Montreal to Revamp Ste-Catherine Street: Upgrade Pipes and Expand Pedestrian Zones by 2025
The City of Montreal will start major work on Ste-Catherine Street West in summer 2025. This effort aims to replace old underground pipes and make the area more pedestrian-friendly and, in some locations, pedestrian-only.
Mayor Valérie Plante announced this plan during a press conference. The section affected lies between Peel and St-Marc streets. Much of this work has already begun, but the next phase will kick off in the summer of 2025. The pipes in this section date back to the 1800s and need updating to avoid future issues.
Plante emphasized the need to upgrade infrastructure while improving the street for businesses and residents. The city plans to create a “dynamic” and “welcoming” space. Changes will include wider sidewalks, new greenery, and bollards. The goal is to encourage walking and increased public transit use.
The project will also establish two pedestrian-only zones: Place McGill, between Robert-Bourassa Boulevard and Mansfield Street, and Place Concordia, between Bishop and Guy streets.
Interview with Urban Planning Specialist on Montreal’s Ste-Catherine Street Revitalization
Interview with Urban Planning Specialist on Montreal’s Ste-Catherine Street Revitalization
Interviewer: Good morning! Today, we are joined by Dr. Anne Lapointe, an urban planning specialist with over 15 years of experience in municipal projects. We’re discussing the City of Montreal’s new initiative for Ste-Catherine Street West, set to begin in the summer of 2025. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lapointe.
Dr. Lapointe: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this important initiative.
Interviewer: Mayor Valérie Plante announced this revitalization effort, which includes replacing century-old underground pipes and making the area more pedestrian-friendly. What are your thoughts on the necessity of this project?
Dr. Lapointe: This project is long overdue. The underground infrastructure, some dating back to the 1800s, has likely faced significant deterioration. Upgrading these pipes is crucial not only to prevent future issues but also to create a safe and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike.
Interviewer: The planned improvements include wider sidewalks, greenery, and bollards to enhance pedestrian traffic. How important are these elements in urban design?
Dr. Lapointe: Very important. Wider sidewalks encourage more foot traffic and create a more pleasant environment. Adding greenery and street furniture can enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote longer stays. These changes can transform a street from just a thoroughfare into a vibrant community space where people feel comfortable to walk and linger.
Interviewer: The city plans to introduce two pedestrian-only zones. What impact do you think this will have on the local economy and businesses?
Dr. Lapointe: Pedestrian-only zones can initially be challenging for businesses that rely on car traffic. However, studies show that these areas often experience increased foot traffic, which can lead to higher sales. It’s essential for the city to communicate and collaborate with business owners during this transition to ensure they adapt and thrive.
Interviewer: There have been concerns about the lack of consultation with local business owners. Glenn Castanheira of SDC Montréal Centre-Ville suggested delaying the project until after the next municipal election. What’s your take on this?
Dr. Lapointe: Consultation is key in urban planning. Engaging with businesses early can mitigate concerns and lead to better outcomes. However, delaying a necessary infrastructure upgrade may not be ideal. A balance must be struck where the city listens to concerns while still moving forward with improvements that will benefit the broader community in the long run.
Interviewer: The project is expected to take time, with full completion possibly not until 2030. Do you think the timeframe is realistic?
Dr. Lapointe: It’s a substantial undertaking, and having a timeline that stretches over several years is common for major infrastructure projects. However, it’s crucial that the city communicates clearly with the public about the timeline and keeps disruptions to a minimum. Regular updates on progress can help maintain community support.
Interviewer: what advice would you give to local business owners navigating the upcoming changes?
Dr. Lapointe: I recommend staying proactive. Engage with city officials, take advantage of the financial aid and support offered, and consider how to adapt to the new pedestrian-focused environment. Innovating with marketing strategies that appeal to foot traffic can also help maintain customer engagement during the construction phase.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Lapointe, for sharing your insights on this transformative project for Montreal.
Dr. Lapointe: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing the positive changes in the years to come.
The city acknowledges that construction will be challenging for local businesses. It will make driving and parking harder and may disrupt pedestrian traffic. To help mitigate these effects, the city will spend $700,000 in 2025, ensuring businesses maintain access and hiring a liaison to ease communication. Business owners can receive up to $45,000 in financial aid.
The project will take time, and full completion may not occur until 2030. Some work is nearing completion on the section between Mansfield and Peel streets, where sidewalks were widened and car traffic reduced to one lane, creating a friendlier atmosphere for pedestrians. However, some businesses reported lower customer traffic during the work.
Criticism has arisen regarding a lack of consultation with business owners. Glenn Castanheira of SDC Montréal Centre-Ville urged the city to delay the project until after the next municipal election. He suggested conducting a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of turning parts of Ste-Catherine into pedestrian-only areas before proceeding.