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With six million visitors a year, Montreal’s Old Port is the most popular recreational tourist site in all of Quebec.

Despite those numbers, and a $125-million investment by the federal government a quarter century ago, many say it has long failed to live up to its potential as a leading waterfront attraction.

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In conjunction with the 375th anniversary of Montreal’s founding and the nation’s 150th birthday, both of which fall in 2017, the city’s berth for ocean liners, Cirque du Soleil tents and winter dance parties is slated for a major renewal. Public consultations to decide on its future begin Thursday evening. A master plan for the area, as well as for the Pointe-du-Moulin spit of land at its western edge and the hulking, half-kilometre long Silo 5 building that sits upon it, is expected next year.

Mayor Denis Coderre argues the key to its revitalization is to transfer jurisdiction of the property from the federal government to the city, a demand that appears to be a hard sell.