NEWS FROM RIGHT HERE
September 19, 2025
Municipal Elections 2025 – Inform, Mobilize, Act
On November 2, 2025, the residents and corporate citizens of Montréal will be called to the polls to elect their municipal representatives. On this occasion, the SDC District Central speaks on behalf of the business community it represents. This article brings together the essential information to help members and citizens exercise their right to vote and gain a better understanding of local issues.
1. SETTING THE CONTEXT
Municipal elections allow citizens to choose the elected officials who will shape their neighborhood for the next four years. In Montreal, this includes the city mayor, borough mayors, and city and borough councilors.
District Central, located in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, is an area undergoing rapid transformation, recognized as the city's fourth largest employment hub. In this context, municipal decisions have a direct impact on the neighborhood's economic, urban, and social development.
2. ISSUES AND REQUESTS OF THE SDC DISTRICT CENTRAL
As part of the elections, the SDC District Central is calling on the candidates to address three major issues for the development of the territory:
Issue 1: Aligning Cycling Infrastructure with Local Economic Realities
The installation of bike lanes in the unique industrial area of the District Central, without prior consultation, has raised serious concerns within the business community. This infrastructure has led to conflicts of use, logistical challenges, and significant economic impacts for businesses, as well as notable safety issues for all users. The SDC is calling for a collaborative approach to better harmonize sustainable mobility with economic activities.
Key requests:
- Officially acknowledge the impacts of the current north–south bike lane and remove it in its present form
- Undertake a coordinated redesign in consultation with businesses
- Improve accessibility to the area through key connecting routes
Issue 2: Prioritizing urban logistics and supporting sustainable transformation
The urban transformation of District Central requires logistics that are adapted to the realities of manufacturing and commerce. The adoption of the Special Planning Program (PPU), the redevelopment of the Louvain West site, and the rollout of signature projects across the territory are paving the way for an ambitious redefinition of the district. The goal: to make District Central a true, fully developed business district, where economic vitality goes hand in hand with quality of life. The SDC envisions a transformation that is inclusive, sustainable, and innovative.
Key requests:
- Make urban logistics a priority
- Support innovation and ecological transition projects
- Co-create a resilient territory with the SDC and the business community
Issue 3: Bring the Metropolitan Innovation Zone to life and fully recognize the economic potential of the District Central
Recognized as an innovation zone, District Central must see this designation take shape through structuring projects and dedicated resources.
Key requests:
- Confirm, defend, and fully embrace the status of innovation zone
- Quickly launch concrete projects aligned with the needs of the territory
- Co-develop with local stakeholders an economic development plan adapted to the realities of the District Central
3. DEDICATED SPACE FOR MEETINGS WITH THE CANDIDATES
The SDC will be organizing meetings with the candidates in the coming weeks. This space will be updated with:
- The dates of the meetings
- October 17, Ensemble Montréal
- October 24, Projet Montréal
- Summaries of the discussions
- The candidates’ responses to District Central’s key issues
4. HOW BUSINESSES CAN VOTE
Businesses can vote in municipal elections through a designated representative. This applies to:
- Sole owners of a commercial building
- Sole occupants of a business establishment
- Designated representatives appointed by co-owners or co-occupants
Steps to follow:
- Fill out the appropriate form (SMR-9.1 or SMR-9.2)
- Send the form to [email protected] before October 16 at 6 p.m.
- Ensure that the designated representative is not already registered as an individual voter in the same municipality
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