Montreal approves 2-year lease for room

Summary#

Montréal City Council unanimously approved a 24-month lease between the City and Marion-Prune Paycha, starting February 1, 2026. The City is renting her a 141-square-foot room at 251 avenue des Pins Ouest, at the Cité-des-Hospitalières, for office use and the exhibition and sharing of photography. City staff say the lease supports the site’s temporary use in keeping with its heritage and community goals.

  • Either the City or the tenant may end the lease early by giving 30 days’ notice.
  • The City will provide energy and handle maintenance and repairs. The tenant is responsible for property taxes and cleaning.
  • The rent is $6,281.52 for the full term, excluding sales taxes.

What it means for you#

  • Marion-Prune Paycha: She may continue using the room for the stated purposes under the lease, but either party can end it with 30 days’ notice.
  • The City: It will receive rent and provide energy, maintenance and repairs. This is a lease for one room, not a new public program or a change to residents’ rights.

Money#

The lease brings the City $6,281.52 in rent, excluding sales taxes; the city staff summary lists $7,222.18 including taxes.

  • The rent revenue will go to the City’s operating budget.
  • The City will pay for energy, maintenance and repairs, but no cost estimate is provided.
  • The tenant is responsible for property taxes and cleaning. The amount of property taxes is not stated.

What is unclear#

  • The full lease terms are not included in the materials, so other conditions are not available.
  • The cost to the City of energy, maintenance and repairs is not given.

Case for#

  • City staff say continuing the tenancy supports activities they consider consistent with the Cité-des-Hospitalières’ heritage and community goals.
  • The tenant already occupies the room, and the lease lets that use continue for another 24 months.

Case against#

  • The City is responsible for energy, maintenance and repairs, but the materials do not estimate those costs.
  • Either party can end the lease with 30 days’ notice, so the agreed term does not guarantee the tenant can stay for all 24 months.