The City of Montreal announced its redesign plan for Mount-Royal Park on Wednesday, which would drastically limit vehicle access and dramatically increase green space.
The city wants to eliminate “the equivalent of more than three soccer fields” worth of paved space and replace it with greenspace along Camillien-Houde Way from the east and Remembrance Road from the west.
In phase one, the $12.8-million plan would redesign Remembrance Road and the Beaver Lake and Smith House parking lots to add more green space.
In the second phase, Camillien-Houde Way will be transformed into an active mobility promenade, meaning non-emergency vehicles will not have access.
Finally, the five-point intersection at Camillien-Houde Way, Mont-Royal Boulevard/Avenue, Cote-Sainte-Catherine Road, and Parc Avenue will be redesigned, simplified and made safer, according to the city.
“Mount Royal is a priceless destination in Montreal, and we must take courageous steps to make it possible for an ever-increasing number of Montrealers to enjoy the park,” said Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante in a news release.
“Our extremely rigorous technical work has enabled us to present a plan to ensure the safety of all users, preserve vehicle access to the mountain, reduce erosion of the pass’s rock face and protect the flora and fauna affected by informal trails.”
Montreal opposition party Ensemble Montreal is accusing Plante’s Projet Montreal party of failing to consult adequately.
“In addition to blocking access to Camillien-Houde for people with reduced mobility, it should be remembered that Projet Montréal’s failure to listen and its lack of respect for consultations are costing taxpayers dearly,” the party said on X.
As part of the redesign, pedestrian and bicycle access will be prioritized, with public transit and vehicle routes to be concentrated to the west.
The city said it is working with Montreal’s public transit agency, the STM, to present a plan for redesigned public transportation services from Metro and REM stations.
The redesign is part of the Plante administration’s redevelopment project that was presented in 2023.
Plante called it a “bold, necessary and ambitious plan” that is scheduled to be completed by 2029.
“By increasing the greened area and protecting movement for all users, we will not only enhance the mountain’s fragile biodiversity, but also offer an unprecedented walking and cycling experience,” said councillor Alex Norris, who is on the executive committee at City Hall.
