Montreal approves 17-month energy-care lease

Summary#

Montréal city council approved a 17-month lease to Laurie Castels, doing business as Ma magie créatrice, for room 1 at 251-A, avenue des Pins Ouest, in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. The city staff say the lease is meant to continue temporary use of the Cité-des-Hospitalières site in keeping with its heritage and community goals.

  • The 9.47-square-metre room is for office use and “energy care” activities.
  • The rent is $3,580.65, excluding sales taxes.
  • Either the city or the tenant may end the lease early with 30 days’ notice.
  • The city supplies energy and handles maintenance and repairs; the tenant pays property taxes and cleaning costs.

What it means for you#

  • Laurie Castels / Ma magie créatrice: May continue using the room from September 1, 2026, under the lease terms. The lease can end before its 17-month term if either party gives 30 days’ notice.
  • City of Montréal: Becomes the landlord for this lease and is responsible for energy, maintenance and repairs.
  • Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ rights, taxes or access to city services.

Money#

The city expects $3,580.65 in rent, excluding sales taxes; its costs for energy, maintenance and repairs are not estimated.

  • The staff financial table lists sales taxes of $179.03 and $357.17, for a total including taxes of $4,116.85.
  • The tenant is responsible for property taxes and cleaning costs; their amounts are not stated.

What is unclear#

  • No publicly available information on the city’s expected costs for energy, maintenance or repairs.
  • No publicly available information on the amount of property taxes or cleaning costs payable by the tenant.
  • The lease itself is not included, so its other terms cannot be verified from these materials.

Case for#

  • City staff say continuing the temporary occupancy supports the site’s heritage and community goals.
  • The decision keeps an existing tenant in the space, rather than leaving the occupancy uncertain.

Case against#

  • The city takes on energy, maintenance and repair costs, but the materials do not estimate those costs.
  • Either party can end the lease with 30 days’ notice, so the full 17-month occupancy is not assured.