Mayor Denis Coderre recently announced a makeover plan for Sainte-Catherine Street West. Work will be carried out along a 2.2 km stretch, from Atwater to De Bleury.
One of the longest commercial streets in North America and considered the most important commercial artery in Montréal, Sainte-Catherine Street is sure to benefit enormously from this much-needed revitalisation. The City of Montréal is investing roughly $95 million in the 1st phase of the project. Sidewalks will be widened to facilitate open terraces during summertime. And to boot, they’ll also be heated during the winter!
With an overall objective of becoming a “smarter city “, the street will feature free WIFI, charging stations for electric vehicles, energy efficient lighting and smartphone apps for smart-parking. There will also be more space for pedestrians, seating areas, terraces and trees. The first phase of the project will be carried out between 2017 and 2019. Work will first take place between De Bleury and Mansfield. This phase will include the revitalization of Philips Square.
“The street will create an extraordinary buzz and become a truly happening place once it’s finished, assures Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre. People will want to come because we have found the perfect balance in maintaining the street’s style while still keeping a functional and fluid artery in place.” (Source : adapted from an interview given on TVA Nouvelles)
Audacity, innovation and flexibility are the keywords in offering Montrealers a new quality development that will ensure better road sharing between pedestrians, bicycles, buses and cars, parked or moving.
Do you want to take a look at it? Watch this video, published on the project’s website: http://realisonsmtl.ca/saintecath :
Enjoy the beautiful summer days!
Photo: Réalisons Montréal, projet Ste-Catherine ouest.
