This period was dominated by the strong personality of Jean Drapeau, Mayor of Montréal from 1960 to 1986. Backed by the Civic Party, which he controlled, and which in turn controlled all the seats on the Executive Committe, Drapeau reformed city management. Aside from Expo '67, his greatest achievement was most certainly the construction of Montréal's subway system, inaugurated in 1966.

The Drapeau administration remodeled the downtown area and the highway network. However, it came under fire for its lack of housing initiatives and the astronomical cost of the 1976 Olympic Games.

After enjoying considerable popularity, the Civic Party now faced strong opposition. The 1986 elections led to a victory by the RCM and Mayor Jean Doré, who represented the new elites of the Quiet Revolution.

The creation of the Montréal Urban Community allowed for a more equitable allocation of the financial burden associated with certain public services. However, only Island municipalities were members even though Greater Montréal considerably extended its reach between 1970 and 1992.

Conclusion
After 1960, changes in Montréal took place under the banner of modernization, causing profound disruptions that in turn generated serious adjustment problems. Even though Montréal lost status in Canada and was weakened by emigration to Toronto, it remained a dynamic metropolis, revitalized by new francophone leadership and better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.