The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is returning to its roots when it takes over downtown Montreal this weekend.
The festivities are back on Ste-Catherine Street this Sunday after the event was forced to change routes one block north last year. In 2018, the parade made its way along De Maisonneuve Boulevard due to ongoing construction.
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The 196th parade will kick off at noon on Sunday at the corner of Ste-Catherine and Fort streets, but the route is shorter than in previous years. It will wrap up at Metcalfe Street near Dorchester Square.
As part of the celebrations, more than 100 groups and a total of 15 floats are expected to participate. This includes 17 bands from Quebec and Ontario.
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Those who plan to attend the festivities are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Organizers say it’s best to opt for public transit if possible.
Several roads in the downtown core will be closed to traffic during the day. Montreal police will be on hand to help drivers navigate the detours.
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Police are asking that spectators and participants be careful, maintain civil behaviour and treat city property with respect.
They are also reminding people that the consumption of alcohol on public roads is prohibited and to only get behind the wheel if they are sober.
— With files from Global’s Phil Carpenter