A wind of renewal is blowing on the SDC Côte-des-Neiges!

We are proud to unveil our brand new identity! This action is accompanied by several actions this year which all aim to highlight our neighborhood with its business owners and professionals, as well as projects encouraging the embellishment of our territory.

The modernization of the SDC’s brand image is one of the central actions of our 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. To do this, we selected the Featuring agency to do a reflexion on our positioning and redesign of our visual identity. The wish was to develop an image that would strengthen the sense of belonging of the 230 merchants and professionals members of the SDC Côte-des-Neiges, as well as that of the visitors and residents of the area. The idea was also to put in the dynamic and surprising side of the sector at the forefront — from which the slogan ‘’ from the essential to the unexpected ’’ was created.

To reflect this peculiar aspect of the neighborhood and the energy found there, we opted for a lively palette that will add color to the territory and which represents its different sectors of activity, in addition to playing with forms. and textures to reflect the lively side of our neighborhood. We also took the opportunity to review our name. Previously known as Côte ’Côte-des-Neiges Experience’ ’, it was decided to withdraw the ”experience” portion in favor of ”SDC Côte-des-Neiges”. This is how we will celebrate our 2nd anniversary under a new official name!

But what is a development company? Our mission is to promote and promote the economic development of the Côte-des-Neiges district. Our non-profit organization designs very concrete projects. The illuminated posts on Chemin Côte-des-Neiges? A project of the SDC! Christmas market ? One of our initiatives. Our SDC also organized a candy hunt for Halloween, as well as a visit by Mayor Plante to discuss the economic issues of the neighborhood. The essence of our work is aimed at stimulating economic life in our sector, with the help of our partners. We are thinking here of the City of Montreal, the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough and, most recently, CISM 89.3. These help us to develop projects that benefit everyone, in an area that covers Côte-des-Neiges streets between Frère-André and Côte-Ste-Catherine, Lacombe, Jean-Brillant, Swail and Gatineau.

These projects benefit not only the working people, traders and professionals, but also residents and passers-by, who see their quality of life increased when projects are implemented.

We spoke with Félicia Balzano, newly promoted to the executive director of the SDC Côte-des-Neiges to learn more about the benefits of an SDC in a neighborhood like Côte-des-Neiges.

Can you tell us what makes Côte-des-Neiges different from other neighborhoods in Montreal?

Côte-des-Neiges is one of a kind and when you visit the neighborhood, you can easily understand why! First, the sector covered by the SDC Côte-des-Neiges, between rue du Frère-André and rue Côte-Sainte-Catherine, including Chemin Côte-des-Neiges, as well as the commercial sectors of Lacombe, Gatineau and Swail are full of essential shops and services. But if the neighborhood is so unique it is partly thanks to the people who live, work and visit it. Thousands of students attend the sector daily, it is a real center of knowledge thanks in particular to the Université Montréal and HEC Montréal. The presence of St Joseph’s Oratory also makes our sector a major tourist destination. It is not without naming the multitude of health services with the presence of two major hospitals and specialized services. In addition, the proximity to the Mont-Royal mountain and its numerous public transportation make it a truly accessible neighborhood. There is also a large offer of shops and cafes open 24 hours, which is very special. I would add that there is a “discovery” side to wandering on our artery and in our sector. Several shops have been there for a long time, there is a real heritage that is built over the years! There are as many families as students, there are people from all over and of all ages. We are a sector where cultures have been mixed naturally for decades. Besides, we invite people to share their attachment to Côte-des-Neiges with #jaimecdn

What are the concrete benefits of an SDC for the economic life of a neighborhood like CDN?

A development company has the distinction of acting with two completely different targets, that is to say merchants and professionals on the one hand and visitors on the other. Our actions must therefore first support our members who are businesses and professionals who have an office or business in the territory covered by our SDC. We play a facilitating role for our members in carrying out projects that can energize an artery and a commercial sector. We are also there to find answers to their questions on a host of subjects. Then, we develop projects which make it possible to revitalize the district, to beautify it, to animate it and we even touch on cleanliness! The mission of an SDC is varied and really touches on all aspects that can affect and improve the experience in a commercial sector. We are often surprised when we learn all the actions taken or initiated by an SDC. There are more than twenty commercial development companies in Montreal.

What kind of challenges do business owners face today?

The SDC Côte-des-Neiges sector is fortunate to have a very good occupancy rate of its premises. This means that there are very few places to rent in the area. This is probably explained by the customer service offered by our merchants to their customers, but also by the fact that we have a huge number of people who circulate in the territory, who live there, work and study there. The creation of the SDC two years ago can also explain contributing to the results. Shops and services also meet the needs of consumers, which is obviously positive.

However, the artery needs to revitalize its buildings. The beautification of the territory will significantly increase its attractiveness and develop new clienteles. Yesterday, during our event to unveil the brand new identity of our SDC, we took the opportunity to announce excellent news that will enhance the sector covered by the SDC and that will give a big boost to property owners and merchants thanks to the support of the City of Montreal and the PRAM-Commerce program. We will be sharing more details on this in the coming months.

Obviously, the addition of street furniture, a program that enlivens the streets, playful or distinctive installations undoubtedly contribute to increasing the attractiveness of a territory and the SDC Côte-des-Neiges is working hard on this to help its members.

The support of the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, the City of Montreal and our 230 members allows us to carry out projects that continue to energize the neighborhood and it is essential to underline.