City leases land to STM for parking

Summary#

Montréal city council approved a modification to the existing lease of city land to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). The lease runs for three years from October 1, 2026, and allows non-toll parking exclusively for STM agents’ vehicles with a permit, for up to 92 days per year.

  • The 2,787-square-metre site is in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, south of rue de Louvain and west of boulevard Saint-Laurent.
  • The total rent is $49,293, not taxable. The agreement covers 2026 to 2028.
  • The lease includes a clause allowing either side to end it with 60 days’ written notice, according to the city staff summary.

What it means for you#

  • People using or passing by the site: The land is reserved for STM agents’ permitted vehicles during the lease period. The decision does not directly change transit service or fares.
  • City residents: The city receives rent for use of municipal land. The decision does not describe public parking or public access to the site during the leased periods.
  • STM: It may use the site for this parking for up to 92 days per year, during the October-to-December period.

Money#

The city will receive $49,293 in non-taxable rent over the three-year term.

  • The annual amounts are $15,947 for 2026, $16,426 for 2027 and $16,920 for 2028.
  • The STM is responsible for operating costs and any property taxes, if applicable. The city staff summary says the city will not need to maintain this part of the land.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not say how many days the STM expects to use the site in each year, beyond the 92-day annual maximum.
  • They do not describe other possible uses of the site during the leased periods or whether the public can access it then.
  • No renewal option is stated.

Case for#

  • City staff say the lease provides revenue, avoids city maintenance costs, and gives the STM temporary space for its employees.
  • Staff say the lease does not affect the site’s development plan, and that the borough supports it.

Case against#

  • The STM receives exclusive use for parking during the days it uses the site, but the materials do not explain whether other uses of the city land were considered.
  • The city’s return is fixed by the lease terms; the materials do not compare it with the value of other possible uses of the site.