LaSalle Commercial Vitality Fund

Within the context of economic recovery and the reopening of restaurants, the Borough of LaSalle has announced the creation of a Vitality Fund for commercial thoroughfares in LaSalle. The objective of the Fund is to revitalize the targeted commercial thoroughfares in LaSalle by promoting the modernization of existing retail locations and the opening of new retail businesses.

Eligible projects

• Opening of a new retail business that adds value to one of the targeted commercial thoroughfares in LaSalle;
• Transformation of an existing retail business to improve or modernize its offer
• Support for implementing a digital shift and enhancing the customer experience;
• Neighbourhood improvement (signage, green spaces, summer pedestrian street, terraces, parklets, etc.); 
• Support for initiatives launched by merchants associations; 
• Implementation of projects that promote sustainable development (e.g.: zero waste, cargo bikes, etc.). 

Eligible expenses: Interior or exterior reconfiguration of retail locations, installation of a new window, change of signage (excluding structural work), digital shift, marketing, collaborative projects, sustainable development projects, professional firms (with the exception of associations). 

Financial assistance for merchants

• The project must have a minimum value of $5,000;
• Subsidy of up to 50% of the cost of the project for one targeted thoroughfare and 75% for two targeted thoroughfares;
• Subsidy cannot exceed $10,000. 

Financial assistance for merchants associations

• The project must have a minimum value of $15,000;
• Subsidy of up to 75% of the cost of the project;
• Subsidy cannot exceed $20,000.  

Eligibility conditions for merchants

• The business must operate in one of the following sectors of activity :
  • Retail Trade (NAICS Code 44-45), excluding Automobile Dealers (441) and Gasoline Stations (447);
  • Food Services (NAICS Code 7223-7225), excluding Drinking Places (7224).
  • Exclusions:
    • Organizations of a sexually demeaning, religious or political nature and organizations whose activities are controversial: escort agencies, massage parlours, war games, tarot cards, astrology, personal growth courses, pawn shops, etc.;
    • Organizations whose activities are harmful to the environment and the quality of life in the neighbourhood;
    • Franchises and banner outlets;
    • Professional firms.
• The retail business must be located on one of the targeted thoroughfares:
  • Boulevard Newman (between boulevard Angrignon and 90e avenue)
  • Avenue Dollard (between boulevard Newman and rue Salley)
  • Rue Centrale (between avenue Alepin and 7e avenue)
  • Rue Edouard (between avenue Alepin and 7e avenue)
• For a new retail business, demonstrate that the business project is likely to be profitable, adds value to the commercial thoroughfare and the Borough, and creates jobs;
• For the transformation of a retail business, demonstrate that the project contributes to the vitality of the commercial thoroughfare;
• Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a permanent resident of Québec;
• Operate during regular business hours for the proposed type of retail business;
• Be a sole proprietorship, corporation (company), cooperative or non-profit organization (NPO).

A contract will be required for each approved application.

Eligibility: Specific conditions for merchants associations

• An association must comprise a minimum of 3 merchants;
• The association must mandate one individual to represent all of the member commercial businesses. This individual will be responsible for the contractual relationship with PME MTL;
• Demonstrate that the project adds value to the merchants and contributes to the vitality of the neighbourhood.

Documents required when submitting an application for merchants

• Business plan and financial forecasts (new business);
• Financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years (existing business);
• Lease with a term of at least two years;
• Certificate of occupancy and all other permits required for the project;
• Any other required authorizations (signage, outdoor café, renovations, etc.);
• GST/QST/DAS reports (or proof of registration).

Documents required from merchants associations when submitting an application

• A letter signed by the members of the association designating the contact person who is authorized to communicate on behalf of the association;
• Project plan detailing the type of activity, objectives and budget;
• All permits required from the Borough, in accordance with the type of activity;
• All members of the association must maintain their corporate status in proper order.

Submitting an application

Please fill out the Application Form by clicking on the link below. Your information will be kept strictly confidential. Be sure to have the required documents on hand. Only complete applications will be deemed eligible and processed. Submitting an application does not guarantee that financial assistance will be granted.

Submit an Application →

Additional information

Charlotte Mommanton
Commercial Development Advisor
[email protected]
514-885-3320