Spring cleaning: Montreal launches tidy-up operation across the city

Montreal is starting spring cleanup early and extending work by 25%, while the blue-collar union warns staffing and equipment fall short.

The City of Montreal is launching a major spring cleaning operation this week, an “unprecedented” first, according to Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s administration.

It boasts that this year’s brigade will include a larger-than-usual team deployed “earlier and remaining in action for a longer period.”

“We promised Montrealers that we would give them back a clean city,” said Claude Pinard, chair of the City of Montreal’s Executive Committee and responsible for homelessness.

”There have never been so many cleanup crews and pieces of equipment for this major cleanup so early in the year, and for such a long period. This is a major undertaking. Residents will see the difference very quickly.”

In a prepared statement in English, Pinard added that “work on cleanliness is absolutely essential to make Montreal shine again,” adding that “Montrealers can again feel at home and feel proud of their city. It’s also super important for Montreal’s appeal and reputation.”

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According to the city, street cleaning crews are set to be on the job from March 16 to Dec. 13, 2026 - compared to previous start dates of April 1 for regular crews and June 1 for mobile crews.

“Spring is always a key time for our city’s cleanliness,” said Luis Miranda, head of cleanliness and public services with the City of Montreal’s Executive Committee.

“This year, we’re giving ourselves the resources to better support the transition to summer and the outdoor dining season. These efforts are being carried out in close collaboration with borough teams to give a joint boost to cleaning operations and support all the operations that intensify at this time of year.”

City officials estimate that cleaning crews will be on the ground 25 per cent longer than in previous years and will be able to aid borough teams with their territories.

Part of the job will be addressing cleanliness issues, sanitation and safety guidelines in homeless encampments.

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The city says this sector of the operation is expected to cost $2 million, covering the boroughs of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the Plateau–Mont–Royal, Rosemont–La Petite–Patrie, the Sud-Ouest, Villeray–Saint–Michel–Parc–Extension and elsewhere upon request.

In addition to manpower, Montreal officials say they are employing nearly 50 mechanical sweepers, as well as watering trucks and various types of sidewalk cleaners.