“I think the community will be happy to find a place to meet and to gather at night,” Mayor Collette Roy-Laroche said, a feeling shared by many who say the town has lost its heart.
The municipal government is helping connect the sewers and electrical system to the new bar, both heavy costs that Mr. Gagné, 35, could not afford for the project that will last only two months. Local businesses donated most of the equipment to build the bar, from the tent to the sound system.
“I was happy to help. This is a beautiful project,” said Roger Gaudreau, the manager of the local Maxi supermarket. “We need to bring some life back to this town. The tourists are coming, we’re full, but there isn’t anything to do.”
The 150-seat bar will be beside the Maxi parking lot and the town’s only shopping centre.
Every weekend night until the end of September, Quebec singers and bands will take the stage to give free concerts for the locals.
Marie-Mai, Louis-Jean Cormier and Vincent Vallières are among those who have signed up.
“These are big names in Quebec. This is my way of helping the people of Mégantic. I can’t give them money because I’m also in need, but I will give them all my time and energy,” Mr. Gagné said.
Reopening of Lac-Mégantic bar Musi-Café seen as sign of town’s resurgence - The Globe and Mail
The municipal government is helping connect the sewers and electrical system to the new bar, both heavy costs that Mr. Gagné, 35, could not afford for the project that will last only two months. Local businesses donated most of the equipment to build the bar, from the tent to the sound system.
“I was happy to help. This is a beautiful project,” said Roger Gaudreau, the manager of the local Maxi supermarket. “We need to bring some life back to this town. The tourists are coming, we’re full, but there isn’t anything to do.”
The 150-seat bar will be beside the Maxi parking lot and the town’s only shopping centre.
Every weekend night until the end of September, Quebec singers and bands will take the stage to give free concerts for the locals.
Marie-Mai, Louis-Jean Cormier and Vincent Vallières are among those who have signed up.
“These are big names in Quebec. This is my way of helping the people of Mégantic. I can’t give them money because I’m also in need, but I will give them all my time and energy,” Mr. Gagné said.
Reopening of Lac-Mégantic bar Musi-Café seen as sign of town’s resurgence - The Globe and Mail