Summary#
Montréal city council approved a five-year extension of the City’s lease to Hamel Chevrolet Buick GMC ltée. The lease covers 4,706 m² of land in Saint-Léonard, for vehicle parking, from May 1, 2026, for total rent of $266,679.70, excluding taxes. City staff say the goal is to continue the rental and earn revenue from land the borough does not expect to use soon.
- The City remains the landlord; Hamel remains the tenant.
- Hamel must pay the rent, all municipal and school taxes, and the costs of maintaining, repairing, using and occupying the land.
- A 493.3 m² slope within the leased area has no rent, but Hamel must maintain it.
- Either side may end the lease at any time by giving six months’ written notice.
What it means for you#
- Residents and taxpayers: The City will receive rent from the land. The decision does not directly change residents’ services, taxes or access to a public facility.
- Hamel Chevrolet Buick GMC ltée: The company may continue using the land in Saint-Léonard for vehicle parking under the extended lease, subject to its rent and other obligations.
Money#
The City expects $266,679.70 in rental revenue over five years, excluding taxes.
- Hamel pays the municipal and school taxes on the leased land, as well as its maintenance and other occupancy costs.
- City staff say the average rent is $12.71 per m² per year and falls within the range estimated by the City’s real-estate service.
What is unclear#
- The full lease extension agreement is not included in the materials, so other terms and conditions cannot be checked.
- The materials do not give the estimated rental range or explain how it was assessed.
Case for#
- City staff say the borough does not expect to use the land in the near future, and that the rent is within the City’s estimated range.
- The tenant’s maintenance of the unusable slope means the City avoids maintaining that part of the property, according to city staff.
Case against#
- The decision continues a private company’s use of City land. The materials do not compare this arrangement with other possible uses or explain whether the rent could be higher.
- The City charges no rent for the 493.3 m² slope, even though it is included in the leased area. The materials say it is unusable, but do not provide further detail.