Montreal's Public Health Director Is 'Optimistic' That We'll Have Some Summer Festivals

Montreal's public health director, Dr. Mylène Drouin, said she's "optimistic" that the city will be able to hold certain outdoor cultural events this summer, such as small festivals.

In fact, she confirmed in a press conference on March 17 that the public health department is working with local groups to devise strategies for organizing summer events in Montreal.

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"There’s certainly a way," she said. "There are people working on those protocols right now."

However, despite her hope for cultural events this summer, Drouin said it's doubtful that large festivals with thousands of people will be possible and she clarified, "it will probably not be like two years ago." 

Drouin said the possibility of allowing outdoor gatherings this summer depends on the timeline of the third wave of COVID-19  expected in Montreal.

"I feel optimistic that [the peak of the third wave] will be before the start of the summer," Drouin said.

The public health director also referenced seasonal fluctuations of COVID-19, which saw a dip during 2020's summer months before spiking in the fall.