Rue Sainte-Catherine redevelopment: the SDC Montréal centre-ville deplores the municipal administration’s approach

Rue Sainte-Catherine redevelopment: the SDC Montréal centre-ville deplores the municipal administration’s approach

Montréal, November 27, 2024 – SDC Montréal centre-ville expresses its deep concern over the announcement of a permanent pedestrian project on Sainte-Catherine Street West, when the winning conditions necessary for the success of such a project have still not been met and no public consultation has taken place.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Valérie Plante on August 19, the SDC Montréal centre-ville had already expressed its concerns about the lack of dialogue, and presented revealing survey results: only 11% of respondents supported permanent pedestrianization, while 31% favoured one-off initiatives. These figures underline the importance of concerted reflection before proceeding with such significant transformations.

“Montreal has developed solid expertise in creating pedestrian streets. We know the recipe for successful pedestrianization, but for some reason the City is ignoring expert advice and proposing a concept that has never been proven” explains Mr. Glenn Castanheira, General Manager of SDC Montréal centre-ville. “A project of this scale requires rigorous planning, a thorough assessment of its impacts and, above all, genuine dialogue with all the parties concerned. Rushing such an initiative at a time when there is no urgency to act would be a mistake. The municipal administration would be well advised to wait for the next elections to establish an inclusive and transparent process. The success of the new rue Sainte-Catherine relies, among other things, on citizen participation. The absence of public consultation for this new project is a regrettable omission that jeopardizes its success .”  

The SDC Montréal centre-ville is therefore calling on the Ville de Montréal to postpone this project to allow time for in-depth discussion after the municipal elections. Such an approach would ensure that the concerns and expectations of merchants, citizens and all stakeholders are duly taken into account, while ensuring that the winning conditions are in place to guarantee the project’s success.

Source and info : Dany St-Jean – 514-212-5457