Verdun shouldn’t permanently pedestrianize Wellington Street: Public consultation report

The Verdun borough shouldn’t permanently pedestrianize Wellington Street — that’s the finding of a report from Montreal’s public consultation office (OCPM).

The OCPM was mandated to evaluate the idea of a year-round pedestrianization project there, as it is already pedestrianized over the summer.

The report found the divided the community due a lack of clear answers and analysis of its impacts 

The OCPM says although permanent pedestrianization isn’t the way to go, they made three other recommendations to the borough:

• Rely on up-to-date studies concerning the impacts and benefits of pedestrianization in terms of accessibility, mobility, commercial dynamics, collateral effects and costs, should it eventually consider carrying out the project;
• Consider various alternative scenarios for reducing the space for cars on Wellington Street outside the summer pedestrianization period;
• Continue its efforts to implement measures to reduce the nuisances associated with the summer pedestrianization of Wellington Street.

Over 1,700 people participated in the public consultation from November 2024 to February 2025.

In a press release, the OCPM says they were able to learn about the issues surrounding the proposal and ask questions of those involved in the project. “The process also provided an opportunity for people to exchange views and share their opinions and suggestions in a welcoming and respectful setting, consistent with the OCPM’s activities,” they say.

The consultation report will be submitted to the municipal council on June 16.