Some Montrealers will tell you that they never want Formula-E to end, while others can't wait for the weekend-long racing festival to come to a close tonight.
The event that has seen futuristic electric racecars quietly zip through the streets of the downtown core has divided Montrealers over the past few weeks, and few minds seem to have changed after the event itself.
Most people who were optimistic about the event came away impressed with the technology on display and the cool-factor of seeing race cars on everyday city streets. Anthony, who came with his school to watch the race, told CJAD 800 that he hopes future iterations of the race see an even bigger section of downtown used as an urban racetrack. Matthew, who brought his young son to take in the race, said he was "so impressed" and said the prospect of Montreal holding the race again was "so exciting."
But many locals who were frustrated by disruptions to their neighbourhood in the lead-up to the race say those feelings haven't gone away. Business owners say they've lost customers to the chaos created by road closures and throngs of tourists in their typically quiet section of the city centre. Léo of Resto-du-Village on Wolfe Street says his restaurant is normally full by lunchtime on Sundays, but he had just two tables when CJAD 800 spoke with him shortly after 11:30am. Early promises of tourist dollars for local business haven't materialized, with most visitors instead flocking to major chain restaurants on Sainte-Catherine Street over smaller spots on side streets closer to the racetrack.
Residents who live steps from the racetrack have come away angry with the weekend, as well. Zach Fraser and his neighbours say they've received mixed messages from the city and have often gotten little warning at various steps of preparation for the race. He did concede, though, that the city has been trying to listen when they have complaints.
"On some level, they seem like they're trying to listen," he said. "Even today's noise seems less than yesterday. It seems like they're trying to diminish the speakers in volume, and I do appreciate that as a citizen."
Fraser says that while he'd prefer the race not be held again so close to his home, he understands the city has committed itself to holding ePrix races for the next few years. He said he hopes the race will better accomodate the community next year, after a planned post-mortem. But he says the overall experience has still left a bad taste in his mouth. "I felt they really don't care about the people here, they're not asking: is there any benefit for the people here?"