Montreal mayor Denis Coderre is defending the proposed measures to improve the calèche industry and the $500,000 slated to be spent on them.
Coderre insisted the measures don't contradict the moratorium he was asking for just a couple of months ago in order to come up with a real policy for the industry and to protect the horses, calling the current situation "a disaster."
The measures include improved calèche waiting stations, microchipping horses, a ticketing system, plus uniforms and more training for drivers.
Judy Waldon, a calèche owner/driver for more than 30 years, welcomed the measures, calling them a first step.
"It's a surprise, like always, but it seems to be a good surprise," she said. "We'll see what happens in the future, but I consider this a step forward to improving the caleche business in Montreal."
She said while she was surprised by the news because no one informed her about it, on the other hand it wasn't a surprise, considering that's how they found out about the moratorium.
But Luc Desparois, another longtime calèche owner/driver, slammed the measures. He said that except for the improved waiting stations — which he said they'd been requesting for years — the other measures are expensive window dressing.
The SPCA, meanwhile, said it was horrified by what they call a bad plan that uses public funds to perpetuate a cruel, outdated industry.
"Certainly we're pretty horrified as I think many members of the public are, to hear that instead of fully phasing out this industry, the city is investing public funds into an antiquated, inhumane industry really has no place in a progressive city like ours," the SPCA's Alanna Devine says.
The official opposition Projet Montreal also criticized the plan, saying it's too much money when there are other pressing needs.
Coderre insisted they are doing what is necessary.