Mission
« To give Montrealers access to local produce in their public markets that relate to their values »
This is the mission of the Corporation de Gestion des Marchés Publics de Montréal (CGMPM) and its some 250 members, farmers and vendors, since its founding in 1993. Each of the members of Montreal’s 4 major public markets and the 11 neighbourhood markets and flower kiosks offer their expertise and provide their clients with a truly personal experience all the while focusing on local Quebec products.
During the 80’s, the City of Montreal re-evaluated its management of the public markets and their future. There were some propositions as to their profitability that evoked strong reactions. As a result of this re-evaluation, the vendors and merchants of the public markets regrouped to propose alternatives to better defend their interests.
The creation of The Corporation de gestion des marchés publics de Montréal
In 1993, after an agreement in principal with the City of Montreal, the Corporation de Gestion des Marchés Publics de Montréal (CGMPM) was created. It established its objectives: To manage the public markets, to ensure accessibility to the population of Montreal and to contribute to the future development of the public markets.
The CGMPM encourages full participation from its members, vendors, and merchants. The Board of Directors, comprised of ten people from the CGMPM, is advised by permanent consulting committees that are mandated to oversee the development of the organization.
Since the creation of the CGMPM, it has seen a positive evolution. As a result of surpluses from the CGMPM, in partnership with the City of Montreal and the provincial and federal governments, more than $45 million has been invested in the public markets since 1993. Some examples of this growth include the construction of the new Maisonneuve Market, expansion of the Jean-Talon Market and construction of underground parking, improved winter market facilities for both the Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets, the addition of a new exterior section on the north side of the Atwater Market, improvement in member services, and the initiation of a sustainable development policy to ensure that our public markets are greener and more eco-responsible. The CGMPM has the wind in its sails, and there are many other projects just waiting to take off!
