C.D.N.-N.D.G. to create shared street spaces

To help residents maintain physical distancing throughout the summer, the Côte-des-neiges— Notre-dame-de-grâce borough is introducing more pedestrian corridors, a new bike path and traffic-calming measures that will allow families to play ball games or have picnics on certain streets.

The changes will ensure that public space is shared among pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, Mayor Sue Montgomery said in a statement.

“The COVID-19 pandemic represents a big challenge for cities and we are answering the challenge with audacity and creativity,” she said.

The borough will create shared streets in five areas where pedestrians and cyclists will be given priority. Residents will be able to use the streets to play ball, draw with chalk or have a picnic.

Cars will still be able to use the roads, so children will have to be supervised while playing.

Work on the project will begin in mid-july and be in place until the end of autumn on the following streets:

Streets between Cavendish Blvd. ■ and Girouard Ave. from Monkland to Somerled Aves.

Streets between Belgrave and

■

Girouard Aves. from Sherbrooke St. to de Maisonneuve Blvd.

Lemieux St. between Winnie and

■

Nelson Mandela Park and Mackenzie-king Park

Streets between Westbury Ave.,

■

Côte-sainte-catherine Rd., Victoria Ave. and Queen-mary Rd.

Appleton Ave. and Kent Ave.

■

along Martin Luther King Park.

Streets between Édouard-montpetit

■ Blvd. and Jean-brillant St. and Louis-colin Ave. and Decelles Ave.

The speed limit will remain 30 km/h on shared streets, and signs and speed bumps will be placed at the entrance to remind motorists to drive slowly.

“We are happy to see increased access to safe outdoor spaces where families can get outside and enjoy the summer,” said Christine Richardson, co-director of the Loyola Youth Centre.

With more residents cycling this summer, a protected bike path will be created on Terrebonne St. between Girouard and Belmore Aves.

Security on the Walkley St. bike path will be improved with the addition of bollards.

After creating pedestrian corridors on Somerled, Sherbrooke and Côte-des-neiges Sts., along with Monkland Ave., the borough will create 1.7 kilometres of pedestrian corridors in Côte-des-neiges to encourage residents to shop locally or go for a walk while maintaining physical distancing.

After consulting with the C.D.N. business association, pedestrian corridors will be set up on the following streets:

Hudson Rd. between Goyer St.

■

and Van Horne Ave.

Jean-brillant/louis-colin

■

St. between Légaré St. and de la Rampe Rd.

Swail Ave. between Gatineau and

■

Decelles Aves.

Lacombe Ave. between Côtedes-neiges

■ Rd. and Gatineau Ave.

The measures can be adjusted as needed to take into account feedback and changes to health guidelines.

Residents will be able to comment on changes via an online survey at a later date. A letter will also be sent to residents to give them an opportunity to weigh in on the project.

The measures, with a budget of $130,000, were adopted unanimously by the borough council on June 1 and 22.