Borough vs. city council: Who decides what in Montreal?

Snow removal, construction, bike paths: Montrealers have to deal with things like these on a daily basis.

But what falls under borough jurisdiction and what does city council take on?

Borough council

Borough council vs. City council

7 years ago

Duration 2:06

CBC's Sarah Leavitt breaks down the difference between borough and city council, and who is responsible for which services.There are 19 boroughs in Montreal and each has its own borough council made up of at least five membersincluding a borough mayor, city councillors and borough councillors.

The council meets monthly and makes decisions on things specific to the borough (there are always exceptions):

• Garbage collection/recycling/composting.
• Recreation and culture: parks, arenas and libraries.
• Parking permits.
• Most construction work on its roads.

While each borough is responsible for its snow removal operations, a citywide central policy instituted in 2015 means certain rules and restrictions set by the city need to be followed.

• Montreal snow plan calls for improved parking, more cycling

City council

City council is made up of the mayor of Montreal, all borough mayors and 46 city councillors.

They meet monthly to go over the wider issues that affect all Montrealers.

They make decisions on issues such as:

• Water and the environment: protecting green spaces and making sure we have safe drinking water.
• The budget: where to invest the billions of dollars, which areas will see tax increases.
• Major projects: redeveloping Ste-Catherine Street and Old Montreal.
• Urban planning projects: adding or extending a Metro line or building bike paths.

For many, animal welfare has been highlighted as a major election issue.

• Confusion, anger over Montreal's handling of pit bull permits
• Fans, protesters assemble at Montreal's urban rodeo

Borough councils used to make decisions about things like pet ownership and animal control. However, under Denis Coderre, the animal control bylaw is now a city decision.