WHERE
Montreal, QC
Understanding Montreal festival soundscapes
Montreal, QC
2020 – 2021
MITACS- Accelerate program with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, SSHRC Partnership development grant
Quartier des Spectacles Partnership
Montreal’s entertainment district (the Quartier des Spectacles) is facing unique challenges balancing vitality and livability due to the multitude of events and festivals it hosts throughout the year
Sounds of festivals are not a primary source of annoyance, but rather the sounds of nightlife (pre-COVID-19)
Older residents enjoy and take parts in the festivals and events, questioning ideas of retirement and aging in the city
The Quartier des Spectacles (QDS – link) is a dense multi-cultural hub for music, art, design and food, with a diverse population and a flair for public events (including large-scale festivals), while also housing a residential population of mixed socio-economic backgrounds, ever-growing due to new high-rise development projects. It has a need to balance its reputation for vitality with its interest in maintaining a livable environment for its current and potential residents.
Sounds in the City partnered with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership (the organization responsible for managing the QDS entertainment district) to conduct on-site research aiming to better grasp the expectations of the various stakeholders (residents, festivalgoers, festival promoters) and to identify useful guidelines for defining the potential future sound management plan active in the area. We found that, pre-COVID-19, sounds of festivals were not a primary source of annoyance, but rather an inspiration for residents to engage with their spaces and their neighborhood. Interestingly, older residents chose to move to QDS because of its accessibility but also due to the festivals and events, raising questions on ideas on who the festivals and events are for.
For details, please contact: Edda Bild, Catherine Guastavino