Outdoor markets are a staple of summer in Montreal — Jean-Talon, Atwater and Maisonneuve are popular for residents and tourists alike.
But some market merchants are facing a steep rent hike this year, which they warn could lead to higher prices for customers.
“We don’t feel appreciated,” said Patrick Marcil of Centre Jardin Atwater. “Because we need to build all the market and then we have an increase to our rent.”
The markets are city-owned properties run by a non-profit organization called Montreal Public Markets.
General manager Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet says the organization has been trying to standardize rent agreements with shops at all of its locations, including at the markets.
“It ranges from 40 bucks per day to 90 per day, the new lease structure,” he said. “But the pressure we have as a not-for-profit, we have to pay taxes to the City of Montreal, we have to pay rent to the City of Montreal, but we also have responsibilities in terms of maintaining the buildings.
Fabien-Ouellet insisted that while some merchants’ rents are increasing, others are going down based on foot traffic in their part of the market.
Earlier this year, merchants were informed of their new rent starting this summer. Shop owners say the jumps vary from 20 to 50 per cent.
For Satay Brothers, it’s increasing from about $2,000 to $4,000 per month.
“I was surprised by how last minute it was, that call,” said partner Marco Valiquette. “They didn’t really mention anything about it and then all of a sudden, we’re doubling the rent.”
That short notice is part of the concern.
“I have lost confidence in the board, unfortunately, because I feel like important information was hidden from me,” said Fanny Beaudin of Aux Trouvailles Gourmandes de Fanny.
WATCH: What merchants are saying about the rent increases:
Fabien-Ouellet said his group has been listening to the merchants and delayed when they had to sign the contracts in April. They also allowed shops to pay the increase gradually over three years, but regardless, shop owners say they feel betrayed and undervalued.
Merchants say they will have to pass on the extra costs to customers or leave for good. However, Fabien-Ouellet said the changes were needed to keep their markets afloat long term.
Just three years ago, after a pilot project at the Jean-Talon Market, the group opted to offer stalls for up-and-coming farmers for half the price and expanded that offer to the Atwater and Maisonneuve markets. That was part of an effort to bring new farmers to the market.
When asked about the unexpected rental increases, Montreal spokesperson Camille Bégin said the city does not set the rent charged to producers and vendors at public markets. She said that’s up to Montreal Public Markets.
Under its lease with the city, the organization is required to sublet spaces at market value and must implement a fair process to ensure that all permanent subtenants contribute to the financial burden of the markets, Bégin said.
The city’s understanding is that the rent changes have been accompanied by communication efforts and exchanges with members over the past several months, she said.
When contacted, Montreal’s Official Opposition party, Ensemble Montréal, pointed to its 2023 efforts to highlight the $20-million maintenance deficit faced by Montreal Public Markets.
The party put forward a motion to renew the organization’s lease and to include funding for market upkeep in the next 10-year capital works program, with investments starting as early as 2024. Ensemble Montréal’s motion was adopted in October 2023.
