Montreal

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: Commercial street
• Project length: 150 m
• Cost of the project: $5 M
• Cost per km: $33.3 M
• Years of implementation: 2019

Before: 

Photo: Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie Borough

After: 

In 2018, the Borough of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie assigned permanent status to the pilot project for the redevelopment of Shamrock Avenue between Casgrain Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The project’s aim was to create a livelier, greener and safer environment. It was also a response to a request from the Société de développement commercial (SDC) de la Petite Italie et du Marché Jean-Talon to strengthen the connection between two defining areas of the neighbourhood: the market and Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Begun in 2014 as a pilot project, the initiative began receiving support from the Shared and Pedestrian Streets Program in 2016. The process began with the implementation of transitional measures in 2016 and 2017, which made it possible to assess how best to share the street with pedestrians, as well as the impact on the sector’s accessibility.

Pedestrian infrastructure
The closure of one traffic lane, the elimination of parking spaces and the restriction to one-way westbound traffic increased the space for pedestrians. A new sidewalk in paving stone was added and a total of 160 seats were installed to encourage relaxation and socialization. The installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Shamrock Avenue and Saint-Laurent Boulevard created a safer pedestrian crossing. 

Universal accessibility
The designers carried out an accessibility audit during each year of the temporary project and a universal accessibility advisory committee reviewed the final project. In accordance with booklet #5 of the Guide d’aménagement durable des rues de la Ville de Montréal, the redevelopment included tactile warning plates, straight, protected, cane-detectable pathways and widened curb ramps that facilitate wheelchair access to the sidewalk. 

Traffic calming
Parking spaces alternating with curb extensions on one side of the street, a narrowed roadway, as well as the elimination of parking spaces and of one traffic lane, helped to calm traffic speeds. Since this street is classified as a Shared Street, the speed limit is 20 km/h and pedestrians have priority over motorists at all times. 

Landscaping and furniture
The prevalence of the colour red is a design choice intended to make the redevelopment distinctive and unique. This visual signature is apparent both on the ground and in the furniture. Distinctive facilities contribute to the originality of the new space: a large table able to accommodate 110 people and the addition of a kitchen island. The installation of vegetative strips and the planting of 28 trees help reduce heat islands. There is a sevenfold increase in vegetated surface area. Finally, the addition of artistic lighting and a multifunctional performance space encourage residents to make use of the area. 

Participatory process
As early as 2016, a participatory urban planning process conducted by the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM), which included evaluation of the temporary facilities, made it possible to elicit the preferences of citizens, as well as their views on what challenges were encountered and which ideas were successful. A total of 1800 people participated in at least one of the 14 participatory activities that took place over two years. This process helped identify six principles to guide implementation of the permanent redevelopment: 1) balance among the different uses; 2) a signature look that would be harmonious with and respect the character of the Petite-Italie neighbourhood; 3) relaxation and meeting spaces; 4) cohabitation of users, residents and merchants; 5) the community’s involvement and 6) the prevalence of greenery. For details, see the consultation report.

Cross section, corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard

Total pavement: +/- 5 metres 

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: Commercial street
• Project length: 500
• Cost of the project: $15.5 M
• Cost per km: $31 M
• Years of implementation: 2017-2018

Before: 

Photo: City of Montréal

After: 

Photo: City of Montréal

Between 2017 and 2018, the City of Montréal undertook the redevelopment of Laurier Avenue West, between Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine and Park Avenue, in the Outremont and Plateau-Mont-Royal boroughs. The aim of the redevelopment was to create a comfortable public space to encourage strolling and shopping in an area well-known for the quality of its shops. The designers wanted to create a thoughtful, reserved and unique layout that would blend with the character of the adjacent neighbourhoods. In order to protect its commercial dynamism, the street benefited from the PR@M-Artère en chantier program, which provided the affected business community with various types of funding, intended to maintain and develop the sector’s retail market during and after completion of the work.

Pedestrian infrastructure

The sidewalks were enlarged and surfaced with paving stone using a unique pattern created for this street. The installation of curb extensions at intersections reduced the crossing width for pedestrians and ensured greater safety. The space devoted to active transportation and greening was doubled, as compared to the street’s previous layout.

Universal accessibility

Curb ramps and tactile warning plates were included at each intersection. Pedestrian pathways that meet barrier-free design requirements were also created. Reduced crossing widths on both Laurier Avenue West and on cross streets helped make the street more accessible.

Cycling infrastructure

One-way cycling lanes were added on either side of the street to ensure the comfort and safety of cyclists. The creation of a bike box at the intersection with Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine facilitates access to the protected cycling path.

Public transit

The #51 bus line of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) runs along this street. The curb extensions at each bus stop were extended to allow vehicles to stop while passengers board without having to leave the traffic lane.

Traffic calming

The narrowing of the roadway and the preservation of parking spaces on the street have helped calm traffic speeds.

Landscaping and furniture

The addition of new benches designed in collaboration with the citizens, along with street lamps and waste bins, adds to the originality of the layout and enhances the comfort of strolling passers-by. The addition of 69 trees of various species and the enlargement of planting pits ensure a cooler urban environment by extending the Outremont canopy while contributing to biodiversity. Terraces, which had previously occupied parking spaces on the street, can now be installed on the sidewalks, whose width has been increased. 

Participatory process

A monitoring committee was in place from 2014 to 2016 and held several meetings involving representatives of residential, commercial and community groups, as well as elected representatives and civil servants. The work of the monitoring committee helped to enhance the street’s design and to plan the construction phases. While work was ongoing, a liaison officer was available at any time to answer citizens’ questions, and a neighbourhood committee held monthly meetings. This committee served to inform citizens about onsite progress and upcoming work plans.

Cross section, corner of de l’Épée Street

Total pavement:  +/- 10 metres

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: 3 km
• Cost of the project: $50 M
• Cost per km: $16.7 M
• Years of implementation: Phase 1: 2017-2018 ; Phase 2: 2019-2021; Phase 3: 2022-2023

Before:

Photo: City of Montréal

After:

Photos: City of Montréal

Between 2014 and 2015, the Direction des transports (now the Direction de la mobilité) of the City of Montréal and the Ahuntsic-Cartierville Borough formulated a plan for the redevelopment of Laurentian Boulevard and Lachapelle Street, Route 117. The aim was to make the one-way arteries between the Lachapelle bridge and Louisbourg Street more user-friendly. The redevelopment also aims to improve users’ experiences, along with safety and mobility, in accordance with the objectives identified by the Direction des transports. In addition to creating a distinctive entrance into the city, the project led to the installation of more accessible intersections. The first of the three construction phases was carried out in 2017-18.

Pedestrian infrastructure 

The sidewalks were widened and pedestrian traffic lights were installed to facilitate crossing at intersections and help make these arteries more user-friendly. Comfortable meeting spaces were also added to facilitate use of the streets. Sidewalk surfaces were standardized and enhanced with anti-slip materials. 

Universal accessibility
Twelve intersections were redesigned so as to be universally accessible, as part of the Municipalités amies des aînés (MADA) pilot project (for senior-friendly cities). The project also included the development of barrier-free and vertically unobstructed pedestrian pathways. The creation of a buffer zone between the roadway and the pedestrian corridor made it possible to avoid lowering the sidewalk at crossings. 

Cycling infrastructure
The existing east-west cycling axis located under the Lachapelle bridge, which flooded every spring, was re-positioned level with Laurentian Boulevard. A pedestrian crossing protected by traffic lights allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely. This cycling path is part of the Route verte. 

Public transit
The installation of reserved bus lanes ensures the optimization of public transportation on these roadways for line 180 of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), as well as  for lines 55, 144, 151 and 902 of the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The bus stops were redesigned to make them more attractive. 

Traffic calming
Several interventions were aimed at reducing traffic speeds: a reduction in the number of traffic lanes, the widening of sidewalks and the creation of vegetative strips bordering both roadways. 

Landscaping and furniture
Over 400 trees were planted and 4500 m2 of green spaces were created to reduce heat islands. LED lighting has increased safety along the streets. The installation of numerous benches along the sidewalks and at bus stops creates a friendlier neighbourhood with ad hoc meeting places. The project comprises the creation of an iconic entrance to the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough and the City of Montréal with illumination of the existing mature trees. The concept is to evoke “la forêt bleue” or ”the blue forest”. 

Key element: involvement of seniors
In the context of the MADA pilot project, a workshop was organized for seniors, the directors of three seniors’ residences located within the project’s perimeter and representatives of various community organizations. The purpose of this workshop was to identify the problems and inconveniences that they experienced in the existing environment and to determine their needs.

Cross section of Laurentien Blvd., corner of Périnault Street

Total pavement: +/- 15 metres

The case study conducted on Notre-Dame Street West was one of the nine studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing complete street transformations across the province of Quebec.

Project Information

• Street category: Commercial street
• Project length: 450 m
• Total cost: $10.5 M
• Cost per km: $23.1 M
• Year of implementation: 2018

Background

Taking advantage of the renewal of the underground infrastructure, the City of Montréal  completely redeveloped the surface of  Notre-Dame Street West, between Atwater Avenue and Saint-Augustin Street. In the context of the redevelopment, the Parc du Bonheur-d’Occasion, located at the corner of Rose-de-Lima Street, was renamed “Place du Bonheur-d’Occasion” to reflect its new contemporary stone design. In tribute to the writer Gabrielle Roy, benches were installed with quotations from her novel Bonheur d’occasion. In September 2017, the Place du Bonheur-d’Occasion was inaugurated with a big celebration including music, animation and various activities.

Before                                                                         After

Pedestrian Infrastructure

The widening of the sidewalks and the installation of curb extensions at most intersections resulted in the removal of parking spaces and reduced the roadway to 3.4 metres, the minimum width required for buses. In addition, the raised intersections and the surfaces covered with paving stone form a new area that offers meeting places and space for events with temporary pedestrianization of the street.

Universal accessibility

In addition to raised intersections brought level with the sidewalks, tactile warning plates indicate the location of pedestrian crossings for people with impaired vision. The alignment of the urban furniture also forms a protected pedestrian corridor.

Cycling infrastructure

The new street does not include a bicycle lane. However, bicycle stands were added and the development project includes plans to add BIXI stations and bicycle repair stations, all to promote active travel.

Public transit

Bus lines 35, 36, 71 and 191 serve Notre-Dame Street West. Bus shelters were installed on some sections. The new configuration includes benches close to bus stops.

Traffic calming

The raised and narrowed intersections facilitate pedestrian crossing and result in reduced vehicle speeds. In addition, the intersection with Rose-de-Lima Street was reconfigured to enhance pedestrian safety.

Landscaping and furniture

Vegetative strips add to the greened surfaces of the new Notre-Dame Street West and the addition of many trees provides a safe buffer zone between the sidewalk and the roadway. The tree wells are large and interconnected by means of new technology (Silva Cell) that allows the spread of roots under the sidewalk. The urban furniture creates spaces for relaxation and modern lamp posts complement the landscaping.

Participatory process

In 2015, citizens and merchants expressed their opinions through consultative activities carried out in the street, in commercial establishments, as well as through an online survey. Two participatory workshops organized on their behalf provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and to validate the proposed scenarios.

Thanks to a construction mitigation plan and to community activities, the borough was able to maintain good communication with stakeholders. Moreover, the Société de développement commercial – Les Quartiers du Canal benefited from the PR@M-Artère en chantier program, a measure aimed at assisting the business community during major underground infrastructure work involving the reconstruction of water or sewage networks.

Key Element: Recognition award

The Le Sud-Ouest borough won the Plume d’argent at the Gala des Plumes d’excellence 2017 of the Association des communicateurs municipaux du Québec for “Ponto,” a friendly orange cone featured in the playful communication campaign titled “La Dame se refait une beauté.”

Cross section: Corner of Greene Avenue

Total pavement: +/-15 metres

The case study conducted on Buchan Street was one of the nine studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing complete street transformations across the province of Quebec.

Project Information

• Street category: Local street
• Project length: 280 m
• Total cost: $2.5 M
• Cost per km: $8.9 M
• Year of implementation: Autumn 2017

Background

The redevelopment of Buchan Street is part of the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grace borough’s “The triangle” project. The redevelopment, based on the Shared Street approach, aims to reduce the segregation of different modes of transportation, so as to calm automobile traffic and promote the coexistence of users. Buchan Street crosses the triangle formed by Mountain Sights Avenue, Paré Street and Victoria Avenue. This area, formerly dominated by the automobile industry, has been the locus of a major real estate development that takes advantage of proximity to the Namur and De la Savane metro stations.

Before                                                                  After

Pedestrian infrastructure

On one side of Buchan Street, the sidewalk was raised 5 cm above the pavement, and on the other, it was brought level with a slight slope. The sidewalks were widened to 3 m after the roadway was narrowed. Plans include the installation of a pedestrian square at the corner of Mountain Sights Avenue and the addition of a park between Buchan Street and Victoria Avenue.

Universal accessibility

Tactile surfaces, guiding lines and contrasting visual elements are located on all the streets in “The triangle” project to assist persons with impaired vision. The sidewalk, only slightly higher than the pavement, facilitates the movement of persons with reduced mobility.

Cycling infrastructure

In accordance with the shared street model, there are no marked bicycle lanes on the street. This approach, which removes the demarcations separating road users, promotes a new dynamic and changes the rhythm at which users negotiate use of the street.

Traffic calming

Buchan Street was changed from a unidirectional to a bidirectional street. The roadway was narrowed and the speed limit was reduced to 20 km/h. Texture was added to the pavement through the use of paving stones. Curb extensions were added at each street corner, as well as halfway between intersections. These help reduce the speed of automobiles and facilitate pedestrian travel.

Landscaping and furniture

Managing runoff water in an ecological manner is one of the main objectives of “The triangle” project. Retention swales were integrated into the Buchan Street design. Trees were planted (in a Silva Cell type network). Vegetation and urban furniture, such as benches and intelligent streetlights that can modulate light intensity, were also added.

Issue: Sharing the street

Shared streets were recently authorized by the Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l’Électrification des transports du Québec, but the signage has not yet been determined. A municipality that wants to convert a public road into a shared street must, among other things, pass a regulation and follow the Ministère’s directions.

Cross section: Corner of Mountain Sights Avenue

Total pavement: +/-15 metres

The case study conducted on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard was one of the nine studies included in Montreal Urban Ecology Centre’s report analyzing complete street transformations across the province of Quebec.

Project Information

• Street category: Commercial street
• Year of implementation: 2015

Background

The Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles borough worked in collaboration with the City of Montréal to redevelop Saint-Jean- Baptiste Boulevard, between Forsyth Street and Notre-Dame Street East, which constitutes the only link between the borough’s two historic sectors. The project comprised four orientations: safe travel, revitalization of the economic sector, greening and beautification, and enhancement of active transportation. In 2014, the segment between Notre-Dame Street East and Bellerive Street was transformed in order to create the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles, a multifunctional heritage area with a view of the river.

Before                                                                After

Pedestrian infrastructure

The roadway was narrowed so the sidewalks could be widened and trees were planted to create a buffer zone between pedestrians and the roadway.

Universal accessibility

In the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles, the sidewalks were brought level with the pavement to facilitate foot travel and promote universal accessibility.

Cycling infrastructure

Bicycle lanes were installed in each direction. They are connected to the existing bicycle network. Cyclists must travel on foot in the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles.

Public transit

Three bus lines service the boulevard between Sherbrooke Street East and Notre-Dame Street East. The Société de transport de Montréal added the new number 81 bus route which travels the length of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard, connecting Rivière-des-Prairies and Pointe-aux-Trembles. This new route provides residents of Pointe-aux-Trembles with more rapid access to the Rivière-des-Prairies railway station and facilitates access to the city centre.

Traffic calming

A reduction in the number of traffic lanes helps decrease the speed of motorists. In the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles, parking is only available on one side of the street and chicanes were added to reduce traffic speeds.

Landscaping and furniture:

The planting of trees to eliminate heat islands, the installation of new streetlights and the renovation of building facades along the street all contributed to the beautification of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard. The installation of works of art and exhibition panels, the addition of sunloungers and swing seats, the public market and the organization of cultural activities have made the new Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles a convivial space for meeting and relaxing.

Participatory process

A public consultation activity was carried out by the Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles borough regarding the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux-Trembles redevelopment project. Information events for citizens concerning the boulevard’s redevelopment were conducted by the City of Montréal’s central departments.

Issue: phasing of the project

The segment of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard between Notre-Dame Street East and Prince-Albert Street remains to be completed by the City of Montréal to finish redevelopment of the stretch between Forsyth Street and Notre-Dame Street East. In addition, a link for the bicycle lane between Victoria Street and Notre-Dame Street East remains to be established, to connect to the Place du Village-de-la-Pointe-aux Trembles.

Cross section: Corner of René-Lévesque Street

Total pavement: +/-20 metres