Montreal is setting up 25 ‘winter stations’ across the island in an attempt to get citizens to spend more time in the great outdoors.
The installations include outdoor benches, furniture, and light fixtures, to spruce up outdoor spaces, anywhere from parking lots to public parks.
In a press conference on Thursday, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said the ‘winter stations’ will encourage Montrealers to shop locally and support small businesses struggling throughout the pandemic.
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Plante admitted that people won’t sit at the fixtures for hours but said the installations will help Montrealers stick around outside more in the cold winter months because they will be “fun and enjoyable.”
The stations, which will be set up in 17 boroughs throughout Montreal, cost the city $600,000 and were designed by local architects and designers.
The @MTL_Ville is proud to present a diversified winter program 2020-2021 adapted to the current health crisis, which aims to support Montreal merchants and brighten your days during the cold season! 25 winter stations will be built to make local shopping more enjoyable! (1/2) pic.twitter.com/sdeA2rF9eO
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 26, 2020
Plante says the ‘winter stations’ will present “something for everyone” and stressed the importance of shopping locally and staying away from the big online retailers.
The mayor also announced the city’s winter sports plan that will allow Montrealers to “get some fresh air” through various park-run activities. Major parks in the city will offer cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing, while “several” outdoor skating rinks will be available.
Montréal a mis sur pied une programmation sportive variée et accessible pour vous permettre de prendre l’air dans tous ses grands parcs. Vous y trouverez des sentiers de ski de fond, de randonnée et de raquettes, des espaces de glissade et des patinoires réfrigérées. (3/4) pic.twitter.com/oict9mpT7a
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 26, 2020
Earlier this month, Plante announced that city parking would be free on weekends during the holidays to encourage shoppers to buy locally, and ‘festive outdoor spaces‘ to relax, chat, eat, and drink will be set up.