The all-electric Formula E series is just about set to debut next September in Montreal, if Montreal mayor Denis Coderre has his way, though the date or agreement with FIA organizers has not quite been finalized.

Coderre told the CBC recently that from his perspective it’s a done deal that the series will race in Montreal in 2016, though the date and venue have still not been confirmed. The series typically races through temporary downtown street circuits, which reportedly is Coderre’s preference, though the permanent Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Formula One circuit was also reportedly considered by Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.

Formula E’s first season ended in June, with its second season to open in Beijing in October, as it follows an unusual (for racing) split year calendar. That would make a September race in 2016 the opener of Formula E’s third season. Though the FE cars are slower than their more glitzy F1 counterparts, maxing out at about 225 km/h, running these purely electric race cars through downtown streets may face less opposition from neighbourhood groups, thanks to near silent noise levels.

“I tell you it will happen,” Coderre said at a news conference. “There will be the Formula E in Montreal.”