Summary#
Montréal city council approved a 24-month lease from the City to the Religieuses Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph. The goal, as described by city staff, is to support temporary uses of the Cité-des-Hospitalières that fit the site’s heritage and community commitments.
- The lease covers 205 square feet in room 186 at 251 avenue des Pins Ouest, for offices, research and participatory workshops.
- It starts February 1, 2026, and the total rent is $10,793.25, excluding sales taxes.
- Either the City or the tenant may end the lease early by giving 30 days’ notice.
- The City must provide energy and pay for maintenance and repairs. The tenant must pay property taxes and cleaning costs.
What it means for you#
- Religieuses Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph: They may use the room for the stated purposes under the lease. They are responsible for property taxes and cleaning, and either side may end the lease with 30 days’ notice.
- Montréal residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, services, taxes or access to the site.
Money#
The City will receive $10,793.25 in rent over the lease, plus applicable sales taxes.
- City staff’s financial table estimates total payments, including sales taxes, at $12,409.54.
- The rent revenue will be recorded in the City’s operating budget. The City will pay for energy, maintenance and repairs; their costs are not stated.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give the cost of the energy, maintenance or repairs the City will provide.
- The lease’s other terms and conditions are referred to in the lease project but are not included in the supplied materials.
Case for#
- City staff say the lease supports continued activities at the heritage site that fit the commitments attached to the City’s ownership of it.
- The City receives rental income, and staff say the rent is within a range set by the City’s real-estate assessment unit.
Case against#
- The City’s net financial return is unclear because it must provide energy and cover maintenance and repairs, with no cost estimate given.
- The 30-day termination option means the lease may end before its full 24-month term.