Ville-Marie issuing more fines to residents for lack of sidewalk maintenance

As part of its major spring clean-up operations, the City of Montreal is cracking down on property owners who fail to keep the public areas around their residences clean.

Of particular concern is the Ville-Marie borough, where inspections have increased and so have the number of warnings and fines issued. The borough’s bylaw stipulates each resident is responsible to keep the public area adjacent to their property clean and that failing to do so can lead to fines between $250 to $1,000.

According to a City of Montreal spokesperson, 44 warnings and 42 fines have already been issued this year. In 2025, 62 warnings and 79 fines were issued, a marked increase from 2024 when 78 warnings and five fines were issued for similar offences.

“During the election campaign we made a firm commitment to tackle cleanliness. We’ve also changed the way we operate to achieve tangible results quickly, and now that the snow has melted, the clean-up can begin,” a city spokesperson wrote in an email to CTV News.

In addition to the increased inspections, the city has earmarked an extra $1.9 million to clean up the Ville-Marie borough.

Some residents said the fines are, unfortunately, needed.

“If you don’t touch people by their wallet, they don’t care,” said Serge Quevillon. “I just [went] last year to Japan and I loved it so much because of [cleanliness.”

“We can’t expect the city to do everything for us,” added Mimma Zanti. ”There’s nothing wrong with taking a broom and cleaning your corner.”