Stores in these 3 Quebec cities will stay open late on weekends in pilot project
Three cities are participating in the project, which will run for one year: Laval, Gatineau, and Saint-Georges.
Non-food businesses, such as stores, boutiques, points of sale, markets and other establishments, will be allowed to stay open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Grocery stores, pharmacies and other businesses that are exempt from the law are not affected.
The Quebec government announced the project in a news release on Wednesday, saying that the goal is to evaluate the effects of modified opening hours on workers and consumers, and to increase the competitiveness of the retail sector in the province.
'With the growth of online shopping, the consumption habits of Quebecers have changed. To remain competitive, our commercial establishments must be able to adapt their opening hours and days of access to welcome more consumers who are committed to buying Quebec products,' said Quebec's Economy Minister Christopher Skeete. 'With these pilot projects, our government is evaluating a new solution to offer local businesses an environment that is among the most stimulating and conducive to their success.'
After one year, a report will be published to present the results and determine whether or not the changes should be made permanent throughout Quebec.
The province says Gatineau was chosen because of its geographical location near the Ontario border, while Laval was selected because of its 'urban character and its position as a supra-regional retail hub.'
Saint-Georges, a city located roughly 120 kilometres south of Quebec City in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, was chosen due to its local economy and because it is representative of regions that are far from major urban centres.
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