Montreal business owners are grappling with a rising number of “ghost” commercial properties—vacant spaces that remain off-market and neglected for years, often due to complex estate issues or unreachable owners.
The Impact of Neglected Properties on Local Commerce
In the Plateau-Mont-Royal, the presence of derelict buildings has forced neighboring businesses to take matters into their own hands. José Restrepo, co-owner of St-Viateur Bagel, reported that his customers were long exposed to rats in the window of a neighboring, abandoned triplex. Restrepo has personally boarded up broken windows and repaired a dangerous rear balcony to prevent squatting and fire hazards, noting that the property has been stuck in a succession limbo since the owner’s death.
The issue extends across the city.
Did You Know?
In 2025, the arrondissement du Plateau-Mont-Royal issued seven citations for violations of building maintenance and occupancy regulations. While the city lacks the authority to force owners to lease their spaces, it can impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 for failure to properly maintain properties.
The Challenge of Inactive Commercial Real Estate
Commercial development societies (SDCs) describe these spaces as “inactive” or “ghost” locations. These buildings are often characterized by graffiti, dust-covered windows, and accumulated trash. In some cases, such as the former Bambou Bleu restaurant on rue Saint-Denis, SDCs report that even finding the owner is nearly impossible. Pauline Béchu, general manager of the SDC de cette rue, noted that official records list the owner’s home address as a unit above the abandoned shop, but occupants on-site claim they lack contact information for the landlord.
Patrick Legault, general manager of the SDC Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, describes these clusters of vacancy as a “cancer” for the street, complicating efforts to revitalize commercial corridors. For business owners like Olivier Quirion-Deslauriers, who moved his bicycle shop to a location on rue Sainte-Catherine, the proximity to abandoned buildings has meant dealing with persistent issues like pigeon droppings and a lack of foot traffic.
Expert Insight:
According to Jacques Nantel, professor emeritus at HEC Montréal, these vacancies reflect the “broken window” theory. When storefronts are left to deteriorate, it signals a lack of investment that can lead to broader environmental and economic decline, potentially causing a “tache d’huile” that discourages other entrepreneurs from setting up shop in the area.
Future Outlook for Montreal’s Commercial Corridors
The struggle to revitalize these streets may continue until owners are held more accountable. Some business owners, including Quirion-Deslauriers, have advocated for the implementation of taxes on empty commercial spaces to provide a punitive incentive for occupancy. As it stands, the city’s intervention is largely limited to monthly inspections and fines for maintenance infractions, as officials like spokesperson Camille Bégin have indicated there are currently no legal levers to force a property owner to activate a commercial space.
Without changes to municipal policy or increased success in locating and engaging absentee landlords, these “scarred” storefronts are likely to remain a fixture on Montreal’s commercial arteries for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an “inactive” or “ghost” commercial space?
These are commercial properties that are neither listed for rent nor for sale. They often remain vacant for years, showing signs of neglect such as graffiti, boarded windows, and accumulated debris.
Can the City of Montreal force owners to rent out empty shops?
No. According to city spokesperson Camille Bégin, the city does not have the legal authority to force owners to utilize their commercial space. They can only issue fines for maintenance and occupancy regulation violations.
Why are some owners difficult to contact?
In many cases, properties are tied up in complex successions or registered to individuals who are unreachable. SDCs have reported instances where official registry addresses lead to tenants who claim they do not have contact information for the property owner.
What impact do you see these vacant spaces having on the long-term character of your neighborhood?
Keep reading