Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted its position in favour of lending a space to La Société pour la prévention de la cruauté envers les animaux (Canadienne) (SPCA). The decision would allow free use of a 3,955-square-foot ground-floor space at 7487, 18e Avenue, in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, for two years starting July 1, 2026, to store animal food and equipment for community activities. The stated goal is temporary use of the space while the city awaits a social-housing project there. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The city would lend the space at no charge, under the terms of a loan agreement.
- The SPCA would pay for upkeep, minor repairs, use and occupancy costs, and municipal and school taxes if applicable. The city would pay energy costs and major building maintenance.
- The agreement allows termination with 90 days’ written notice to the SPCA; the decision summary does not say who may invoke this option.
- The estimated real-estate subsidy—the value of the free use—is 94 920 $ for two years.
What it means for you#
- SPCA: It would get temporary, rent-free storage space. It would still be responsible for the costs listed above.
- City and residents: The city would continue to pay energy costs and major maintenance. City staff say the property was acquired for social housing and this loan would be temporary.
- Other residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ services or housing eligibility.
Money#
The estimated value of the free occupancy is 94 920 $ over two years; no full city-cost estimate is provided.
- City staff estimate the subsidy at 3 955 square feet × 12 $ per square foot per year, or 47 460 $ a year.
- The city would cover energy and major maintenance costs, but their amounts are not stated.
- The SPCA would cover the other listed occupancy costs and any municipal or school taxes that apply.
What is unclear#
- The loan agreement’s full terms are not included, so it is unclear who can end the agreement with 90 days’ notice.
- The amount of the city’s energy and major maintenance costs is not stated.
- The materials do not say when the social-housing project is expected to proceed.
Case for#
- City staff say the space is not needed for municipal purposes while the housing project is pending, and that it meets the SPCA’s stated needs.
- A possible argument for the temporary loan is that it puts otherwise unused space to a community-related use without charging rent.
Case against#
- The city acquired the property for social housing. A possible trade-off is that temporary use could need to end when the housing project moves forward.
- The city would pay energy and major maintenance costs, but the materials do not estimate those costs.