Summary#
Montréal city council approved a change to the City’s lease with RÉZO (santé et mieux-être des hommes gais et bisexuels). It extends the lease for 18 months from January 1, 2026, for community use; city staff say the extension is intended to let RÉZO continue its activities while building work is planned.
- RÉZO may continue renting 7,339.26 square feet on the first and second floors of 2075, rue Plessis.
- The rent for the 18-month term is $17,608.68, excluding taxes. Either party may end the lease early with 90 days’ written notice.
- RÉZO is responsible for fitting out and cleaning the space, and for normal repairs related to its use. The landlord remains responsible for structural work and building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
What it means for you#
- RÉZO: The approved extension allows it to keep using the premises for community purposes during the term, unless either party ends the lease with the required notice.
- The City: The City remains the landlord and will receive rent. This decision does not create a new public service or change eligibility for RÉZO’s services.
Money#
The City expects $17,608.68 in rent before taxes over the term; the decision summary also estimates a rental subsidy and lists building operating expenses.
- The summary gives total rent of $20,245.58 including TPS and TVQ.
- City staff estimate the rental subsidy at $131,005.79, based on their estimated market range for community space of $11 to $16 per square foot and the lease rate of $1.60 per square foot.
- The City’s estimated 2025 energy and routine maintenance expenses for the premises were about $62,413. The materials do not say how much of this expense is attributable to the extension.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not explain how the City calculated the rent rate or whether the subsidy estimate includes any costs beyond the rent discount.
- The lease amendment’s full terms are not included, so other conditions cannot be checked here.
Case for#
- City staff say the premises are not needed for municipal purposes and the extension lets RÉZO continue its activities while building work is planned.
- The City will also receive rent during the extension.
Case against#
- The estimated rental subsidy of $131,005.79 is much larger than the rent revenue of $17,608.68 before taxes.
- City staff’s estimated market rent is far above the agreed rate, but the materials do not explain how that difference was weighed against the City’s building expenses.