By Dylan Adams Lemaçon, LJI Reporter
The first borough council meeting of the year in Parc-Extension saw residents voicing concerns over housing, traffic safety, and bike path implementations, while the council introduced initiatives to enhance community life.
Borough Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, alongside councilors Mary Deros, Josué Corvil, Martine Musau Muele, and Sylvain Ouellet, greeted attendees and wished them happy New Year and quickly moved through the agenda.
Celebrating Perseverance and Cultural Heritage
The council donned green ribbons in honor of School Perseverance Day, with Mayor Lavigne Lalonde applauding local youth for their dedication, stating, “Bravo to all the kids who persevere!”. The council also took a moment to recognize Black History Month as an important time for the community.
New Initiatives for Villeray
The borough announced its first winter pedestrianization project, closing Rue Villeray between Rue St-Denis and Avenue Henri-Julien near Parc Jarry. Additionally, a new library is officially in the works for Villeray, with an architectural contest underway to design the facility.
Public Concerns: Housing, Traffic, and Safety
Housing Crisis and Rent Increases
As the public question period got off to a start, resident Wedley Jean Charles raised concerns about the recent 6% rent increase authorized by the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). He questioned the impact of this hike, to which Mayor Lavigne Lalonde responded, calling the increase “concerning” and acknowledging the ongoing housing crisis. She noted that while the council provides support, these decisions fall under provincial jurisdiction, urging residents to contact their provincial deputies.
Traffic Safety on 15th Avenue
Resident Guillaume Leclerc, representing residents of 15th Avenue, pressed for long-promised traffic calming measures, including a stop sign and speed bumps. Despite city approval, Leclerc expressed frustration over the delays, volunteering a group of locals to help install the speed bumps. Councilor Sylvain Ouellet sympathized, sharing his own struggles with municipal red tape, which delayed a traffic light installation for six years. The mayor assured that a plan would be revisited in the spring.
Bike Path Dispute and Legal Tensions
As the question period continued, Marc Perez, president of the Coalition for Democracy in Montreal, accused the council of bypassing proper consultation for a new bike path, labeling it as dangerous. In response, Mayor Lavigne Lalonde inquired about his intent to sue the city. Perez confirmed the lawsuit plans, prompting the mayor to decline further discussion on the topic, stating, “I’m not gonna have an argument while you are suing me”
Addressing Trade Concerns and Community Safety
Resident Alain Antoine Courchaine questioned the potential local impact of U.S.-Canada trade tensions. While unable to provide a detailed response, the mayor noted that preparatory measures are in place.
Katiana François requested a stop sign for a dangerous intersection in St-Michel. However, the mayor explained that legal restrictions prevent additional signage near traffic lights, though alternative safety measures would be explored.
Participatory Budgeting and Online Engagement
In an online question, Xavier Jacob inquired about adopting a participatory budget for the borough. Mayor Lavigne Lalonde acknowledged discussions on the topic, affirming the value of community involvement in project-specific funding, while maintaining traditional budgeting methods for broader fiscal planning.
The meeting concluded with the approval of various agenda items, underscoring the council’s ongoing efforts to address community concerns while advancing new initiatives for 2025.
The next borough council meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025.