city council

Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

At this month’s Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough meeting on November 5th, residents raised numerous local issues, from inadequate street cleaning to parking and neighborhood safety concerns. The session, held at the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension Townhall, was led by city councilor Sylvain Ouellet, standing in again for borough mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, who remains on sick leave.

Blue Line Construction and Revitalization Updates 

Councilor Ouellet opened with updates on construction projects as the season wraps up, including the ongoing Blue Line extension and temporary closure of the Saint-Michel metro station. The borough mayor’s temporary replacement assured residents that they are doing everything they can to quickly resolve this situation, also confirming that a shuttle bus service was now in place with the STM. He noted that the station’s reopening would happen within weeks rather than months. 

One familiar face, Mr. Fitzsimmons, revisited the council with complaints about noise and traffic disruptions stemming from the Blue Line construction near 24th Avenue and Pie IX boulevard. He voiced concerns that these disturbances are reducing property values in the area. Ouellet responded by highlighting the long-term benefits of the new metro station. “I personally believe the value of homes in that area will go up,” he said, expressing confidence that the project will ultimately enhance the neighborhood’s appeal.

The borough also announced an upcoming consultation session for the revitalization of Villeray, which will include the “Bye Bye Béton” competition’s second edition. This initiative, aimed at greening private property by replacing concrete with plants, continues to align with Montreal’s broader ecological goals.

Social Services Facility Sparks Concerns Over Safety and Public Order 

Several citizens voiced their unease over a nearby social services house near Metro d’Iberville, alleging it has become a hotspot for drug use and other disruptive behavior. “I’m all for social services like this, but people live across the street from all this…” one man said after presenting photos of the site to the council. Describing the situation as “really a free-for-all,” he implored the council to take action. Ouellet acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints and committed to visiting the location to find a solution. “I’ll go see it in person,” he promised, expressing his concern over the images presented. 

Another resident, echoing frustration, argued that the borough isn’t doing enough to address social and public safety issues. “I never hear anyone here talking about the social and human problems in our neighborhood!” she exclaimed, emphasizing the visible impact of drug use and mental health issues on local safety. Ouellet responded, acknowledging the crisis and attributing part of the responsibility to the provincial government. “There’s a limit to what we can do on the municipal level, but we don’t give up,” he said, assuring residents that the borough is actively pressuring Quebec’s government for more support in addressing social service and mental health crises.

Public Safety Concerns and Street Cleaning Issues Dominate Resident Questions 

Ouellet emphasized road safety following a recent tragic accident in Mile End, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially at night. “If you’re driving at night, please be more careful rather than less,” he implored, stressing the need to protect pedestrians in all boroughs. However, when the floor opened for questions, residents immediately voiced their concerns about inadequate street cleaning and sidewalk maintenance. Madame Rascofola, a longtime resident, presented photos as evidence of her street’s persistent neglect. “I came here on July 2nd for the same issue, and nothing has changed,” she said, frustrated at the lack of regular cleaning. 

Another resident echoed her sentiment, noting that street sweepers had barely passed through this year. In response, Ouellet explained that the borough recently implemented changes in its cleaning system, calling this year a “transition period” but acknowledging room for improvement. City councilor Mary Deros pressed for a review of the sidewalk cleaning schedule, supporting residents’ complaints that the streets need more frequent attention. 

New Cycling Path Raises Frustrations Over Parking and Community Consultation 

The borough’s push for additional bike lanes has met resistance from some residents. Mr. Bricault, from the Journal de Saint-Michel, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of public consultation regarding a new bike path on Rue de Louvain. He argued that he was promised a public consultation on the project’s feasibility, but this never took place. Ouellet countered by saying that while the borough did announce the project a year ago, the intention was always to implement the path, not to seek approval on whether it should be constructed. 

Another resident voiced her displeasure over the same bike path, arguing that parking should take priority over additional cycling infrastructure. She grew visibly frustrated, questioning the council’s communication efforts on cleaning and street changes. “What have you done to communicate with us?” she demanded, dissatisfied with responses that pointed to social media announcements and previous meetings. 

Hospital Workers Demand Parking Exemptions

Parking concerns extended to local healthcare workers, as union representative Madame Pelrin brought attention to the challenges faced by employees at Hôpital Jean-Talon. Due to paid street parking regulations, many hospital staff incur monthly costs exceeding $200. Pelrin requested if parking exemptions for healthcare workers of some sort could be a solution. Ouellet explained that while parking spaces are limited, public transit options remain viable. However, he encouraged hospital staff to consult with their employers for potential solutions, as the borough’s resources for parking are stretched thin. “There’s a lack of parking in the city, and we can’t build any more,” he noted, reiterating the borough’s limited capacity to accommodate additional parking infrastructure. 

Looking Forward: Council Promises Further Attention to Public Complaints 

The next monthly town hall meeting is likely to revisit several of these issues, particularly as construction and cleanliness remain contentious topics in Parc-Extension. 

In a lighter part of the meeting, Councilor Deros extended gratitude to local police for their presence during Diwali celebrations last week, noting the safety and order they provided during the festival’s fireworks displays. Councilor Josué Corvil also reminded citizens that this month will feature National Child Day, celebrated on November 20th, as well as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 .