Montreal announces plans to attract Quebecers to the downtown core
Posted May 27, 2021 9:02 pm.
MONTREAL (CityNews) – The City of Montreal is planning a summer revival of the downtown core.
As of June 4, Montrealers will be able to enjoy what Mayor Valerie Plante is calling 11 urban islands, saying the heart of the city will be a safe and fun destination.
“We can feel that Montrealers have been waiting for this,” explained Plante. “Not only are we injecting a lot of financial resources, but there’s also a lot of energy to keep Montrealers. We want them to visit their downtown core and the entire city but we’re also inviting Quebecers in other regions to come because it will be vibrant, it will be alive, it will be fun”.
Last March, the Quebec government announced an investment of $25 million to jump-start economic activity in downtown Montreal.
The investment will partially be used to create les Aventures du Coeur de l’île, a project aiming to build 11 spaces where theatre, music, dance, circus, comedy and visual arts will join forces to entertain Montrealers throughout the summer.
The 11 spaces will be located throughout the city – in Chinatown, Square Victoria, Place Emilie-Gamelin, the old port, the Quartier des Spectacles and more spots around the downtown core.
Despite Mayor Plante’s announcement, indoor dining remains prohibited in red zones. However, with restaurant terraces reopening Friday, the city hopes this revival plan will attract more visitors. Mayor Plante admitting the main goal is to help drive people back and help keep restaurants afloat.
“People want to come on the terrace, but they also want to enjoy, have an experience and this is exactly what we will be offering Montrealers but also tourists from the entire province so people can take the subway or park their car here, walk around, there will be animation, there will be cultural activities, little places to go and then you can go on a terrace, or order takeout and find a gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the city”.
Montreal added 158 new COVID cases Thursday, a jump after a steady decrease over the last few days.
