“A major historical chapter is drawing to a close at 305 Rue de Bellechasse in Montreal. The Shiff family, which has occupied the premises since 1948, has just sold the massive building to real-estate developers, which is a worry for the approximately 80 artists and other tenants renting studio and office space there.” – From a Radio-Canada news story posted Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

What we are seeing today with 305 de Bellechasse is like the same bad movie that’s been playing over and over for years in Montreal. Many of us have been forced to move our studios for the same reasons, and more than once. Each time, the human and economic consequences are dramatic. We need to persuade the city that it’s possible to have economic development all while protecting workspaces that welcome, among others, artists, makers, self-employed workers, and small businesses. It is inconceivable that this city is allowing private promoters and speculators to dictate the development of neighbourhoods, with no master plan and with zero consideration for the repercussions of such laissez-faireism. Our presence in communities is a key factor in Montreal’s cultural and economic development. But there are limits to our ability to live with economic insecurity. The city simply cannot continue showcasing us to attract tourists, while ignoring the fact that we are constantly being forced out of our workspaces.

The building was eventually sold to a private developer in 2020, who rehabilitated the structure and converted it into office space.