The City of Montreal has announced the first phase of its plan to transform Old Montreal into a "pedestrian priority zone."
Phase one will focus on four main areas: Place d’Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, Saint-Paul Street, and De la Commune Street.
According to Sophie Mauzerolle, head of transport and mobility on the executive committee, the aim of this initiative is to enhance the appeal and vibrancy of Old Montreal.
With summer approaching, the city plans to improve public spaces for residents by:
- Enhancing Place d’Armes by converting it into a shared street section and pedestrianizing the area in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica.
- Improving De la Commune Street by maintaining terraces, widening pedestrian spaces, and considering making the street one-way with restricted vehicle access (excluding STM buses, tourist and school buses, taxis, local deliveries, and emergency vehicles).
- Creating a two-way cycle lane on the south side of De la Commune Street.
- Continuing the pedestrianization of Place Jacques-Cartier and Saint-Paul Street.
These efforts aim to make Old Montreal more attractive and lively for both residents and visitors.