Projet Montréal reaffirms its commitment to nightlife with new noise regulations to protect it
Montreal, October 16, 2025 – Luc Rabouin, leader of Projet Montréal, today presented his new proposals to revise the nightlife bylaw after half a century of inaction. The party wants to protect nightlife by modernizing the provisions that govern it and setting up dedicated teams to work with all stakeholders in Montreal's nightlife.
A revision of a regulation from the past, done with partners
To modernize this regulation from the last century, Projet Montréal first launched a pilot project, followed by a proposed regulation that generated nearly 14,000 comments. True to its collaborative approach, the party went back to the drawing board to incorporate the needs expressed by the community.
The approach ultimately proposed is inspired by international best practices, recognizing reasonable noise levels adapted to the urban environment. As requested by the community, mediation takes precedence, with independent teams of mediators and dedicated inspectors. Establishments could be offered support to limit nuisances. In addition, fines would be maintained between $600 and $2,000, as requested by stakeholders.
Police officers will no longer respond to noise complaints generated by amplified music. They will now be able to focus on emergency situations involving imminent danger and human behavior (fights, indecent acts, shouting).
We would like to discuss this new proposal with the members of the nightlife roundtable to gather their comments. Following these discussions, the new bylaw may be adopted.
A proposal that protects all nightlife stakeholders
Montrealers and the 2.4 million tourists who choose Montreal for its energy day and night do not come just for our performance venues. That is why the new bylaw extends protection to all nightlife stakeholders: bars, community and sociocultural activities, cultural centers, nightclubs, and reception halls. The goal is clear: to support all those who bring Montreal to life and enrich its nights.
Protectingnightlife and independent culture, celebrating the city
In its platform, Projet Montréal proposes to accelerate the designation of establishments and nightlife hubs for entertainment throughout the night.
Luc Rabouin's team also proposes establishing a social trust fund to help cultural actors buy back the venues in which they work, removing them from the speculative market. The goal is to ensure that Montreal's cultural scene can continue to flourish without being limited by real estate market prices.
Quotes
"Montreal’s vibrancy carries on into the night. We want to protect it — not only concert halls, but all the activities that make our nights come alive. To do that, we are modernizing the regulation with a balanced approach that prioritizes mediation and frees the police to focus on real emergencies." said Luc Rabouin, Projet Montréal’s mayoral candidate in Montréal.
"Culture is a jewel that makes Montréal shine, and nightlife is part of it. With these ambitious proposals, we are protecting venues and bars from closure. It’s the result of real cooperation with all stakeholders and culture is all the better for it." stated Ericka Alnéus, responsible for Culture and candidate in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.
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Source :
Simon Charron
Chief's press officer
Projet Montréal
