Montreal’s Village to remain pedestrian-only year-round after 4-year redevelopment project

One of the most popular pedestrian strips in Montreal will remain that way year-round as officials say the Village will stay vehicle-free.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante was in the Village on Friday to announce the redevelopment project on Sainte-Catherine Street East, which will transform the section between Berri Street and Papineau Avenue.

Construction on the central part of the area is slated to begin in the fall of 2026, and work will be done in phases until the end of 2030.

The city notes that the underground infrastructure along a one-kilometre strip needs to be replaced, and that it will remain pedestrian only past October, when it is has typically been reopened to vehicle traffic.

“Whenever major underground work is required on a commercial artery, we take the opportunity to enhance the street’s amenities and experience,” said Plante.

“With year-round pedestrianization, Sainte-Catherine East will have the same conditions for success that it enjoys in the summer and will become a unique winter destination in Canada.”

The city says that several months of consultations with organizations and associations in the Village resulted in ideas that include planting 225 trees, building more than 1,000 square metres of green pits, which will serve as rain gardens, and adding 125 seats of street furniture.

In addition, a large light canopy will be installed and in place year-round.

The goal, the city says, is to make the area more “welcoming and dynamic” and consolidate it as a tourist, commercial and cultural hub.

”The Village deserves a redesigned Sainte-Catherine Street with a large-scale project," said executive committee member Sophie Mauzerolle. “The new developments will improve the experience and safety of pedestrians in all seasons.”

Businesses affected by construction should be eligible for a grant based on the loss of gross profits of up to $40,000.

This year marks the 19th summer that the Village has been pedestrian-only, hosting various events, including Fierté Montreal and Montreal Complètement Cirque activities.

The city says more than eight million people have visited the area since the start of the summer.

Village BDC executive director Gabrielle Rondy notes the redevelopment project is a “decisive step for the future of the Village.”

“Thanks to these investments, we will be able to offer an even more attractive, safe and inclusive living and business environment,” she said.

“This transformation will give new momentum to our merchants while strengthening the Village’s unique identity as the vibrant cultural, economic and community heart of Montreal.”

Opposition wants more consultations

Ensemble Montreal leader and mayoral candidate Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the project must meet certain conditions before moving forward.

Martinez Ferrada said that the vacancy rate in the Village was 30 per cent in 2024 and that there was concern about security in the area.

Her team wants to ensure that merchants, organizations and residents are consulted and immediate action is taken to improve safety and attract new businesses.

Martinez Ferrada would also like winter pedestrianization evaluated as a pilot project to see what impact it would have on the Village.

“We all agree that this important section of the city centre needs to be redeveloped,” said Martinez Ferrada.

“However, we are moving towards a pedestrianization project for Sainte-Catherine Street West 2.0, where the administration is imposing its vision and consulting afterwards. Before redeveloping a section of this important artery, it is essential to restore a sense of safety in the area, which will encourage new businesses to move in.”