Summary#
On 24 November 2025, Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position on the decision titled « Autoriser la suspension provisoire du dépôt du projet de schéma de couverture de risques de l'agglomération de Montréal 2025-2035… » (authorizing a temporary suspension of the filing of Montréal’s 2025–2035 fire-risk plan). It asks the agglomeration council to authorize the temporary suspension so the draft can be adjusted for the minister’s approval; it does not amend the Loi sur la sécurité incendie (Fire Safety Act). The stated goal is to align the plan with current data and ministerial requirements. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The draft plan was already filed with the Public Security Minister on 29 July 2025. The requested suspension concerns that filing, but the materials do not explain its effect on the draft already submitted.
- The Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (Montréal Fire Department, SIM) would make adjustments using the latest statistical and operational data.
- After the update, the draft and its action plan would need to be presented again to decision-making bodies for authorization to send them to the minister.
What it means for you#
- Residents: The decision does not directly change fire services, protection rules, or residents’ duties. City staff say the plan’s goal is to improve how fire risks and resources are managed, to maintain and improve public safety.
- SIM and city decision-makers: The requested pause would allow further work on the draft. The materials do not set a deadline or detail the changes to be made.
Money#
City staff list financial impacts as not applicable. No publicly available information gives a cost estimate for the extra work or any delay.
What is unclear#
- How the requested suspension applies to a draft already filed, or whether it pauses the minister’s 120-day review period.
- What specific updates are needed and when the revised draft would be ready to send again.
- No publicly available information describes the operational or legal effects of delaying the updated plan.
Case for#
- City staff say new ministerial guidance issued in March 2025 required substantial changes, and that further adjustments are needed for the minister’s conformity attestation.
- City staff say revisions based on the latest data can help tailor the plan to Montréal’s changing risks and complex territory.
Case against#
- A pause could delay approval and adoption of the updated plan. City staff say adopting the plan is essential for the City to qualify for a statutory exemption from liability, and that carrying out its measures gives the City that exemption.
- The materials do not explain the effects of the pause on the minister’s review timeline or how long the delay might last.