10 Actions in 100 Days: Ensemble Montréal Aims for Fewer, Better-Planned Construction Sites

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Leader of Ensemble Montréal and candidate for Mayor of Montreal, announced on Monday her commitment to better planning and reducing roadwork across the city, one of 10 key actions she pledges to take within her first 100 days as mayor.

She took the opportunity to highlight how essential it is for a mayor to address citizens’ real concerns, such as the difficulty of getting around the city due to roadwork and the omnipresence of orange cones that obstruct traffic. Unfortunately, the orange cone has become the symbol of Montreal under the Plante-Rabouin administration.

Last August, the Montreal Auditor General’s report pointed to a lack of investment in preventative infrastructure maintenance, the concerning condition of many roads in several boroughs, and the absence of long-term planning under the Plante-Rabouin administration. These findings echo the frustration and dissatisfaction voiced by Montrealers for years.

An Embarrassing Situation for Montreal, here and abroad

Beyond residents’ quality of life, this situation has a direct impact on Montreal’s international reputation and appeal. Poorly coordinated construction work and the resulting congestion not only inconvenience citizens but also affect tourists.

In response, Ensemble Montréal is proposing the use of artificial intelligence to better plan and coordinate construction work. This approach would allow for more efficient site management, reduce traffic congestion, and improve project tracking.

In this regard, an Ensemble Montréal administration led by Soraya Martinez Ferrada commits, within the first 100 days of her term, to:

• Create a comprehensive inventory of all current and upcoming roadwork projects in Montreal, including those undertaken by partners such as Hydro-Québec, the Government of Quebec, and private companies;

• Make the municipal administration more efficient and launch a call for proposals in artificial intelligence.

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“Montrealers have had enough of orange cones everywhere, endless traffic, and streets that are constantly under construction. These issues go beyond logistics — they affect our mobility, our quality of life, and Montreal’s image on the international stage. It’s time to get back to the basics of what makes a city work, so we can once again give our metropolis the means to dream.”
— Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Leader of Ensemble Montréal and candidate for Mayor of Montreal