Summary#
Montréal city council approved a three-year lease to PME-ART for administrative use of a room in Centre Strathearn, 3680 rue Jeanne-Mance, in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. The lease starts August 1, 2026, and the total rent is $18,855.24, excluding taxes. City staff say the lease would help PME-ART continue its activities.
- The City will rent PME-ART room 410 on the building’s fourth floor, an area of 29.57 square metres.
- The rent includes operating costs, but PME-ART must pay property taxes.
- The estimated $5,013 real-estate subsidy reflects rent below the estimated market rate; it is not described as a cash grant.
- PME-ART must arrange the room and its cleaning, and make ordinary repairs related to its use. The City remains responsible for structural work and building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
What it means for you#
- PME-ART: The organization may use the room for administrative purposes for three years under the lease’s terms. It must pay the rent, applicable taxes, and property taxes.
- Montréal residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, services, or taxes.
Money#
The lease brings the City $18,855.24 in rent before taxes over three years, while the available material also estimates City operating expenses and a below-market rent subsidy.
- Taxes are extra; the decision summary estimates total rent including taxes at $21,678.81.
- The City estimates the real-estate subsidy at $5,013 over the three-year term, based on the difference between the estimated market rate and the lease rate.
- City staff estimate 2026 operating expenses for the room at about $1,785.61. The lease says operating costs are included in rent, except property taxes, which PME-ART pays.
What is unclear#
- The full lease terms are not included, so other conditions and any renewal option are not stated.
- The materials do not give estimates for the City’s operating expenses after 2026.
Case for#
- City staff say the room is not needed for municipal purposes. Renting it provides revenue while allowing PME-ART to continue using the space.
- Staff say a three-year lease would give PME-ART stability to focus on its cultural programming.
Case against#
- The City estimates the rent is below the market rate, creating a $5,013 subsidy over the term.
- The City also expects to pay operating expenses. The available materials give an estimate only for 2026.