Montreal unveils list of this summer’s pedestrian streets

The Montreal street that was once named the coolest in the entire world is once again embracing what contributed to its fame: it’s going car free.

Wellington Street in Verdun will again be open to pedestrians only – from 6th Avenue to Regina Street – for nearly four months this summer (June 2 to Sept. 19).

It’s one of eight commercial arteries in Montreal that will be pedestrianized this summer, the city announced Monday – a total of 7.3 kilometres of streets across six boroughs.

The city says more than 1,300 businesses will be impacted, adding a majority of businesses owners support the projects.

“Pedestrian streets have become staples of Montreal summers, in addition to making our city shine internationally,” said Luc Rabouin, responsible for economic development on the City of Montreal’s executive committee, as well as Projet Montréal leader and mayoral candidate.

“They are the beating heart of Montreal, enhancing the summer season and offering a comfortable, friendly, and attractive street experience.”

The eight pedestrianized streets will be: Mont-Royal Avenue, Duluth Avenue East, Wellington Street, Sainte-Catherine Street East, Saint-Denis Street, Ontario Street East, Bernard Avenue and De Castelnau Street East.

“These redesigned, pedestrian-friendly streets were selected in accordance with the City of Montreal’s process, based on projects submitted by the boroughs in partnership with Montreal’s commercial development corporations,” the City said in a press release. “After obtaining the support of a majority of merchants in favour of the submitted projects.”

The City of Montreal also says it has received stable funding over three years from the Quebec government for the program.

In addition to the eight main arteries, there will be several additional pedestrianized sections in various neighbourhoods, several of which are in the Ville-Marie borough.

“Although these developments required consultation and a period of adaptation, they are now an integral part of the urban landscape,” said Rabouin. “By creating welcoming and dynamic environments, we support local economic vitality and meet the needs of merchants.”

“These bold projects, made possible through listening and collaboration, demonstrate the importance of teamwork,” he added. “Pedestrian streets are here to stay, and I invite Montrealers to discover or rediscover them all summer long!”

The dates you can enjoy the eight pedestrian streets this season are:

• Mont Royal, from Saint-Denis to De Lorimier: May 26 – Sept. 4
• Mont Royal, from Saint-Laurent Blvd. to Saint-Denis: May 26 – Oct. 16
• Duluth E., from Saint-Laurent to Saint-Hubert: June 16 – Oct. 16
• Promenade Wellington, from 6th Avenue to Régina: June 2 – Sept. 19
• Sainte Catherine E., from Saint-Hubert to Papineau: May 15 – Oct. 14
• Saint-Christophe, from Sainte Catherine E., to 1278 Saint-Christophe: May 15 – Oct. 14
• Saint-Denis, from Sherbrooke to Sainte-Catherine: June 14 to Sept. 15
• Émery, from Sanguinet to Saint-Denis: June 14 to Sept. 15
• Ontario E., from Pie-IX to Darling: June 16 to Sept. 12
• Bernard, from Wiseman to Bloomfield: May 24 to Sept. 21
• de Castelnau, from Saint-Denis to De Gaspé: May 12 to Nov. 7