Merchants in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grace neighborhood said the installation of new parking meters on Sherbrooke Street is hurting their businesses.
The dispute highlights a growing tension between urban municipal planning and the economic viability of small businesses that rely on easy vehicle access for customers.
Local business owners expressed frustration this week following the borough's decision to change parking regulations. The changes involved the installation of about 250 new parking meters [1] along the Sherbrooke Street corridor.
Merchants said the new meters have altered parking availability in the area. According to business owners, these changes have reduced customer foot traffic, and made it more difficult for shoppers to find parking near their storefronts.
The installation took place a few weeks prior to reports of the merchants' dissatisfaction on July 16, 2026. The business community in the NDG neighborhood said the cost and time constraints imposed by the meters discourage spontaneous visits to local shops.
While the borough implemented the meters to manage parking flow, the merchants said the policy has had an adverse effect on their daily operations. They said the accessibility of the street is a primary driver of their revenue, and that the new regulations create a barrier for their clientele.
“The installation of about 250 new parking meters [1] along the Sherbrooke Street corridor.”
This conflict reflects a common urban struggle to balance traffic management and congestion relief with the needs of traditional brick-and-mortar retail. When cities implement paid parking to increase turnover, they often inadvertently alienate customers who prefer the convenience of free or unregulated parking, potentially shifting consumer behavior toward larger malls or online shopping.
