Dozens of decommissioned advertising columns continue to litter central Montreal neighborhoods, prompting complaints from Tourisme Montréal and local merchants. The structures, taken out of service almost two years ago, have been left standing empty, detracting from the appearance of streets in the city’s core.
The columns were removed from active use about twenty-four months prior as part of a broader shift in outdoor advertising strategy. Since then, the physical fixtures have remained in place, neither repurposed nor dismantled. Their presence has become a point of visual blight, according to officials from Tourisme Montréal, who say the abandoned pillars undermine efforts to promote a clean and welcoming urban environment.
Local merchants, who rely on foot traffic and the overall aesthetic of the surrounding area, have voiced concerns that the unsightly columns discourage visitors and diminish the commercial appeal of the neighborhoods. They note that the empty structures interrupt the streetscape, creating an inconsistent look that contrasts sharply with recent streetscape improvements elsewhere in the city.
City authorities have not yet announced a concrete timeline for removal or reuse of the fixtures. The delay has drawn attention to the broader challenge of managing outdated infrastructure after policy changes. While the columns no longer serve an advertising function, their continued presence raises questions about resource allocation and urban maintenance priorities.
Tourisme Montréal has indicated that it is monitoring the situation and is in discussions with relevant stakeholders to identify a solution. In the meantime, the columns remain a visible reminder of a transition that has yet to be fully resolved, leaving residents and business owners to contend with the ongoing visual impact.
The issue underscores the importance of coordinated planning when phasing out public installations, especially in areas where the streetscape plays a vital role in the city’s identity and economic vitality.