Every year during the winter season, the Jean-Talon Market erects temporary walls made of thin panels around its stalls that provide limited protection from the weather.
“The structures are deteriorating, and the doors are in need of repair,” mentioned Guy Desgroseilliers, a vendor at the market.
Concerns have been raised not only by Desgroseilliers but also by the group overseeing Montreal’s public markets after surveying approximately 60 merchants.
Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, who leads the Société des Marchés Publics de Montréal, revealed that 88% of the surveyed merchants expressed dissatisfaction with the market infrastructure. He further disclosed that one in every three merchants is contemplating reducing their product offerings.
The lack of financial support from the city is being held responsible for the current situation, as Montreal is the owner of the historical Atwater, Jean-Talon, and Maisonneuve markets, vital for providing fresh produce and other goods to the local community and attracting tourists.
Fabien-Ouellet estimated that the required repairs would exceed $20 million and urged the candidates in the upcoming municipal election to take notice of this pressing issue.
“The city had pledged $27 million two years ago to address the infrastructure problems, but no significant progress has been made since then,” he highlighted.
In response to inquiries, the city informed CBC that $26.9 million has been earmarked in the 10-year capital expenditure plan spanning from 2026 to 2035. A detailed proposal will be presented to the newly elected officials post the November 2 election for a decision.
The city also stated that it will be contributing $250,000 annually over three years to the Société des marchés publics de Montréal for promotional activities and programming.
Projet Montréal expressed its intention to invest $40 million in upgrading all three markets to modernize and enhance their facilities for year-round operation.
On the other hand, Ensemble Montréal refrained from confirming whether it would approve the proposed investment plan while criticizing Projet Montréal for the current state of the buildings.
Sandra O’Connor, running for borough mayor in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie under the Ensemble banner, voiced skepticism about the implementation of the proposed enhancements.
In a statement, Transition Montréal outlined its ambition to establish community and public markets to ensure all residents have convenient access to affordable, healthy food.
The plan focuses on rapidly evolving areas like Namur–Décarie, where residents currently face challenges accessing markets due to long distances and the threat of gentrification.
Meanwhile, merchants are urging the city to take swift action, labeling the situation as an emergency that could potentially lead to the departure of many merchants within the next two years.
