La Sainte-Catherine - Phase 2

The transformation of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, between Rue De Bleury and Rue Mansfield, is in its final stages. The completion of the first section (external links) will coincide with the start of the next phase (Lot 1) in the summer of 2022, with work operations slated to continue up to Rue Bishop.

In keeping with the work already done east of Rue Mansfield, this next transformation phase is aimed at modernizing outdated underground infrastructures, including century-old sewer and water service networks, and improving urban infrastructures. These work operations will highlight the distinctive character of this iconic commercial strip by turning it into a pleasant and attractive living environment for all residents.

Specifically, the following work operations will be performed:

• Replacement of outdated underground infrastructures
• Reconstruction of roads and sidewalks using concrete paving blocks
• Widening of sidewalks and inclusion of a space for pedestrians to foster a greater sense of safety
• Significant increase in the number of seated spaces (48 per cent)
• Planting of 133 new trees (increase of 81 per cent)
• Implementation of commemorative bronze plaques highlighting the heritage value and rich history of Rue Sainte-Catherine
• Addition of distinctive new street furniture (benches, tables, bike stands) to allow various users to appropriate the street

The 2019 public consultation confirmed the need to put pedestrians front and centre in the new infrastructures on Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest. Pedestrians will be able to benefit from an inviting Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest also made quieter by the removal of on-street parking spaces in favour of a larger and universally accessible pedestrian space. A temporary stop zone for deliveries will be preserved on the south side of the street.

Pedestrians will also benefit from small urban squares and redeveloped spaces that can host cultural, artistic and commercial events. The entire stretch of Rue Sainte-Catherine will thus be developed so that seasonal and occasional events can be held year-round. Spaces for terraces will also be added to improve the user experience.

When the work is completed, users and visitors to Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest will be able to enjoy a safer, more people-friendly and more attractive commercial street.

To view perspectives of the next phase between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bishop, click here.

The municipal administration wishes to inform residents that the Rue Peel and Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest work sites will be combined in 2022 to ensure greater coordination between work operations and effectively manage impacts and mobility downtown.

These work operations will consist of replacing outdated underground infrastructures. Subsequently, the roads and sidewalks will be redeveloped as part of the same work site.

It’s important to reiterate that replacing the water and sewer mains is urgent and essential, as some of them date back to 1890.

The consultation report on Phase 2, lot 1 (section Mansfield-Bishop) of the Sainte-Catherine Ouest Redevelopment Project is now available. The results of the consultation – which included an online survey and two participative workshops last fall – point to a strong desire to improve the pedestrian experience and make it safer while strengthening the distinctive character of Montréal’s commercial thoroughfare. Similar participation initiatives will take place for the other lots in the project. For further details, please view the online report.

A heartfelt word of thanks goes out to all the people who took the time to attend the public consultation workshops on the redevelopment of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bishop. The workshops were presented on Saturday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

These workshops were aimed at gathering ideas and comments from residents on how best to accommodate the street’s various users (pedestrians, workers, tourists, stores, etc.) while highlighting the distinctive character of this section of Montréal’s iconic commercial strip.

The results of these sessions will be presented in a report drafted by the Institut du nouveau Monde. The report will be made public on this Web site in the winter of 2020. It will take into account the answers of the 474 respondents who completed the online survey conducted between October 28 and November 22, 2019.

All this information will be taken into consideration by the city’s design team, so as to ensure that this section of Rue Sainte-Catherine, between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bishop, meets the needs of residents and lives up to their vision. The concept retained should be announced in the early autumn of 2020.

Redevelopment of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest – Public consultation workshop – November 19, 2019 – Centre St-Jax