As the winter season approaches, the Jean-Talon Market erects flimsy modular walls around its stands, offering minimal protection from the elements. Guy Desgroseilliers, a vendor at the market, expressed concerns about the deteriorating structures and the need for repairs, noting the aged and damaged doors.
A recent survey conducted by the organization overseeing Montreal’s public markets revealed troubling feedback from approximately 60 merchants. Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, the head of the Société des Marchés Publics de Montréal, highlighted that 88 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current infrastructure. Additionally, one in three merchants is contemplating reducing their product offerings.
Fabien-Ouellet attributed the infrastructure issues to a lack of financial support from the city. Montreal is the proprietor of the renowned Atwater, Jean-Talon, and Maisonneuve markets, vital for providing fresh produce and fostering community engagement and tourism.
According to Fabien-Ouellet, the necessary repairs are estimated to exceed $20 million, urging candidates in the upcoming municipal election to address the pressing matter. Despite a promise of $27 million from the city two years ago to address the infrastructure concerns, progress has been notably lacking.
Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets are owned by the city, but the director of all three says the infrastructure that helps them operate 12 months a year is in poor shape and now merchants are looking to the city to solve the issue.
The city responded to CBC stating that $26.9 million has been earmarked in the 10-year capital expenditure plan from 2026 to 2035. A detailed proposal will be presented to the newly elected municipal officials for consideration post the election on Nov. 2.
Additionally, the city plans to contribute $250,000 annually over three years to the Société des marchés publics de Montréal for promotional and programming purposes.
Projet Montréal disclosed intentions to invest $40 million across the three markets to modernize and enhance facilities for year-round utilization. However, Ensemble Montréal refrained from confirming support for the proposal’s funding, while criticizing Projet’s handling of the deteriorating market buildings.
Sandra O’Connor, running for borough mayor in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie under the Ensemble banner, questioned the reliability of such commitments and expressed doubts about the implementation of the proposed investments.
Transition Montréal released a statement emphasizing the establishment of community and public markets to ensure convenient access to affordable, healthy food for all residents. The initiative focuses on developing areas like Namur–Décarie to counter long distances to markets and the risk of exclusion due to gentrification.
Merchants are urgently calling on the city to expedite actions, labeling the situation as critical and warning that a delay could