As part of La Grande Fabrique de résilience territoriale, an initiative launched by the SDC District Central, entrepreneurs agreed to step in front of the camera to talk about their connection to the neighbourhood, their concerns and their desire to help make things better.

A mural artist, Fluke is also the manager of the commercial building where he established his studio four years ago in the heart of District Central. He is also the artist behind De fil en aiguille, a work created in 2024 in the Sauvé sector. He therefore has the opportunity to see the territory from different perspectives.

“Artists who get involved can have a really significant impact on neighbourhood life and the identity of an entrepreneurial hub,” he says in the video, explaining that he came to District Central to find a creative space surrounded by other entrepreneurs and close to essential services.

While the building where he set up his studio was previously, like much of the area, dedicated to the fashion industry, it now houses a variety of businesses. He is convinced that, to help them succeed, it is important to listen to their needs and allow for greater regulatory flexibility. He gives the example of loft zoning, which could be partly commercial and partly residential, allowing artists to live in their studios.

Rethinking the Way We Do Business

The ideas put forward by Fluke are consistent with what emerged repeatedly during the collective reflection process that launched La Grande Fabrique de résilience territoriale.

Among the common findings: businesses in the neighbourhood are calling for greater predictability, clarity and integration when it comes to decisions that affect their environment. Moreover, while the area is a historic, urban production hub, challenges related to accessibility, mobility, logistics and real estate pressures directly affect businesses’ ability to operate. Finally, while mutual support, proximity and collaboration are among the territory’s greatest strengths, its resilience still relies heavily on individuals.

These concerns have been heard and addressed through the commitments that emerged from the District Central Business Summit on June 9. They were subsequently incorporated into the Manifesto and are championed by Ahuntsic-Cartierville Mayor Maude Théroux-Séguin, the business community, property owners and the SDC.

These commitments include establishing shared governance for each project; creating the conditions for a business services hub and local investment tools; and promoting the industrial retailer model, which allows businesses to both manufacture their products on-site and welcome customers who come to purchase them.

Together to Make a Difference

Fluke is already very impressed that the idea of developing a resilience plan took root in District Central. He is also relieved to see that neighbouring businesses share many of the same concerns as he does and that they are on the same page when it comes to the challenges ahead.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this takes shape,” says Fluke in the video.

Since the spring, La Grande Fabrique de résilience territoriale has brought together nearly 200 businesses, property owners and local stakeholders through individual interviews, a territorial survey, collaborative workshops and the District Central Business Summit. The commitments are set out in the Manifesto of La Grande Fabrique and will be addressed through the 2027–2030 Territorial Resilience Plan. This will mark the culmination of La Grande Fabrique de résilience territoriale, carried out in 2026.