NEWS FROM RIGHT HERE

October 2, 2025

Recap of the 2026 BGA – Highlights and Outlook

On September 29, the SDC District Central held its 2026 Budget General Assembly (BGA), a key moment for our business community. Chaired by Gabriel Tupula, who leads the SDC’s Board of Directors, this annual gathering gives members the opportunity to vote on the budget proposed by their peers on the Board, while also reviewing completed projects and addressing issues affecting the territory.

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2026 Budget

To present the 2026 budget, the outgoing President of the SDC, Delia De Gasperis, explained the variances compared to the 2025 projections.

The largest variance is due to the allocation of expenditures from the Fonds Signature Métropole for the rollout of Phase 3 of the District Central Signature Intervention Plan (project timeline vs. SDC fiscal year).
$840,000 will come from public funds (grants).
Member contributions will increase by 2% in 2026, following the CPI index:
Minimum floor: from $86.47 to $88.20 for small spaces
Maximum cap: from $1,037.70 to $1,058.45 for large spaces
The SDC is working on several financial levers to ensure the scope and sustainability of its actions, particularly by increasing the financial participation of property owners.
In the end, the members adopted an operating budget of $2,093,396.38.

Urban Planning and Signature of the Territory

Implementation of Phase 3 of the District Central Signature Intervention Plan, adopted in 2023, featuring landscaping, urban design, signage, and artistic projects.
Note that in 2024, the SDC secured a $1 million grant from the Fonds Signature Métropole to continue implementing other priority sites identified in the Plan and to hire an experienced professional to oversee the work.
Over 50% increase in project funding thanks to private partnerships negotiated by the SDC.
La Prairie Louvain – 3rd edition, under the theme of “legacy,” designed to “pollinate” and inspire other sites across the district.
Creation of La Ruelle L’Oasis and Le Lopin, two new public spaces designed for workers and businesses.
Installation of the new District Central signage system, to guide, inform, and showcase the neighborhood’s history.
Ongoing production of the 8th mural in the area, a work by artist Dalkhafine that will feature a 3D sculptural component—a first for Montréal.

Visibility and Engagement

Launch of the digital platform Espace Connect to foster networking and collaboration between businesses.
143 business connections facilitated since January thanks to the on-the-ground presence of the Connector of Opportunities team
First edition of Campus Relève, linking more than 100 students with 7 textile companies.
“Samedi sur Chabanel” pilot project, an initiative that reflects the district’s origins while giving consumers the chance to discover local brands.
“District Central en mode M.A.D.” fashion show, showcasing local know-how in a loading dock setting.
Economic roundtable with Minister Mélanie Joly on issues related to customs duties.

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Key Issues: Urban Logistics and Mobility

The BGA was also an opportunity to discuss the significant challenges many businesses in the district are facing, particularly in terms of urban logistics.

The neighborhood’s transformation must take into account the realities of industrial companies. The borough’s rushed implementation of the north–south bike path has had major impacts:

Safety and logistics challenges for manufacturers and distributors
Economic impacts on businesses
Loss of 339 parking and loading spaces

In response, the SDC has taken a firm stance in defending the interests of its members. A Léger survey was conducted to document the impacts, and the results will be released shortly.

Election Forum

As part of the municipal elections, the main candidates for borough mayor presented their vision and commitments for the territory and had the opportunity to engage with members.

Émilie Thuillier, Projet Montréal (outgoing mayor)
Maude Théroux-Séguin, Ensemble Montréal

Coming Up by Year-End

Inauguration of La Ruelle L’Oasis
Release of the Léger survey results
Planning of 2026 Signature Interventions
November 26: Year-end cocktail

NETWORKING

The BGA was followed by a networking event with the businesses in attendance. This was a unique opportunity to strengthen connections within the District Central business community.

THANK YOU!

The Board of Directors thanks you for sharing its ambitions to give new momentum to our legendary neighbourhood, to showcase it, and to propel it to the forefront of Montréal’s economic scene!