Ensemble Montréal opposes pedestrianization of Sainte-Catherine Street West, call for referendum on the issue

Ensemble Montréal and Independent City Councillor for the Peter-McGill district Serge Sasseville are calling for a referendum on the pedestrianization of Saint-Catherine Street West – which would be done by creating four pedestrian esplanades between the Quartier des spectacles and Atwater Ave.

They say the Plante administration lacks transparency surrounding the project and more consultations are needed – especially with merchants and residents.

“Such a project will have major consequences for our merchants and residents, in addition to having effects on the mobility of the entire city,” said Official Opposition spokesperson for Economic Development Julien Hénault-Ratelle. “Downtown Montreal is one of the largest event and attraction hubs in Canada, and it is crucial that all Montreal citizens be able to have their say on this issue.”

They add that these developments would affect deliveries and garbage collection routes in the area – limiting them to 5-minute stops.

“Between the construction sites, vacant businesses, social coexistence issues, and sanitation problems, everyone agrees that it’s already chaos downtown,” said Sasseville. “It’s unthinkable to add such a burden on the economic heart of our metropolis! The Projet Montréal administration must stop improvising and consider the opinion of the entire population.” 

According to a press release, the redevelopment of Sainte-Catherine Street has been subjected to several consultations, but the opposition says that residents and merchants haven’t had the opportunity to share their opinions about the permanent pedestrianization.

“Permanent pedestrianization is only feasible if it does not hinder the functionality of the residents, the commercial vitality of the street, and its impact on the surrounding streets is minimized,” reads the press release.

A motion requesting that the City of Montreal make the completion of the Sainte-Catherine Street West pedestrianization project conditional on its approval by merchants and residents will be tabled at the next city council meeting on Nov. 18 and 19. 

Currently, there are about 1,200 stores downtown, 1,200 bars and restaurants, 40 hotels, 60 cultural establishments, with 500,000 people in and out of the downtown core every day.