In the rapidly changing landscape of East Montreal, the Épicerie Monette project stands out as an exemplary case study in territorial development.

Located at 76 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard, in a heritage residence acquired and restored by the Société de développement Angus (SDA), this future community hub embodies the transition from "food deserts" to complete and resilient neighborhoods.

A Nod to the Past

The name is a tribute to a former bakery in PAT, a witness to a neighborhood bustling with local shops around the 1910s.

 It evokes local roots, collective memory, and a desire to revive warm, accessible, and inclusive gathering places.

 It is a discreet and aromatic tribute to what makes a neighborhood rich: its people, its scents, and its stories.

The grocery-café concept will be housed in the magnificent heritage-style residence at 76 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard.

 According to its creators, it will offer "a human-scale living space where you can do your shopping, share a meal, have a coffee… and reconnect with your neighbors."

The shop will feature affordable fresh and local fruits and vegetables; bulk food and household products; grocery essentials (canned goods, milk, eggs, frozen foods, plant-based alternatives, etc.); fine and local terroir products; a bread and butcher counter; a ready-to-eat counter; and a "simple, welcoming, and economical" café space.

A Business Model Rooted in Social Economy

Épicerie Monette is more than just a business; it is an NPO. The concept is based on a hybrid offering:

• Local Food Supply: Fresh produce, bulk items, and local products at affordable prices.

• Social Space: An integrated café designed to break isolation and provide a meeting place that was previously lacking in the area.

• Urban Synergy: The project is part of a commercial hub that includes a microbrewery and a restaurant, creating a critical mass of foot traffic to revitalize Vieux-PAT.

Statistics and Economic Impact

The financial structure of the project demonstrates the complexity and seriousness of the initiative:

• Global Budget: Estimated at over $1,000,000.

• Community Fundraising: A goal of $75,000 through community bonds.

• Leverage Effect: This amount could be matched by the Ampli Fund (subject to RISQ approval), highlighting the importance of local buy-in to unlock institutional funding.

• Social and Financial Return: Investors can subscribe in increments of $500 (up to a maximum of $10,000) with an annual interest rate of 4% over 5 years.

This "solidarity loan" model replaces traditional bank intermediaries with community ties.

Goal: $75,000 in Community Bonds

To finance part of the project, the NPO recently launched its first community bond campaign.

 These funds will primarily cover the necessary interior improvements to accommodate the grocery store and café.

A community bond is a loan between an individual or organization and a project they wish to support, without a financial intermediary.

As noted in the project documentation, this is not a donation, but a socially responsible investment.

The bondholder receives annual interest, and no management fees are applied.

The invested capital is repaid at maturity, according to the terms of the contract.

In the case of Épicerie Monette, the bonds are offered for a five-year term with the possibility of renewal.

The interest rate is fixed at 4% per year, non-compounded. To contribute, you can signal your interest by email at: bonjour@epiceriemonette.ca.

The deadline for purchasing these community bonds is May 15th.

Social Impact and Proximity Urbanism

The social impact is twofold.

First, the project addresses a public health issue by filling a food "service gap."

 Second, it contributes to tactical urbanism by repurposing a heritage building into a "third place."

According to the project organizers, the lack of gathering places—other than major fast-food chains—has previously limited social cohesion in the sector.

Épicerie Monette thus becomes a "catalyst" for citizen connection, encouraging increased pedestrian traffic and a reclamation of public space by residents.

Traffic and Growth Outlook

With the addition of new housing and the revitalization of infrastructure by the SDA, foot traffic in the area is expected to see sustained growth starting this fall.

The integration of essential services (grocery) and leisure services (café, fine products) ensures a steady stream of visitors, stabilizing the local commercial ecosystem.

Épicerie Monette perfectly illustrates how real estate, when placed at the service of the community, can transform a declining sector into a vibrant and sustainable living environment.

Interested parties can contact the organization at bonjour@epiceriemonette.ca or visit the official website for participation details: https://epiceriemonette.ca/