Montreal Kicked Cars to the Curb and Thrived
Montreal's pedestrianization project reduced commercial vacancy rates and expanded car-free areas, enhancing community engagement. Former mayor Luc Ferrandez initiated these changes, with current leadership continuing to promote sustainable urban planning.
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In 2020, Montreal initiated a pedestrianization project on Mont-Royal Avenue to promote shopping and socializing during the pandemic. Initially met with skepticism from business owners, the project led to a significant decrease in commercial vacancy rates, dropping from 14.5% in 2018 to 5.6% by 2023. The success of this initiative prompted the city to expand pedestrian-only streets, resulting in nearly ten kilometers of car-free areas. The transformation has revitalized neighborhoods, increased foot traffic, and fostered a sense of community. This shift towards pedestrian-friendly urban planning has drawn admiration from urban planners and has been compared to successful models in European cities. The groundwork for these changes was laid over a decade ago by former borough mayor Luc Ferrandez, who aimed to reclaim public space for pedestrians and cyclists. Despite initial resistance from residents and businesses, the long-term benefits have become evident, including enhanced safety, community engagement, and economic growth for local businesses. The current administration, led by Mayor Valérie Plante, continues to invest in cycling infrastructure and promote car-free policies, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more walkable and sustainable city. Other Canadian cities are beginning to adopt similar strategies, but successful implementation requires bold leadership and public support.
- Montreal's pedestrianization efforts have significantly reduced commercial vacancy rates.
- The city has expanded car-free areas to nearly ten kilometers, enhancing community engagement.
- Former mayor Luc Ferrandez laid the groundwork for these urban transformations.
- The current administration is committed to cycling infrastructure and car-free policies.
- Other Canadian cities are starting to adopt similar pedestrian-friendly strategies.
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1 commentsWhen it’s not the cops spend more time hassling cyclists than people openly using meth because « we asked for more enforcement »
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