By Canadian Press

Montreal suburb backtracks on plan to charge for picnic table reservations

May 11, 2021 | 1:12 PM

MONTREAL — A Montreal suburb is backtracking on a plan to charge members of the public to reserve picnic tables in two of its most popular parks.

The city of Dorval issued a notice today saying it will still move forward with a reservation system on weekends, but that it will be free and limited to residents.

Dorval’s city council caused a stir last month after it proposed charging $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents to reserve a picnic table for four hours.

A spokesman for the city said at the time authorities were looking for a way to manage a surge in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that saw some groups hogging the tables all day long.

The proposal drew criticism from citizens and from a park advocacy group that worried the fee system would create a barrier for low-income people.

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

4h ago

holiday check stops

Nanaimo motorists shine during province-wide crackdown

7h ago

targeted job action

Striking Nanaimo postal workers disrupt Purolator operations

11h ago

Dorval says the reservation system will only apply in two of the busiest parks and only on weekends, and that anyone can use a table that hasn’t been reserved.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press