Montreal extends free weekend parking downtown until Feb. 28 | Montreal Gazette

The city of Montreal announced on Thursday it has extended until Feb. 28 provisions that allow motorists to park free of charge on the streets of Ville-Marie borough Friday nights from 6 to

8 and during weekends.

The free parking regulations, part of an effort to revive the economy of the downtown borough during the COVID-19 pandemic, were part of an announcement that included a decision to prolong

the Festival Montréal en Lumière and the installations of the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles until March 28.

The extensions of the outdoor events are made possible by a $282,000 increase to the Festival Montréal en Lumière’s $600,000 budget.

In a statement, Mayor Valérie Plante said that even if the health crisis had forced the cancellation of many festivals and events over the past year, it is important to support the cultural

organizations “that make the reputation of Montreal.”

The city noted that Montréal en Lumière promotes artists, cuisine and local expertise and that its activities help the restaurant and hotel industries, both of which have been hard hit by

the pandemic.

The gastronomical component of Montréal en Lumière promotes ordering from local restaurants, the city says, and packages for overnight stays at hotels where those orders can be delivered

will also be offered.

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