Montreal is considering creating a 24-hour nightlife district in the city to attract more tourists and boost the local economy. The plan also includes the creation of “nocturnal zones” where specific venues can stay open all night under certain conditions. While artists and venue owners are intrigued by the idea, some have reservations. They question whether staying open all night is worth the trouble and worry that city-sanctioned events may become expensive and overshadow the underground parties for which Montreal is famous.
Some bar and venue owners have had the opportunity to stay open past 3 a.m. on occasion, and it has allowed them to make more money. However, there are concerns about the negative impact of late-night hours, as people may already be intoxicated or high by that time. Annual events like Nuit Blanche have allowed some bars and venues to stay open after 3 a.m., but without significant financial gain. There is a fear that legalizing all-night events may threaten the existing underground party scene in Montreal.
The potential for city-sanctioned 24-hour events may impact the affordability and accessibility of all-night parties for young people. Some worry that if these events become more common, corporate interests may disrupt the authentic and underground nature of underground raves. Despite these concerns, there is recognition that there may be a demand for all-night events if they are affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Non-profit organizations like MTL 24/24 have studied ways to make Montreal a nightlife mecca, comparing it to cities like Berlin and Amsterdam. The report suggests that increasing the percentage of night-seeking tourists visiting Montreal could inject millions into the city’s economy. Artists and promoters believe that Montreal has enough cultural appeal to attract more night tourists, and having a later nightlife schedule would allow for more flexibility in organizing events and splitting the night effectively.
The Plante administration is set to release a report on the results of public consultations on the nightlife plan in June. The city believes that all stakeholders involved in the consultations will be satisfied with the proposed changes. Overall, there is optimism about the potential for Montreal to become a global nightlife destination, as long as the concerns of artists, venue owners, and young people are addressed in the implementation of the new plan.
