After much debate and consideration, the city of Montreal has announced that certain areas of Old Montreal will be permanently designated as pedestrian-only zones, while others will only be closed to vehicles for the summer season.
The decision to make some areas of Old Montreal car-free was made in an effort to improve the overall experience for both locals and tourists. The city hopes that by creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces, it will encourage people to explore the historic district and support local businesses.
The permanent pedestrian-only zones will include parts of Saint-Paul Street, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Place d’Youville. These areas will be closed to all vehicles, including bicycles, at all times. The city has also installed new street furniture and improved lighting in these areas to enhance the pedestrian experience.
Other areas, such as Saint-Paul Street between Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Place Jacques-Cartier, will only be closed to vehicles during the summer months. This decision was made to accommodate the increase in foot traffic during the busy tourist season.
While some business owners have expressed concerns about the impact of these changes on their businesses, the city has assured them that the pedestrian zones will bring more foot traffic and ultimately benefit the local economy.
The city has also taken into consideration the needs of residents and businesses in the affected areas. Special permits will be issued to residents and businesses to allow for limited vehicle access for deliveries and other necessary purposes.
The decision to create pedestrian-only zones in Old Montreal is part of the city’s larger plan to make Montreal a more walkable and sustainable city. The city has already implemented similar measures in other areas, such as the popular pedestrian-only street, Sainte-Catherine Street.
Overall, the city of Montreal is confident that these changes will have a positive impact on the community and will continue to monitor and adjust the pedestrian zones as needed.
