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The Village kicks off the 19ᵉ edition of the pedestrianization 

of Sainte-Catherine Street East

Montreal, May 6, 2025 — The countdown is on ! In 10 days, Sainte-Catherine Street East will once again become the vibrant, pedestrian heart of the Village for an eagerly awaited 19ᵉ edition. Starting Friday, May 16, Montrealers and visitors alike are invited to celebrate a summer full of color, music and encounters in one of the city's most emblematic neighbourhoods.

In order to set up the installations, Sainte-Catherine Street East - between Saint-Hubert and Papineau streets - will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12. It is scheduled to reopen on October 21, after dismantling. As of May 19, deliveries will be authorized Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. within the pedestrian zone only.

As it does every summer, Sainte-Catherine Street East will be transformed into a convivial and inclusive promenade, punctuated by some forty inviting terraces, festive trade fairs, and a rich artistic and community program. All in the warm atmosphere for which the Village is renowned.

From the opening weekend of the Fête des Patriotes, the street will come alive:

●     May 16 : Official opening of the pedestrian zone and street entertainment

●     May 17 : Major trade fair and initiatives to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

●     May 17 : 3rd edition of the Drag National Championship of Montreal

●     May 18 : 2nd edition of the open-air Karaokurrr

●     May 18  : La Nocturne du Village - nearly 20 establishments open until 6 a.m.

In addition, there will be more trade shows this year, with seven festive events scheduled throughout the season, including :

●     Fête des Patriotes (May 16-18)

●     St-Jean-Baptiste (June 20-22)

●     Montréal Complètement Cirque (July 10-13)

●     Pride Montreal (July 31 to August 10)

●     Montreal Fetish Weekend (August 28-31)

●     Back-to-school party (September 5-7)

●     Thanksgiving (October 10-12)

Longer terraces opening hours, livelier nights

Terraces will remain open until 3 a.m. on certain evenings, notably during major events such as Pride, fireworks displays and public vacations. In pedestrian zones, opening hours are as follows :

●     Sunday to Wednesday : 7PM to 11PM

●     Thursday to Saturday : 7PM to 3AM

Eco-responsible and lively design

First deployed in 2024 thanks to a bold partnership with the Olympic Park, the Village Trouples - benches designed from recycled materials - will be back this year to offer over 300 seats promoting reuse.

At the same time, more than 200 green spaces will be set up all along the artery to green the Village, bring freshness and improve the quality of life for residents, shopkeepers and visitors. The Allié-e-s du Village brigade, made up of men from the Maison du Père who have been reintegrated into society, will be responsible for daily maintenance, ensuring that the Village remains clean and welcoming 7 days a week.

The SDC du Village warmly thanks all its partners, merchants and residents for their collaboration, and invites the public to come and enjoy a unique urban experience all summer long.

Quotes :

"A real lever for economic, tourist and cultural development, pedestrianization is a transformation that goes far beyond urban planning. Every summer, it breathes new energy into the heart of the Village, enhancing public space, stimulating commercial vitality and creating a unique setting for artistic and community expression. It embodies our vision of a more attractive, more inclusive and more vibrant neighborhood - a Village that celebrates its diversities, supports its merchants, and proudly welcomes residents and visitors from all walks of life. This project is a catalyst for collective well-being, local solidarity and metropolitan outreach."

— Gabrielle Rondy, General Manager, SDC du Village

"Every summer, Sainte-Catherine Street East becomes a living symbol of the best that Montreal has to offer: a vibrant place of exchange, inclusion and pride! I'm delighted that at Ville-Marie Borough we support this effervescence with unifying initiatives and by supporting the Village SDC. Together, we're helping to raise the profile of this emblematic district, so dear to the hearts of Montrealers."

— Robert Beaudry, city councillor, Saint-Jacques district

"Supporting the pedestrianization of the Village means supporting a vibrant local economy, a unique living environment and an inclusive community. We're proud to be a partner in this social and commercial transformation."

— Simon Déry, General Manager, Caisse Desjardins du Quartier-Latin de Montréal

ABOUT SDC LE VILLAGE

The Société de développement commercial (SDC) du Village represents some 255 businesses located on rue Sainte-Catherine Est between Berri and Cartier, and on rue Atateken between René-Lévesque Est and Robin. Its mission: to support, represent and defend the interests of its members in order to promote their economic development. Enhancing, embellishing and enlivening the area is at the heart of our action, thanks to our in-depth expertise, understanding of the area and strong community roots. The Village is recognized worldwide as a 2SLGBTQIA+ destination, welcoming millions of visitors every year.

For more information, visit www.villagemontreal.ca.

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Source : La SDC du Village

Media contact : annexe média

PHILIP VANDEN BRANDE | Vice-president, partner and executive publicist

+1 438 402 7391 | phil@annexe.media

EDOUARD BARBEAU | Advisor, Corporate Communications

+1 514 795 5575 | edouard@annexe.media