Dozens of advertising columns that were taken out of service about two years ago continue to sit on the streets of central Montreal, officials from Tourisme Montréal said on Friday. The lingering structures are described as a severe visual impact on the city’s appearance, a concern shared by local merchants who operate in the affected neighborhoods.
The columns, originally installed to display commercial advertisements, were decommissioned nearly two years ago as part of a broader effort to modernize street furniture. However, they have not been removed and remain in place, creating a noticeable clutter in the pedestrian environment. Tourisme Montréal officials noted that the unfinished removal process leaves the columns standing empty, detracting from the aesthetic of the streetscapes that attract both residents and visitors.
Merchants in the central districts reported that the presence of the abandoned columns interferes with the visual appeal of storefronts and reduces the overall attractiveness of the area. They argue that the columns, once a source of revenue through ad sales, now represent a neglected element that could affect foot traffic and the overall perception of the neighbourhoods.
City planners have not released a timeline for the removal of the structures, and no further details have been provided about the next steps. The situation underscores a gap between the decision to retire the advertising fixtures and the execution of their physical removal. Residents and business owners continue to encounter the columns as a daily reminder of the unfinished project.
The issue remains on the agenda for municipal authorities, who are being urged to address the lingering visual impact. As the city prepares for upcoming tourism initiatives, the removal of the abandoned columns could become a priority to improve the streetscapes that define central Montreal.
The ongoing presence of the decommissioned advertising columns highlights a disconnect between policy decisions and on‑the‑ground implementation, leaving central Montreal streets marred by unused infrastructure.