Dozens of former advertising columns now sit unused on the streets of central Montreal, creating a noticeable visual clutter, according to Tourism Montreal officials and local merchants. The columns, which were part of a citywide street advertising system, were decommissioned in August 2024. Since that time, the structures have remained in place, lingering in neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Tourism Montreal has highlighted the issue, noting that the abandoned fixtures detract from the aesthetic appeal of the area. Merchants operating nearby have echoed the concern, describing the columns as an eyesore that interferes with the streetscape and the overall experience of shoppers and tourists.
The decommissioning of the advertising columns was part of a broader municipal effort to phase out the street‑level ad network that had been in place for years. While the decision to remove the system was announced in 2024, the physical removal of the columns has not been carried out. As a result, the empty posts have been standing for roughly two years, accumulating dust and occasionally obstructing pedestrian flow.
City officials have not released a timeline for the removal of the abandoned structures. In the meantime, the presence of the columns continues to be a point of discussion among community groups and business owners who see the clutter as a barrier to the visual cohesion of the neighborhoods. The situation underscores the challenges of transitioning city infrastructure, especially when physical assets remain in place after policy changes.
Residents and visitors walking through the affected districts encounter the columns regularly, a reminder of the unfinished phase of the city’s advertising overhaul. The ongoing lack of removal keeps the issue in public view, prompting calls for a definitive plan to clear the streets of the unused fixtures.