Montrealers could now get slapped with fines of up to $1,000 for having a tempo up

Now that spring has finally arrived in Quebec (for real this time), it's officially time to say goodbye to those grey winter staples — the iconic Tempo shelters.

According to municipal bylaws across the province, temporary car shelters must be taken down by April 15, or you could be facing a hefty fine. That includes shelters in Montreal and most surrounding cities.

Even if yours is small or only used occasionally, it still needs to be fully removed — tarp, metal frame and all. Some people try to get around the rules by removing just the cover and leaving the structure up, but that doesn't cut it. Municipalities have made it clear: the entire shelter must be dismantled by the deadline.

There are a few exceptions, but they're rare. For example, in Montreal's Saint-Léonard borough, the deadline to remove Tempo shelters has been extended to April 30. In Verdun, residents can keep their temporary shelters from November 1 to May 1. Meanwhile, people who live in boroughs like LaSalle or Outremont need not worry since outdoor winter car shelters of any kind are prohibited all year long.

If you're unsure about your specific borough or suburb, it's best to check your local bylaw on the City of Montreal's website.

The rule also applies to vestibule-style shelters, like those set up over front steps or balconies — not just the ones used for parking.

Failing to take your Tempo down in time could cost you. In Montreal, fines range from $250 to $1,000, plus additional fees. So if you haven’t already taken yours down, now's probably the time to do it — before your spring cleanup turns into a costly ticket.

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