Resurgence in Commercial Exchange
Downtown Montreal: A New Lease on Life
The heart of Montreal is no longer a chore but a pleasure, according to Glenn Castanheira, head honcho at Montreal Downtown. The shopping malls downtown seem to have cottoned on to this shift and are working to make themselves more appealing. While Complexe Desjardins undergoes a major overhaul, the Eaton Centre is sprucing up its food court.
The charm offensive started at Complexe Desjardins with a whopping $23 million project, planned to wrap up in fall 2026. This facelift includes adding escalators, enlarging common spaces, and revamping nearby services. However, it remains unclear if new stores will be joining the mix.
In the meantime, the Eaton Centre has given its food court a makeover, with work commencing in March. By fall 2026, the renovated food court will boast 830 seats and welcome a bunch of fresh Canadian dining options yet to hit Quebec's food scene. The investment is part of a wider strategy to improve the urban experience and cement the Eaton Centre's role as a key attraction in the city.
Glenn Castanheira notes that the Time Out Market, a food hall on the top floor of the Eaton Centre, is breaking attendance records. He believes there's a strong appetite for such offerings.
Food is a major draw for downtown, and it's essential to cater to diverse clientele, Glenn emphasizes. From high-end dining to budget-friendly options, the downtown area aims to keep everyone happy. This variety doesn't only benefit the food establishments but also boosts foot traffic for nearby businesses such as Lili Fortin's clothing store on Sainte-Catherine Street.
With summer on the horizon, there's a bit of uncertainty due to concern about spending, tight budgets, and economic anxiety. Yet, there's hope that if the weather cooperates, downtown retailers and restaurants will have a profitable season. Notably, the ongoing trade spat with the U.S. could work in Montreal's favor, attracting both American and Canadian tourists alike.
An interesting development regarding Complexe Desjardins is a 50th-anniversary art installation. A contest is underway, with finalists being announced in May 2025 for the celebrations in 2026. The complex is also in partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, which recently gave its rooms a facelift and improved navigation signage, emphasizing its family-friendly amenities and proximity to the mall. Local news highlights regional investment trends prioritizing housing, public spaces, and transit connectivity, elements likely to influence the complex’s accessibility and visitor experience.
- Complexe Desjardins, in line with the downtown shift, is planning to enhance its appearance and services with a $23 million project scheduled to complete in fall 2026, aiming to attract more visitors.
- To further boost the lifestyle and shopping experience in downtown Montreal, the renovated Eaton Centre food court will feature 830 seats and host new Canadian dining options, part of a wider strategy to improve the urban experience.
- The popularity of food establishments, such as the Time Out Market at the Eaton Centre, has been evident with record-breaking attendance, demonstrating a strong demand for unique dining experiences in the area.
- As part of the 50th anniversary of Complexe Desjardins, a contest is being held for an art installation, set to be announced in May 2025, aiming to add a cultural element to the downtown shopping experience.
