Exploring the Anticipation for the Revival of Montreal’s… “Montreal’s Long-Awaited Return Sparks Excitement among Residents and Tourists”

Montreal‘s Grand Prix: A Celebration of Speed and Sustainability

Crescent Street Turns Pedestrian for the Grand Prix

MONTREAL — As the unofficial kickoff to Montreal‘s summer festival season, the Canadian Grand Prix has returned, much to the delight of residents and tourists alike. This year, one of downtown Montreal‘s most famous nightlife streets, Crescent Street, has been turned over to pedestrians, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to ogle high-priced cars, enjoy Formula One-themed activities, and immerse themselves in the excitement of the race.

However, amidst the celebration, some individuals are calling for a greater emphasis on sustainability. Christophe Philibert and Lauren Cinq-Mars, in an interview on Crescent Street, expressed their appreciation for the tourism dollars brought in by the event but voiced their desire for more focus on electric vehicles. They pointed to the irony of making a downtown street pedestrian-only to celebrate turbocharged cars “going in circles.” Cinq-Mars stated that advocating for green energy and green cars would align better with the city’s values of sustainable mobility.

Kassandra Tremblay, who works in a downtown shop, shared her journey from initially finding the event annoying and too loud to now recognizing the benefits it brings. She admitted that while it can be irritating for locals, it’s ultimately a 50-50 opinion. The Grand Prix undoubtedly draws thousands of tourists each year, making it the largest sports tourism event in Canada. However, such an event comes at a significant cost to taxpayers.

The Cost of Hosting the Grand Prix

Since 2017, the governments of Quebec and Canada have committed over $100 million to ensure the race remains in Montreal until 2031. Despite the hefty investment, Jean-Paul Mouradian, vice-president of Feldman Entertainment Quebec Inc., which runs the Crescent Street event, believes that the return on the government’s investment justifies the cost. He asserts that the Grand Prix identifies Montreal internationally, serves as a significant tourist attraction, and contributes positively to the economy.

Last year, the race returned to Canada after a two-year pause during the pandemic, and organizers reported an attendance of 338,000 over the three-day weekend. This impressive turnout reinforces the Grand Prix’s status as a major draw for visitors and an opportunity for Montreal to showcase its vibrancy and appeal on a global stage.

International Attention and Tourist Dollars

Visitors from various corners of the world, such as Casey Baker from Toronto and Anita Astley and Christian Bentley from the United States, vocalized their appreciation for the Grand Prix’s ability to attract international attention and generate tourism revenue for Montreal. Beyond the allure of the race itself, they remarked on the abundance of things to do and see in the city. The fast-paced cars, they agreed, added an extra layer of excitement to their experience.

As race day approaches, the atmosphere will undoubtedly grow louder. Hannah Girard acknowledged that the Crescent Street festivities and the spectacle of vehicles speeding down Ste-Catherine Street make the Grand Prix more accessible to Montreal residents who are unable to attend the actual race. For individuals like Philibert, the noise and excitement are simply part of the reality of living in Montreal, where every summer is brimming with festivals and thrilling events. Philibert noted that this dynamic contributes to making Montreal a vibrant and appealing city.

Incorporating Sustainability into the Celebration

The perspectives shared by Philibert, Cinq-Mars, and others call into question whether there is room to integrate sustainability further into the Grand Prix festivities. Recognizing the global shift towards sustainable practices, it may be prudent for event organizers and policymakers to explore ways to align the celebration of speed and technology with a greater emphasis on environmental consciousness.

One possible avenue could involve hosting exhibits and activities that showcase the potential of electric vehicles and green energy within the field of racing. By showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable mobility, the city of Montreal could position itself as a leader in both the automotive and environmental sectors.

Additionally, implementing initiatives like offsetting carbon emissions generated by the race or promoting sustainable transportation options for attendees could further align the event with the city’s values of sustainable mobility. Encouraging the use of public transit, bicycles, or electric transportation could reduce the event’s carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly practices.

The Grand Prix as a Catalyst for Conversation

While the discussion surrounding the integration of sustainability into the Grand Prix continues, it is essential to view the event as an opportunity for dialogue and reflection. The tensions between celebrating high-performance vehicles and advocating for sustainability represent a larger societal debate surrounding the balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

Ultimately, the Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the excitement and spectacle that can be generated by human ingenuity and technological achievements. As cities and governments work towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to engage in conversations and actions that promote the responsible use of technology while fostering a balance between progress and environmental stewardship.

Montreal‘s Grand Prix is undoubtedly a beloved event that brings joy, excitement, and economic benefits to the city. By incorporating sustainability into the celebration, the event can evolve and adapt to the changing needs and values of society while continuing to captivate audiences from around the world.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 17, 2023. — This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.