Under new nightlife policy, Montreal expands soundproofing program for concert halls – Montreal [Video]

Montreal is expanding a program to soundproof concert halls amid fears from the city’s nightlife establishments that they will be undone by noise complaints.

City officials announced Wednesday that as of Nov. 21, $2.5 million will be provided for the soundproofing program, which is now open to concert halls with a capacity of up to 3,000 seats — previously it was limited to venues with less than 400 seats.

The change comes a month after La Tulipe, a historic performance venue in the city with a capacity of more than 750, announced it was closing after the Quebec Court of Appeal ordered it to stop making noise audible in a neighbouring residential building.

The city is also allocating $3 million over three years toward other measures to “promote harmonious cohabitation” between concert halls, bars, restaurants and neighbouring residents.