Montreal is a city where the significance of creative sector in its development and built image is clear. Localization the secretariats of such institutions as International Council of Societies of Industrial Design or International Design Alliance verifies the city status as an important centre of the development of industrial and commercial design. Montreal is also a film city, the film festival is held every year and locations often replace those from New York thanks to the activity of Montréal Film and Tv Commission. Worth mentioning is also Montréal Arts and Business, a thriving unit attached to Montreal Chamber Of Commerce that animates the relations between the arts and business. The initiative aimed at preparation and implementation of a ten-year strategic plan is also worthy noticing. Thanks to that, Montreal will confirm its status as a cultural metropolis of the XXI century where creativity, originality and diversity are the priorities.

Montreal is the city of which I have fond memories although it’s been nearly ten years since my last visit. I recall nostalgically walks to the old town, old port, cycling trips to Mount Royal, the hill at the foot of which Montreal is located, or the borough Plateau Mont-Royal with boutiques, galleries, design and fashion studios, and cafes. I shared my impression of Montreal with “Purpose” (4/2005, artykuł „+VAT”) readers in 2004 while discussing the issues of the use of objects in urban space development and its influence on creating the positive image of the city. I encourage to get acquainted with archive issue of “Purpose” (4/2005, the article “+VAT”) that has become not that much out of date.

For anyone who would like to visit Montreal soon, I recommend Tourisme Montréal, the site of organization promoting the tourism in this city

Maciej Mazerant
Translation: Anna Kosłowska

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1. Cycling at Parc des Rapides - Pôle des Rapides © Parcs Canada (N. Rajotte) 2002
2. Le TAZ, BMX © Gurvan - Le TAZ 2009
3. Musée d'art urbain © Tourisme Montréal, Pierre-Luc Dufour
4. Espace Pepin © Espace Pepin
5. Auberge du Vieux-Port © Auberge du Vieux-Port
6. Caffè Italia, Little Italy © Tourisme Montréal - Sid Lee
7. Horizon Roc Climbing Centre © Horizon Roc Climbing Centre
8. Crescent Street © MTTQ, Benoît Cécile
9.  Place Jacques-Cartier © Tourisme Montréal
10. McGill College Avenue © Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
11. Beach, parc Jean-Drapeau © Parc Jean-Drapeau, André Pichette
12. Christmas on McGill College Avenue © Tourisme Montréal, Daniel Choinière
13. Bernard Avenue / Mount Royal and surroundings © Tourisme Montréal, Mario Melillo
14. Bike path along the Lachine Canal / Pôle des Rapides © Canadian Tourism Commission, Pierre St-Jacques
15. Elixir at Quartier des spectacles © Quartier des spectacles
16. Festival International de Jazz de Montréa © Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Jean-François Leblanc
17. Montcalm Street - The Village © Tourisme Montréal
18. Bixi © Tourisme Montréal
19. Dorchester Square / Downtown © Tourisme Montréal
20. Montréal skyline from parc Jean-Drapeau © Parc Jean-Drapeau, Denis Labine
21. Boutique Seconde Chance on Amherst Street © Danny Lapierre, SDC Village
22. Aix Cuisine du Terroir © Aix Cuisine du Terroir
23. Festival International de Jazz de Montréal / Le quartier des spectacles © Victor Diaz Lamich
24. Bank of Montréal © Tourisme Montréal, Pierre-Luc Dufour