2 Montreal Plateau Streets Are Going Pedestrian-Friendly Early This Year

They're paving the way toward summer! ☀️

​Someone walks down Mont Royal in the summer.

Someone walks down Mont Royal in the summer.

Editor

Part of the Plateau will become a pedestrian paradise ahead of schedule this summer, as several streets close to cars and open up to foot traffic and cyclists.

Mont-Royal will go car-free as of May 20, while Duluth will follow on June 19. The move is part of a wider push to make the borough more accessible to residents.

"A pedestrian street is a safer, more lively street where businesses are more dynamic," wrote Mayor Valérie Plante, sharing the update via social media.

Other Plateau roads are in for a major transformation this spring, including a section of rue Gilford that will become one-way, and a block of rue Lanaudière and avenue Duluth that will permanently close to vehicles. The portion of rue Rivard next to the Mont-Royal metro station will also close to cars, making the surrounding square fully pedestrianized.

Montrealers have had mixed reactions so far with many delighted about the push for more foot-friendly routes and others concerned about what they perceive as the neighbourhood's growing inaccessibility to cars.

"[Closed streets] are also easier on road construction," snarked one commenter.

Whatever your stance, the pedestrianization of Montreal streets is an undeniable reminder that summer is well on its way.

  • Sofia Misenheimer
  • Sofia Misenheimer is a former editor of MTL Blog. She has an M.A. in Communication Studies from McGill University. In her spare time, she shares little-known travel gems via #roamunknownco, and can often be found jogging in the Old Port.

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