Amid the vibrant atmosphere of Montreal’s Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Champs Sports Bar underwent a transformation into a popular establishment not only for sports viewing but also for karaoke, trivia nights, and dance events, welcoming the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
However, in 2022, the bar began facing a series of noise complaints from its neighboring 10-unit apartment, previously a commercial property until the early 2010s. This led to multiple visits by Montreal police and a city noise inspector, along with legal actions and an investigation by Quebec’s liquor board, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux.
Following violations discovered by the Régie, Champs was compelled to halt dancing due to lacking the required permit, resulting in a $3,000 fine, a five-day closure mandate, and an obligation to implement soundproofing measures. The bar subsequently adjusted its sound system, engaged an acoustic expert to assess noise levels, and incurred over $30,000 in legal expenses and $14,000 solely for soundproofing.
After receiving the official permit recently, Champs can now resume hosting dance nights but restricted to weekends only. The ongoing noise issues have seen an uptick in the surrounding area, possibly influenced by neighborhood changes, with some attributing the complaints to a single individual.
Notably, the escalating noise complaints have been a prevailing concern in Montreal’s nightlife scene, impacting various bars and venues. The city has experienced a surge in noise-related calls to its 311 service, particularly concentrated in the Plateau and downtown Ville-Marie boroughs.
As part of the municipal election discussion, proposed strategies include appointing a night mayor and council to mediate noise disputes, enhancing soundproofing support programs, and revising noise regulations to align with the city’s nightlife policy. These initiatives aim to balance the interests of nightlife establishments while addressing residents’ peace and quiet concerns.
Advocates emphasize the economic and cultural significance of nightlife venues, stressing the need to protect and support these spaces integral to Montreal’s vibrancy. Recommendations include defining clear decibel limits, introducing mediators for conflict resolution, and reducing punitive measures to sustain the diverse cultural landscape of the city.
Efforts are underway to safeguard Montreal’s nightlife sector from undue restrictions triggered by noise complaints, echoing successful models implemented in other global cities. Academics and industry proponents underscore the necessity for comprehensive policies to preserve the vitality of Montreal’s nightlife amid evolving urban landscapes.