Montreal wants to create new nightlife districts

Is Montreal a party city? That reputation could be further solidified if officials have their way.

The City of Montreal is aiming to turn certain, yet undisclosed areas in the city into nightlife districts.

The city wants to boost nightlife activities while ensuring those living in the neighbourhoods in question are not negatively impacted. The city says this plan will strengthen its economic and cultural potential.

Calling it an “avant-garde project,” city officials want to identify areas of “nocturnal vitality” in the city, offer new business opportunities in the nightlife economy, and adapt regulations surrounding nightlife activities.

“Montreal is a festive city, recognized for its nocturnal and creative vitality, here as elsewhere. It is the desire to preserve this unique bustle of the metropolis which is at the heart of this mobilizing project,” said Luc Rabouin, executive committee president.

The city says the project follows “rigorous work and experimentation through several pilot projects.”

This latest policy project is in addition to the proposal to designate the Quartier Latin as a “Francophonie district” with a 24-hour nightlife component.

Montreal’s Official Opposition says the city is moving far too slowly in creating a concrete nightlife policy.

“For too long, the cultural and economic community has been waiting for clear guidelines, changes in regulations and financial aid to support nightlife bodies,” Julien Hénault-Ratelle, the economic development critic with Ensemble Montréal, said in a statement.

“In the last year, many performance halls and bar owners have closed shop, while those that remain must be patient, because the consultation will extend over several months.

“Today, what the Projet Montréal administration is saying to them is to continue to juggle incessant noise complaints, a blatant lack of funding, paralyzing regulations and serious insecurity issues.”

Montreal is submitting the plan to the Commission on Economic and Urban Development and Housing, which will hold a public consultation February 13. Montrealers, including business owners and organizations, can offer their opinions and suggestions.

“We are proud to present this policy to Montrealers, as well as nightlife partners, because they are at the forefront and best placed to raise issues and identify priorities for action,” said Rabouin.