![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Montreal outlines policy for new nightlife district
Officials with the City of Montreal say they plan to create "nocturnal zones" in neighbourhoods across the metropolis in addition to having a 24-hour nightlife district, according to Noovo Info.
In a document set to be unveiled on Tuesday, officials say they want to find a solution to the "issue of cohabitation" between the city's nightlife industry and residents who live in those busier neighbourhoods.
"Montreal is known for its nightlife; it's part of our DNA. This policy will be framed to ensure its vitality while preserving the residents' quality of life," explains Luc Rabouin, president of the executive committee and mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough.
Contrary to popular belief, the new 24-hour district will not necessarily be in the Quartier Latin.
Officials say they are awaiting the outcome of the public consultations, set to take place over the next few months, before making a final decision.
"The first 24-hour district will be downtown. The Quartier Latin is one of the options but we want people to tell us where the right place is," said Rabouin. "A 24-hour district is a place where it will be easier to hold nighttime activities, but it's not a neighbourhood where everything will be open 24 hours a day."
The city says part of its plan is to establish "nocturnal zones."
"A cultural venue or establishment could be designated a 24-hour location even if it's not in a 24-hour zone," said Rabouin. "But only if we believe that the right conditions are in place."
The officials note this zoning will not just be for bars and clubs.
The new regulations hope to make it easier to also hold overnight events at a museum or theatre, explains Ericka Alneus, the executive committee member responsible for culture.
"All the cultural players in the party scene need to have their say, and we need to have the right tools to make their work shine," she said.
The municipal administration notes it hopes that extending opening hours and allowing special events will generate significant economic revenue for the city.
This "untapped potential" could reach up to $1.6 billion, according to some estimates, more than the current $900 million in economic spin-offs.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and her government say they also want to review the laws surrounding noise and cohabitation.
"If the solution was really simple, we would have implemented it. It's obvious that citizens have a right to peace and quiet," said Rabouin. "But the venues also have a right to function. We need to create regulations that inspectors can enforce with clear criteria, not just based on someone talking loudly."
The city says it is prepared to spend up to $100,000 per establishment to soundproof them.
"Instead of having one bylaw for everyone, we could have different standards depending on the soundproofing of the venue," Rabouin said. "We're studying the possibility of having standards tailored to each location...We must adjust our regulations to better accommodate everyone's realities: residents and establishments alike."
Montreal says it may also follow in the footsteps of cities like Berlin, Ger. which encourage clubs to open in more isolated neighbourhoods.
"In order to prevent noise pollution, proposals for temporary or permanent nighttime activities that are far from residential areas would be facilitated," the policy notes. "The city wishes to define an official process for this, with the aim of simplifying their development and ensuring appropriate supervision."
The new nightlife policy also includes a call for options to facilitate nighttime travel.
Though some may hope to see the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) offer 24-hour Metro service on weekends, Rabouin says the agency's financial limitations make it impossible in the short term.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING Celine Dion performs at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Beloved Canadian icon Celine Dion made her much-anticipated appearance during the closing of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before Jasper can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes "for several weeks."
'He was just gone': Police ramp up search for vulnerable 3-year-old boy in Mississauga, Ont.
Police in Mississauga are conducting a full-scale search of the city’s biggest park for a non-verbal toddler who went missing Thursday evening. Sgt. Jennifer Trimble told reporters Friday morning that there has been no trace of three-year-old Zaid Abdullah since 6:20 p.m., when he was last seen with his parents in Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Canada's Christine Sinclair: 'We were never shown drone footage'
Canada soccer great Christine Sinclair said on Friday national team players were never shown drone footage during the more than two decades she was on the team, following a spying scandal that cast a shadow over the Canadians at the Paris Games.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn $146,000 for water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six figure water bill.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
At least 4 buildings burned at Jasper Park Lodge, others damaged: Fairmont memo
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge said Thursday afternoon most of its structures are 'standing and intact,' including its iconic main lodge.
She couldn't stop thinking about the guy she met at the Athens Olympics. Then a message from him changed her life
Omaira Gill grew up counting down the days to each Olympic Games. She wasn’t especially sporty, so she ruled out the prospect of competing pretty early on. But she still harboured Olympic dreams – even just spectating would do.