City Extends Parking Lease on City Land

Summary#

Montréal city council approved a five-year extension of the City’s lease to the Université du Québec (UQ). The lease starts June 1, 2026, and covers City land on avenue Henri-Julien in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough for vehicle parking. City staff say the extension continues a temporary use of a site identified for social and community housing.

  • UQ will continue to rent 1,368 square metres of land, with 51 parking spaces, for $407,663.69 in rent, excluding taxes.
  • Either the City or UQ may end the lease early with six months’ written notice.
  • The borough may also use the site for parking during snow-removal periods.

What it means for you#

  • UQ: It can continue using the land for parking under the extended lease. It must pay the costs of maintaining, repairing, using and occupying the site.
  • The City and borough: The City receives rent, and the borough retains parking use during snow removal. The City may carry out soil tests or other relevant studies on notice, according to the staff summary.
  • Residents: The decision does not change public parking rules or create a new public parking service. City staff say the site is identified for social and community housing, but this lease extension does not itself build housing.

Money#

The lease provides $407,663.69 in rent, excluding applicable taxes, over five years.

  • The staff summary lists total rent including taxes as $468,711.33.
  • The rent revenue will go to the City’s operating budget. The site is exempt from property taxes, and the tenant pays costs related to its use and upkeep.

What is unclear#

  • The decision does not give a timeline for developing social or community housing on the site.
  • The lease terms are approved by reference to the extension agreement; the available summary does not provide all of its terms.

Case for#

  • City staff say the extension maintains an existing use and provides rental income to the City.
  • The six-month termination option gives both parties a way to end the lease before five years are up.
  • The borough can continue using the site during snow-removal periods.

Case against#

  • The site is identified for social and community housing, while the extension continues its use for parking. The materials do not say when housing development may proceed.
  • No clear concern available from the supplied material.