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Guidelines for lessees

Regulations

Site laws and regulations

The Lessee shall comply with the Grand Quay Regulations and abide by all other laws and regulations in effect on the date of signature of the contract as well as those that may be enacted thereafter.

Port of Montreal safety and fire prevention standards and requirements

Venue layout plan

The organizer shall provide a layout plan to scale of all the indoor and outdoor sites where the event is to be held. The plan must include the layout of tents, big tops, inflatables, booths, tables, chairs, stages and any other structure and its amenities.

Decoration

All combustible decorations on the event site (stage curtain, scrim, netting, etc.) must meet the CAN/ULC-S109-M “Standard for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films” or be fireproofed according to NFPA-701 standards.

Trees and plants

Natural trees are only allowed if they have roots, if they are kept in pots and if they are watered daily.

Helium

  • Helium tanks are not accepted.
  • Helium balloons are accepted.

Candles

  • Candles with an open flame are allowed in a cylindrical vase container provided that the vase is 51 mm (2 inches) or more above the flame.
  • Candles are prohibited inside exhibition booths and in bathrooms.

Prohibited materials

  • Softwood trees or branches
  • Hay
  • Peat moss
  • Cellulose acetate fabrics
  • Straw
  • Packing chips
  • Jute
  • Sonotube
  • Coroplast (polypropylene) (if over 10% of total surface)

Chairs in rows

  • If there are more 200 chairs, the Lessee must connect the chairs in rows of no more than 15 chairs.
  • Aisles must be at least 3'5” wide.

Stages

  • If the stage is larger than 24 m2 (250 sq. ft.) or if the walking distance is greater than 15 m (49 ft.), a second stairway must be installed.
  • An access corridor to the exit must be free of obstacles.

Electricity

  • Electrical wires (cabling, extension cords, etc.) that are not overhead must be covered with protectors (wire mats) to prevent damage.
  • The public cannot have access to electrical installations and equipment, including switches and fuses (electrical panel, generator, etc.).
  • For any additional electrical installations, a Certificate of Compliance for electrical installations and equipment, signed by a master electrician, must be submitted to the Port of Montreal’s Security and Fire Prevention Department.

Big tops, tents, shelters and inflatables

  • Big tops must be set up at least three (3) metres from the building.
  • It is forbidden to smoke, to use open flame devices and to use solid fuel heating devices under a big top.
  • A portable "2A-10BC" fire extinguisher, provided by the Grand Quay, must be installed inside a big top.

Cooking appliances

  • Cooking appliances must be used outdoors or under a big top that is not open to the public.
  • A minimum clearance of 1.5 metres must be maintained between the big top used for hosting the public and the adjacent big top where cooking appliances are used.
  • Residential BBQ appliances are not permitted on outdoor event sites.
  • Propane cylinders must be located at least 1 metre from the big top and must not be accessible to the public.
  • A portable "2A-10BC" fire extinguisher, provided by the Grand Quay, must be installed near a cooking appliance.

Mobile food trucks

  • Mobile food trucks are not permitted inside venues.
  • When there is frying or griddling, the cooking appliance must have a ventilation hood installed in compliance with NFPA-96 standards.

Fire safety equipment

Sortie and Exit signs must always be visible. If needed, the Grand Quay will provide temporary signs to the Lessee.

Access road

When the Main Alley is privatized for an event, an access road must be provided for emergency vehicles. This access road must always be accessible and have:

  • A width of six (6) metres
  • A height of five (5) metres
  • A turning radius of at least 12 metres to facilitate turns

Confetti

The use of confetti is permitted provided that the Lessee cleans up after the event. If the confetti is not cleaned by the Lessee, a fee of $48/hour, minimum 4 hours per agent, will be charged after the event. The Lessee shall inform the Leased Premises Coordinator before the event.

Smoke Machine

Water-based smoke machines are accepted provided that a fire inspector is present for a minimum of 4 hours at a fee of $140/hour.

Firecrackers and Fireworks

The use of firecrackers and/or fireworks during the event is subject to approval from the Security and Fire Prevention Department and depends on the nature of the event.

Animals

Except for guide dogs, the presence of animals is subject to approval from the Security and Fire Prevention Department and depends on the nature of the event.

Exhibits

  • The minimum width of aisles around booths is 3 m (10 ft.).
  • Candles are prohibited inside booths.
  • Fabrics, paper and other combustible merchandise for sale do not need to be fireproofed, but only one sample of useful length may be displayed.
  • Only electric cooking appliances and Sterno stoves are accepted.
    • When cooking, a fire extinguisher must be nearby, inside the booth.
    • The maximum cooking surface of any appliance is no more than 0.19 m2 (288 in.2).
    • Cooking appliances must be placed on a non-combustible surface (not on a tablecloth).
    • Appliances must be installed no closer than 1.2 m (4 ft.) from visitors.

Vehicle show

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Instructions

  • All fuel tanks of vehicles and internal combustion engines on display should be locked or sealed with tape to prevent fuel vapor from escaping (except for tanks that have never contained fuel).
  • Vehicles of any type with an internal combustion engine may not contain more than one quarter (¼) of their fuel tank capacity.
  • Owners are responsible for ensuring that no engine can be started during the show. Vehicles may not be moved during show hours open to the public without authorization from the Port of Montreal Security Department.
  • It is prohibited to fuel or defuel any vehicle inside the terminal or within the vicinity of the Port of Montreal.
  • Propane tanks used in trailers, recreational and utility vehicles or any other type of vehicle must be emptied and sealed before entering the venue. While on the premises, waterproof protectors must be placed under all vehicles and pads under the wheels.

Use of a drone

Instructions

The filming company or drone pilot shall provide:

  • A copy of the pilot's certificate stating that the pilot is authorized for advanced operations.
  • Proof of insurance of at least $1 million for liability coverage.
  • Nav Canada authorization including the flight and safety plan submitted to Transport Canada approved for the desired date.
  • The drone’s UAV certificate.
  • The pilot shall not operate a drone without constant line of sight vision.

Night flight — requirements

  • A pilot shall not operate a drone at night unless the drone is equipped with the necessary position lights to make it visible to the pilot, visual observers and other airspace users, regardless of whether they use night vision goggles, and the lights are switched on.
  • A pilot shall not operate a drone using night vision goggles unless the goggles are able to detect all light in the visual spectrum or the pilot has some other means of doing so.

Microdrone (up to 250 grams)

For a drone weighing up to 250 grams, the filming company or drone pilot shall provide:

  • A copy of the pilot's certificate stating that the pilot is authorized for advanced operations.
  • Proof of insurance of at least $1 million for liability coverage.
  • The MPA reserves the right to weigh the drone to ensure that it weighs no more than 250 grams.
  • The use of a drone is prohibited inside Leased Premises.
  • The use of any unmanned vehicle is regulated on the Port of Montreal.

Noise disturbance

If the Leasing Agreement includes rental of an outside space, the Grand Quay authorizes the installation of a sound system that respects the following conditions:

  • Compliance with noise levels tolerated in the Ville-Marie Borough.
  • Speakers only facing northeast.
  • Use of delay towers spread over the area to be covered (instead of placing all the speakers in the same place).
  • Avoidance of loud voices (i.e. a DJ).
  • No noise after 11:00 p.m.

In the event of a neighbourhood complaint, Security may take action. The logistics agent will be positioned near the residential buildings with a sound level meter and may warn the Lessee if the noise level is too high.

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Stickers

No stickers, vinyl or adhesive tape may be affixed to the floor or walls of any of our Grand Quay facilities.

Only vinyl installed in windows will be permitted, subject to prior approval.

Tape to affix wiring to the floor or to mark out spaces is tolerated with the following adhesives: electrical tape, masking tape/paint tape and gaffer's tape/camera tape only.

Any tape installed on the floor must be removed by the Lessee when dismantling, taking care to ensure that no glue remains.

Health and safety

Use of a scissor lift (skyjack)

Terms and conditions of use:

  • Possess a valid certificate issued within the last 5 years that allows the certificate holder to operate the scissor lift.
  • Inspect the scissor lift prior to its use in the presence of the Montreal Port Authority's Grand Quay logistics agent.
  • Fill out and sign the inspection sheet (available from the logistics agent).
  • Read the user, safety and responsibility manuals for the scissor lift made available by the Montreal Port Authority's Grand Quay logistics agent before operating the Skyjack.
  • Ensure their own safety and that of others by taking the necessary precautions during the use of the scissor lift.
  • Use of a safety harness required during operation (must be provided by the user);
  • Respect the building and equipment on the site of the Montreal Port Authority's Grand Quay.

Access to outside quay

During events on the quay, the Grand Quay will install crowd fences at least 1.20 m (48 in.) from the edge of the quay. It is strictly forbidden to move the fences. There must always be a security guard monitoring this area.

During set-up, the Grand Quay will provide teams with life jackets. Life jackets must be inspected before and after use.

Respect and Civility Towards Our Staff

We are committed to providing quality service in a respectful and welcoming environment. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we kindly remind you that politeness and mutual respect are essential in all interactions.

Our staff work hard every day to meet your needs with professionalism and dedication. In return, we ask that you treat them with respect. Any form of incivility, aggression, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.