Mayor Valérie Plante unveiled an ambitious vision for Montreal’s future, outlining a comprehensive urban and mobility plan designed to make the city greener and more inclusive by 2050. This plan, presented during a press conference, focuses on three main areas: the metropolis, neighborhoods, and people.
The Vision: Green Space and Public Transport
Mayor Plante emphasized the importance of green spaces, public transportation, and infrastructure as key components of a healthy city. The 2050 plan aims to transform Montreal into a metropolis characterized by sustainable mobility, affordable and vibrant neighborhoods, and a strong connection between residents and nature.
Key initiatives include:
- Metro and Tramway Expansion: Extension of the Metro’s Blue Line and the introduction of several new tramways.
- Year-Round Bike Paths: Development of a network of bike paths to promote active transportation.
- New Housing Units: Construction of 200,000 new housing units, with 20% designated as off-market, including co-ops and social housing.
- Green Corridors: Creation of 125 kilometers of green corridors to enhance urban biodiversity.
- Public Transport Network: Expansion of the public transport network to 360 kilometers, a significant increase from the current 80 kilometers.
Sustainability and Inclusivity
The plan also emphasizes “sponge infrastructure” to manage rainwater naturally, and aims for nearly 70% of all trips to be made via public or active transportation by 2050. The “Montreal Strategy,” a 10-point plan integral to this vision, includes goals such as fairly redistributing street space and increasing urban biodiversity.
Preserving iconic areas like downtown, Mount Royal Park, Old Montreal, and waterfront areas is also a priority. Additionally, the plan targets development in key districts, including the east, southwest, and northern parts of Montreal.
Public and Resident Reactions
Residents and visitors have expressed enthusiasm for the proposed changes. One Montrealer highlighted the benefits of green spaces and public transportation for urban health, while a visitor from Winnipeg praised the city’s commitment to increasing green areas. Local residents also welcomed the prospect of more bike lanes and neighborhood parks.
Criticism from the Opposition
Despite the positive reception, the plan has faced criticism from the Official Opposition. Aref Salem, leader of Ensemble Montréal, labeled the plan as “utopian” and criticized the Plante administration for not completing existing projects. Salem pointed to stagnating projects like the extensions of the Orange and Blue Metro lines and the Projet structurant de l’Est. He also expressed skepticism about achieving 70% public or active transport usage without secured funding from other government levels.
Salem further criticized the plan to build bike lanes along underutilized urban transit corridors, arguing that this approach pits different modes of transportation against each other rather than integrating them.
Looking Forward
Montreal’s 2050 plan presents a bold vision for the future, aiming to create a greener, more inclusive city through extensive urban and mobility initiatives. While the plan’s success depends on overcoming financial and logistical challenges, it provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable urban development. The city has committed to reviewing the plan every five years to ensure it adapts to changing needs and circumstances, setting the stage for a dynamic and resilient Montreal.
