The Redlight District montreal

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Montreal had its first recognized red light district known as "The Main." Located along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, between Saint Catherine Street and Sherbrooke Street, this area was a hub of vice and illicit activities. The Main attracted a diverse crowd of locals, immigrants, sailors, and travelers who sought entertainment, gambling, and prostitution.

However, in the 1940s and 1950s, there was a push for moral reform, and the city authorities sought to clean up the area. Prostitution was considered illegal, and efforts were made to suppress and disperse the red light district. The construction of the Autoroute Ville-Marie in the 1960s further contributed to the dismantling of the district.

Following these changes, the adult entertainment industry in Montreal began to disperse throughout the city. Various establishments, such as strip clubs, massage parlors, and adult cinemas, operated in different neighborhoods, often within the context of regular commercial areas.

In more recent years, there have been ongoing debates and discussions about the regulation and presence of adult entertainment in Montreal. The city has implemented different zoning regulations and licensing requirements to control the locations and operation of adult-oriented businesses.