On Montreal’s vibrant Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Champs Sports Bar underwent a transformation into a bustling venue offering more than just sports viewing, but also hosting karaoke, trivia, dance nights, and serving as a safe space for the city’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. However, in 2022, the bar began receiving noise complaints from a neighboring 10-unit apartment building that previously operated as a commercial property.
Montreal police and a city noise inspector made numerous visits to the bar, which led to civil court proceedings and an investigation by Quebec’s liquor board, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux. Champs faced consequences, including a ban on dancing imposed by the Régie after discovering the bar lacked the necessary permit. The establishment was fined $3,000, required to shut down for five days, and instructed to install soundproofing. To comply, Champs upgraded its sound system, enlisted an acoustic expert to assess noise levels, and spent over $30,000 on legal fees with an additional $14,000 solely on soundproofing.
Pamela Bernstein, an employee at Champs, expressed frustration at the complexities and costs involved in addressing the complaints directed at the bar. Despite the challenges, Champs recently obtained its official permit and can now resume hosting dance nights, albeit restricted to weekends.
The noise issue has impacted several other bars and venues in Montreal, with some facing hefty fines and closures due to noise-related concerns. Data obtained through an access-to-information request revealed a significant increase in noise-related calls to the city’s 311 service, particularly concentrated in the Plateau and downtown Ville-Marie boroughs. The rise in complaints may be attributed to demographic changes within the neighborhood, resulting in a clash of lifestyles and noise tolerance levels.
To address these challenges, various parties in the municipal election have proposed solutions. Transition Montréal, led by city councillor Craig Sauvé, advocates for the appointment of a night mayor and council to mediate noise disputes, enhance soundproofing assistance programs, and limit police involvement to safety matters. Other party leaders, including Luc Rabouin of Projet Montréal and Soraya Martinez Ferrada of Ensemble Montréal, have also pledged to tackle the noise issue through regulatory measures and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Jon Weisz, the executive director of Les SMAQ, emphasized the importance of recognizing nightlife venues as integral parts of the economy and cultural landscape of Montreal. He highlighted the need for clear regulations, mediators in noise disputes, and reduced fines for venues to sustain the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. Additionally, a recent report underscored the economic significance of Montreal’s nightlife industry, generating thousands of jobs and billions in spending.
Efforts to protect nightlife spaces from unwarranted fines and threats from residential developments align with recommendations from the report. Implementing laws similar to those in London, Melbourne, and San Francisco could safeguard nightlife venues from noise-related challenges arising from new residential developments. McGill University professor Will Straw advocated for policies that safeguard nightlife establishments and foster a balanced coexistence with residential areas.
Ultimately, the ongoing noise debate in Montreal highlights the need for comprehensive policies that preserve the city’s nightlife while respecting residents’ quality of life. Participants in the election are striving to strike a balance between supporting cultural venues and addressing noise concerns to ensure Montreal’s vibrant nightlife thrives in harmony with its evolving urban landscape.