The one-in-six rule: can Montreal fight gentrification by banning restaurants?


Published in THE GUARDIAN

Il Guardian, quotidiano britannico per eccellenza, ha da tempo inaugurato una sezione sulle città del mondo, l’avanzare della gentrificazione, i movimenti urbani, il respiro delle metropoli.

Qui un articolo su Montreal e la decisione, controversa, di impedire l’apertura di nuovi ristoranti per salvaguardare l’anima della città. 

DI MATTHEW HAYS

In Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighbourhood, the hallmarks of gentrification shout loud and clear. Beautiful old brick buildings have been refurbished as funky shops, niche food markets and hipster cafes. Most notably, there are plenty of high-end restaurants. More than plenty, say some local residents – many of whom can’t afford to eat in any of them.

Earlier this month, the city council agreed enough was enough: the councillors of Montreal’s Southwest borough voted unanimously to restrict the opening of new restaurants. The bylaw roughly follows the “one-in-six” rule, with new eateries forbidden from opening up within 25 metres of an existing one.

“Our idea was very simple,” says Craig Sauvé, a city councillor with the Projet Montreal party. “Residents need to be able to have access to a range of goods and services within walking distance of their homes. Lots of restaurants are fine and dandy, but we also needs grocery stores, bakeries and retail spaces.”

 

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