Montreal restaurant threatened with $5K fine for tramway-themed terrace

A restauranteur in Old Montreal was threatened with a hefty fine by the city for a tramway-themed terrace.

The owners of Helena restaurant wanted to bring a touch of Lisbon to the Montreal patio scene this summer with their “Amalia 28” tramway terrace.

But the restaurant ran into trouble with bylaws, permit issues and were even threatened with a fine because of the creative idea.

“We found ourselves the next morning with a visit from the city inspector that was not very happy with me or our idea,” said Helena Loureiro, the owner and chef of Helena and Portus 360.

“We had to take it off the same day or else they threatened us with a $5,000 fine,” added Herman Alves, the owner of the “Amalia 28” tramway terrace.

The city said it was too close to a tree. The neighbouring bicycle path seemed to also raise concerns with the structure of the terrace.

“Basically they said we had to remove it that same day,” said Alves.

“We didn’t want to take the risk. You know, it’s hard to fight city hall.”

With terrace season now in full swing, Montreal restaurants get the opportunity to boost revenue with the added outdoor seating, but some restaurateurs in the past months have complained that bylaws have been making it difficult for them.

https://twitter.com/DanielFLoureiro/status/1526217694709616646

Last week Helena wanted to install its terrace but the city had other plans.

“They installed flower pots but they were in my space where I have my terrace permit and they also installed a bike post in front of the restaurant and in the middle of the terrace area,” said Loureiro.

After that was resolved, the city allegedly thought the structure was a little too out of the box for the area.

“When they saw the terrace their reactions were that it was a bit much. They were thinking to themselves, what is she trying to install here,” said Loureiro.

“We respected as much as possible all the demands and it would be a real shame if I have to remove it. I will be really sad.”

CityNews reached out to the city for comment, which said, “We are aware that the last two years have been really difficult for the restaurant and business owners. The summer season is always a highlight for them.

“The permit process is essential to ensure that criteria such as universal accessibility, safety and urban integration are respected. The borough works with each restaurant owner to find appropriate solutions. Several measures have been put in place to support merchants whose permit application and occupancy cost only $50 since last year and the season is extended until November,” read the statement.

Regarding the situation with the restaurant Helena, the merchant installed his terrace without having a permit and our inspectors went to meet him to inform him of the need to have a permit, on May 11. On May 19, the restaurant submitted its permit application and it is still under review. It is important to note that the street furniture elements have already been moved and that the restaurant owner still has his terrace without a permit.

“It’s a symbol of Lisbon, our capital,” said Alves. “It’s one of those majestic cities in Portugal that everybody loves and appreciates, so I just wanted to bring a little bit of Lisbon to Montreal and there’s no other place to do it than at Helena’s.

“We’re confident we’re going to get our permit. We’re not breaking any rules, so hopefully everything’s going to be okay.”