A growing tension over the use of café seating in Montreal has sparked a public debate, with one reader proposing formal time limits to ensure everyone can enjoy a coffee. The issue, highlighted in a letter to the Montreal Gazette, centres on the challenge casual customers face when students occupy tables for extended study sessions during busy periods.
The Core of the Café Conflict
In a letter published on January 13, 2026, reader Neil Bonnema of St-Hubert voiced a frustration shared by many. He described a recent weekend experience where he and his wife attempted to visit a Starbucks, only to find three separate branches fully occupied by students. Bonnema emphasized that while he supports students' right to study and collaborate in public spaces, the current dynamic has created a significant hurdle for others simply wishing to enjoy a brief coffee or conversation.
"Coffee shops are busy hubs meant for socializing and relaxation," Bonnema wrote, "yet the persistent presence of backpacks, laptops and lengthy study sessions sometimes makes it difficult for other patrons to find a place to sit."
A Proposed Solution for Shared Spaces
To address the imbalance, Bonnema suggests a practical compromise for café management. His proposal involves enforcing a time limit for seating during peak hours or designating specific areas for studying. This approach, he argues, would allow customers looking for a quick coffee and chat to find seating without the frustration of searching multiple locations or driving several blocks to another café.
The letter underscores a broader conversation about the evolving use of third spaces in urban environments like Montreal, where cafés serve multiple purposes—from social hubs to impromptu libraries and remote offices.
Other Voices in the Gazette's Letters Section
The same letters edition featured other Montrealers weighing in on local issues. Gary Bernstein of C.D.N.—N.D.G. expressed shock upon receiving his 2026 vehicle registration bill from the SAAQ, totalling $400. He contrasted this with costs in other provinces, noting that in Ontario, registration is a one-time fee of $32 with free renewals, plus a plate fee.
Another letter from Brian Burke of Montreal West offered a positive anecdote on language dynamics. He described overhearing an amicable, bilingual conversation between a francophone and an anglophone in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (N.D.G.), which he felt reflected the cosmopolitan reality of everyday life in Montreal. Burke praised Official Languages Minister Marc Miller for his recent comments on being "fed up" with the politicization of language debates, contrasting it with the premier's backlash.
The Gazette's letters section continues to serve as a forum for community discussion, prioritizing submissions that respond to published articles, are concise, factually accurate, and include the author's full name and locality for verification.
