Wellington Street should not be transformed into a pedestrian zone, according to the OCPM's results.
Verdun's Wellington Street Permanent Pedestrianization Proposal Met with Skepticism
A recently released report by Montreal's Public Consultation Office (OCPM) indicates that Verdun should reconsider a proposal for a permanent pedestrianization of Wellington Street. The recommendation stems from a lack of consensus on the matter, coupled with concerns about the impact on businesses, particularly their vitality.
In its report, the OCPM points out that the lack of comprehensive analysis on the subject makes it impossible to accurately measure the effects of permanent pedestrianization on this commercial artery. The report states that while merchants generally accept summertime pedestrianization out of solidarity with Wellington Street's commercial ecosystem, many fear that a year-round pedestrianization would force them to close their establishments.
Merchants are not only worried about reduced parking spaces, but also the deactivation of the street during the winter season. These concerns were raised during a consultation conducted by the OCPM after a petition gathered over 3,000 signatures, known as "La Well piétonne."
The OCPM proposes that Verdun reevaluate the possibility of reducing space for automobiles on the commercial artery outside the summer pedestrianization period. The office suggests involving all relevant parties, including the initiator of the consultation, the Wellington Street Commercial Development Society, and the neighborhood's residents, in these discussions.
The consultation, which took place from November 2024 to February 2025, provided citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns about the nuisances related to pedestrianization on the artery. The OCPM recommends implementing measures to address these concerns if Verdun proceeds with any pedestrianization plans.
Further studies on the impacts of pedestrianization, including accessibility, mobility, commercial dynamics, and costs, are recommended by the OCPM to help make informed decisions on the future of Wellington Street. This information will help balance the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors while aiming to improve the street's overall appeal.
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The permanent pedestrianization of Wellington Street in Verdun could potentially impact both the political landscape and the local industry, considering the concerns raised by merchants about its effects on their businesses. The financial implications of reduced parking spaces and deactivation during winter, as well as mobility concerns, are significant factors that require further study in making informed decisions about the future of Wellington Street.
As the proposal is met with skepticism, discussions involving all relevant parties, including the Wellington Street Commercial Development Society, residents, and perhaps experts from the finance and transportation industries, may be necessary to ensure a balanced approach that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors while improving the street's overall appeal.
