City rents space to mobility agency

Summary#

Montréal city council approved a change to the existing lease between the City and the Agence de mobilité durable (Sustainable Mobility Agency). The City will rent it office space and part of a site at 1500, rue des Carrières, in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, from May 1 to December 31, 2026. City staff say the lease supports the Agency’s parking-agent operations while fitting the City’s plan for the site.

  • The lease covers 785.62 square metres of office space and 46 parking spaces.
  • The Agency may end the lease or reduce its office space with 90 days’ written notice; rent is adjusted in proportion to the remaining months if it ends the lease.
  • The lease has no renewal clause.

What it means for you#

  • Agence de mobilité durable: It can use the space for its parking agents during the lease term. It must pay the rent and, if applicable, property taxes.
  • City of Montréal: It receives rent for the space. The rental income is recorded in the operating budget of the Service de la stratégie immobilière et de l’habitation.
  • Residents: The decision does not directly change parking rules, rates, or services.

Money#

The City will receive $122,330 before sales taxes for the eight-month lease.

  • The amount includes $96,570 for office space and $25,760 for 46 parking spaces. Property taxes, if applicable, are paid by the Agency.
  • The decision summary lists sales taxes of $6,116.50 (GST) and $12,202.42 (QST), for a total of $140,648.92 including those taxes.

What is unclear#

  • The materials give no plan for the space after December 31, 2026, and the lease cannot be renewed under this agreement.
  • The materials do not say what arrangements would follow if the Agency ends the lease or reduces its office space.

Case for#

  • City staff say the space is available and that the lease supports the Agency’s rollout of operational centres and parking-agent teams across the city.
  • Staff say keeping the Agency at the site until year-end fits the City’s plan for the property.
  • Staff state that the office rent matches the amount paid from January to April 2026 and is in line with market value.

Case against#

  • The lease ends after eight months and has no renewal clause, leaving the Agency’s space arrangements after year-end unsettled.
  • The Agency can end or reduce its use with 90 days’ notice, so the City’s rental income may be adjusted.