Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of Hochelaga

The Federal Electoral District of Hochelaga is one of the 78 electoral districts in the province of Quebec, Canada. Located to the east of Montreal, Hochelaga covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Saint Lawrence River to the south, and the districts of Saint-Leonard--Saint-Michel, Rosemont--La Petite-Patrie, and Ville-Marie--Le Sud-Ouest--Île-des-Soeurs to the north, east, and west, respectively. Hochelaga is a diverse and vibrant district with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Population centres Hochelaga is home to several significant cities and towns, including Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Sainte-Marie, and Saint-Michel. Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is the largest neighborhood in the district and is made up of three areas: Hochelaga, Maisonneuve, and Tétreaultville. It is known for its affordable housing options and is home to a high number of students, particularly those attending nearby Université de Montreal. Sainte-Marie is a culturally rich neighborhood with a large French-Canadian community that is proud of its history and traditions. Saint-Michel is a multicultural neighborhood with a significant Haitian population.

Issues and events Between 2019 and 2022, Hochelaga has faced a number of local issues and events. One of the biggest challenges has been the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the district in a number of ways. For example, small businesses in the area have struggled due to mandated closures and reduced foot traffic, while many residents have faced financial difficulty as a result of the economic fallout from the pandemic. Another local issue has been transit, with many residents calling for improvements to public transportation to better connect the district to other areas of Montreal.

Economy Hochelaga is home to several major employers and key industries. Some of the largest employers in the district include the Montreal Heart Institute, the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, and the University of Montreal. The district also has a significant manufacturing industry, particularly in the food and beverage sector. One recent event that had a profound impact on the local economy was the decision by online retail giant Amazon to open a new distribution center in the neighboring district of Lachine. While the center is not located within Hochelaga, it is expected to create jobs and boost economic activity in the wider Montreal area.

Important landmarks One of the most significant landmarks in Hochelaga is the Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics and continues to be a major attraction. Other notable landmarks in the district include the Montreal Insectarium, the Botanical Garden, and the Biodome. Hochelaga is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Maisonneuve Park and the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex.

Arts and culture Hochelaga has a rich arts and culture scene, with several community events and institutions that showcase the district's diverse cultural heritage. One of the most popular annual events is the Festival international Nuits d'Afrique, which celebrates African music and culture. The district is also home to several theaters, including the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier and the Théâtre de Quat'Sous.

Electoral issues During the 2021 federal election, economic and social issues were at the forefront of many voters' minds in Hochelaga. One of the main concerns was the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and the need for government support to help them recover. Another issue was the availability of affordable housing, with many residents calling for more action to address the city's housing crisis.

Community organizations There are several important economic and social community organizations in Hochelaga, including:

• Le Bonnallie, which provides support and resources to local entrepreneurs and small business owners
• La Maisonnette des parents, which offers a range of services to families with young children, including daycare and parenting workshops
• Projet Harmonie, which promotes community engagement and social inclusion through art and music programs
• Le Rendez-vous Petites Entreprises, which provides training and resources to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs
• The Éco-quartier Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, which works to promote environmental sustainability and community involvement in the district

Multicultural groups Hochelaga is known for its rich cultural diversity, with several significant cultural demographic segments represented in the district. Some of the most notable include the French-Canadian community, which has a strong presence in areas like Sainte-Marie, and the Haitian community, which is centered around Saint-Michel. The district is also home to significant Black, Latin American, and Asian communities, as well as a growing number of Indigenous residents.