On a late summer afternoon in 2012, when I was mayor of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, I received a call from my district director. He wants to meet me to discuss a topic that concerns him in a park in Little Italy. The subject on the agenda: the numerous picnickers who spontaneously gather there.
At that time, the Marconi-Alexandra district — now referred to by the much less charming name of Mile-Ex — was experiencing a surge of excitement. In short, things were moving steadily in that area. While at the same time, Little Italy was trying to find its breath. So much for context.
And the problem with these picnickers? It should be understood that this park was usually very little frequented – almost deserted, even, apart from National Day, Italian Week and a few occasional events. This crowd, which suddenly invaded the park with its wicker baskets and red tablecloths to enjoy fried chicken accompanied by Derby ketchup and mac and cheese, all washed down with beer, wine and other various drinks, took us by surprise. We didn’t see it coming. Dinette Triple Crown had only been in business for a few months and it was crazy, believe me.
At this point in the adventure, our main problem was that the park simply wasn’t set up to accommodate that many people. Three major concerns arose: first, poor security at the intersection of Clark and Saint-Zotique streets; then, the lack of trash cans and tables; finally, the absence of toilets. You can easily imagine why I specify all this if you visualize the location of the park.
You see, sometimes things that seem very positive to some are much less so to others.
We must then approach things from another angle. How were we going to be able to transform this new challenge into an opportunity? Unwittingly, the two genius people behind the Dinette Triple Crown, Nicole Turcotte and Colin Perry, had created a bigger wave than they had imagined.
From that moment on, we changed the policy of terraces for cafes, bars and restaurants, allowing their expansion throughout the neighborhood. For what ? Because basically, when the weather is nice in Montreal, what contributes to the happiness of so many people, in your opinion? Definitely, meet to share a drink or a meal.
Rather than seeing this as a commercialization of public space for the benefit of a private company, we said to ourselves: why not see it as a contribution to the quality of life of citizens? I even took the idea a step further by asserting that this was a form of public service offered by the private sector. Why then overtax them?
Some disagreed with this idea; some still are not, in fact. They prefer to see commercial entertainment venues as potential noise nuisances. Some are even obsessed with defending residents who seek the bucolic tranquility of the countryside in the heart of the city.
The sequel saw the emergence of numerous policies favoring the animation of public spaces throughout the territory. From the facilitation and expansion of terrace permits to public events, bike cafés and many other initiatives. We have also adopted new generation public space appropriation policies, making it easier for similar initiatives to emerge.
Even more, the excitement around the Dinette Triple Crown has catalyzed a new vision for the two neighborhoods — Marconi-Alexandra like Little Italy. We knew it became necessary to create a link between the two. We took advantage of the renewal in this part of the borough to revitalize the Italian-Montreal neighborhood. The breath that was missing from Little Italy is where it came from.
Oh yes, of course, we added tables, deck chairs, trash cans and dry toilets. For security at the intersection of Saint-Zotique and Clark streets, the undertaking was more complicated.
One thing is certain, the two young creative entrepreneurs from La Dinette have been the source of inspiration for several urban transformations which have had a direct impact on the quality of life of an entire district. They also inspired others to settle in the surrounding area. In a way, their audacity may have exceeded all their expectations.
We have just learned that Dinette Triple Crown is closing for good after 12 years of business. It is with deep sadness and reluctantly that the two owners have decided to put an end to this wonderful adventure.
I would like to take advantage of this column to thank Nicole and Colin infinitely for what they have been able to generate and inspire in the neighborhood in which they have planted their project. Their passion not only blossomed, it changed things. The soul of their restaurant, their vision and their passion, their fried chicken, their Derby ketchup and their mac and cheese are at the origin of a new local identity.
The Dinette Triple Crown was not just a symbol, it was a beacon. Already, there are thousands of us who regret it. Good luck to Nicole and Colin for the future.