Gatineau Park parking lots to shut at 7 p.m. to comply with curfew

Gatineau Park will remain open, but parking lots will close at 7 p.m. to comply with a curfew under Quebec's new lockdown measures.

As of Saturday, Quebecers will be asked to stay home between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. until at least Feb. 8, Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault announced Thursday, adding that the goal of the curfew is crack down on the “minority” of people still flouting lockdown measures.

In a statement, the National Capital Commission said in view of the new measures, it would make temporary adjustments to winter activity offerings from Saturday to Feb. 8.

The measures include closing parking lots between 7 p.m. and reopening them at 5 a.m.

Gatineau Park's day shelters will remain open on a first-come, firstserved basis for one household at a time, said the NCC. The shelters are accessible at all times for emergencies. The reservation system for the shelters will be available at a later date.

Users who have reserved accommodations in the park will also be able to access them.

The NCC had also asked that Gatineau Park users comply with Quebec government directives while engaged in outdoor sports and recreational activities. These include restricting contact to those within the same family bubble and not engaging in group activities such as skiing, walking and snowshoeing.

Meanwhile, the park's visitor centre will also be closed temporarily, with information services available by telephone at 819-8272020 or 1-866-456-3016.

A 24-hour emergency line is available at 613-239-5353.