Rain-Drenched Weekends Dampen Hopes for Quebec's Restaurant Terraces
Let me tell you what’s been going on lately here in Quebec. It’s been a rough spring, especially for restaurant and bar owners. We’ve just wrapped up a cold and rainy May, and it wasn’t just any kind of bad weather—it was the type that lands exactly on weekends. For businesses relying on terrace crowds and sunny skies to bring in much-needed revenue, that kind of coincidence feels like a cruel joke.
According to Environment Canada, nearly half—46%—of all precipitation in May hit us during the weekends. That’s no small detail. Weekends are when people typically go out, meet friends, and enjoy meals or drinks outside. So when the skies turn gray and the rain pours down just as Friday rolls into Saturday, it’s more than inconvenient. It’s a serious blow to already struggling businesses.
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Peter Sergakis, a well-known figure in Montreal’s bar and restaurant scene, didn’t mince words. He says terraces account for about 25 to 30 percent of his revenue during this season. And when the weather keeps customers away, it hits hard—especially when it’s already paired with economic uncertainty and tighter consumer budgets. People just don’t have the same disposable income, and any added reason to stay home—like rain—is a nail in the coffin.
Other business owners echo the same sentiment. Alexandre Domingue, who co-owns Cinéma Moderne in the Mile End, mentioned how important their small terrace is for business. When it rains, the terrace closes, and they lose that crucial flow of people lingering before or after a film. Luckily, he says the cinema itself does alright during cloudy weather—but it’s still not ideal.
Now, looking forward, we might finally get a bit of a break. The forecast suggests a warm start to the week with temperatures climbing up to 30°C by Wednesday. But don’t put the umbrella away just yet. By Thursday, clouds are expected to roll back in with another system bringing rain. It’s still uncertain how the next weekend will look, but there’s a bit of cautious optimism that it might be drier.
Honestly, all of this just goes to show how closely tied small businesses are to something as unpredictable as the weather. A few rainy weekends might not seem like a big deal, but when they stack up—especially in a season meant to boost foot traffic—it’s a significant setback. Hopefully, June brings some sunshine and a chance for local spots to catch up.
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