Why did some municipalities on Montreal Island deamalgamate from Montreal in 2006?

In 2002, the provincial government merged all remaining independent municipalities on the island of Montreal into the single city of Montreal. This consolidation was met with significant opposition from many of the newly formed districts, which objected to the loss of their local autonomy and the new administrative arrangement.1

Following this widespread dissatisfaction, the provincial government allowed most of the former municipalities to hold referendums in 2004 to decide whether to remain part of the unified city or to restore their independence. As a result of these votes, 15 communities chose to deamalgamate, officially re-establishing themselves as separate municipalities in 2006.1

While these communities regained their status as independent municipalities, they remain part of an agglomeration council that coordinates regional services—such as public transit and waste management—across the entire island of Montreal.1