The Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) released new demographic projections that show the island of Montreal could see its population shrink by roughly 10 percent by the year 2051. The forecast is based on recent trends that the statistical agency has been tracking, and it marks a notable shift for the province's largest urban centre.
The ISQ analysis does not provide a specific figure for the current population, but the percentage decline suggests a reversal of growth that has characterised Montreal for several decades. The agency attributes the projected drop to a combination of factors reflected in recent demographic data, though the exact drivers are not detailed in the released summary.
The projection arrives at a time when the city continues to grapple with a persistent housing shortage. Demand for homes across Montreal has been rising, prompting municipal officials and developers to seek solutions to accommodate new households. The anticipated population decline could intersect with these housing pressures, influencing future planning and policy decisions.
While the ISQ report focuses on the island of Montreal, the broader metropolitan area may experience different dynamics. The agency’s findings are intended to inform policymakers, urban planners, and the public about long‑term demographic shifts that could affect service delivery, infrastructure needs, and economic activity.
The statistical body emphasized that the projection reflects current trends and may be adjusted as new data become available. Stakeholders are expected to monitor the outlook as part of ongoing efforts to address the city’s housing market and to plan for potential changes in population size over the coming decades.