That's why I moved up north. and I don't miss anything.Indeed. Things have changed in the economy drastically. Like yourself, I wandered through the gay village in the east end downtown last week and was horrified at what I saw economically, boarded-up storefronts, for two blocks on end, right around Place Dupuis, metro Berri.
This is an area that once had a vibrant lifestyle and many businesses. There were severe social issues with crime, drugs and homelessness as well.
I did go to a lot of festivals in my younger years too so been there done that.
In fact there are some events around here with less crowd.



