In Montreal, preparations are underway for the Formula 1 tour.

      The weekend when the Canadian Grand Prix takes place in Montreal is traditionally the most intense and important for local businesses, as Montreal restaurateurs, hoteliers, and owners of various retail outlets collect a significant portion of their annual income during these few days.

      City services are also preparing for the upcoming events, as around 150-160 thousand fans are expected on Notre-Dame Island on race day. Authorities have done everything possible to avoid traffic jams and crowding, and it is expected that 97% of the public will reach the race using public transport. This is partly because there will be no parking on the neighboring Saint Helena Island this year – only special transport, vehicles of certain service personnel, and cars transporting people with disabilities will be allowed to enter.

      According to STM management, the organization responsible for urban transport, the intervals for subway trains, with a station located in Jean Drapeau Park on Saint Helena Island, will be reduced to 4 minutes – a real achievement for Montreal. Ticket holders for the Grand Prix are advised to purchase special passes in advance, allowing unlimited use of public transport during the weekend.

      Moreover, particularly comfortable conditions have been created for those who prefer bicycles – the number of bike parking spots and rental stations for two-wheeled vehicles has been increased. Additionally, for the first time, a river shuttle will be launched on the St. Lawrence River, which will operate between the dock in the Old Port and Saint Helena Island.

      Yves Lalumière, a resident of the Montreal tourism board, emphasized that local hotels are already 90% booked, and restaurants and bars are expecting an unprecedented influx of customers on Saturday and Sunday.

      Two years ago, the Montreal city authorities came under fire for poor transportation organization during the Grand Prix, with issues exacerbated by protests taking place on the bridge leading to Notre-Dame Island. That year, several restaurants were forced to close their terraces due to fire safety regulations, but necessary conclusions were drawn, and such situations should not recur.

      According to Christine Black, representing the city commission for sporting events, "a lot of work has been done in this area, we are in constant contact with other organizations and will strive to ensure a successful weekend."

      As for the restaurant business, the Montreal authorities recently even took the step of reducing rental fees for organizing terraces, which restaurateurs, of course, welcomed.