Today marks the beginning of free parking across the island of Montreal.
Part of a broader initiative nnounced on October 22 by the City of Montreal to encourage locals to support businesses during the biggest shopping period of the year, free parking will be made available on streets where paid parking is available throughout the city from November 14 until December 31.
That's all there is to it: So long as you're using a spot where you'd normally need to pay for parking, consider it free on Saturdays and Sundays.
"The holiday season is critical for Montreal merchants who are currently going through an unprecedented health crisis," the October 22 release read. "Along with business development companies and trade associations, the City is proposing six concrete measures to encourage the population to encourage local Montreal businesses during the holiday season."
Parking was the first initiative, followed by the extension of retail opening hours during the same period as the free parking; more delivery options for local retailers; winter beautification and decorations; crowdfunding campaigns; and a cash injection of $1.5 million to the Commercial Activities Consolidation Fund, which helps retailers make shifts to digital and improve their physical spaces.
Expect to hear about more projects from the city in the coming days.
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