The rooftop farm perched on the Palais des congrès opened to the public on September 13, 2026, offering visitors a chance to see how food is grown in the city and to learn why buying locally produced items is being emphasized.
The site, managed by a coalition of Quebec farmers, showcases a range of crops cultivated on the building’s roof. Organizers have invited the public to tour the beds, observe the growing cycles and understand the steps involved from planting to harvest. The initiative is part of a broader effort by agricultural groups across the Montreal area, which together operate eleven farms that supply the region.
Producers involved in the rooftop project say the timing is intentional. A trade dispute between Canada and the United States has raised concerns about the availability and price of imported food. By highlighting the capacity of local growers to supply fresh produce, they hope shoppers will turn to Quebec-grown products as a more reliable alternative.
The farm’s location at the Palais des congrès provides a visible platform in a busy downtown setting. Visitors can walk among the raised beds, see the irrigation systems in action and speak with the farmers who tend the plots. The experience is designed to demystify urban agriculture and to illustrate how city rooftops can contribute to the regional food supply.
Quebec agricultural associations are coordinating similar outreach activities across the city, encouraging residents to explore farm tours and to consider the origins of the food they purchase. The rooftop farm’s opening marks a concrete step in that campaign, linking the visual impact of a city‑center garden with the economic message that local purchasing can help mitigate the effects of international trade tensions.
As the trade dispute continues, the farm’s operators remain focused on educating consumers about the benefits of supporting nearby producers, hoping that increased demand for local produce will strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.