New electric light-rail station in spotlight
Kirkland residents interested in knowing more about the future Réseau Electrique métropolitain light-rail station might want to change their evening plans.
The city is holding an information and discussion evening on the future REM station at the Kirkland Sports Complex. Nearly 400 residents had already reserved their spot in the gymnasium as of last Friday, and Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson said the more the merrier.
“It’s … important that the citizens know where the road structure will be, where the overpass will be,” he said.
Gibson said citizens will be given an overview of the REM station, which is planned for the north side of Highway 40, near the Kirkland Colisée cinema.
“The presentation will (give) them an overview of what we know so far,” he said. “We still don’t have all the details. For example, we know that an overpass will be built by the Caisse de Dépôt, paid by (Transport Quebec), and the urban boulevard that Montreal is working on … to join it to AntoineFaucon street.
“And the station itself is a location that was chosen, and there’s no changing in that plan, but we’re looking at another presentation or sit-down with our residents to find out what they want to see in that development of the Riocan Centre in that area.”
Gibson said the meeting offers citizens a chance to give input on the REM station plan. Although the final details have not been released, Gibson will share what he knows with citizens.
As for the location of the station and adjacent parking, Gibson said: “The provincial government has expropriated a piece of land where you’ve got Madison’s, Tim Hortons, a little block of La Vie en Rose and a block of the Linen Chest. So all that rectangular area will be part or the (parking) station. The train will come in the station there, but we’re still waiting for a plan to see the actual structure. We’ll have a say on the exterior looks of it.”
“There will be multi-level parking,” he said.“In the back of the station, there will be a minibus terminal drop-off zone for the buses that will bring residents to the train, and we’ll have another parking area in the back, just to take the overflow.”
Gibson will be on hand following the information session to answer questions and listen to the concerns of taxpayers who may want to know how the REM will fit into Kirkland’s suburban landscape.
Gibson is bullish on the idea of a light-rail transit system servicing his city, and the West Island in general.
“I think this is a good project for the West Island,” he said. “It’s a good project for our residents, especially the students that are studying at McGill and Concordia and all that. They’ll have a fast access to downtown.”
Not only will the REM transport commuters from the suburbs to downtown, it will alleviate traffic congestion on the West Island.
“I think this (will) help to ease traffic a lot,” he said.
Gibson said information about a new urban boulevard will also be presented at the meeting. A northsouth urban boulevard will also help unclog traffic on St-Charles Blvd., which becomes packed at rush hour, he said.
Gibson said he is often asked about whether the proposed REM station will increase property values in Kirkland.
“It probably will (increase property values) because we’re seeing housing prices rise now,” he said.
Gibson expects some opposition from members of the public who don’t want an urban boulevard, or those who oppose the controversial residential development project proposed for Pierrefonds West.
“The project in Pierrefonds is not our business,” he said. “I won’t go meet (Pierrefonds-Roxboro mayor) Jim Beis and say to him, ‘Listen, I want to get in your kitchen and paint your kitchen a certain colour.’ It’s none of our business … we’re not for or against.”
The information session takes place Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Kirkland Sports Complex gymnasium at 16950 Hymus Blvd.