Title: Montreal Terraces Closed | Resignation of Fire Chief Demanded, Plante Remains Cautious
Introduction:
The closure of terraces on Peel Street in Montreal has sparked controversy, with calls for the resignation of the city’s fire chief. Mayor Valérie Plante is taking a cautious approach, seeking to understand the sequence of events before calling for any drastic action.
### Mayor Valérie Plante’s Response
Mayor Valérie Plante is taking a measured approach to the situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the events that led to the terrace closures before taking any drastic measures. She stated that she prefers to operate within the rules and stressed the need to investigate the sequence of events.
### Call for Fire Chief’s Resignation
Independent councilor Serge Sasseville formally demanded the resignation of Montreal’s fire chief, Richard Liebmann, citing growing anger over the situation. Sasseville called for a comprehensive reform of the fire department, highlighting concerns about the impact of their actions on downtown restaurants.
### Disciplinary Actions Taken
Following the terrace closures, two senior employees of the fire department were suspended, including a section chief. This marked the first disciplinary action taken since the incident on Friday night during the busy Grand Prix weekend.
### Ongoing Investigation
An administrative investigation has been launched, with Mayor Plante emphasizing that she does not want to interfere in the process. The suspended employees will be reassigned to other tasks until the investigation is completed. Mayor Plante mentioned that solutions have been identified to prevent similar closures in the future.
### Collaborative Efforts
Meetings have been held with representatives from various organizations, including the downtown Montreal business association, the fire department, and the Ville-Marie borough. Discussions have focused on finding solutions to the situation on Peel Street and addressing the underlying issues that led to the incident.
### Path to Resolution
Mayor Plante expressed optimism about finding a resolution, noting that a solution has been identified that will satisfy many parties involved. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation and emphasized that the borough has been actively addressing the issue.
Biography:
Valérie Plante is a Canadian politician who has served as the mayor of Montreal since 2017. She is known for her commitment to sustainable development and social issues, focusing on improving the quality of life for residents of the city. Prior to entering politics, Plante worked in the field of community organizing and advocacy. She holds a degree in anthropology from the Université de Montréal.