The recent decision by Hydro-Québec to relocate 2,500 employees from the Place Dupuis area has raised alarms among local merchants. Many businesses are bracing for a significant decline in customer traffic. The company plans to consolidate its workforce, moving from its current 400,000 square feet of space in eastern Montreal to a new location in the west.
Concerns Among Place Dupuis Merchants
Armand Dilanian, who has owned a tobacco shop in Place Dupuis for nearly three decades, expressed his worries. He noted that prior to the pandemic, Hydro employees frequented the area five days a week, but this number has plummeted to just two days. “The departure will definitely have an impact,” Dilanian stated.
Other local business owners are more pessimistic. One restaurateur, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that over 60% of his clientele consists of Hydro-Québec employees. “If they leave, I’m not sure how we will cover our restaurant expenses,” he lamented. He also described a deteriorating environment at Place Dupuis, citing reduced foot traffic and increased issues with homelessness.
Political Reactions
Manon Massé, a member of the National Assembly for Quebec Solidaire, voiced her concerns as well. She questioned the logic behind Hydro-Québec’s decision, especially after the company had invested nearly $3 million in recent years to upgrade the Place Dupuis offices. “It’s alarming for the business community here,” Massé remarked.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada acknowledged the situation’s seriousness. “This move is a loss for the east end of Ville-Marie,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing the area’s attractiveness for both residents and future businesses.
Hydro-Québec’s Plans and Financial Implications
Hydro-Québec has occupied the Place Dupuis for almost 40 years, renting approximately 400,000 square feet at an annual cost of $10.5 million. The current lease, which costs $30 per square foot, is set to expire in December 2026. The company plans to transition to a new site at 1500 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa, where the rent is anticipated to increase to $40 per square foot, effectively raising annual costs by about $3 million.
Despite concerns, Hydro-Québec states that the cost per square foot at the new location will remain similar due to negotiated contractual clauses. The relocation will incur an estimated $80 million in expenses related to moving and installation. Hydro-Québec aims to consolidate operations as part of its 2035 Action Plan, which focuses on creating a more efficient work environment.
Louis-Olivier Batty, a spokesperson for Hydro-Québec, confirmed that the move is scheduled for July or August 2026, affecting various departments, including engineering and major projects. While the future remains uncertain for local businesses, Dilanian holds hope for new developments in the area, such as recent condominium and hotel projects along Boulevard De Maisonneuve. “The clientele will eventually return. We must stay optimistic to survive,” he concluded.
