Pointe-Claire

The case study conducted was one of fourteen studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing Complete Street transformations across the province of Quebec.

Project Information: 

• Street Category: Residential and commercial street 
• Project length: 1.1 km
• Cost of the project: $5.4 M
• Cost per km: $4.9 M
• Years of implementation: 2017-2018

Before: 

 Photo: Google Street View 

After: 

Photos: City of Pointe-Claire

In 2017 and 2018, a 1.1 km stretch of Cartier Avenue between Highway 20 and Lakeshore Road was redeveloped. Part of the Programme particulier d’urbanisme (PPU) for the Village of Pointe-Claire, the aim of this project was to enhance the attractiveness and usability of the main north-south link between the commercial hub near  Highway 20 and the village core, a heritage, recreational and commercial sector. The project arose, in particular, out of a desire to enhance the comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists circulating on this axis.

Pedestrian infrastructure

The widening of the sidewalks and the addition of curb extensions in front of the CLSC du Lac-Saint-Louis helped make the crossing more user-friendly and safer for pedestrians. Curb ramps were installed at each intersection. 

Cycling infrastructure

The new two-way cycling path (on the west side) was raised and separated from the traffic lanes by a border and, in parts, by a vegetative strip. This makes it possible to link the Route verte on Lakeshore Road to the cycling path located to the north of Highway 20. 

Traffic calming

The roadway was narrowed and curves (chicanes) were added to decrease motorists’ speeds. In addition, the speed limit was reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. 

Landscaping and furniture

The inclusion of a vegetative strip allowed trees and plants to be added to reduce heat islands and green the neighbourhood. New furniture was also installed. 

Challenge encountered: access to parking

The cycling path does not extend to Lakeshore Road as was initially planned. The members of the Pointe-Claire municipal council wanted to ensure access to streetside parking for clients of the public market during the summer. The cycling path is interrupted at the corner of Lanthier Avenue. 

Key element: the  Complete Streets concept  

The Complete Street and shared street concepts are referenced in the Village of Pointe-Claire’s Special Planning Program, under orientation 5: improving mobility and accessibility. They also appear in the Programme particulier d’urbanisme (PPU)  for Valois Village and in the Pointe-Claire Bicycle Path Network Plan.

Cross section, at the corner of Highway 20

Total pavement: +/- 10 metres