Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to grant $55,000 to the Société des marchés publics de Montréal for connected network infrastructure at Atwater and Maisonneuve markets, and to approve a funding agreement. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The stated goal is to install cameras, internet equipment and cabling, including Wi-Fi networks.
- The proposed one-time funding is for 2025–2026. The Society would buy and install the equipment.
- The plan lists 25 cameras and 20 Wi-Fi access points at Atwater Market, and 10 cameras and 10 access points at Maisonneuve Market, with related network equipment.
- The proposed agreement would set the funding’s payment terms and conditions.
What it means for you#
- The Society: If the funding proceeds, it would receive $55,000 for the project and would have to check that the equipment it buys meets City requirements.
- Market merchants and visitors: City staff say the planned Wi-Fi could provide merchants with internet access and visitors with free Wi-Fi. The cameras are intended to count visitors and support security; these are expected uses, not guaranteed results.
- Other Montréal residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, taxes or access to city services.
Money#
The proposed public expenditure is $55,000, to be paid entirely by the agglomeration.
- City staff say the credits are available in the Service du développement économique’s budget, from the “Réflexe, axe rayonnant” envelope.
- The materials give no cost for future operation or maintenance of the equipment.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s full terms, including payment timing and any conditions beyond those summarized, are not provided.
- The materials do not explain how camera footage or visitor-count data would be used, stored, accessed or kept.
- It is unclear who would pay ongoing costs such as internet service, repairs or equipment replacement.
Case for#
- City staff say Wi-Fi could help merchants with transactions and stock management, while giving visitors free internet access.
- Staff say visitor counts could help the Society understand market traffic and plan operations.
- Staff say connected building systems could improve energy management, and cameras could help with security. Similar equipment is already used at Jean-Talon Market, which staff say offers compatibility across markets.
Case against#
- The expected benefits are not guaranteed. The materials provide no measured results or savings estimate for these two markets.
- The plan includes cameras and visitor-count data, but does not explain privacy safeguards or who may access the information.
- The $55,000 grant does not address ongoing costs, whose responsibility is unclear.