Tue Sep 10 18:51:38 UTC 2024: ## Montreal Pride Businesses Face Criticism over Plant Height
**Montreal, QC** – During Montreal’s Pride Festival in August, several businesses on Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village received notices from the City of Montreal stating their terrace plants were too tall. This has sparked outrage among business owners who feel the timing of the inspection, during one of the busiest weeks of the year, was particularly inconvenient.
“It was during our biggest weekend, we had drag queen shows and karaoke, the place was packed, ” said Luc Généreux, co-owner of Bar Le Cocktail. “The terrace was empty due to problems on the street, so I added the plants to make it more inviting.”
Généreux expressed frustration that the city prioritized plant height over addressing ongoing issues like homelessness and addiction in the neighborhood. The city has defended its actions, stating that plant height is crucial for road safety and the notice served was intended as a preventive measure for next year.
The Société de développement commercial du Village (SDC) also weighed in, expressing concern over the timing of the inspection and calling for a review of the plant height regulations, particularly in a neighborhood where vegetation contributes to the safety and well-being of customers.
This incident echoes similar criticism faced by the city earlier this summer when they shut down terraces on Peel Street during the Grand Prix weekend due to “dangerous conditions.”
While the city maintains its focus on safety, many residents and business owners are questioning the priorities and execution of these initiatives, particularly in the face of pressing issues affecting the community.
First Piper 