Developers are reassessing where to build after a study showed that obtaining a residential construction permit in Montreal now takes an average of 11 months. The lengthy approval period is prompting some firms to look beyond the city’s limits for new projects.
The 11‑month timeline reflects the total time from application submission to final permit issuance for residential builds. City officials confirm that this figure represents the current average across the municipal system. Compared with many other Canadian and international jurisdictions, where permits are often issued in a matter of weeks or a few months, Montreal’s process is considerably longer.
Developers cited the extended duration as a factor influencing their decision‑making. When a project’s start date is delayed by nearly a year, the financial calculations for construction costs, financing, and market timing shift. As a result, several firms have announced plans to pursue residential developments in neighboring municipalities where the permitting process is shorter.
The longer permitting timeline is attributed to multiple stages of review, including zoning compliance, building code verification, and environmental assessments. While each step is intended to ensure safety and conformity with city planning goals, the cumulative effect extends the overall schedule.
As of June 2026, the trend of developers seeking sites outside Montreal is evident in recent project proposals filed with surrounding towns. The shift may affect the volume of new housing units slated for construction within the city in the coming years, as resources are redirected to locations with faster approval pathways.