A framework policy for nighttime activities in Montreal
Montréal’s Nighttime Policy focuses on the cultural vitality of the city and on stakeholder consultation so that the public can enjoy Montréal’s evenings and nights.
Dynamic, inclusive and safe nightlife
Montréal is already known for its creative, lively and festive nightlife. Its renowned nightlife is part of its lifeblood and its status as an international city for arts and culture.
Like many cities around the world, we want to enrich the nightlife experience to make the city even more pleasant to live in and make it an even more popular destination.
By capitalizing on the city’s strengths, particularly its cultural vitality, Montréal’s nightlife will be revitalized and the city will shine.
The objective is twofold:
- To offer Montrealers the opportunity to enjoy more nightlife, while preserving their quality of life and peacefulness of residential areas.
- Give nightlife stakeholders the chance to improve their activities and events when the right conditions are in place.
However, Montréal will not become a city that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The policy will gradually be rolled out in specific locations and in a well-structured manner.
Promote a harmonious cohabitation of activities
The policy comprises 28 targeted actions that involve 3 key orientations. The majority of these actions aim to ensure harmonious cohabitation between nightlife and its living environment, for example with regards to noise, cleanliness and safety. The city also wants to designate suitable places for nighttime activities.
Designated establishments and hubs
Activities offered outside normal hours may be held in designated locations only. Promoters must commit to applying responsible nightlife practices and acting as good neighbours at all times.
Venues with a “performance hall” certificate of occupancy are the first establishments that will be able to extend their opening hours, as they have enough resources (space, staff, etc.) to host large crowds. The city is placing the performing arts at the centre of Montréal’s creative, vibrant and unique identity.
Areas with several venues may also be designated, if they are supported by a group that works with them to offer safe nighttime activities. The city is recognizing historically active areas of nightlife and paving the way for new destinations. These hubs will be able to extend their opening hours as part of unifying cultural events.
Submitting applications
- Applications may be submitted on a voluntary basis by institutions or groups, as part of a call for interest in winter 2025.
- The terms and conditions for submitting an application will be clarified on Montréal.ca in the coming months.
- Effective: May 1, 2025
Gradual coordinated launch
The city has planned a phased launch with dedicated financial resources, materials and support to ensure the policy’s success. It also intends to support the boroughs in adapting their regulatory framework.
A budget of $5.5 million over 3 years
- Support to establishments and centres of nightlife vitality for launching policy actions
- Innovative and foundational projects
- New program to help reduce noise pollution in independent theatres with fewer than 3,000 seats
Creation of a nightlife round table
The city wants the policy’s priorities for action to be determined in consultation with nightlife stakeholders. This is why it is setting up a roundtable that will bring together 28 members who represent different sectors of nightlife activity.
The terms and conditions of calls for applications will be specified on Montréal.ca in the coming months.
Noise abatement program
The city will offer a new subsidy program to help venues with fewer than 3,000 seats reduce the noise they generate in their neighbourhood. This program is inspired by the existing program (in French) for venues with fewer than 400 seats.
Application terms and conditions will be available on Montréal.ca on November 22, 2024, when the program comes into force.
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