Mixed Reviews for Montreal's New Nightlife Plan

On Wednesday, the City of Montreal unveiled its new nightlife policy, aiming to relax opening hours and promote all-night events. However, responses to the plan have been mixed, with many critics labeling it as vague and bureaucratic.

Ericka Alneus, the councillor in charge of culture and heritage for the city's executive committee, stated, "What we're announcing is that we are adopting a policy that gives direction on how we're going to apply the nightlife in Montreal." The policy emphasizes a focus on cultural venues, including concert halls and other performance spaces.

Community Involvement

Alneus mentioned that the city plans to improve communication with local business groups, particularly those advocating for nightlife zones in neighborhoods like Plateau and the Village. She explained that these communities will be responsible for providing their actual plans.

The city's role will be to assess feasibility based on citizen feedback, while also considering security issues and noise complaints. Alneus explained, "They were facing many issues, and we want to ensure their safety and protection." Despite these intentions, many in the nightlife sector feel that this announcement does not meet their expectations.

Concerns From the Nightlife Sector

Bars and restaurants, for instance, are not included in this new plan. Concert venues still have to contend with existing noise legislation. These venues are often vulnerable to complaints from new neighbors, and regulations vary across the city's 19 boroughs. The recent closure of La Tulipe cabaret due to strict interpretations by the courts has sent shockwaves through the nightlife community.

Many promoters were hoping the city would start by modifying noise bylaws. Jake Warren, who operates Verre Bouteille, a bar and concert hall, expressed disappointment, stating, "I was expecting something to help protect us as a venue, and I don't feel anything like that has been addressed." Xavier Auclair, who runs Club Soda, echoed this sentiment, insisting that changes to laws are essential for protection against neighbor disputes regarding noise.

Soundproofing Initiatives

The city has announced a new grant program intended to help many concert halls soundproof their venues. A budget of $2.5 million has been set aside to subsidize soundproofing for venues that hold up to 3,000 people, expanding previously available support that was limited to smaller venues seating 400 or fewer.

Olivier Corbeil, who manages concert venues like Le Ritz and the Fairmount Theater, welcomed this development, noting, "We received the soundproofing grant for our two venues, which the city helped us with, significantly easing our noise complaints and problems."

Future of Bars and Restaurants

For bars and restaurants longing for the opportunity to operate all night, they will have to wait for further developments in the city's new nightlife strategy. The city plans to assess the initial steps before allowing broader changes to operating hours.

Montreal, Nightlife, Policy