Montreal has seen notorious rent hikes over the last few years. In 2020, Montreal experienced the biggest rent hike in over 18 years. Some Montrealers have called out landlords taking advantage of tenants, as rent and renovictions are on the rise. Montrealers in the borough of Saint Laurent voiced concerns over rental buildings in the last borough council.

A concerned citizen brought up issues in a building in Saint Laurent where a building was filled with bed bugs, mice and cockroaches. In the same building, garbage is not being picked up, there are holes in walls, the elevator is not working – with tenants stating issues have been reported to the building owners, but no action has been taken. 

The Saint Laurent councillors said there is little they can do, as this is a private property. However, they said since the situation is severe, they can put pressure on the owners or give appropriate fines, so that the repairs are done and the place can be a better place for tenants to live in. Councillors said the address will be given to staff that works in the inspection department and they will be in contact with the building owners.

Another tenant shared that there is dirty water in the garage where tenants' cars are supposed to be parked, with another tenant adding that applianced don't work and there have been electricity issues in the building for the last 2 months.

The City of Montreal is continuing to improve greenery in the city, providing more emphasis on green spaces and planting more trees as a way to fight climate change. A park in Saint Laurent will experience revitalizing effects, as the council said there are plans to add a series of play areas for kids, and plans to improve and increase the number of plants and vegetation in the area.