Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has pledged N460 million to the 23 local government area chairmen to fight oil bunkering in the state.
This implies that each chairman will receive N20 million to destroy illegal refinery sites that have been identified in their respective domains.
Wike made this pledge on Wednesday when he met with the local government chairmen, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Friday Eboka, and the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Aliyu Bature.
According to the governor, the decision to fight illegal refineries in the state is aimed at sending a strong message to oil bunkerers.
A file photo of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
He equally directed the police commissioner to provide security cover for the local government chairmen in the clearance operations.
“All of you should hire bulldozers, clear all those creeks,” the governor ordered the LG bosses. “The government will give you some money so that they will know that we are serious.
“Those of you who are from the riverine areas, I don’t want to hear it is the creek. Go and clear those areas, apply to the state government, each of you, at least N20 million for a start to hire the equipment.
“That does not mean you will wait before you start. You must start today, tomorrow. CP, please give them the security to do this work. Don’t give them two policemen.”
This comes a week after the governor asked the police commissioner to collaborate with heads of other security agencies in Rivers, council chairmen, and traditional rulers to fish out all those involved in illegal bunkering and artisanal refining for prosecution.
He had accused persons engaged in illegal bunkering and artisanal refining of being responsible for the soot polluting the air and endangering the health of residents of the state.
The governor also declared that the state government has resolved to curb the activities of those involved in crude oil theft and refining once and for all.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has come together with her former Greens colleague, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, to move a motion to investigate racism in parliament. At…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/super-sexe-a-bar-in-downtown-montreal.jpg?id=61129705&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C39%2C0%2C39"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-bars" target="_blank">Montreal’s bar scene</a> has always been lively, but not every spot survives the times, the rent hikes, or the chaos of city life.</p><p><span></span>With that in mind, we recently took to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTLBlog/posts/pfbid0Y2iVTdGVuGAoKcxQGFN7gazdWAYoAFsx2TRNdBx5eZcvAvJEn9fCdSTpEy9ZzZdTl" target="_blank">Facebook to ask MTL Blog readers</a> to name a Montreal bar they wish had never closed. The responses were instant, passionate, and full of heartbreak (and a few hangovers). </p><p>From legendary party spots to neighbourhood watering holes that felt like second homes, here are 13 beloved bars Montrealers still aren't over losing.</p><span></span><h3>The Irish Embassy</h3><br/><p>A downtown staple for decades, the Irish Embassy was the kind of pub where everyone knew your name, and spilled into Bishop Street on St. Patrick's Day. But in March 2018, a five-alarm fire devastated the building. Despite initial hopes to rebuild, the pub never reopened, and the space was <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-restaurants-closed-old?utm_source=chatgpt.com#rebelltitem4" target="_blank">eventually sold to condo developers</a>.</p><p><span></span>Former location: 1234 Bishop St, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Peel Pub</h3><br/><p>The most recent casualty on our list, this classic downtown dive had been pouring pitchers since 1962 and was a longtime favourite for students, sports fans, and anyone chasing cheap wings. It survived a major fire in 2010, but after being hit with a <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-peel-pub-montreal-1.7568964" target="_blank">bankruptcy notice in June 2025</a>, the pub's days are officially numbered. </p><p>Former location: 1196 Rue Peel, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Katacombes</h3><br/><p>For punk fans, this grimy co-op under St-Laurent was legendary, hosting hardcore gigs from 2006 until December of 2019. Rising rent, landlord neglect, and building deterioration <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/katacombes-montreal-closing-music-venue-1.5334299" target="_blank">forced it to shut down</a>, and the venue has since been demolished.</p><p>Former location: 1635 Boul. Saint‑Laurent, Montreal, QC</p><h3>1234</h3><br/><p>Once a staple of Montreal's nightlife scene, 1234 was the kind of club where you dressed to impress and danced till sunrise. It launched in the disco era and quietly fizzled out decades later. Since then, the iconic address has hosted L’Esprit, Le Cinq, and is now home to the upscale supper club <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-club-bixi-valerie-plante" target="_blank">Yoko Luna</a>.</p><p>Former location: 1234 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, Quebec</p><h3>Divan Orange</h3><br/><p>Nestled in the Mile End from 2004 until March 19, 2018, Divan Orange was a beloved indie-music co-op, hosting thousands of acts over the years. Noise complaints — some racking up thousands in fines — and financial pressures eventually <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/just-leave-me-alone-after-getting-noise-complaint-saint-denis-bar-asks-mayor-to-back-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">forced its doors to close</a>.</p><p><span></span>Former location: 4234 Boul. Saint‑Laurent, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Le 2 Pierrots</h3><br/><p>If you ever found yourself singing along to Quebec classics in Old Montreal after a few too many pints, chances are you were at Le 2 Pierrots. First opened back in 1974, this iconic live music bar was all about the vibes, chansonniers, dancing on benches, and lyrics everyone somehow knew. </p><p>It closed for good in December 2020 after nearly five decades, with the <a href="https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/12/08/le-2-pierrots-pour-une-derniere-fois-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">owners citing pandemic challenges as the final blow</a>.</p>Former location: 104 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montreal, QC<br/> <h3>Thursday's</h3><br><p>Thursday's was a Crescent Street institution that blended bar, restaurant, and dance club all under one roof. It was a favourite from the 1970s through the 2000s, and its terrace was always packed on sunny days. It <a href="https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article227841.html" target="_blank">officially closed in 2020</a>, marking the end of one of the street's most iconic venues.</p><p><span></span>Former location: 1441 Rue Crescent, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Club Super Sexe</h3><br/><p>If you ever wandered downtown after last call, chances are you passed the glowing sign of Club Super Sexe. This strip club turned late-night institution was a fixture on Sainte-Catherine for decades, known as much for its wild reputation as its retro neon. It <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/3510879/montreals-club-super-sexe-sign-will-soon-be-taken-down/" target="_blank">closed in 2017 to make way for condo development</a>, and its iconic sign was <a href="https://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/article178136.html" target="_blank">damaged in a 2021 fire</a>.</p><p>Former location: 418 Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Kon Tiki</h3><br/><p>Located on the ground floor of the Mont-Royal Sheraton Hotel, Kon Tiki was <a href="https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/memoiresdesmontrealais/le-kon-tiki-restaurant-pop-polynesien" target="_blank">Montreal's first tiki bar</a>. Known for its Polynesian decor, flaming cocktails, and exotic kitsch, it brought island vibes to downtown well before tiki bars were cool again. The 50s relic shut down in the 1980s, but remains legendary among former patrons and local cocktail nerds.</p><p><span></span>Former location: 1455 Rue Peel, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Limelight</h3><br/><p>If your parents grew up in the 70s, you've probably heard of this place.</p><p>Limelight was a <a href="https://www.limelightmontreal.com/lime.html" target="_blank">disco-era hotspot</a> that, in its heyday, welcomed music legends like David Bowie and James Brown. It was packed with Studio 54 vibe and known for its glam energy and anything-goes dance floor. It closed as the disco scene faded.</p><p>Former location: 1254 Rue Stanley, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Mad Hatter's (original location)</h3><br/><p>Before moving to a new spot a few doors down, the Crescent Street Mad Hatter's was a multi‑level madhouse with pool tables, karaoke, and student-friendly deals. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/mad-hatter-pub/mad-hatters-is-moving-on-d%C3%A9m%C3%A9nage/373757829637082/" target="_blank">original Hatter's shut down in 2016</a>, and some people say the vibes were never the same. </p><p><span></span>Former location: 1208 Rue Crescent, Montreal, QC</p><h3>281</h3><br/><p>Le 281 was Montreal's most famous male strip club, drawing bachelorette parties and curious tourists since it opened in 1980. It officially <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/le-281-male-strip-club-shuts-down-1.5713889" target="_blank">closed in September 2020</a>, citing COVID-19 and changing times. </p><p><span></span>Former location: 281 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal, QC</p><h3>Hard Rock Café </h3><br/><p>For those who may have forgotten (or are just too young to remember), <a href="https://touristscavengerhunt.com/r-i-p-hard-rock-cafe-montreal/" target="_blank">Montreal was once a stop on the international Hard Rock Café circuit</a>.</p><p>Opened in September 1990, this spot brought the brand's signature mix of rock memorabilia, classic pub fare, and live music to the heart of Crescent Street. It was once a fixture in downtown Montreal's tourist scene and was a popular pre- or post-game stop for Bell Centre crowds. But after nearly two decades, the restaurant quietly closed back in 2009.</p><p><span></span>Former location: 1458 Crescent St, Montreal, QC</p></br>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-s-old-port-and-skyline-at-sunset-illustrative.jpg?id=53916080&width=2000&height=1500&coordinates=505%2C0%2C505%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>As the end of October nears, so does the end of <a href="https://www.narcity.com/ryan-reynolds-daylight-saving-time-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daylight saving time 2024</a>, and Quebecers are getting ready to turn their clocks back for the semiannual time change. </p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/daylight-saving-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daylight saving time</a> (DST) will officially wrap up this week, signalling that it's once again time to "fall back." This change means we'll be losing an hour of daylight in the evenings, but hey — at least the silver lining is that we all get a little extra sleep this weekend.</p><p>So, when exactly do clocks go back? This year, daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. this Sunday, November 3. At that time, clocks will "fall back" by one hour, shifting everyone in most of Canada into standard time for the winter months. So don't forget to check your clocks that don't update automatically — like the ones in your oven, microwave and car!</p><h3>When does the time change?</h3><br/><p>Daylight saving time 2024 ends on Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m., when the clocks will "fall back" by one hour — giving you an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning.</p><p>Most parts of the country will remain on standard time until the spring, when clocks will "spring forward" to daylight saving time again on Sunday, March 9, 2025.</p><h3>Why do the clocks change?</h3><br/><p>Daylight saving time started as a way to maximize daylight during the summer. Now, most of Canada follows the routine of springing forward in March and falling back in November, giving people an extra hour of sunlight in the evening through the warmer months.</p><h3>Do clocks go forward or back?</h3><br/><p>In November, the clocks will fall back, meaning you'll turn your clocks back by one hour — giving you that welcome extra hour of sleep! In the spring, they'll spring forward again.</p><h3>Which province does not change time?</h3><br/><p> Most of Canada will switch back this weekend, but not every region participates in the time change. Saskatchewan sticks to Central Standard Time (CST) all year, even though it's technically in the Mountain Time Zone. Yukon also stays on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, having stopped observing DST in 2020.
</p><p> Some cities and communities across the country also choose to skip the clock changes, maintaining the same time year-round.
</p><h3>Is Quebec getting rid of daylight saving time?</h3><br/><p> Some provinces are looking to get rid of the semiannual time change by making daylight saving time permanent. A spokesperson for Quebec's justice minister <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-is-open-to-daylight-savings-time-lasting-all-year-but-theres-a-catch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told MTL Blog in 2022</a> that the Quebec government was "open" to keeping daylight time year-round, but there hasn't seemed to have been any movement on the issue in the province.</p><p>Meanwhile, while the U.S. Senate passed the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/623/all-info" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunshine Protection Act</a> in 2022 to make daylight time permanent, the change hasn't become law yet. If it eventually passes, various Canadian provinces like Quebec and Ontario might follow suit, but for now, DST changes will continue twice a year.
</p><p>So, set a reminder to fall back this weekend, and enjoy the extra hour of sleep!</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em><br/></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
