Montreal Cemetery Explores Immersive Night Tours to Boost Revenue and Heritage
Montreal's historic Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery is considering launching immersive nighttime walks through its grounds, a recreational project produced by the acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory. While still in the exploratory phase, this innovative initiative aims to generate new revenue streams while showcasing the site's rich heritage and cultural significance.
Project Details and Potential Impact
The proposed circuit would span 2.1 kilometers through the cemetery, primarily using existing paths enhanced with sophisticated lighting, atmospheric music, and interactive elements. Based on Moment Factory's successful Lumina night walks, which operate at 25 locations worldwide, the tours would be divided into thematic sections highlighting important monuments and historical features.
According to estimates, the project could attract up to 1,800 visitors per night, with attendance capped at 600 people per hour. The walks would operate between the end of normal cemetery hours and 11 p.m., beginning at the entrance on Remembrance Road. All equipment would be temporary and removable during off-seasons, with sound levels comparable to a controlled indoor environment.
Community Response and Concerns
Paul Caghassi, spokesperson for an association representing families with loved ones buried at the cemetery, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal. "As long as there's no disruption to service or disturbance of the cemetery's peace and tranquility, we have no objections," Caghassi stated. "However, of course, everything hinges on the execution."
The project has raised several important considerations:
- Zoning Requirements: The Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, the Catholic organization managing the cemetery, first presented the idea to the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough in November. A zoning amendment is required to permit recreational use on site, with a public consultation held in mid-February.
- Wildlife Protection: Les Amis de la montagne, a non-profit dedicated to protecting Mount Royal, expressed concerns about the project's impact on local wildlife and biodiversity. The organization is conducting bird inventories and habitat assessments within a 200-meter buffer zone along the proposed route, with particular attention to owls that might be affected by lighting or audio components.
- Respectful Implementation: The borough's urban planning advisory committee has generally supported the concept while questioning details about maintaining respect for bereaved families and ensuring the walks don't interfere with regular cemetery activities.
Historical Context and Future Vision
The Fabrique and Moment Factory already collaborate on the Aura light show at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, launched in 2017. Both organizations declined to comment on the cemetery project specifically, noting it remains in the exploratory stage and hasn't been confirmed.
In an email response, cemetery representatives emphasized they approached Moment Factory to explore the idea "with the utmost respect for the grounds and those who rest there."
Alain Tremblay, founder of Ecomusée du patrimoine funeraire et commemoratif, welcomed the innovative approach. "The idea is to revive the cemetery for the next centuries," Tremblay explained. "There will be some trial and error, there will be mistakes. But I think this shows a willingness to do something."
Tremblay believes this would be the first project of its kind for a Quebec cemetery and commended the Fabrique for exploring new approaches at a time when many cemeteries face financial challenges. While the tours could attract tourists, Tremblay hopes they might also reignite Montrealers' interest in what he considers an underappreciated historical site.
The project represents a significant shift in how cemetery grounds might be utilized, balancing revenue generation with heritage preservation while addressing community concerns about tranquility, wildlife protection, and respectful implementation. As the exploratory phase continues, all parties emphasize that successful execution will depend on careful planning and sensitivity to the site's sacred nature.
