New propositions are coming in every day for the Cavendish Boulevard extension. The number of traffic lanes will drop to four from six and other measures, including signage, are in place to satisfy the concerns of residents. What's it going to take?
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Opening Cavendish to Toupin
A permanent accommodation for the link?
The Cavendish Boulevard extension project, and its subsequent link with Toupin Boulevard has recently taken a new step forward. With discussions, demonstrations, arguments and interventions at borough-council meetings all now in the past, the borough mayors of St. Laurent and Ahuntsic-Cartierville announced a new direction for the project Tuesday afternoon. The direct connection between the two thoroughfares is out, and an indirect path, replete with forced turns and slight detours, is in.
The details are not yet set in stone, and the fear of the unknown will also continue to fuel debate, even when the extension is complete. So if the new ideas presented last week by the mayors are a solution, it's tough to say there won't be further controversy down the road.
What adaptations are being set forward? Will they be enough to keep down the level of disenchantment coming out of the announcement to extend the thoroughfare (which had been promised for the last 20 years)?
The new configuration promises a reduction in the number of traffic lanes, going from three, down to two. No parking will be allowed on the side of the street and a bike path is being considered for the additional space that will become available.
“Going from six to four lanes is a significant factor in the reduction of traffic along that portion of the street,” said Montreal executive committee member responsible for public transit André Lavallée.
The other major point to consider in the project is the mandatory detour on Cavendish, which will force motorists to follow their path north on Toupin from Henri-Bourassa (see map).
Through a series of signage and infrastructures, continuing from Toupin directly to Cavendish wouldn't be allowed and punishable with a fine.
“This new design will not allow traffic to flow directly onto Cavendish and will allow to put certain mechanisms in place to reduce traffic on side residential streets,” said St. Laurent borough mayor Alan DeSousa.
In addition, left turns from Gouin and Jean-Bourdon boulevards would also be forbidden and allow authorities to better keep a handle on traffic.
The measures will be completed with additional side work on Laurentien, Henri-Bourassa and Cavendish boulevards, where work is slated for the traffic lights at the Laurentien/Keller and Laurentien/Henri-Bourassa intersections.
Traffic-moderation measures would also be put in place on Toupin Boulevard.
“These measures came directly from the borough mayors,” Lavallée said.
Paths and detours
The recently-unveiled plan is not the definitive last word on the matter and some discussion with citizens has yet to be completed. Some points give citizens pause and there are still some nagging concerns.
“This doesn't really respond to all our concerns,” said Toupin citizens group spokesman Lucie Verret. “What we didn't want was for Cavendish to open up directly onto Toupin. We're happy to see there was an effort made, but what we're asking for is that motorists not use Toupin to get to the highway. They'll still do that, but with a detour via Duchesne and Jasmin (streets),” she said.
DeSousa defended the proposal, saying it was the best compromise for responding to everyone's needs.
“We wanted to collaborate with the mayor of Ahuntsic-Cartierville, to ensure that the traffic coming from the north doesn't flow onto Toupin. At the same time, we have to reconcile the interests of the different sectors, whether it's the Bois-Franc sector or the industrial park, etc.,” he said.
In addition, there are residential concerns to be mindful of, Lavallée said.
“There's a significant residential development in that area. We have to make sure those properties have access to public transit and Henri-Bourassa, so they can get around. I can guarantee you, though, that it will not cross (NDLR: Toupin and Cavendish),” he said.
Permanent solution?
Another point that lay hidden in the weeds is the question of deviations that would remain along Henri-Bourassa. The designers, though, aren't worried.
“We plan on having the construction done in a permanent way. It's not just paint,” Lavallée said. DeSousa echoed the sentiment. “What we are proposing are some physical changes,” he said.
What about over the long term, though?
“We would do it like this, but if bad decisions are made in the future, it's certain that it could be modified,” Lavallée said.
Verret wasn't buying it.
“It's only a matter of time before they modify it,” she said.
The Toupin Citizens Association demanded that the extension's intersection to done somewhere else.
“We made other propositions, but we feel they really weren't properly evaluated and their feasibility checked,” Verret said.
“The grounds around the street are already sold,” Lavallée said, adding that would mean costly and lengthy delays while the land is expropriated.
Montreal's official opposition filed a motion of censure against the project last Monday at City Hall at its Nov. 26 council meeting.
The new plan will be submitted to residents and will be adapted according to their needs.
“If this solution isn't acceptable to citizens, the only other solution would be to build a wall between boroughs,” Lavallée said.
(Translated by Marc Lalonde)
Météo: Montréal, 6 juillet 2008 / 20°C
/ Généralement ensoleillé
/ Vents: 15 Km/h / Humidité relative: 60 % 
par Sylvain Sarrazin 
Steven Guilbeault - 
