More room for pedestrians in Old Montréal
Old Montréal is transforming to become a pedestrian priority zone. This is different from a pedestrian zone. Its configuration is meant to promote mobility and comfort for pedestrians, without restricting access to stores. See what measures were put in place.
The pedestrian priority zone is progressively implemented from the summer 2024 until 2030. Traffic calming measures are planned in the quadrilateral between the axis of Place d’Armes, and Rue Saint-Antoine, Rue Berri and Rue la Commune.
The objective of the pedestrian priority zone is to enhance the Old Montréal heritage site, while also improving the quality of life of the area’s population and pedestrian safety. Traffic calming measures contribute to reducing noise and air pollution, while also enhancing a sense of safety for pedestrians. Among the main action taken, the esplanade of the Notre-Dame basilica became a pedestrian zone as of September 2024.
Take full advantage of the welcoming and lively heritage streets thanks to these visionary measures regarding urban mobility!
Enhancement of the heritage site
Between 2020 and 2022, local stakeholders and partners converged to discuss, leading to the prioritization of a pedestrian priority zone. Developed with members of the Comité de concertation du Vieux-Montréal, the concept is part of a series of actions meant to enhance this iconic area. The configuration of this zone addresses the ecological transition and space sharing issues brought up by the local community.
Traffic calming
Configurations were developed based on favourable mobility impact surveys, with the aim to reduce vehicular transit and to calm vehicular traffic in the area. Drivers transiting through the area will be redirected to adapted axes, which will reduce traffic on local streets. Road sharing among pedestrians, bikers, public transit users and cars will thus be improved in this iconic area, known as one of the city’s main attractions.
Phases
Among the main actions taken, the esplanade of the Notre-Dame basilica has become a permanent pedestrian area as of September 2024 and Rue Saint-Paul O was converted into a shared street.
The configuration of a sustainable mobility corridor along Rue de la Commune and the conversion of Place Jacques-Cartier into a permanent pedestrian zone are also being considered.
Residences and parking lots remain accessible
Residences and underground parking lots will remain accessible. Alternate routes will be proposed to maintain access to all residences in the area. No changes will be made to resident parking stickers or to parking regulations for visitors. Certain street parking spots will however be removed as certain phases are rolled out.
What about deliveries?
Stores located within the pedestrian priority zone will still be receiving deliveries as usual.
Online information session
To learn more about the vision for implementing the pedestrian priority zone, you can watch the information session held in June 2024:
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