West Island Business Community Prepares for the REM’s Arrival
WIMCC brings together elected officials, experts and business leaders for a lunch conference on mobility transformation
Pointe-Claire, May 4, 2026 – The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) held a lunch conference today bringing together the region’s business community around a major issue: the imminent arrival of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) and the STM bus network overhaul, set to launch on May 18.
In front of a full room at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Pointe-Claire, representatives from the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), CDPQ Infra (REM), and the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) presented the new integrated transit network and answered questions from employers, retailers, and entrepreneurs in attendance.
Panelists at the Heart of the Issue
The conference was moderated by Me Jean-René Paquette and featured three panelists:
- Philipe Dubé, Director, Operations and Equipment Management, ARTM
- Carl Corbel, Director of Operations, REM (CDPQ Infra)
- Sébastien Gagné, Director of Studies, Bus Overhaul, STM
The discussion covered the concrete benefits of the new network for businesses, the impact of the STM bus network overhaul on West Island service, and the business opportunities this transformation creates for the region.
“The arrival of the REM is not just a new transit line: it is a profound transformation of how we move, how we connect, and how we envision our communities. As a chamber of commerce, our role is to support our members through these changes and give them the information they need to make the most of them. That is exactly what we set out to do today,” said Sophia Lavergne, General Manager of the WIMCC.
A Notable Turnout from Elected Officials
The event drew a remarkable number of elected officials, reflecting the significance of this issue for the region: MNA for Nelligan and Official Opposition critic for transport, Monsef Derraji, as well as mayors Aref Salem (Chair, STM Board and city councillor, Saint-Laurent borough), Julie-Pascale Provost (Mayor of Lachine borough and STM Board member), Alex Bottausci (Mayor of Dollard-des-Ormeaux and STM Board member), John Belvedere (Mayor of Pointe-Claire), Michel Gibson (Mayor of Kirkland), and Marc Doret (Mayor of Dorval). Several representatives from the STM and REM were also present.
Mark Your Calendars
On May 16 and 17, the REM will be open to everyone for free trial rides. The official inauguration takes place on May 18, 2026.
About the West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1978, the CCOIM acts as an essential collaborative partner, playing a key role as a catalyst and facilitator by strengthening relationships with businesses in Montreal’s West Island and supporting their growth and expansion. Comprising eight municipalities and three boroughs of the Montreal agglomeration, the West Island of Montreal combines economic vitality with a dynamic business environment in one of the city’s largest industrial hubs.
The WIMCC thanks its elite partners: Paquette Avocats, RBC Royal Bank, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, BDC, and Whitrod Leduc CPA.
Media inquiries:
Sophia Lavergne, General Manager
West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
T. 514.697.4228 ext. 103 | slavergne@ccoim.ca
Photo credit: Cookie Studio