Legal Action Challenges

The parking saga in Parc-Extension, which our newspaper has extensively covered over the years, is evolving into a city-wide controversy. What began as a localized issue in this densely populated neighborhood is now expanding into other boroughs, drawing greater attention and sparking broader disputes over urban planning and accessibility.
The Coalition for Democracy Montreal (CDM) has taken legal action against the City of Montreal, targeting the removal of parking spaces to make way for bike paths. Parc-Extension, particularly along Querbes Avenue, has been at the center of the controversy, with residents and businesses voicing frustration over the disruption to their daily lives. Now, similar complaints are emerging in boroughs such as Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, and Lachine, signaling that the problem is no longer confined to one neighborhood.
A Growing Struggle
For years, Parc-Extension residents and businesses have faced mounting challenges with parking, compounded by the city’s decisions to prioritize bike path expansions. The elimination of parking spaces has led to significant hardship, with locals forced to spend extended periods searching for available spots. Many have resorted to parking illegally, resulting in a rise in fines and increased stress.
Now, as other boroughs experience similar measures, the parking crisis is amplifying. The CDM claims the city’s actions are negatively affecting accessibility, disrupting traffic flow, and placing undue strain on communities that rely on street parking for both residential and commercial needs.
Economic and Social Fallout
Businesses across the affected boroughs report declines in customer visits, which they attribute to limited parking access. Residents, particularly those with irregular work schedules or physical mobility challenges, are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate their neighborhoods. The ripple effect of these policies is being felt city-wide, exacerbating tensions between the city administration and its constituents.
Legal Action and Grassroots Efforts
The CDM, representing concerned citizens and business owners, has turned to the courts as a last resort. While the group has raised $32,000 through community donations, it still requires an additional $28,000 to fund its legal case. This legal action marks a significant escalation in what has been a long-standing issue, as residents across Montreal rally to challenge the city’s approach to bike path implementation.
A Debate Over Priorities
As the saga grows beyond Parc-Extension, it highlights a broader debate over urban planning in Montreal. Supporters of the bike paths argue that these measures are necessary to promote sustainability and reduce reliance on cars, especially in light of climate change. However, critics contend that the city’s policies fail to adequately balance the needs of all residents, particularly in high-density areas where parking is already limited.
For many in Parc-Extension, the issue has become symbolic of the city’s inability to consider the practical realities of urban living. What started as a local frustration is now a city-wide flashpoint, with other boroughs echoing the concerns first raised by Parc-Extension residents.
An Ongoing Saga
Our newspaper has documented the challenges faced by Parc-Extension residents for years, and it is clear that these issues are not going away. Instead, they are growing in scope and intensity, drawing in new voices from across Montreal. As the legal battle unfolds, the question remains: can the city find a way to balance sustainability goals with the daily needs of its residents, or will the parking saga continue to fuel division and unrest?