The Sud-Ouest Borough took a significant step forward in its urban development vision this past July 9th by inaugurating Emily-Coonan Square, named in honor of a Pointe-Saint-Charles artist renowned for her talent. The area was previously known as the Island placette.

Strategically located between Saint-Patrick Street and the Lachine Canal, this new public space replaces a former urban wasteland with a vibrant oasis for gathering and mobility for the residents of Pointe-Saint-Charles.

This project is at the heart of a broader strategy aimed at rethinking how we share our roadways and secure active transportation, all while creating a dynamic living environment that directly responds to the historic requests of the local community.

 About Emily Coonan

Emily Coonan (1885-1971) was an Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painter native to the Pointe-Saint-Charles neighborhood. She trained at the Conseil des arts et manufactures de la province de Québec and studied at the Art Association of Montreal. In 1913, she received a travel bursary from the National Gallery of Canada, allowing her to travel to Europe.

 From then on, her work became heavily influenced by European Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. Her last exhibition took place in 1933, after which she withdrew from the artistic community. Nevertheless, several of her works, often centered on female subjects, are preserved in prestigious institutions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Canada, testifying to her lasting influence. She was a pioneer as a female artist emerging from a working-class and Catholic background.

Project Details and Urban Landscaping

The design of Emily-Coonan Square was thoughtfully planned to maximize user-friendliness and the fluidity of movement. The new amenities include:

• Active Mobility: The integration of new pathways, a dedicated bike lane, and infrastructure supporting a four-season electric BIXI station.

• Universal Accessibility: The connection to the Lachine Canal has been significantly improved by softening the slope and adding a handrail, ensuring safe access for everyone.

• Long-Term Traffic Calming: The temporary fixtures previously installed at the intersections of Island Street have been transformed into permanent curb extensions, effectively calming local traffic.

• Environmental Resilience: The greening of the space aligns directly with the Sud-Ouest’s Climate Plan, contributing to the neighborhood's resilience against climate change.

Owners, Promoters, and Partners

This redevelopment is the result of a strong synergy between the municipal administration and key partners:

• Sud-Ouest Borough: The initiator and project manager, acting in response to a participatory citizen approach conducted from 2019 to 2023.

• Hydro-Québec: A major partner through its Integrated Enhancement Program (PMVI), demonstrating a voluntary commitment to improving the quality of life in communities that host its infrastructure.

Schedule and Budget

The execution of this project adhered to a precise timeline to minimize impacts on the neighborhood while delivering high-quality infrastructure:

• Start of Construction: Mid-June 2025

• Completion: June 2026

• Inauguration: July 9, 2026

• Total Investment: $1.3 Million

• Hydro-Québec Contribution: $367,906 specifically allocated for Emily-Coonan Square, supplemented by $375,419 for the safety upgrades at the Saint-Patrick intersection.

Financial, Economic, and Social Impacts

The injection of $1.3 million into the public infrastructure of the Sud-Ouest generates benefits that extend far beyond the financial scope.

The grant from Hydro-Québec optimized the municipal budget while allowing for the delivery of superior amenities. On a local economic level, the beautification of this gateway and the direct connection to the Lachine Canal increase the residential appeal of Pointe-Saint-Charles, solidifying the value of the surrounding real estate

market.

Furthermore, the extensive work enhances access to the Lachine Canal, strengthening the bond between the neighborhood and this iconic landmark. Most significantly, Emily-Coonan Square brings to life a long-standing community request to reclaim this once-abandoned space, turning it into a focal point for neighborhood life. This gathering place fosters social cohesion and encourages healthy lifestyle habits through premier active mobility infrastructure.

This achievement eloquently demonstrates how the reclamation and modernization of public spaces can weave lasting connections and deeply enrich community life. The upcoming development phases in the Sud-Ouest will undoubtedly build upon this successful collaborative model to continue offering citizens increasingly green, inclusive, and stimulating living environments.