Outremont halts parades, processions

A traditional Russian Orthodox Easter procession held for generations in Outremont has been cancelled this year after the borough invoked a moratorium on street processions.

The borough approved the two-month long moratorium on April 2 because of growing tension between Hasidim and francophone Québécois residents in the upscale neighbourhood.

Prior to the moratorium, Outremont refused a street closure request from the Toldos Yakov Yosef Congregation. It was planning a nighttime procession April 28 to celebrate the visit of an out-of-town rabbi.

Because the congregation was turned down, the borough says it can't – and won't – allow other processions.

The moratorium means the Saint-Nicolas Cathedral can't hold its annual Russian Orthodox Easter procession April 14.

The borough will use the moratorium to revisit parade rules and noise restrictions, said Mayor Marie Cinq-Mars.

In March, borough councillor Céline Forget confronted Hasidic Jews celebrating Purim on Durocher Street. The confrontation descended into a shouting match that was broken up by police.

A group of Hasidic residents have since launched a blog to "start an honest and sincere dialog" with neighbours.

The bloggers hope to "increase our respect of one and another by dispelling some of the myths, misconceptions that we may have towards each other, and gain some understanding of our neighbours."