Quiet Weekends and Compensation for Mont-Tremblant Residents as Racetrack Reaches Agreement

Compensation and Quieter Weekends for Mont-Tremblant Residents

Residents living near the Mont-Tremblant racetrack have found relief after reaching an agreement with the former and current owners of the circuit. The settlement brings an end to a legal dispute and two class-action lawsuits.

Indemnification for Excessive Noise

The previous owners of Circuit Mont-Tremblant will pay $2 million in compensation to 310 eligible residents and their lawyers for excessive noise emanating from the track over several years. Residents who lived in the area for a decade, for instance, could receive around $5,000.

Reduced Racing Activities

Furthermore, the current owners have committed to halting all car races on six weekends during the season, including three between June 22nd and Labor Day. Additionally, vehicles without mufflers will be prohibited from operating on the premises.

A Compromise for Residents' Well-being

"The lawsuits aimed to improve the living conditions for people near the track, and that's what we achieved," said Me Jean-Marc Lacourcière, the residents' lawyer.

A History of Noise Disputes

For years, the track was owned by the late Leo Stroll, father of Formula 1 team owner Lawrence Stroll. In 2022, the company was sold to Montreal businessman Gad Bitton, owner of the Holand Automotive Group, which operates luxury car dealerships across Quebec and Florida.

Legal Battles over Noise Pollution

In 2012, the Association des résidents de Mont-Tremblant pour la qualité de vie filed a class-action lawsuit against Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Previous attempts by the municipality to reduce noise from the racetrack had been unsuccessful.

A Superior Court ruling in 2020 favored the residents, ordering the company to pay compensation ranging from $150 to $750 per year, depending on the duration of their residency. Circuit Mont-Tremblant contested the verdict but lost its appeal in May 2022.

Second Class-Action Lawsuit

In April 2022, just before the appeal ruling, the association filed a second class-action lawsuit, alleging that the circuit's owners had intentionally rendered themselves insolvent to avoid paying their dues.

Resolution through Negotiations

Ultimately, negotiations between the parties led to a settlement with both the former owners, who will pay the $2 million, and the new owners, who will reduce racing activities.

Gad Bitton, the current owner of Circuit Mont-Tremblant, acknowledged the compromise but emphasized his commitment to the local community. He stated that he would refrain from testing his vehicles during the designated quiet weekends.

Positive Impact for Residents

According to Me Lacourcière, some neighbors have noticed an improvement since the sale of the business.

Legal Approval Pending

The agreement is subject to court approval, with a hearing scheduled for April 16th.

Attorney Fees and Resident Compensation

The lawyers representing the association will receive 30% of the $2 million settlement, amounting to over $600,000. Eligible residents who lived in the area between 2009 and 2019 can file a claim online following the judge's approval.