May 7, 2023, marks a turning point for the Petit-Maghreb neighborhood, situated between Pie-IX and Saint-Michel in Montreal. Merchants of this multicultural area have expressed their discontent and rejected what they consider an “Algerian club” leading the Commercial Development Corporation (SDC) of Petit-Maghreb. The referendum resulted in a majority in favor of dissolving the SDC, highlighting tensions and general dissatisfaction among merchants of various nationalities present in the neighborhood.
The referendum was organized following a petition launched by the merchants, demanding the dissolution of Petit-Maghreb’s SDC. The voting results, announced by the clerk of the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, Ms. Lyne Deslauriers, at 8:30 PM, are as follows:
- Number of positive votes (in favor of dissolution): 42
- Number of negative votes: 15
- Number of eligible voters registered: 114
- Number of eligible voters who voted: 57
These figures show significant participation from concerned merchants and a substantial majority (73.7%) in favor of dissolving the SDC. This vote clearly expresses the rejection of the current management of Petit-Maghreb by the “Algerian club,” which, according to accusations, attempted to expropriate the SDC without informing other neighborhood merchants.
Petit-Maghreb merchants now hope for the creation of a new, representative, and transparent organization that will take into account the cultural diversity and interests of all. The challenge is significant: building an open and inclusive dialogue to define common goals and concrete actions to support the neighborhood’s economic and cultural development.
Petit-Maghreb faces an uncertain future, but the outcome of the May 7, 2023 referendum demonstrates a shared desire for change and mobilization to put an end to the actions of the “Algerian club.” Merchants and residents of the neighborhood must unite to create a truly representative and transparent organization that will contribute to the prosperity of this multicultural area, a symbol of Montreal’s identity.
