Latest news with #AliaHassan-Cournol
CBC
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Montreal limits short-term rentals like Airbnb to summer months
Can Montreal finally get control of its illegal Airbnb problem? 2 months ago Duration 2:32 Social Sharing Montreal has put in place new rules that will limit most short-term rentals to the summer months in an attempt to ease the city's shortage of affordable housing. Under a new bylaw adopted Tuesday, rentals through sites like Airbnb will be permitted across the city between June 10 and Sept. 10. The rest of the year, they will only be allowed in registered units within a small zone permitted by the city. Alia Hassan-Cournol, a Projet Montréal city councillor responsible for economic development, said the changes will make more apartments available for long-term renters, and that hotels can replace the option of renting an Airbnb. The city will be monitoring the impact of the bylaw and make changes if necessary, she said. Montreal has struggled to get a handle on short-term rentals, despite attempts to further limit illegal rentals following a fatal fire in Old Montreal in 2023. WATCH | 2 years after deadly Old Montreal fire, victim's families still waiting for answers: 2 years after deadly Old Montreal fire, victim's families still waiting for answers 1 day ago Duration 1:43 Seven people died in the fire that broke out in a building that was mainly used for short-term rentals in Montreal. A criminal investigation and a civil case are underway. Quebec's coroner is also set to conduct an inquiry. According to the city, more than half of roughly 4,000 units currently available on the short-term rental market are illegal. The changes could therefore free up 2,000 units to the long-term rental market. Previously, it was up to inspectors to gather evidence and bring a case against a property owner, who was presumed innocent. Now, similar to traffic offences, property owners will have to contest fines. Inspectors will be able to issue $1,000 fines directly to offenders for each day the rules are broken. Additional fines of $2,000 may also be issued for each day of recidivism. Airbnb calls move 'shortsighted' In a statement, Alex Howell, a representative for Airbnb Canada, called the proposal "extreme and shortsighted" and said it would hurt "industries that rely on tourism year-round like retail, restaurants, and other small businesses." Airbnb declined an interview request. David Wachsmuth, an urban planning professor at McGill University, said the changes will make it easier for the city to enforce the rules while not "completely destroying" the short-term rental market, which is busiest during the summer. "If anybody is operating an Airbnb in Montreal in February, the city knows without a single inspection that it is illegal. That is going to make enforcement so much easier," he said. Julien Hénault-Ratelle, Ensemble Montréal's housing critic, said the new rules should also include an exemption during winter months, from Dec. 15 to March 15.
CBC
13-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
Facing rising costs, Montreal music venues get a financial boost from city
Social Sharing Montreal's small concert venues and theatres will be getting financial assistance from the city to help them stay afloat. Venues with fewer than 1,000 seats will be eligible for support of up to $40,000 under a new program announced Wednesday. Alia Hassan-Cournol, the city's executive committee member responsible for economic development, said the program is designed specifically to help venues adjust their business plans as they deal with rising costs and changing audience preferences. "We're targeting a specific need," she said, stressing that small venues had requested this help. In all, the city set aside $856,000 for the program, aimed at increasing attendance and pooling resources. Hassan-Cournol said up to 60 venues could be eligible, mostly downtown and in the Plateau neighbourhood. The funding comes as cultural venues in Montreal are confronted with a host of challenges, from rising operational costs to a growing number of noise complaints. Last fall, the city also set aside $2.5 million for venues to improve their soundproofing after the closure of La Tulipe, a historic venue on Papineau Avenue in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. After La Tulipe saga, Montreal steps up funding for venues to manage noise 4 months ago Duration 2:00 Meyer Billurcu, president of the concert promotion company Blue Skies Turn Black and one of the owners of Le Ritz, a concert venue on Jean-Talon Street, said crowds have been good at music shows in the years since the pandemic. But his business faces other hurdles, he said. Alcohol sales — a major revenue generator — have been in decline. As well, musical acts from the U.S. request payment in American dollars, which is a big financial hit because of the low Canadian dollar. "It has become harder to stay afloat," Billurcu said. Billurcu said he still hadn't examined the details of the program, but that any government support is welcome in offsetting rising costs. "I think it helps the venues keep their door open, and to make sure that they can make it feasible for bands to rent the venue and keep ticket prices low," he said. The Scènes de Musique Alternatives du Québec, a group representing small music venues, also welcomed the help but called for consistent, annual funding so businesses can plan ahead.
