Enhancing the experience of visitors on Sainte-Catherine Street West

Sainte-Catherine Street West continues its transformation. Indeed, the City of Montreal began phase 2 of development of the legendary commercial street last summer.

Until the fall of 2025, significant work will take place between Mansfield and Stanley Streets.

The Business Development Corporation (SDC) Montréal centre-ville has implemented various measures to ensure that downtown users have a good experience during the planned construction period.

The Oases: an exhibition and a condensed experience of emotions

Through open-air installations deployed between McGill and Drummond Streets, passing through Square Dorchester, we invite residents and visitors to reclaim Sainte-Catherine Street and create new memories. The four islands of this exhibition feature about twenty archival photographs from the collections of the National Library and Archives of Quebec, spanning from 1930 to 1970. Welcoming, inspiring, and furnished with rest areas and greenery reimagined throughout the seasons, these passages offer Montrealers and visitors a moment of respite amid the bustling energy of Sainte-Catherine. An opportunity to rediscover the highlights of the street’s history.

These archival photographs are also displayed in the windows of currently vacant premises. A great way to promote these spaces while rediscovering the history of Sainte-Catherine Street.

The oases and window-dressing project is being developed in collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, and with the support of the City of Montreal.

Kiosks: being a tourist in your own city

Information kiosks are now installed at strategic points in the city center. Whether it’s to help you find your way around, discover the must-see places in the heart of the metropolis or learn more about certain historic sites, these informative kiosks are a major asset for residents and visitors to downtown Montreal.

Discover the kiosks at Phillips Square, Dorchester Square, Victoria Square and in the vicinity of the Sainte-Catherine Street West construction site.

Cleanliness: a priority

The Cleaning Brigade is on the ground 365 days a year to ensure a clean downtown. Between thirty and forty people clean the streets, depending on the season. A team dedicated to making the downtown area a cleaner, more pleasant place to live.

This year, window cleaning around the construction site has been added to the Brigade’s spectrum of activities. A total of 53 Montreal centre-ville member companies and businesses benefit from this service.

This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Borough of Ville-Marie and the City of Montréal.

The welcome brigade is here to assist you

Easily identifiable by their blue sweater and cap, this team’s mission is to simplify the lives of visitors. Present every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., our welcome brigade agents operate near the construction site that stretches from Stanley to Mansfield Streets. As experts of Sainte-Catherine Street, the welcome brigade guide and direct passing customers towards downtown points of interest and around the construction site. They also serve as a privileged liaison with local merchants. Close to the various audiences that animate, live, and work downtown, they are key resources for gauging the issues and needs expressed by the merchants and for ensuring smooth information flow.

The welcome brigade project is being developed in collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, and with the support of the City of Montreal.

Illuminations: Enchantment in Downtown Montreal

Throughout the winter, the area lights up with half a million sparkling lights, transforming downtown Montreal into a magical place. They illuminate not only public spaces and commercial thoroughfares but also key landmarks including several churches and cathedrals. They thus offer a safe and magical nighttime stroll.

This illuminations project is made possible thanks to the support of the Borough of Ville-Marie, and the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.