No pedestrianization for Montreal’s Plaza St-Hubert this summer

Following opposition from local business owners, Plaza St-Hubert will not return as one of Montreal’s pedestrian streets in 2025.

This comes after a pilot project in which the area between Jean-Talon and Bellechasse streets was closed to traffic from July to late August 2024.

The decision comes despite 88 per cent support among residents.

The project temporarily removed cars from the busy commercial stretch and 60 per cent of local business owners called for its cancellation in a November poll by a local development corporation.

“Generally, the experience on a whole was, we’ll say, positive. The street was beautiful. The atmosphere was great. There was a lot of visitors. What the negative part was, was that all that did not necessarily translate into economic success for the businesses,” said Mike Parente, executive director for SDC Plaza St-Hubert.

Parente says that foot traffic increased by 80 per cent compared to the previous year, but it didn’t result in the expected boost in sales. According to him, on average, businesses saw between a five to seven per cent decline in sales during the eight weeks the streets were closed to cars. 

However, some businesses took a bigger hit than others.

“We experienced a 25 per cent drop in our revenue due to the pedestrianization. For example, people with reduced mobility couldn’t access the store. So, we’re really happy and voted to make sure it isn’t pedestrianized again this year,” said Sandrine Houssard, manager of Onze clothing store.

“We were in favour because we knew it worked well on Avenue Mont-Royal. They had placed beautiful plants, grown vegetables, and set up attractions for kids, like skateboarding and all that. So, we thought it would bring in more people, but in the end, not at all. People were walking around, but they didn’t come into the store or buy our products.” added Houssard.

“Plaza St-Hubert is north-south, meaning there’s 400 meters between each stop. A long way for an older person or somebody who wants to have a dress or a suit on his back. Very difficult. It’s good for the bar, people in the area, they eat, drink — I’m happy for them. You know, charcuteries, boulangeries — it’s perfect for them. But when it comes to us, it’s not a good idea,” said Jack Hallak, owner of Jaco Oumo.

“People that didn’t want a pedestrian street were willing to try it,” said Parente.

He added that the experience did lead to some great new collaborations, like with entertainers and cleaning teams, who brought a lively spirit to Plaza St-Hubert.

“We hope to continue working with these people, but in a different context to which hopefully we’ll bring about joy to our visitors, whether it be the person that lives one street away or the person that’s coming from 24 kilometers away,” Parente said.