The announced closure of the iconic Archambault store on rue Berri1settled in the district since the 19e century, is the latest in a long series of hard blows for this devastated sector of downtown Montreal.
On Friday, the company notably blamed “the evolution of the urban fabric in the sector” which, in its eyes, had become “a laboratory of urban diversity” at the expense of commercial traffic. A diagnosis contested by the municipal administration, which nevertheless recognizes the existence of a major problem.
“The neighborhood has certainly changed. Poor Archambault, I understand them, everyone in the area has problems, reported Catherine Lapointe, who works in the neighborhood and has frequented the store for 30 years. I work in criminal law and I know that all my clients are there. »
On site, the area bears the scars of the numerous business closures that occurred during the pandemic, coupled with a very visible increase in the number of homeless people. The Hotel Place Dupuis served as a refuge during the pandemic.
On the side of rue Sainte-Catherine which hosts the Archambault, the establishments still in operation are exceptions between Berri and Saint-Timothée.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Stores closed at the intersection of Sainte-Catherine and Labelle streets
Sleeping bags and discarded clothes replaced customers in the entrances of several premises. When passing from The Press Friday afternoon, about 20 people were warming themselves in a subway entrance reeking of urine. On the other side of the square, a large construction site adjoined an old bus station still in search of a permanent vocation.
Chantal Archambault shares her name with the chain of stores. “I find it really sad,” she said as she left the store. A lot of musicians, a lot of industry people have worked here. She herself is a singer-songwriter and is half of the musical group Saratoga.
“There really is something big leaving with this store,” she continued. I hope that the owners of the building will pay attention to the heritage. »
“They didn’t feel safe”
Traders who hold the fort also note the deep difficulties of the sector. Abdou Kamara, who runs an electronics store La Source, has to deal with intruders and thefts.
The increase in homelessness “certainly negatively affects” trade, he said. “We ask them to come out nicely, but sometimes they steal,” he added, adding that he had not, however, experienced a problem of violence since taking office last fall.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The Berri-UQAM metro station, currently under renovation, at the intersection of Berri and Sainte-Catherine streets
At the nearby Hotel Saint-André, Yannick Honvo sometimes has to deal with the disappointment of tourists who weren’t expecting to arrive in such a setting. Last summer, “we had a lot of Ontario, French and American clients who were surprised by the sector,” he said. “They didn’t feel safe. Mr. Honvo describes an increase in drug use and dealing in plain sight of passers-by. “There is a lot more homelessness than before, even though there was a lot before. »
“A very big surprise”
The organization that brings together merchants in the sector – and throughout the Village – is also calling on the City of Montreal and the community network to better distribute services to the homeless in the central neighborhoods of Montreal, in order to reduce the pressure instead Émilie-Gamelin, formerly known as Square Berri.
“We understand why there are organizations that are in the neighborhood, because there is a population that is there, said Gabrielle Rondy, the general manager of the commercial development company. Afterwards, what we would like is for new organizations looking for an address not to be systematically in Ville-Marie, in the Village, in Centre-Sud […] because it puts pressure on the residents who are there, on the businesses. »
The closure of Archambault “is really a very big surprise” and “a very big disappointment”, she said, noting all the same the opening of 24 new businesses on its territory in 2022. “There are a lot of people who are working very hard to make it a safe and attractive neighborhood again. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The facade of the Archambault store
Robert Beaudry, who represents the sector on city council, said he was “extremely surprised” by Friday’s announcement, but stressed that these are difficult times for all retail businesses. “Before saying that it is the urban fabric that is responsible for closing a business like this, there is a margin,” he said.
“There are issues in the sector, that’s clear,” he acknowledged, blaming first and foremost the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are in reflection with the Village to see how we can work on the issues of security, insecurity, social cohabitation. All the actors are mobilized on these different issues. […] We are not defeatists. »
As for the SDC’s request to disperse aid organizations for the homeless on Montreal territory, Mr. Beaudry does not see things exactly the same way. “Yes, we need a diversified service offer on the territory, it’s fundamental. But the fact remains that in downtown Montreal, there is a strong representation of the homeless population,” he said.
“We will have to end up hearing the cry from the heart of businesses and traders, which does not date from yesterday, commented his vis-à-vis the opposition, Julien Hénault-Ratelle on social networks. If a large group like Archambault has trouble facing the challenges of downtown, imagine what it is for small businesses. »
With Richard Dufour