The creation of “nocturnal vitality zones” where alcohol consumption would be permitted after 3 a.m. is one of the recommendations of a City of Montreal commission. Mediation mechanisms would be created to “preserve the quality of life” of residents in the targeted areas to extend the party until the early hours of the morning.
Evoking New York and Toronto, the elected members of this commission formulated “ambitious” proposals to make Montreal one of the most festive — and harmonious — cities between sunset and sunrise.
“Nightlife has been an inherent dimension of Montreal’s identity for several decades,” declared Councilor Kaïla Munro, president of the commission responsible for recommending the procedure to follow to encourage nighttime activities in the metropolis.
The commissioners “hope that the policy that the City will adopt to establish the guidelines will be ambitious and mobilizing, while presenting a clear vision of harmonious cohabitation, both for promoters of nightlife and night owls and for the Montreal population in general “, she clarified.
Stakeholders from the cultural, tourist and economic sectors welcomed these impatiently awaited recommendations. They stressed the need for arbitration of conflicts between bars and performance halls and residents seeking tranquility. Complaints from neighbors have led in recent years — and even in recent days — to the closure or jeopardy of a series of Montreal nightlife institutions.
The person responsible for culture and nightlife on the executive committee of the City of Montreal, Ericka Alneus, welcomed the recommendations with “tremendous interest”. Mayor Valérie Plante’s team intends to follow up on these proposals “urgently” and with “enthusiasm,” she said.
Control the noise
This long-awaited policy should encourage each district to adopt regulations on noise “quantifiable in decibels”. These noise levels could vary between residential areas and neighborhoods conducive to night activities.
The commission on economic and urban development and housing also recommends the creation of a centralized body aimed at “simplifying regulations and administrative procedures” surrounding nightlife. This one-stop shop is a request from the culture, tourism and business communities. Citizens could also submit complaints to this municipal body.
The adoption of the principle of change agent, which would encourage the latest arrival to adapt to their environment, is one of the commission’s recommendations. For example, real estate developers would be required to soundproof housing built in nightlife zones. Bars and performance halls should also take into account the presence of residents in their neighborhood.
An improvement in public transport at night as well as mechanisms to prevent harassment and violence, particularly against night owls from minorities, are also among the recommendations. Elected officials want improved funding for public transport, which is the subject of a battle between cities and the Legault government.
Expected gestures
Mathieu Grondin, from MTL 24/24, welcomed the commission’s “ambitious” proposals, particularly in terms of governance. This is a “step forward”, but the City must act quickly, according to him. He recalled that the MTL 24/24 night advice has no longer been funded by the City since January 2024.
Paola Dugit-Gros, of the Quebec Alternative Music Scenes network, applauded the recommended help for emerging nightlife venues. Financial support for soundproofing is currently reserved for larger rooms.
The ESC space, established in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, is one of the alternative places endangered by the lack of supervision of nightlife. As reported The duty In recent days, this gathering and cultural creation space is at risk of closing its doors due to noise complaints.
The promoters of this space underground, Shermine Sawalha and her brother Bashar, however, made renovations aimed, among other things, at soundproofing the building. “Your recommendations meet our needs, but time is of the essence. We are in survival mode,” said the businesswoman and artist, during the presentation of the recommendations on Monday.
The president of the commission, Kaïla Munro, sympathized with Shermine Sawalha, recalling that the ball is in the court of the executive committee. “We hope that our recommendations can prevent this type of situation in the future,” she said.