Summary#
Montréal city council approved a lease to Athlétisme Canada for space and sports facilities at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, from February 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. The decision also grants support through a rent reduction. City staff say the goal is to help Athlétisme Canada continue offering high-performance athletics training in Montréal.
- Athlétisme Canada will pay an estimated $37,989, taxes included, for about 64 square feet of storage and use of indoor and outdoor tracks.
- The City grants a rent reduction valued at $71,958, taxes included. The regular estimated rental cost is $109,947.
- The estimated use is 2,100 hours over the lease term. The tracks will be shared with the sports complex’s regular activities, and the storage space will be shared with other organizations.
- The council authorized an additional $71,958 budget in both revenue and spending for the Service des grands parcs, du Mont-Royal et des sports. The decision was adopted unanimously on January 26, 2026.
What it means for you#
- Athlétisme Canada: It gets access to the facilities for its sports activities and pays monthly invoices based on actual use of the tracks.
- Other users of the sports complex: Track use is to take place alongside regular activities. The storage space is shared with other organizations.
- Taxpayers: The City provides support by charging less than the estimated regular rent; this is a rent reduction, not a stated cash grant.
Money#
The decision states the rent, rent reduction and authorized budget amounts; it does not provide a separate estimate of the City’s net cost.
- Athlétisme Canada’s estimated payment is $37,989, taxes included. The rent reduction is valued at $71,958, taxes included.
- The City authorized an additional $71,958 in revenue and $71,958 in spending for the service named in the resolution.
What is unclear#
- The draft lease’s full terms are not included, so details beyond the stated rent, dates and uses cannot be verified. No publicly available information is provided about renewal options.
- The decision summary says the organization will reinvest the savings in services for athletes, but the resolution does not set out a requirement or process to verify that.
- The total rent is estimated, and monthly invoices will reflect actual track use; the materials do not say what the final amount will be if use differs from the estimate.
Case for#
- City staff say the rent reduction would make the facilities more affordable for Athlétisme Canada and help it maintain training conditions for athletes.
- Staff say the Montréal centre supports high-performance athletes and contributes athletics expertise to the city.
Case against#
- The rent reduction is substantial: it represents $71,958 in support over the lease term.
- The materials do not explain how the City will assess whether the expected benefits to athletes justify the reduced rent.