Future of church in jeopardy due to new bike lane: residents

Some NDG residents are raising concerns over a new bike path that was installed in the borough.

They believe it might lead to the demise of Saint Monica’s Church.

Not all the members raising the concerns are Catholic or members of the parish, however, they all believe the church is a major community institution and that its future is at stake.

“This bike path was installed and then uninstalled because the citizens didn’t want it. Now it’s back again, and we’re asking for the borough to make some compromise,” said Natasha Hall, co-spokesperson for the Citizens Support Committee for St. Monica’s Church.

“We think it’s really unfortunate that they haven’t been more willing to find solutions that can help ensure the longevity of this church that’s been around for 75 years now.”

Church Warden Paul Wong previously warned that the bike path prevented funerals and weddings at the venue, while also noting that it has caused a 30 per cent decrease in attendance.

“We are heartbroken that despite our public plea for help, weeks have gone by without the borough contacting us to seek accommodation. Our future is truly at stake,” said Wong.

“I don’t know any road in NDG, Montreal or anywhere on the island that is open 24 seven. I mean it’s blocked for snow removal, it’s blocked for garbage and recycling and compost pickups. So I mean why does Terrebonne have to be the exception that it is above that modest request from the that we proposed to the borough?”

It is believed the church will lose around $60,000 to $80,000 over the next year due to events being cancelled.

“The church can’t afford to lose thousands of dollars a month,” says Hall. “Today we are announcing a community fundraiser to help Saint Monica’s and to raise public awareness so that the elected officials finally understand that NDGers want the borough to accommodate the church’s reasonable requests.”

Marvin Rotrand, a former city councillor and the other co-chair of the support committee, added: “The church had requested that it be allowed temporary parking for weddings and funerals, obliging cyclists to walk their bikes for 100 metres around event parking, but that simple solution was refused by the borough.”

A letter was sent to the NDG borough on October 24 –requesting the closure of the bike lane during winter and seeking the City’s collaboration to find a permanent solution that respects the churches operations when it comes to funerals and weddings. In the meantime, fundraising events are being planned to support the place of worship, starting on November 24

“Admittance is free, but the idea is to raise tax deductible donations to help the church make it through this next period. And then ultimately, we are hoping to get the borough to agree to close the bike path for the winter. Just as a short-term solution until we can come up with something that will work for us on a long-term basis,” said Hall.

CityNews reached out to the NDG borough but haven’t heard back at this time.