by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The heart of the Village has gone pedestrian-only every summer since 2007, but the City of Montreal will soon make it car-free year-round.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante held a press conference in the area today to announce the redevelopment plan for Ste-Catherine E. between Berri and de Lorimier. The goal is to make it a more “welcoming and dynamic” space for tourists, merchants and cultural events.

With construction due to begin in the fall of 2026, the city plans to plant 225 trees and install over 1,000 square metres of sponge arrangements, 125 more street-furniture seats and a “permanent light ceiling” evoking Claude Cormier’s rainbow-coloured ball installation that used to hang over the strip.

“This redevelopment will transform Ste-Catherine East into a must-see destination for Montrealers, merchants, visitors and the LGBTQIA2+ community.”

This announcement is the latest in a series of endeavours on the part of the city revitalize the Village and support businesses there following an increase in visible homelessness and petty crime in the area during the pandemic.