asset for accelerating local production."

Furthermore, because the infrastructure is already in place, utilizing District Central to its maximum potential allows entrepreneurs and investors to reduce their environmental footprint. "Rethinking the city through the lens of ecological transition also means prioritizing local production, which is a major win for the planet," Veilleux insists.