The Area Outside A Future REM Station Will Be Transformed Into A New Public Park

• The Town of Mount Royal will transform the area above existing tracks into a new public space outside a future Montreal REM station.
• This is just the latest example of the tremendous impact the Réseau express métropolitain will have on the city.
• When completed, the new rapid transit line will include 26 stations, connecting Montreal downtown, airport, north and south shores.
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The Town of Mount Royal (TMR) and CDPQ Infra announced this morning that they approved the creation of a new public park in conjunction with the upcoming Réseau express métropolitain (REM) station. This new public space will be at the heart of TMR's downtown and will unite both sides of the town's core, currently separated by a train track. 

Committee members hope that the new green space will provide a "convivial and harmonious" environment that will "facilitate movement from one side of the railway track to the other" according to a press release. 

Currently, two footbridges connect both ends of TMR's town centre. Along with the future REM station that's being built on the intersections of Graham, Canora, and Dunkirk avenues, the new park will be completely integrated into the huge intersection and will provide safe and efficient walkways. 

TMR's new park will cover an area of roughly 2,100 square metres and will be located next to the REM station, near the huge roundabout. 

If you've ever walked around in TMR, you're aware that navigating that intersection, with its many cars, bike paths, and rail line can be frustrating. This new park will allow for easier access and will create a shortcut through TMR's busiest intersection. 

[rebelmouse-image 26890162 photo_credit="R\u00e9seau express m\u00e9tropolitain - REM" expand=1 original_size="1400x910"] Réseau express métropolitain - REM

According to Phillipe Roy, Mayor of TMR, the new park is "literally creating a new citizen space in the heart of Mount Royal. We intend to integrate it as well as possible into our garden city and make it an extraordinary place." 

The new park has not yet been named.

READ ALSO: Mayor Valérie Plante Has Just Announced Another Huge Park Expansion In Montreal

There are three designs that are planned for the park and the final one will be decided on in due course.

[rebelmouse-image 26890163 photo_credit="R\u00e9seau express m\u00e9tropolitain - REM" expand=1 original_size="1400x910"] Réseau express métropolitain - REM

TMR has invested $6.5 million dollars for this new park project. Along with investments from CDPQ Infra, the project costs will be kept under the original estimation. 

After it's built, CDPQ will own the park and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep. TMR, on the other hand, is on the hook for developing the park and ensuring that the project goes off without a hitch. 

This news comes after a busy week for Mayor Valérie Plante as she announced not one, but two park expansion projects on the Island of Montreal. 

Once the REM is operational, it's 67-kilometre network will feature 26 stations and will link the downtown core to the suburbs around the South Shore, West Island, North Shore and Montréal-Trudeau airport. 

For more information about the project, please visit the REM's official website.