Montreal plans five new 'pedestrian' streets for 2015

The City of Montreal has announced it will transform five city streets into "pedestrian-friendly"hubs in time for the city's 375th anniversary.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and executive committee member Aref Salem announced Sundaythe city is committing $500,000 in 2015to thenew program.

"We're working with the boroughs, and the boroughs are working with their people," said Coderre.

Ten proposalswere submitted by city boroughs, and five projects were selected:

• Ontario Street, betweenValois Street andBourbonnire Avenue
• Beaubien Street, betweenSaint-Denis Street andBoyer Street
• CastelneauStreet, betweenGaspStreet andHenri-Julien Avenue
• StanislasStreet, betweenLondresStreet andStanislas Street
• Park-Stanley Avenue, betweenBerri Street andDurham Avenue

Some streets will be for pedestrians to sharewith buses and bicycles, while others will be for pedestrians alone.

City officials say they're not yet sure whether the streets will be dedicated topedestrian use for the entire yearorseasonally.

Ultimately, these projects will add 1.1 km to the existing pedestrian streetnetwork.

"These simple, creative and quick to set up projects will benefit residents and businesses,both economically and environmentally," saidCoderre in a statement.