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.

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.