Ensemble Montréal calls for review of Sainte-Catherine West pedestrianization project

Soraya Martinez Ferrada, candidate for mayor of Montreal and leader of Ensemble Montréal, called for a review of the project to pedestrianize Sainte-Catherine Street West at a press conference held downtown Tuesday morning.

Accompanied by Aref Salem, leader of the Official Opposition, Julien Hénault-Ratelle, the Official Opposition’s economic development critic, and Serge Sasseville, independent City Councillor for the Peter-McGill district, she announced that a motion would be tabled at the next city council meeting on April 14 to propose a development inspired by Phase 1 of Sainte-Catherine Street. This model, which combines a traffic lane, widened sidewalks, a green corridor, street furniture and a short delivery lane, received an 85% satisfaction rate in the September 2023 consultation report.

“There is no justification for closing Sainte-Catherine Street West. It’s essential to protect the commercial vitality of our downtown core and to ensure cleanliness, snow removal and public safety, as said by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). Montrealers should be enthusiastic about this project, but today, that’s far from being the case. We’re listening to concerns and proposing a more balanced solution that respects the city’s needs,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada.

Pedestrianization raises many issues

A number of key players have also spoken out against or expressed reservations about the pedestrianization of Sainte-Catherine Street West, due to the many issues raised by the project. These include the Société de développement commercial Montréal centre-ville, the SPVM and the Comité consultatif du patrimoine. Problems identified include:

• Safety: the SPVM has issued an unfavorable opinion regarding pedestrianization, due to accessibility and safety concerns, notably the lack of access routes for emergency vehicles and the impact on response times.
• Cleanliness: garbage and recycling collection would be moved to cross-streets, complicating operations for citizens and merchants.
• Snow removal: 70% of new developments will not be able to be cleared properly.
• Economy: no economic impact report was provided, particularly on access to commercial deliveries and support for local businesses.

Ensemble Montréal will continue to be the voice of Montrealers, ensuring that the decisions taken ensure the safety, cleanliness and economic prosperity of our city.

Quotes

“At Ensemble Montréal, we’re convinced that it’s possible to propose a pleasant, thoughtful design inspired by best practices for Sainte-Catherine-Ouest Street. We’re talking about an emblematic and vital artery of our metropolis. Its future is inextricably linked to social acceptability,” insisted Aref Salem, leader of the Official Opposition at Montreal City Hall. 

“It’s crucial to ensure that every decision made for the future of our city is based on solid data and rigorous consultation. The evolution of downtown Montreal must respond to today’s challenges, while respecting the needs of citizens and merchants,” added Julien Hénault-Ratelle, the Official Opposition’s economic development critic.

“Many Montrealers, as well as partners and merchants, reject this pedestrianization project. An ideological approach disconnected from the realities on the ground has no place. It makes sense and is a matter of responsibility to revisit this project through a genuine consultation with merchants and residents in order to take their concerns into account,” emphasized Serge Sasseville, independent City Councillor for the Peter-McGill district.