Restaurateurs in Jacques Cartier Square are not happy with a plan that will see them moving their terraces to the centre of the square.
According to Eric Luksenburg, owner of Resto-Bar St.Amable, the plan could be disastrous in a location that is heavily reliant on seasonal diners.
“Each business waits each year to have the terrace in April,” he said. “After October, it’s very difficult for the business, because in winter, nobody comes here.”
According to the plan, the restaurants will be separated by a walkway and waiters will have to maneuver their way through crowds to get to the tables.
“Crossing a river of tourists, going to the terrace if they have it in the middle of the place is definitely going to be challenging,” said Mathieu Robinson, a server at St.-Amable.
Robinson added that on rainy days, “We’re going to need ponchos.”
Putting tables in the centre of the square would also push out the artists who set up shop there.
“You have to be in the flow of the people,” said cartoonist Yves Dufresne. “If you are by yourself somewhere and try to attract people, it’s not going to work at all.”
While the goal of the plan seems to be showing off the restaurants’ facades, “I’ve never had anyone come up to me and say, ‘I ate well, but I can’t see the façade of your restaurant,’” said Le Fripon owner Sacha Bertola.
Mayor Denis Coderre said it’s not a done deal yet, “But changes have to be made to the square.”
Public consultations are planned for some time this fall.
