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Borough vs. city council: Who decides what in Montreal?

Snow removal, construction, bike paths: Montrealers have to deal with issues like these on a daily basis. But what falls under borough jurisdiction and what does city council take on? We break it down.

With more than 100 elected officials, we break down the difference between borough and city council

Sarah Leavitt · CBC News ·
Every month, city councillors and borough mayors meet at City Hall for a city council meeting. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Snow removal, construction, bike paths: Montrealers have to deal with things like these on a daily basis.

But what falls under borough jurisdiction and what does city council take on? 

Borough council

Borough council vs. City council

7 years ago
Duration 2:06
CBC's Sarah Leavitt breaks down the difference between borough and city council, and who is responsible for which services.There are 19 boroughs in Montreal and each has its own borough council made up of at least five members including a borough mayor, city councillors and borough councillors.

The council meets monthly and makes decisions on things specific to the borough (there are always exceptions):

  • Garbage collection/recycling/composting.
  • Recreation and culture: parks, arenas and libraries.
  • Parking permits.
  • Most construction work on its roads.

While each borough is responsible for its snow removal operations, a citywide central policy instituted in 2015 means certain rules and restrictions set by the city need to be followed. 

Among its many tasks, borough council is responsible for garbage, compost and recycling collection, parks, parking permits and local construction work on its roads. (Hélène Simard/CBC)

City council

City council is made up of the mayor of Montreal, all borough mayors and 46 city councillors. 

They meet monthly to go over the wider issues that affect all Montrealers.

They make decisions on issues such as:

  • Water and the environment: protecting green spaces and making sure we have safe drinking water.
  • The budget: where to invest the billions of dollars, which areas will see tax increases.
  • Major projects: redeveloping Ste-Catherine Street and Old Montreal.
  • Urban planning projects: adding or extending a Metro line or building bike paths.

For many, animal welfare has been highlighted as a major election issue.  

Borough councils used to make decisions about things like pet ownership and animal control. However, under Denis Coderre, the animal control bylaw is now a city decision.

City council makes decisions on things that affect all Montrealers. Among their responsibilities are our drinking water, the overall budget and urban planning projects. (Hélène Simard/CBC)
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