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A construction site for the Quartier des arts du cirque is seen on July 9, 2026. (Martin Daigle, CityNews)<\/p>\nThe Quartier des arts du cirque (QUAC) unveiled its mission for the development of the Saint-Michel area on Thursday, in collaboration with the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec.<\/p>\n
A key part of the Quebec government\u2019s Eastern Development Plan, the QUAC wants to transform the area into a major cultural, creative and tourist hub where art serves as a driver of social, economic, and environmental transformation.<\/p>\n
For QUAC director general Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Saint-Michel is \u201cmuch more than an urban development project.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to demonstrate that it is possible to sustainably transform a neighbourhood by creating spaces where citizens can learn, create, start businesses, live, and come together,\u201d said Brunelle. \u201cSaint-Michel has all the ingredients to become a world-class cultural destination while remaining deeply rooted in its community.\u201d<\/p>\n
A construction site for the Quartier des arts du cirque is seen on July 9, 2026. (Martin Daigle, CityNews)<\/p>\n
As part of the event, the QUAC unveiled the first major private investment in the Quartier des arts du cirque, with Groupe HD investing $150 million for the construction of 380 housing units on Jarry Street East. Groupe HD co-president Jean-Philippe H\u00e9bert says the group believes in the QUAC\u2019s ambitious vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that creating complete living environments, where housing, culture, high-quality public spaces, and community initiatives coexist, represents the future of urban development. We are proud to be making a tangible contribution to this transformation,\u201d H\u00e9bert said. <\/p>\n
The QUAC also inaugurated the new phase of Galerie LA 40 under the Metropolitain, which features 20 new murals created by 11 Montreal artists this year, in addition to 100 participatory artworks created by Montreal youth and neighbourhood organizations.<\/p>\n
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A sign for Galerie LA 40 is seen on July 9, 2026. (Martin Daigle, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Brunelle says the goal is to bring more housing and greenery to the area.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommercial development on Jarry is essentially oriented towards the community, making sure the youth have their opportunities. We\u2019re having micro-commerce where can try different experiences, to sell their own products that they invent, if you want. And the Galerie LA 40 which will be, if we continue nicely, the largest exterior gallery in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada at a press conference for the Quartier des arts du cirque on July 9, 2026. (Martin Daigle, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada says planning needs to go beyond the immediate area to ensure people can work and live in Saint-Michel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an urban fracture, which is the 40, and we have to make sure that it\u2019s also part of the development, she said. \u201cSeeing artists, and seeing arts, being at the core of that development, I think it\u2019s reassuring because it\u2019s a process where all community gets involved in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ultimately, Martinez Ferrada says Montrealers should feel a lot of pride in the development.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs mayor, I am very proud to see this neighbourhood, which I love, contribute to building a more dynamic, inclusive, and ambitious Montreal. This is a project that Saint-Michel, East Montreal, and the entire city can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n
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