Montreal In Pictures

July 1 2012

Today is Canada Day, but here in Montréal (and across the province of Québec) many see it more as the day to move home.

July 1 is when many leases expire and each year the day is witness to literally thousands of people upping roots to a new home. A great time to be in the truck rental and pizza business. The images below were all taken within a few blocks which I think shows the scale of the number of people who moved today.

With moving trucks in short supply due to the high demand, or for those with few belongings or tight funds, then simply carrying (or pulling) your personal belongings to your new home can be the only option.

On the move
ISO 100 – 86mm – f5.6 – 1/250 sec

Friends moving home the hard way
ISO 100 – 135mm – f5.6 – 1/200 sec

Having a minivan helps
ISO 100 – 135mm – f8 – 1/80 sec

Even better if you have a truck
ISO 100 – 135mm – f5.6 – 1/160 (-2ev/0/+2ev)

Moving day
ISO 100 – 195mm – f5.6 – 1/500 sec

Moving day
ISO 100 – 135mm – f5.6 – 1/200mm

Moving day
ISO 100 – 300mm – f5.6 – 1/60 sec

Nearly every sidewalk shows the evidence of a move having taken place with no longer needed personal items left for the garbage truck (or a new owner). Bed bugs is a serious concern in Montreal and people are advised against picking up mattresses and soft furnishings off the street to prevent their spread.

Time for a bed change
ISO 100 – 170mm – f8 -1/125 sec

Old chair
ISO 100 – 70mm – f5.6 – 1/400 sec

Time for a clean out
ISO 100 – 70mm – f8 – 1/640 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)

Spot the slacker
ISO 100 – 200mm – f5.6 – 1/200 sec

Good time for a garage sale
ISO 100 – 70mm – f8 – 1/60 sec

It was good to see some were able to enjoy the European soccer final and I imagine these girls will be still celebrating. Little Italy is likely not the happiest part of town to be tonight.

Off to watch the Euro final
ISO 100 – 165mm – f5.6 – 1/320 sec

Wishing all my fellow Canadians a happy Canada day – hope you all had a good one !!

Not to forget it was Canada Day
ISO 100 – 100mm – f5.6 – 1/500 sec

Unfortunately I didn’t get downtown to see the Canada Day parade and festivities (including another big firework display) taking place down in Old Montreal – would have been more interesting than shooting other peoples garbage 🙂

To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.