People, wearing protective face masks, queue outside a shop on January 18, 2021 on a commercial street in Ahtens, as all retail stores and shopping malls in the country reopen amidst the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. (Photo by ANGELOS TZORTZINIS / AFP)
Greek police on Tuesday announced a ban on large gatherings for a week for public health reasons, ahead of expected protests on a number of issues.
“All public gatherings of over 100 people (are restricted) until February 1,” the police said in a statement.
Student groups have been demonstrating for weeks against plans to introduce a special police force to guard universities.
Another protest on the issue is to be held on Thursday.
A protest has also been called Friday in support of the jailed top assassin of far-left extremist group November 17, Dimitris Koufontinas, who went on hunger strike earlier this month to demand a prison transfer.
Anarchist groups are also scheduled to protest at the Athens city hall Monday against an urban redevelopment plan.
The police said large protests posed a “danger of further boosting the spread of the coronavirus.”
In a follow-up statement, the police denied the ban was linked to the planned protests.
Greece remains under a national lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with movement restricted between regions and people required to give a valid reason for leaving their homes.
The ban was eased on January 18 to allow retail outlets to operate, and secondary schools are to reopen on Monday.
More than 5,600 deaths in Greece have been attributed to coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. Over 280 people are in intensive care.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the image of a person who is deceased. A missing Alice Springs girl…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-street-in-the-small-city-of-dolbeau-mistassini-quebec.jpg?id=56518597&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p> As <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-how-much-buy-home" target="_blank">home prices continue to skyrocket</a> across Canada, finding an affordable place to buy is no easy feat, especially in cities like <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-cost-of-living" target="_blank">Montreal</a>, Toronto, and Vancouver.
</p><p> But if you're looking to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality of life, you're not totally out of luck — Quebec has emerged as the reigning champion when it comes to <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/quebec-homes-for-sale" target="_blank">affordable homeownership</a>.
</p><p> In fact, eight different cities in the province have topped a list of the most affordable places to <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/buy-home-montreal-canada" target="_blank">buy a home in Canada</a> for 2025. According to a recent <a href="https://www.nesto.ca/real-estate/20-cheapest-cities-to-live-in-canada/" target="_blank">Nesto report</a>, which took house prices, average household incomes, and the cost of living into account, many of Quebec's smaller cities and towns offer some serious value. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an industrial hub, there's no shortage of affordable options in this province.
</p><p> The cities on the list are not just affordable — they also boast excellent quality of life, from scenic views and outdoor activities to growing job markets.
</p><p> With that in mind, here's a breakdown of the eight Quebec towns that made the top 10 list for the most affordable places to buy a home right now.
</p><h3>Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec</h3><br/><p>Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Rivière-du-Loup is known for its whale-watching and its breathtaking views along the St. Lawrence River. Not only is it a dream for nature lovers, but it's also incredibly affordable. Average home prices here are about $294,955, far below the national average of $720,000.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $294,955</li><li>Average Household Income: $70,894</li></ul><h3>Thetford Mines</h3><br/><p>Once famous for its asbestos industry, Thetford Mines is now known for its affordability and strong ties to the region's rich natural resources. If you're looking for a place where you can stretch your budget without sacrificing access to urban amenities, Thetford Mines may be it, as homes here go for less than $200,000.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $196,537</li><li>Average Household Income: $64,231</li></ul><h3>Sainte-Marie, Quebec</h3><br/><p>For those who want the best of both worlds — peaceful riverside living with close proximity to Quebec City — Sainte-Marie is the place to be. With an average home price of $306,957, it's a bit higher than some of the other towns on the list, but its affordability combined with its stunning location makes it a worthy contender.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $306,957</li><li>Average Household Income: $87,119</li></ul><h3>Alma, Quebec</h3><br/><p>Alma, situated in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, offers affordable homes in a region known for its outdoor activities. The city is a hub for agriculture and industry, and with an average home price of $271,142, it's a great option for anyone looking for value in a quieter area.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $271,142</li><li>Average Household Income: $74,485</li></ul><h3>Rimouski, Quebec</h3><br/><p>Rimouski, often referred to as Quebec's hub for marine research and conservation, is growing rapidly but remains incredibly affordable. With a price tag of around $298,714, Rimouski offers a unique mix of scientific innovation and coastal living, all at an affordable price point.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $298,714</li><li>Average Household Income: $72,435</li></ul><h3>Victoriaville, Quebec</h3><br/><p>Located in the Centre-du-Québec region, Victoriaville is known for its vibrant local economy and affordable living. With a strong industrial sector and beautiful natural surroundings, it's a great place to settle down, with average home prices hovering around $297,150.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $297,150</li><li>Average Household Income: $68,269</li></ul><h3>Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec</h3><br/><p>Nestled in the heart of Lac-Saint-Jean, Dolbeau-Mistassini is a rural town that offers the charm of rural living combined with affordable housing. Average home prices here are just $219,932, making it an affordable option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $219,932</li><li>Average Household Income: $68,175</li></ul><h3>Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec</h3><br/><p>In the heart of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda rounds out Nesto's top 10 list. Known for its mining industry and growing cultural scene, this city offers a higher average home price of $316,351, but it also boasts a higher average household income of $82,859, making it a great option for those in search of a solid economic base.</p><ul><li>Average Home Price: $316,351</li><li>Average Household Income: $82,859</li></ul><div>
<p> Rounding out Nesto's top 10 list for affordable home prices were places like Tracadie and Bathurst in New Brunswick. </p>
<p> The report, which you can check out <a href="https://www.nesto.ca/real-estate/20-cheapest-cities-to-live-in-canada/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, also includes a list of cities with the most affordable rental markets.</p>
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