Much of Montreal’s cultural life happens outdoors. It spills into streets, parks, and ruelles—the city’s open-air stages and platforms for as many festivals as there are protests and markets. Public space is key to our civic life, but who those spaces serve, and how they’re shared, is becoming one of the biggest questions facing the next administration.

As new developments transform public squares and pedestrian zones, Montrealers are debating what these spaces should be for: commerce, community, or culture—or a fine balance of all three. The next mayor’s approach will shape how people gather, celebrate, and express themselves in the years ahead.

Ahead of the 2025 municipal election, The Main asked every party how they envision the city’s public spaces. We're talking everything from parks and plazas to laneways and pedestrian streets, and how it all supports cultural life. We also asked how they would balance commercial and community use, and what changes they’d make to make public spaces more inclusive for cultural activity.

Much of Montreal’s cultural life happens outdoors. It spills into streets, parks, and ruelles—the city’s open-air stages and platforms for as many festivals as there are protests and markets. Public space is key to our civic life, but who those spaces serve, and how they’re shared, is becoming one of the biggest questions facing the next administration.

As new developments transform public squares and pedestrian zones, Montrealers are debating what these spaces should be for: commerce, community, or culture—or a fine balance of all three. The next mayor’s approach will shape how people gather, celebrate, and express themselves in the years ahead.

Ahead of the 2025 municipal election, The Main asked every party how they envision the city’s public spaces. We're talking everything from parks and plazas to laneways and pedestrian streets, and how it all supports cultural life. We also asked how they would balance commercial and community use, and what changes they’d make to make public spaces more inclusive for cultural activity.