Montreal Revisits Its Project

Sainte-Catherine Street West, one of the most dynamic commercial arteries in Montreal, is at the heart of an ambitious urban revitalization project.

However, in response to criticism and concerns expressed by merchants and residents, the City of Montreal has decided to rethink its pedestrianization strategy.

The initial project planned for the permanent pedestrianization of several sections of Sainte-Catherine Street West, particularly between Peel and Saint-Marc Streets. However, after numerous discussions with the Montreal Downtown Commercial Development Corporation (SDC), the municipality noted concerns regarding the deployment of the project.

Economic partners shared the City's vision for an ambitious redevelopment but suggested a more gradual approach.

Thus, the City of Montreal announced adjustments to the planned developments in order to maximize the conditions for the project's success.

These adjustments will allow vehicular traffic to continue along the entire street, including between Guy and Saint-Marc streets, despite the initial intention to permanently pedestrianize this section at the end of the work.

Luc Rabouin, responsible for economic development on the Montreal executive committee, stated: "After several discussions with downtown Montreal, we decided to revise the developments and create a working committee that will define future pedestrianization projects gradually."

The City of Montreal has also awarded a contract to the company Roxboro Excavation worth more than 195 million dollars.

This mandate involves upgrading outdated underground infrastructure while enhancing the layout of the street to make it more user-friendly and modern.

The mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, emphasized the importance of creating an environment that meets the community's needs while implementing an ambitious vision for the redevelopment of Sainte-Catherine Street West. "We will work with our partners to roll out this vision in a gradual and coordinated manner," she said.

Downtown Montreal welcomed the announced adjustments, noting an "openness" and a "commitment" from the City.

Future pedestrianization projects on Sainte-Catherine Street West will now be tested gradually, thus allowing to address the concerns of merchants while pursuing urban revitalization objectives.