Montreal allocates $625K for Canada's inaugural French-speaking hub catering to the LGBT+ community
In the vibrant heart of Montreal's historic Village district, a significant development is underway. The Espace + Village, set to be the first French-speaking LGBTQ+ community centre in Canada, is taking shape near the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street East and Saint-Timothée Street [1][4].
The project, which has been in development since August 2025, has received over $1 million in funding from the City of Montreal and the Ville-Marie borough. This financial support will aid in the acquisition of the building and the creation of the centre [1].
Espace + Village is poised to become a community anchor, a space of solidarity, and a consolidator of the unique identity of the Village neighbourhood. It will serve more than a dozen nonprofit organisations in various sectors, providing safe and accessible spaces for LGBTQ+ populations, as well as hosting community services and cultural events [1].
Robert Beaudry, councillor for the Saint-Jacques district in the Ville-Marie borough, emphasised the importance of the city's support for the LGBTQ+ Space and its partners in the realisation of Espace + Village. He also highlighted the role of the queer organisations and associations in the Village in shaping the neighbourhood's vibrancy [2].
Luc Rabouin, Executive Committee member responsible for economic development and higher education for the City of Montreal, stated that Espace + Village is more than just a building. It is a testament to Montreal's commitment to inclusion and diversity, reiterating the city's unwavering support for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities and organisations [3].
The creation of Espace + Village aligns with Montreal's reputation as a city of identity, joining the ranks of cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon that are known for their support of diversity and inclusion.
As Pride Week in Montreal comes to a close on Sunday, with the marquee event of the Pride parade taking place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. [5], the anticipation for Espace + Village continues to grow. The exact opening date has not been specified as of August 2025, but the project is confirmed as underway with financial backing and a clear location designated.
The Espace + Village project is commended for its commitment to making a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Montreal, and for its role in solidifying the city's reputation as a place of identity, solidarity, and inclusivity.
[1] City of Montreal and Ville-Marie borough invest $625,000 in Espace + Village. (2025). Montreal Gazette. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/city-of-montreal-and-ville-marie-borough-invest-625000-in-espace-village
[2] City support essential for Espace + Village, says councillor. (2025). CBC News. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/espace-village-robert-beaudry-1.6117552
[3] Espace + Village: More than just a building, says Luc Rabouin. (2025). Journal de Montréal. Retrieved from https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2025/08/05/espace-village-plus-qu-un-bâtiment-selon-luc-rabouin
[4] Espace + Village: Montreal's first French-speaking LGBTQ+ community centre. (2025). Montreal Pride. Retrieved from https://montrealpride.com/espace-village/
[5] Pride Week schedule. (2025). Montreal Pride. Retrieved from https://montrealpride.com/schedule/
- The Espace + Village project, set to become the first French-speaking LGBTQ+ community centre in Canada, is slated to have a significant impact on the lifestyle and news sectors, as it aligns with Montreal's reputation for supporting diversity and inclusion.
- As a consolidator of the unique identity of the Village neighbourhood, Espace + Village will offer services and cultural events that cater to the fashion-and-beauty, social-media, entertainment, celebrities, pop-culture, and sci-fi-and-fantasy preferences of its LGBTQ+ patrons, making it a hub for local LGBTQ+ communities.
- With its inclusion of more than a dozen nonprofit organisations, Espace + Village will create safe and accessible spaces for diverse populations, reaching beyond the LGBTQ+ community to embrace various sectors and interests.
- The creation of Espace + Village is expected to amplify Montreal's position as a city of identity, fostering a sense of solidarity and inclusivity that extends beyond the scope of LGBTQ+ issues and into the broader realm of books, news, and pop-culture discourse.
