After receiving more than 1,500 shots during the contest’s second edition, the organizers have made a few changes: the contest will run over a longer period of time, until July 31. The value of the prizes has also gone up, and every first place winner will receive a bicycle.

“We’re working hard to sensitize citizens to the importance of have a clean city, but the bicycle is a good way to encourage them to discover the nicest areas of the city all the while respecting the environment,” said Jean Touchette, director of business development at Médias Transcontinental.

For Marcel Tremblay, member of the executive committee responsible for citizen services, the photo contest is a nice way to promote cleanliness and the environment, and fits in perfectly with the Operation Montreal.Net program. “Cleanliness is not just about picking up a piece of garbage from the ground. It’s also about painting your fence, planting a few flowers, or simply ripping out weeds on your property. Why not take advantage of this, do it together as a family, and take a few pictures for the contest? That’s what we want this year. Show us how you appreciate your city!”

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and Tourisme Montréal are also involved in this event. “We are an important player in Montrealers’ lives and we believe cleanliness is essential and is part of our Montreal pride. We ask STM users to do their part in large numbers in this very nice project,” said Claude Trudel, president of the STM’s administrative council.

“We are also very proud to be associated with such an event. Montreal does not have big icon, like Las Vegas or Dubai, for example, which give participants a real challenge. They have to focus on the beauty and warmth of our neighbourhoods,” added Emmanuelle Legault, communications director for Tourisme Montréal.

Three big winner chosen from the 57 top photos will split $6,000 in prizes, including a camera and accessories, family CAM passes from the STM for one year, a two-night stay at a downtown hotel, and a deluxe dinner at Restaurant Nuances in the Casino de Montréal.

For rules and regulations, visit www.concoursphoto2008.com