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St-Hubert BBQ Ltd. is a Canadian chain of casual dining restaurants best known for its rotisserie chicken. St-Hubert is most popular in Quebec and in other French-Canadian areas such as Eastern Ontario and New Brunswick. The chain enjoys the second-highest customer loyalty of any restaurant in Canada (after Tim Hortons), according to industry analysis.[1]

Key Information

In March 2016, St-Hubert agreed to be purchased by Toronto-area based Cara Operations (now known as Recipe Unlimited), the owner of the rival Swiss Chalet rotisserie chicken chain, for $537 million.[2][3] Cara increased its restaurant presence in Quebec as the St-Hubert chicken deal closed in September 2016.[4]

History

[edit]

The first restaurant opened in September 1951 on Saint Hubert Street in Montreal, just south of Beaubien street. This branch still operates today, but has been converted to a St-Hubert Express take-out restaurant. The founding family of Hélène and René Léger copied similar barbecue restaurants in the city.[5][6]

St-Hubert began selling its gravy in supermarkets across Quebec in 1965. The company also sells its barbecue sauce in the ready-to-serve format, desserts, seasonings, and frozen chicken in supermarkets.[6]

The original St-Hubert Chicken mascot was created and designed by former Disney animator Jack Dunham.[when?][7][8] Dunham also produced St-Hubert's first television commercials.[8] However, the current St-Hubert mascot, which has been in use since the early 1970s, was not created by Dunham.

Operating under the U.S.-based company St. Hubert of Florida, Inc.,[9] a St-Hubert restaurant opened on June 12, 1979, at 1431 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[10][11] The owners hoped to eventually open more chain restaurants in the States, but only if the first proved successful.[10] The Fort Lauderdale restaurant, which principally served snowbird Canadians who spent their vacations in southern Florida, was known for its ability to serve its customers in French, as 80% of its clients were French Canadians,[12][13] and motivated the employers of their own accord to seek French-speaking employees.[14][11] The ads the restaurant ran on television and in newspapers also carried French.[15] The location was still open in as late as 1987,[16] but by mid-1988, a Shoney's restaurant had opened in its place.[17][18]

A St-Hubert Express restaurant

In 1983, St-Hubert attempted another type of expansion, this time in Italian cuisine. St-Hubert inaugurated the Pastelli restaurant and announced that it wanted to open 30 to 40 other franchises across Quebec during the following five years. The results were conclusive and other franchises were opened, but St-Hubert decided to end the experiment in the late 1980s.[19]

In 2005, St-Hubert voluntarily became the first restaurant chain in Quebec to ban smoking inside its restaurants. This was one year before the province of Quebec made it mandatory.[6]

St-Hubert's president was quoted in a Postmedia News article in October 2011 as saying that the company was considering adding halal and kosher products.[20] It has since recanted in the aftermath of Quebec's reasonable accommodation debate.[improper synthesis?]

On March 31, 2016, Ontario-based Cara Operations, owner of the Swiss Chalet chain of rotisserie chicken restaurants, announced that it would acquire St-Hubert in the summer of 2016 for CAD$537 million.[21][22] Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), an investment management firm, had presented an offer to acquire a minority share in St-Hubert, but was subsequently declined.[23] Léger sought buyers within Quebec, but did not encounter any companies he was comfortable selling to.[24] The sale was completed on September 2, 2016.[25]

In 2017, Montreal actor Jay Baruchel mentioned St-Hubert as his favorite restaurant to visit when visiting the city during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. St-Hubert spokesperson Josée Vaillancourt later reached out to Baruchel after the actor claimed that he was willing to also appear in a commercial for the restaurant.[26]

Operations

[edit]
A St-Hubert restaurant in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

St-Hubert's service area has little overlap with the similar Swiss Chalet chain, which exited the Quebec market in the early 2000s, although there was no agreement between the chains. Following the closure or rebranding (as independent restaurants) of St-Hubert's remaining Toronto area locations over the following few years, the chains now only overlap in the Ottawa area, and in Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick. Restaurants in the Saint John, New Brunswick, area closed in 2013.[27] Locations in Halifax Nova Scotia & St. John's, Newfoundland also existed, but were closed around the late 1980s, early 1990s. However, in a 2007 interview with La Presse, St-Hubert CEO Jean-Pierre Léger suggested that the company was considering re-entering other eastern Canadian markets.[28]

In January 2011, St-Hubert announced that its expansion plans included the opening of three Toronto area locations of the St-Hubert Express concept. It was also considering entering markets outside Canada. At around the same time, the company briefly re-entered the Kingston marketplace with a St-Hubert Express, which closed about a year after opening.[29]

The St-Hubert locations operate as full-service restaurants, resto-bars, and 'St-Hubert Express' locations (closer in style to fast food restaurants, also with take-out, drive-thru and delivery).[30] The bright yellow cars delivering food have carried the slogan "Putt-Putt Ding-Ding".

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

St-Hubert

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
St-Hubert BBQ Ltd. is a Canadian chain specializing in and dishes, primarily operating in with additional locations in and . Founded on September 25, 1951, by Léger and his wife Hélène in at 6355 Saint-Hubert Street, the chain began as a single and expanded rapidly due to the popularity of its slowly roasted served with signature . By 2025, St-Hubert operates 121 restaurants, representing about 90% in , and employs thousands while maintaining a focus on full-service dining, express counters, and options. In 2016, the company was acquired by Cara Operations (now ) for $537 million, integrating it into Canada's largest full-service group and enabling further investments, including a $50 million expansion plan announced in 2025 for renovations and new openings. St-Hubert's enduring appeal stems from its consistent menu emphasizing fresh, in-house prepared , ribs, and sides, fostering strong regional loyalty in where it ranks among the top casual dining brands.

History

Establishment and Early Years (1920s–1940s)

The Saint-Hubert Airport, located in , , originated from a 1926 commitment by Canadian Prime Minister at the in to develop infrastructure across the , leading to the selection of the site near for Canada's first federally constructed civil . Construction commenced in 1927 under the Department of National Defence, with the airfield hosting its inaugural airmail delivery on November 18, 1927, via a Fairchild FC-2W2 operated by Canadian Colonial Airways . The facility became fully operational as a civil airport on May 1, 1928, serving as Montreal's primary aviation hub until the development of Airport in the early 1940s. In the 1930s, Saint-Hubert expanded its role in commercial and experimental , accommodating early scheduled flights and notable events such as the 1930 docking of the British R-100, which underscored the site's growing infrastructure for rigid airships and heavier-than-air craft. By March 1, 1939, (predecessor to ) initiated its first official transcontinental service from Saint-Hubert to , marking a milestone in Canadian domestic . That same year, on April 13, 1939, opened its first air traffic control tower at the airport, equipped with basic radio communication and visual signaling to manage increasing air traffic. The onset of in 1939 prompted a shift toward military priorities; by 1940, the Department of National Defence reclaimed full control of the airfield for training purposes, transferring civil operations to temporary facilities elsewhere. From 1941 to 1944, Saint-Hubert hosted No. 13 Service Flying Training School under the , training over 1,800 aircrew members on aircraft such as the Harvard and Yale trainers, with the site featuring expanded hangars and runways hardened for wartime demands. This period solidified the airport's dual civil-military heritage, though civilian access remained limited until postwar demobilization.

Mid-20th Century Developments (1950s–1980s)

Following , RCAF Station St. Hubert transitioned back to peacetime operations, serving as a key base for fighter squadrons equipped with early . In 1951, No. 441 Squadron was formed at St. Hubert as a fighter unit initially operating Vampires before transitioning to North American F-86 s, contributing to Canada's air defense posture. Similarly, No. 427 Squadron was reactivated on , 1952, at the station with F-86 Sabre Mk II fighters, later upgrading to Mk V and VI variants for duties. These units, alongside auxiliary squadrons like Nos. 401 and 438, underscored St. Hubert's role in hosting both regular and reserve fighter operations during the , with aircraft such as the CF-100 employed for all-weather and electronic warfare training into the early 1960s. The marked a shift toward integration and diversification of roles at the station. Upon the unification of Canada's armed forces in 1968, RCAF Station St. Hubert was redesignated (CFB) St. Hubert and incorporated into the broader structure, reflecting the consolidation of air reserve and support functions. emphasized tactical and transport capabilities, with units operating DHC-3 Otters for utility roles and early helicopter trials, while the base supported electronic warfare detachments using modified CF-100s. Civil operations remained secondary but began expanding as traffic grew amid Montreal's post-war economic boom. A pivotal civil development occurred in 1970, when nearly all activities from Montreal's Cartierville Airport—excluding operations—were relocated to St. Hubert, positioning it as the region's primary hub for private and flights. This transfer, driven by capacity constraints at other fields and federal-provincial coordination, boosted annual movements and supported flying schools and charters through the and . activities evolved toward reserve squadrons, including No. 438's use of Otters into 1976 and tactical airlift with DHC-5 Buffalo , maintaining the base's dual-use infrastructure amid declining fighter roles. By the , St. Hubert functioned primarily as a reserve and center, with its runways and facilities accommodating increased non-scheduled traffic while Canadian Forces units focused on support and missions until further transitions in the .

Modern Era and Transition (1990s–Present)

In 2004, transferred ownership of the airport to Développement de l'aéroport Saint-Hubert de (DASH-L), a non-profit , granting the facility greater operational independence and facilitating long-term infrastructure improvements. This shift aligned with broader Canadian policy to devolve federal airports to local entities, allowing Saint-Hubert to prioritize , , and potential commercial growth while maintaining its role as a reliever to . Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the airport primarily served , corporate flights, and flight schools, with limited infrastructure changes amid stalled commercial expansion efforts due to community concerns over noise. By 2018, DASH-L completed a major upgrade to the primary runway (11/29), extending it to 3,000 meters and reinforcing it to handle heavier jet traffic, including Boeing 737-class aircraft, at a cost exceeding CAD 20 million. The airport underwent a significant on February 1, 2024, adopting the name (MET) to emphasize its evolving role as a secondary commercial hub for Greater Montréal, complete with new branding evoking the site's dirigible history. This transition includes construction of a new passenger terminal designed to accommodate up to 4 million domestic passengers annually, supported by a CAD 90 million loan from the announced in February 2024. Porter Airlines partnered with MET for the terminal project, planning to launch up to 92 daily domestic flights by late 2025, targeting underserved routes and positioning the airport as a convenient alternative to Trudeau for South Shore residents. As of 2025, construction advances rapidly, with the facility retaining its focus on general aviation alongside emerging commercial capabilities, though federal environmental assessments continue to address noise and land-use impacts.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Runways, Taxiways, and Aprons

The Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (CYHU) operates three asphalt-surfaced runways configured for diverse general aviation and training activities. The primary runway, 06L/24R, measures 7,801 feet (2,378 meters) in length and 150 feet (46 meters) in width, supporting operations for larger aircraft up to the limits of its pavement classification. A parallel runway, 06R/24L, provides 3,922 feet (1,195 meters) by 100 feet (30 meters), primarily for smaller aircraft and accommodating simultaneous operations when traffic permits. The crosswind runway 10/28 spans 2,420 feet (738 meters) by 150 feet (46 meters), aiding in wind-dependent takeoffs and landings.
RunwayLength (ft/m)Width (ft/m)SurfaceOrientation
06L/24R7,801 / 2,378150 / 46Asphalt062° / 242°
06R/24L3,922 / 1,195100 / 30Asphalt062° / 242°
10/282,420 / 738150 / 46Asphalt100° / 280°
Taxiways interconnect the s and aprons in a layout optimized for efficient ground movement, including designated routes such as Taxiway C, which requires clearance procedures to avoid conflicts with departing on the main , and Taxiway T, which parallels shorter runways but demands pilot vigilance to prevent runway incursions. Additional taxiways support access to hangars and fuel facilities, with asphalt surfaces maintained for all-weather use, though specific widths and lengths vary by segment per aeronautical charts. Aprons at the airport are segmented to handle parking, tie-downs, and specialized uses, effectively dividing operations into eastern and western sides for better flow. A dedicated RCMP apron exists with restrictions on tail positioning toward hangars and clearance from adjacent helipads, while broader apron areas accommodate de-icing and maintenance activities. These surfaces, primarily asphalt and polygons, support the airport's focus on non-commercial without large-scale jet operations.

Terminals, Hangars, and Support Buildings

The Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU), primarily serving , features multiple (FBO) facilities that function as primary terminals for private, corporate, and operations, handling processing, , fueling, and aircraft servicing without a dedicated commercial terminal as of late 2024. These FBO buildings include administrative offices, lounges, and maintenance areas tailored to non-scheduled flights, with key operators such as HUB FBO offering Jet A1 and 100LL fueling alongside office rentals for businesses. Hangar infrastructure supports a range of activities, including aircraft storage, repair, and training for local flight schools like Cargair, which maintains a fleet for pilot instruction. Existing hangars include HUB FBO's heated facility spanning 25,000 square feet with a 28-foot vertical door height, accommodating mid-sized general aviation aircraft. Additional hangar space is provided by other FBOs, such as a planned 100,000-square-foot expansion tied to a new 41,000-square-foot two-story terminal complex set for completion in the third quarter of 2025, enhancing capacity for business aviation. A separate 141,000-square-foot FBO complex, incorporating premium private terminal spaces and large hangar areas for logistics, further bolsters storage and operational efficiency. Support buildings encompass fuel storage systems, electrical substations, and emergency facilities, with ongoing modifications including the conversion of an existing into a dedicated to meet expanded requirements. New construction and rehabilitation of the main electrical substation are integral to upgrades, ensuring reliable power and refueling for up to four million annual passengers once commercial operations commence. In parallel, a major passenger terminal project, developed in partnership with and Macquarie Asset Management, is advancing with a 225,000-square-foot structure featuring nine gates and fully electric building systems for . began in mid-2023, targeting operational readiness by mid-2025 to accommodate domestic commercial flights, marking a shift from the airport's historical focus. This facility, designed by Scott Associates Architects, prioritizes efficient passenger flow and integration with adjacent hotel and hubs.

Air Traffic Control and Navigation Aids

The air traffic control services at Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport (CYHU) are managed by , Canada's civil air navigation service provider, which operates the airport's control tower. This tower, established as the nation's first on April 13, 1939, continues to oversee arrivals, departures, and ground movements for the airport's primarily and training operations. Tower controllers provide (VFR) and (IFR) clearances within the airport's Class D airspace, coordinating with the Montréal Area Control Centre (CZUL) for enroute traffic. Primary tower frequencies include 118.4 MHz for VFR arrivals from the north and 121.3 MHz for arrivals from the south and east, with operations adhering to mandatory frequency protocols outside published hours. The tower maintains extended hours seasonally: from 1045-0500Z to and 1045-0300Z to Sunday during April to October, shortening slightly in November to March. NAV CANADA's staffing ensures 24/7 radar and procedural services via adjacent facilities when the tower is closed, supporting the airport's role in regional and occasional military activity. Key on-field navigation aids include the UHU TACAN, providing (DME) for military and compatible civil users. For precision approaches, an ILS (identifier IHU, 111.1 MHz) serves runway 24R, enabling Category I landings with localizer, glideslope, and associated DME. Instrument approach procedures published in the Air Pilot encompass RNAV (GNSS) for runways 06L and 24R, NDB (using nearby ZHU at Hauts-Bois, 4.1 NM northeast) for 24R, and LOC backcourse for 06L. Supporting enroute navigation relies on proximate facilities such as the YUL VOR (, 116.3 MHz, 24 NM west) and YJN VOR (St-Jean, 115.8 MHz, 16 NM south), facilitating transitions into the terminal area under Montréal ACC oversight. These aids, maintained under standards, accommodate the airport's non-precision and RNAV-capable operations amid its focus on VFR training flights.

Current Operations

General Aviation and Flight Training

Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (CYHU) serves as a primary hub for in the area, accommodating private, corporate, and recreational aircraft operations. The airport supports unscheduled flights, with facilities equipped to clear arrivals on aircraft carrying no more than 15 passengers. Fixed-base operators (FBOs) provide essential services including hangar space, fueling, maintenance, and ground handling for these operations. As a controlled airport with active , it facilitates efficient movements for based and transient traffic, though it remains distinct from major commercial hubs like (YUL). Flight training constitutes a core component of CYHU's activities, positioning the airport as one of Canada's key centers for . Four principal flight schools operate on-site: Air Richelieu, Cargair Inc., CPAQ-Aero, and École de Pilotage Saint-Hubert. These institutions deliver Transport Canada-approved programs ranging from private pilot licenses (PPL) to commercial pilot licenses (CPL), instrument ratings, multi-engine endorsements, and certifications. For instance, the PPL program at Collège de Pilotage Saint-Hubert (affiliated with École de Pilotage Saint-Hubert) mandates a minimum of 45 total flight hours, comprising 17 hours of dual instruction (including 3 hours cross-country and 5 hours instrument) and 12 hours solo (including 5 hours cross-country). Training emphasizes operations in , leveraging the airport's infrastructure for realistic scenario practice, and attracts both domestic and international students seeking professional pilot pathways. The concentration of flight schools supports high-volume circuits and cross-country flights, contributing significantly to the airport's annual aircraft movements, which have historically exceeded 100,000. This educational focus enhances local workforce development but has drawn amid plans to expand commercial capacity, potentially impacting operations. Schools maintain modern fleets of single-engine trainers and simulators, with programs designed for progressive skill-building under individualized pacing.

Military and Special Uses

St-Hubert Airport serves as the base for 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, a reserve unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force equipped with Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters for tactical aviation missions. The squadron conducts armed and unarmed reconnaissance, troop and equipment transport, and support for ground forces, often in coordination with army operations under 1 Canadian Air Division. These activities utilize a dedicated helipad adjacent to the airfield, minimizing interference with civilian runway operations, as the squadron does not routinely employ the main runways. The facility supports occasional deployments and training exercises, including international commitments such as rotations to multinational operations in regions like the , where personnel from 438 Squadron have provided support at forward airfields. A persists at the site, encompassing administrative and logistical elements tied to the squadron, though the full designation ended in 1997. Special uses extend to joint military-civilian scenarios, such as emergency response integration and occasional VIP transport, leveraging the airport's proximity to for rapid regional deployment.

Safety Record and Incidents

Montréal/St-Hubert Airport (CYHU) has recorded several aviation occurrences, primarily involving general aviation and flight training activities, as reported by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). These incidents reflect the airport's role as a reliever facility for Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, handling significant volumes of small aircraft operations without major commercial jet disasters. Comprehensive accident rates specific to CYHU are not publicly aggregated by Transport Canada, but Canada's national air transportation accident rate stood at 3.0 per 100,000 aircraft movements in 2024, encompassing all registered occurrences. A notable occurred on 17 March 2017, when two aircraft operated by Cargair Ltd. (registrations C-GPNP and C-FGOI) collided 1.7 nautical miles east-southeast of the airport during a flight. One pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the other suffered serious injuries; the TSB investigation attributed the event to inadequate visual scanning and failure of see-and-avoid procedures in . On an unspecified date in 2021 (TSB file A21Q0092), a small experienced loss of control during approach to CYHU, leading to a cartwheel upon ground impact and a post-impact fire; the pilot evacuated with serious injuries. The TSB report highlighted contributing factors including risks in the prevailing weather, with scattered clouds reported at 800 feet above ground level. Other occurrences include runway excursions and gear-up landings, such as a Cessna 525 Citation M2 overrunning the by approximately 550 feet into grass with no injuries, and a Piper PA-23-250 Aztec performing a gear-up landing during instrument training on 7 June 2024, resulting in substantial damage but no fatalities. Earlier military operations saw a DHC-3 Otter crash on 2 October 1981 near Lac-Saint-François, killing three Canadian Armed Forces personnel. These events underscore common hazards in training environments, with TSB analyses often recommending enhanced pilot training and procedural adherence to mitigate risks.

Expansion Plans and Future Developments

Proposed Commercial Capacity and Infrastructure Upgrades

The Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) proposes to introduce commercial passenger operations through the construction of a new 21,000-square-meter terminal facility, designed to accommodate nine bridged aircraft gates and handle up to four million domestic passengers annually, transforming the site from its current focus with no scheduled commercial service. This expansion, announced in partnership with and developed by Macquarie Asset Management and , aims to support flights to approximately 25 Canadian destinations, leveraging the airport's proximity to 's South Shore for regional accessibility. Infrastructure upgrades include a state-of-the-art equipped with 28 check-in conveyors, explosives detection systems, high-capacity makeup carousels, and airline sortation capabilities to streamline operations. The terminal's building systems are engineered to be fully electric-powered, prioritizing energy efficiency and modern sustainability standards without reliance on fossil fuels for core operations. Supporting these enhancements, prior runway extensions completed in 2018 increased pavement strength to accommodate narrow-body jets such as the , , and A320, enabling compatibility with commercial fleet requirements. Financing for the project includes a $90 million loan from the , approved in early 2024, to advance terminal construction, with site work commencing in August 2023 and targeting operational readiness by mid-2025. These developments are positioned to expand Greater Montreal's capacity amid growing demand, though implementation remains subject to federal environmental and regulatory reviews concluded in November 2024.

Rebranding to Montreal Metropolitan Airport

On February 1, 2024, the operator of Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport announced its rebranding to (Aéroport métropolitain de Montréal), adopting the three-letter abbreviation MET for commercial and branding purposes. The change aimed to emphasize the facility's position as a gateway for the broader metropolitan region, located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of in the Saint-Hubert borough of . This rebranding coincided with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including construction of a new passenger terminal designed to accommodate up to four million annual domestic passengers once commercial jet services commence. The new branding incorporated a modern logo featuring a green line symbolizing connectivity and environmental considerations, reflecting the airport's evolution from a primarily and military site—established in 1927—to a secondary commercial hub. Proponents argued the name better aligns with the airport's strategic location serving the South Shore suburbs and potential relief for congestion at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, with initial focus on short-haul routes via carriers like . The rebranding faced immediate legal opposition from Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the authority managing , which filed suit in Quebec Superior Court on May 15, 2024, seeking a permanent to prohibit the inclusion of "Montreal" in the name. ADM contended that the designation could mislead travelers and erode its exclusive commercial rights under federal lease terms granting it monopoly status for scheduled passenger services in the region until 2037. As of late 2025, the airport continued operations and promotion under the MET branding, with no reported resolution to the litigation.

Regulatory Approvals and Restrictions

The St. Hubert Airport Zoning Regulations, enacted under the Aeronautics Act (C.R.C., c. 111), govern and development in the vicinity of the airport to ensure safe operations by restricting building heights, obstructions, and compatible uses within defined surfaces such as approach, transitional, and outer areas. These regulations apply to adjacent lands, including public road allowances, with the airport reference point set at 25.3 meters above , prohibiting structures that penetrate specified height limits to protect approaches. Operational restrictions include a prohibition on commercial night flights between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., established through an agreement between the City of and airport management, effective April 1, 2024, to mitigate noise impacts on residents. This ban was upheld by the Federal Court of on April 26, 2024, when it dismissed an request by Chrono Aviation, confirming the restriction's enforceability despite challenges from affected operators. Additionally, aircraft capable of carrying more than 230 passengers—typically corresponding to ICAO D or larger classifications—are barred from , a measure implemented in October 2023 to limit noise generation and align with local environmental concerns. Regarding the airport's expansion project, which involves constructing a new terminal and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate up to four million domestic passengers annually, federal regulatory approval under the Act was not required. Physical works, including terminal construction, runway modifications, and apron expansions, substantially commenced between July 2023 and September 2024, rendering the project ineligible for designation and full ; the Agency of Canada's Vice-President denied a designation request on November 19, 2024, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and . This decision allows the project to proceed without additional federal environmental review conditions, though it remains subject to provincial and municipal permits alongside ongoing Canadian Aviation Regulations compliance for safety and noise standards.

Controversies and Challenges

Noise Complaints and Night Flight Bans

Residents in and surrounding South Shore communities have frequently lodged complaints about aircraft from Aéroport de Saint-Hubert, citing disruptions to sleep and daily life, especially from and jet operations during evening and nighttime hours. These issues trace back to at least , when repeated grievances targeted activities extending until 11 p.m., prompting local advocacy for curfews. levels escalated with the resumption of commercial passenger services, particularly Chrono Aviation's 737-200 flights to northern destinations, which residents characterized as akin to fighter jet roar due to the aircraft's age and design. In February 2023, the City of announced an agreement with airport operator DASH-L to ban commercial takeoffs and landings from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., effective April 1, 2024, directly addressing resident demands for relief from overnight disturbances. Transports Canada formalized this prohibition in March 2024, targeting specifically the noisier operations like those of Chrono Aviation while allowing limited exceptions for emergencies or under strict conditions. To further curb noise, additional rules from October 2023 prohibit landings by aircraft with more than 230 passengers, prioritizing quieter, smaller jets compatible with the airport's focus. The night flight restrictions sparked legal challenges from affected operators. Chrono Aviation sought a Federal Court in 2023, arguing the ban would halt its viability and cause $146 million in losses from disrupted northern routes, but the court denied the request in April 2024, affirming the regulatory authority's noise abatement rationale. Advocacy groups such as Coalition Halte-Air Saint-Hubert and CAPA-L have sustained pressure through complaint logs and campaigns, documenting over 45 instances of excessive noise in some periods and pushing for broader enforcement. Despite these measures, sporadic reports of non-compliance persist, with residents continuing to file grievances via municipal channels.

Environmental Impact Assessments

The Saint-Hubert Airport Development Project, aimed at constructing a new terminal to accommodate up to four million domestic commercial passengers annually, was referred to the Impact Assessment Agency of (IAAC) on September 27, 2024. However, the IAAC Vice-President determined on November 19, 2024, that the project could not be designated for a full federal impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act, as substantial physical works—including terminal construction, expansions, and apron modifications—had already begun between July 2023 and September 2024, altering the site irreversibly. This decision precluded a comprehensive federal evaluation of potential effects on noise, air quality, (GHG) emissions, , or other environmental factors. Proponents, including the airport operator and partners like , conducted independent studies, notably a December 2023 impact analysis projecting a net reduction in overall acoustic disturbance once the terminal is operational, attributed to optimized flight paths and modern, quieter aircraft fleets. To further mitigate , Longueuil municipal authorities secured agreements banning commercial night flights starting April 2024 and restricting larger, noisier aircraft operations. These measures were presented as sufficient safeguards, with no peer-reviewed federal validation required due to the project's advanced stage. Critics, including local residents, environmental groups like the Coalition Halte-Air Saint-Hubert, and municipal figures, have contested the adequacy of these assessments, arguing that the absence of a full federal review overlooks significant risks such as increased GHG emissions—initial proponent estimates pegged operational additions at around 413 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, a figure deemed understated by opponents without baseline or projections for full capacity—and potential disruptions in nearby urban-adjacent wetlands and the St. Lawrence River corridor. A September 2024 public letter to Environment Minister urged dedicated GHG modeling and emissions inventories for current and projected airport activities, highlighting the lack of independent verification amid the site's proximity to densely populated areas. Despite these calls, no additional mandatory studies were imposed, fueling ongoing legal and public opposition as construction advances toward a mid-2025 terminal opening. In May 2024, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the operator of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, initiated legal proceedings in Quebec Superior Court against MET – Aéroport métropolitain de Montréal (formerly known as Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport), seeking a permanent to prohibit the use of "Montréal" in the latter's branding. ADM argued that the would engender significant among passengers and stakeholders, potentially diverting traffic from Trudeau and infringing on established naming conventions for the region's primary international gateway. MET officials countered that ADM's lawsuit represented an effort to safeguard its dominant position in the Montreal aviation market, characterizing it as an attempt to perpetuate a monopoly on commercial and international flights in the region. This perspective aligned with broader criticisms of ADM's control, which has historically limited competition by managing exclusive access to key infrastructure and slots at . The dispute gained further traction in June 2025 when Canada's issued a report recommending the termination of Trudeau's monopoly on international flights originating from the area, advocating for regulatory changes to enable MET to accommodate such services and foster competition. The Bureau highlighted evidence of reduced and elevated fares attributable to ADM's unchallenged dominance, though implementation would require amendments to federal airport policies and potential divestitures. Earlier legal entanglements at Saint-Hubert, including protracted disputes over operational restrictions and noise mitigation dating back years, culminated in an out-of-court settlement in November 2014 that resolved impediments to activities without public disclosure of terms. These prior cases, while not directly tied to monopoly claims, underscored ongoing tensions between local operations and regulatory oversight, potentially influencing the framing of current monopoly allegations against ADM.

Economic and Regional Impact

Contributions to Local Economy and Employment

The Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport serves as a central hub for an industrial and aerospace cluster in the Agglomération de Longueuil, hosting approximately 50% of the region's industrial companies and supporting 42% of its industrial employment through proximity to key facilities for manufacturing, maintenance, and research. Major tenants include Pratt & Whitney Canada for engine production and testing, Héroux-Devtek for landing gear manufacturing, and the Canadian Space Agency's operations, which collectively drive value-added activities in aviation and technology sectors. This concentration fosters ancillary services such as flight training schools and aircraft maintenance firms, contributing to skilled labor demand in mechanical, engineering, and logistics roles. The airport's operations, including services and charter flights, sustain direct employment in operations, fueling, and ground handling, with ongoing job postings indicating active hiring in these areas as of October 2025. In June 2023, airport management established a development table for the pole to enhance business attraction and collaboration, underscoring its role in regional economic vitality. Recent commercial expansion, including ' construction of a new passenger terminal set to open by late , is projected by the to generate over 500 permanent jobs in terminal operations, staffing, and related services, alongside improved connectivity for regional commerce and tourism. Proponents of broader development, including capacity for up to four million passengers annually, estimate up to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and $1 billion in annual economic impacts, though these figures remain unverified projections tied to future regulatory approvals and infrastructure buildout.

Role in Aviation Competition and Accessibility

The expansion of St-Hubert Airport, rebranded as , introduces a secondary facility capable of handling up to four million domestic passengers annually, primarily through partnerships with like and Pascan Aviation, targeting over 25 Canadian destinations. This development challenges the dominance of (YUL), which has operated as a near-monopoly for commercial services in the region, by enabling low-cost and regional carriers to establish operations without relying on YUL's infrastructure. Canada's has highlighted such secondary airports as key to fostering airline rivalry, noting that diversified facilities can pressure incumbents to reduce fares and improve service quality, based on empirical analysis of route competition and pricing data across Canadian markets. In terms of accessibility, the airport's location in on Montreal's south shore positions it closer to densely populated suburbs, reducing average travel times for residents in areas like the South Shore compared to YUL's site. A study by Groupe Civilia, an firm specializing in transportation , found that public transit connectivity to St-Hubert serves a larger share of the metropolitan population more efficiently than YUL, with enhanced bus and rail links facilitating lower-cost ground access for regional users. This setup supports greater equity in options, particularly for domestic routes underserved by YUL's focus on international and high-volume traffic, thereby expanding overall system capacity without exacerbating congestion at the primary hub. Proponents argue that this competitive dynamic aligns with causal factors in aviation economics, where multiple access points historically correlate with fare reductions—as observed in markets like with and Pearson—potentially yielding measurable benefits like the projected creation of over 400 jobs and sustained regional connectivity. However, initial operations remain domestic-focused due to regulatory constraints on international slots at secondary fields, limiting immediate to intra-Canada flights while paving the way for broader contestability if federal policies evolve.

Strategic Benefits Versus Local Opposition

The development of Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU), rebranded as the , offers strategic advantages by establishing a secondary hub to alleviate capacity constraints at Montréal-Trudeau (YUL), fostering greater competition in the region. ' $200 million investment in a new domestic terminal, set to open in late 2025, aims to support up to 4 million passengers annually across 25 routes, enhancing domestic connectivity and potentially attracting additional carriers like or Flair. This expansion is projected to generate $3 billion in annual economic impact through increased passenger traffic, job creation, and ancillary developments such as a 130-room , while an express shuttle service improves access for the 40% of Greater Montréal residents within a 30-minute drive. These benefits align with recommendations from Canada's Competition Bureau to dismantle YUL's effective monopoly on commercial flights, which could drive down fares and spur service improvements without relying solely on YUL's infrastructure upgrades. Proponents, including airport operators and regional economic bodies, argue that the facility's proximity to downtown Montréal—shorter than trips to YUL for many South Shore residents—enhances overall aviation efficiency and regional mobility, positioning YHU as a complementary asset rather than a direct rival. A 2023 agreement between Longueuil and YHU operators underscores commitments to noise mitigation and community benefits, framing the project as vital for decongesting YUL and supporting Québec's air service consolidation. However, local opposition in Saint-Hubert and centers on quality-of-life disruptions, with residents citing anticipated increases in road traffic on already congested routes like Route 116, potentially exacerbating daily commutes. Environmental critiques highlight projected annual CO2 emissions in the hundreds of thousands of tonnes and , which could conflict with municipal targets, as noted in analyses referencing research on aviation particulates. Skeptics, including community groups and figures like Green Party leader Alex Tyrrell, question the project's viability amid demographic shifts toward an aging population and alternatives like , viewing it as an unproven economic gamble that dismisses resident input. Mayor Catherine Fournier has voiced reservations about diverting traffic from YUL, reflecting tensions between regional growth imperatives and localized burdens, though city approvals have proceeded with mitigation pledges.

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