Peel: A pedestrian and bicycle network
One of the main objectives of the Peel project is to promote active transportation and transit by improving the pedestrian and cyclist experience. In doing this, the project will also help create a human-scaled street, accessible and attractive for everyone.
Widening and redesigning the sidewalks
The intersection of Rue Peel and Rue Sainte-Catherine, used by almost 30,000 pedestrians daily, is one of the busiest in the city. At this intersection, just like at several other places on Rue Peel, the width of sidewalks is insufficient.In fact, in some places, walkways are even narrower than 1.8 metres, which is the minimum to allow two people to walk side-by-side comfortably.
Consequently, a systematic widening of the sidewalks is planned, aiming for a width of five metres in the busiest areas. In order to improve user experience, quality design elements similar to those around Square Dorchester and Place du Canada will be used. By doing so, the City hopes to highlight the historic buildings and sites along the street.
Greening the street
Prior to the start of the project, a total of 110 trees could be counted on Rue Peel. On several blocks, the tree canopy shaded less than 10 per cent of the total street area.
The project includes the planting of more than 100 additional trees, which will provide a more pleasant environment for all users.
Developing the bicycle network
Rue Peel is one of the first corridors of the Express Bike Network (EBN), an initiative which will add 184 km of cycling infrastructure throughout the island of Montréal.
Between the Lachine Canal and Boulevard De Maisonneuve, wide, protected bike paths will be created. These will connect several destinations and run through downtown along a north-south axis.
