City lends church for warming centre

Summary#

Montréal city council unanimously set its position in favour of approving a free, temporary loan of a city-owned church to Centre des Femmes de convictions de Montréal. The loan is for a 137-day women’s warming centre at 5600, 12th Avenue, in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, from December 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.

  • The proposed loan covers about 768 m² of the church; some areas would not be accessible.
  • The centre is intended for women experiencing homelessness. City staff estimate it could accommodate about 50 people.
  • The City would pay for maintenance, repairs and operating costs to keep the premises available. The organization would pay for cleaning.
  • City staff describe the $57,076 value of the free use as an estimated real-estate subsidy.

What it means for you#

  • Women experiencing homelessness: If the loan receives final approval, the organization could use the church as a warming centre during the stated period. The decision materials do not set out how people access the centre.
  • The organization: It would receive use of the premises without rent and would be responsible for cleaning.
  • Montréal taxpayers: The City would cover the premises’ maintenance, repair and operating costs. The decision summary says the responsible city service already has budget for maintenance and repairs.

Money#

The free use is valued at an estimated $57,076; the materials do not give a total cost for the City’s expenses.

  • City staff calculate the estimate from 768 m², a rate of $198 per m² per year, and 137 days of use.
  • The City would pay maintenance, repair and operating costs. The organization would pay cleaning costs.
  • City staff say the existing budget includes the funds needed for maintenance and repairs.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not give the agreement’s full terms, including any rules for access or the centre’s day-to-day operation.
  • The estimate is based on approximate space, and some areas would be unavailable. The materials do not say what the City’s total operating costs will be.

Case for#

  • City staff say the building is vacant and not currently needed for city operations, and could be made available quickly.
  • Staff say the site could meet a need in the borough and provide a warm place during winter.
  • The proposed loan is time-limited and free to the organization.

Case against#

  • One concern is that the City would take on operating costs as well as maintenance and repairs, but the total cost is not stated.
  • Some of the building would be inaccessible, and the materials do not explain how that affects the centre’s use or capacity.
  • The proposed loan period begins before council set its position in favour of approval; the materials do not explain the effect of that timing.