The city of Montreal is planning a party the likes of which we haven't seen since Expo 67.
But like any good party the preparation will be extensive and may drive some people a little crazy.
In 2017 Montreal will celebrate the city's 375th anniversary, and the Commissioner of Celebrations is noted impressario Gilbert Rozon, the founder of Canada's funniest festival Just For Laughs/Juste Pour Rire
Some events for the year-long party have already been nailed down, such as the World Police and Fire Games and the Junior Hockey World Championship.
In addition, city officials want to make sure the city is looking and running its best, and so are planning to undertake much more construction work to repair thoroughfares, spruce up Mount Royal, and improve access to the St. Lawrence River.
The provincial and federal governments have already pledged $120 million to kickstart these and other projects.
"We pay special attention to the downtown core with all our projects," said Mayor Denis Coderre.
The Quartier des Spectacles will get a new seasonal addition: a refrigerated outdoor rink for the winter that will become a summertime terrasse.
"We are creating Esplanade Clark, in the Quartier des Spectacles. This site, equipped with a refrigerated skating rink that becomes a vast urban terrasse in the summer will be a village square at the point where east and west meet in our city," said Coderre.
Call for projects
Rozon, along with France Chretien Desmarais, the President of the Board for Montreal 375, are looking to the public for more projects.
They hope Montrealers will come forward with two more ideas that will "build bridges" between generations and communities.
Rozon said he wants any idea to be one with a permanent presence, and hopes it will be one that will earn revenue through tourism or other spinoffs.
More details about the projects can be found at www.375mtl.com/en/call-for-projects/
