coronavirus health crisis.Mayor Valérie Plante announced a $400,000 investment Tuesday to create a new urban space and fund cultural activities in the area as the pandemic continues.The hope is to attract more people downtown, which Plante says has seen a downturn stemming from empty office towers, a lack of students and an absence of tourists, who usually flood the city for summer festivals and events.“Businesses are asking for support and this is what we’re giving them,” she said.The plan includes opening up public squares bound by the St.
Lawrence River and Atwater, Papineau and Sherbrooke streets. The city’s goal to give pedestrians and businesses more space and prevent crowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.