Montreal set for $120M revamp of entertainment district

An area of Montreal is earmarked for a major facelift after all three levels of government pledged $120 million toward the revamp as an attractive arts and entertainment hub.

Representatives from the federal, provincial andmunicipal governments vowed on Monday to participate and contribute$40 million each toward the redevelopment of a downtown area of approximately one square kilometre that includes the city's Place des Arts complex.

The revitalizedentertainment district will be known as Le Quartier des Spectacles.

The goal is to improve the area that already plays host to a number of prominent events, including the popular Montreal International Jazz Festival and the annual Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

The spirit behind the project extends from the co-operation between the different levels of government as well as the community itself, Quebec Premier Jean Charest said Monday.

The parties involved have "an out of the ordinary will to do something that is going to be significant for Montreal and really leave a profound mark," he said.

Among the initiatives will be the creation of parks in the area, the redesign of some street traffic,improvements to the underground cable systems needed for outdoor performancesand the addition of pedestrian walkways.

"It's great news for Montreal and for the festivals," said Alain Simard, co-founder of the city's internationally renowned annual jazz festival.

"It's the best tool we have to get international exposure."

The first stage of the redevelopment is scheduled to begin in August 2008.

Organizers hope to begin each stage of construction at the end of the summer festival season each year and finish before the start of the subsequent season.

The completion date for the entire project is tentatively set for 2012.