Introduction
Key trends in industrial real estate in 2026 confirm the vision that MONTONI has applied for years: build smartly, sustainably and, above all, according to industrial companies’ real needs.
Central to that approach is Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, who ensures that every project is developed in response to a specific reality. In his view, an industrial building is never just a space to be leased; it's a made-to-measure solution, designed to adapt to the needs, operations and ambitions of its occupants—all while integrating sustainably with its environment, in perfect symbiosis.
Flexibility is the one trend dominating the market in 2026 more than ever. At a time when companies are making strategic adjustments and economic caution prevails, industrial spaces must be able to evolve rapidly in terms of floor space, configuration and technological capacity.
Flexibility: the mantra for industrial real estate in 2026
After a sluggish 2025 marked by a slowdown and postponed decisions, the market is showing clear signs of recovery a year later. Although businesses are active, they are now seeking spaces that can adapt to their changing reality.
Today’s industrial firms demand much more than four walls and a loading dock. They want environments that will evolve at their pace—flexible spaces that grow along with them, adapt to their operations and are a match for their logistical challenges.
« In 2026, flexibility has become essential. Our role is to be able to adapt our designs to meet the needs of projects ranging from 30,000 to 300,000 square feet, without compromising on quality. »
— Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, MONTONI
Adapting to the new market reality
A real-life example of this adaptation: Phase 2 of Écoparc MONTONI Laval 15, initially designed as a single 580,000-square-foot building, was reimagined as two separate buildings measuring 300,000 and 270,000 square feet.
This reconfiguration now makes it possible to accommodate businesses with needs starting at 30,000 square feet, while they have the option to occupy larger areas. Result: the first phase of the project is already more than 60% leased even before the ground-breaking ceremony.
So flexibility is no longer just about interior design; it starts right from the project’s strategic planning stage. At MONTONI, that reality guides every project, right from the design stage.
Whether it’s modular configurations, expandability or flexible technical infrastructures, every building is designed to support diversity of uses and companies' evolving ambitions.
This flexibility approach applies to all of our new builds, like the MONTONI Écoparcs, but also to our existing buildings, which are ready to welcome new tenants.
A transitioning market: towards a return to a state of balance
After several years characterized by scarcity, the industrial real estate market in Canada has entered a new phase: supply is increasing, and so are vacancy rates. In this more competitive context, tenants’ needs are evolving—and the response must be more strategic than ever.
The market has changed since 2020. While supply is sometimes outpacing demand, high-growth companies remain active and they have concrete needs.
— Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, MONTONI
And the first few months of 2026 have confirmed that momentum, with sustained demand and a number of projects delivered that are meeting the market’s expectations.
Against this backdrop, the answer is obvious: keep building, but with intent.
Standing out in a competitive world
In a market with no shortage of industrial leasing options, MONTONI is leveraging innovation to deliver its customers buildings designed for operational efficiency and space optimization.
These technical choices are more than just details—they give companies real leverage to remain competitive in a constantly evolving market.
Sustainability and certifications: a now-essential benchmark
Even though flexibility will dominate in 2026, sustainability remains a fundamental pillar. Publicly traded multinationals now consider environmental certifications to be an absolute must in order to achieve their ESG (environmental, social and governance) objectives.
This approach is part of MONTONI’s DNA, with the company's commitment to invest $30 million over 15 years to adapt and upgrade certain assets.
En 2026, la pression environnementale ne vient plus uniquement des citoyens ou des gouvernements. Les investisseurs, eux aussi, redessinent les règles du jeu. L’industrie de la construction, qui représente près de 13 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre au Canada, n’échappe pas à cette transformation. Longtemps reléguée au second plan, la dimension environnementale est désormais un critère central dans le développement de projets industriels durables.
The environment: a new strategic pillar
More and more investment firms today are incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into their investment decisions. As a result, it is no longer enough to design industrial buildings to be efficient—they must also satisfy stringent environmental standards.
Alexandre Bouchard has witnessed this shift in the industry, now characterized by shared pressure: “Institutions today aren't merely seeking to grow their portfolios. They also have a social responsibility to their stakeholders. The latter want to know that their money is being invested in projects that help build a more sustainable future. In opting for sustainable, low-environmental-impact buildings, we are not only securing lasting value for that investment, but also ensuring its alignment with the social and environmental values prevailing in today's world.”
A winning strategy for the long term
When investors choose sustainable buildings, they are opting for assets that are resilient, economically viable and aligned with future market expectations. At MONTONI, that vision translates into projects that deliver measurable results:
Tenants benefit from energy cost savings of up to 35% thanks to building designs that emphasize efficiency.
Compliance with future environmental regulations is built in, which reduces the risk of having to proceed with major, costly refits.
Sustainable construction materials requiring little maintenance mean savings over the long term
Sustainable buildings have emerged as a bona fide seal of quality for investment firms, which can offer their customers a guarantee of high-performance, responsibly built assets that will retain their value over time.
Certifications: a mark of confidence and value
With investment decisions increasingly being informed by ESG criteria, environmental certifications are an essential guarantee of energy efficiency, transparency and sustainability.
At MONTONI, this reality is built in to our approach. Right from the initial design stages, each project targets a certification selected according to the company’s ambitious strategic choices in terms of building properties that blend performance and environmental responsibility.”
— Alexandre Bouchard, Leasing Manager, Real Estate, MONTONI
That vision is manifest in the company’s Écoparc developments, green industrial campuses designed to meet the most stringent sustainability standards.
At Écoparc MONTONI Saint-Bruno, for example:
Two buildings totaling 1.6 million sq ft are targeting LEED Gold and Zero-Carbon Building – Design and Performance certification.
The project is designed to deliver a 90% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions along with a 60% reduction in materials-related emissions.
The buildings are expected to achieve a 58% savings in energy costs, and include 750 solar panels that will generate 5% of energy consumed.
Certifications are the tangible proof of the quality of our buildings: they enhance risk management, improve resale value, increase leasing appeal and proactively ensure compliance with future standards.
The dawn of a new technological era for industrial real estate
Beyond flexibility and sustainability, a quieter transformation is gaining momentum: the integration into industrial operations of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.
Some projects, particularly in Écoparc MONTONI Châteauguay 30, are already looking into integrating robotic systems to optimize warehouse management.
This technological evolution brings with it another reality: increased demand for electricity. MONTONI is working closely with Hydro-Québec to anticipate these needs and to incorporate innovative energy solutions.
Alongside this, augmented reality can now be used to visualize an entire building on a vacant plot of land, providing a powerful tool for fast-tracking decision-making and improving planning.
If flexibility is the defining feature of 2026, technological innovation could well shape the coming years in industrial real estate.
MONTONI: raising standards to shape the future
As the industrial market enters a new phase, characterized by higher expectations in terms of performance, flexibility and environmental responsibility, MONTONI is proving that it is possible to build differently and sustainably.
With the industrial market entering a new phase marked by higher expectations in terms of efficiency, durability and flexibility, MONTONI is proof that it is possible to build differently—and sustainably.
In a rapidly changing sector, raising standards is essential. MONTONI has made this its signature—and its competitive edge.
It’s a model that is shaping the industrial real estate market of tomorrow.
Explore our available industrial spaces and find the one that will propel your growth.
Written by
- Alexandre BouchardLeasing ManagerAlexandre is responsible for managing the leasing process for MONTONI properties. He is responsible for optimizing occupancy of the property portfolio, achieving leasing objectives and ensuring tenant satisfaction. His role includes managing the leasing team, working with prospective tenants and negotiating leases.