Advertisement

Montreal granted special metropolis status

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says he will keep bars open later and lower business taxes now that the province has passed a new law that gives the city of Montreal more autonomy. Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. Jean-Vincent Verville

Montreal bars might soon be allowed to stay open later, if Mayor Denis Coderre has his way.

“We had a pilot project that I wanted; they said no. Now, I have the capacity to do it,” Coderre said.

It’s all because the provincial government passed a new law Thursday that gives the city of Montreal special metropolis status. Montreal will have more autonomy in a number of areas.

READ MORE: Quebec government reverses decision on abolishing referendums

“What it changes, is that we have more tools to work within housing, in economic development,” Coderre said.

The municipal government will be allowed to develop major residential and commercial projects on its own. They will have a greater role in welcoming new immigrants. They’ll even be able to provide some business tax credits.

Story continues below advertisement

The new law cuts down on a lot of red tape – it also comes with a significant amount of money. The province has set aside $50 million in an economic development fund for the metropolis. There’s also an additional $83 million annual grant for cultural projects.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“We did what we said we would accomplish and we’re very proud,” said Martin Coiteux, the municipal affairs minister.

READ MORE: Martin Coiteux, in love with the West Island

The new law comes into effect just before Montreal’s municipal elections. Coiteux, who is also a Montreal MNA, said the timing is not part of an ulterior motive to get the mayor re-elected.

Story continues below advertisement

“We worked this summer in parliamentary commission for us to be able to do it in the first week of our parliamentary session, so this is where we are, but we’ve been working on this for years,” he said.

READ MORE: Martin Coiteux apologizes for answering English question in French

The minister said he would have preferred to pass this bill last spring. At that time, the government gave Quebec City special status as the capital. They also gave more powers to other municipalities and allowed them to get rid of referendums.

Sponsored content

AdChoices