Pierrefonds Mayor Advocates for Car Access on New Road to Kirkland REM Station
The mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Jim Beis, is pushing to include vehicular traffic on a proposed new road connecting to the Kirkland REM station, challenging a previous plan that reserved the route exclusively for buses and bicycles. This initiative aims to address the transportation realities of West Island residents, who heavily rely on cars for daily commutes.
Historical Context and Project Revival
The roadway project traces back to a decades-old provincial promise to link the West Island with Laval via a highway through Île Bizard, Pierrefonds, and Kirkland. Although the highway plan was abandoned, governments have since proposed an urban boulevard on the reserved land, intended to run from Gouin Blvd. to Highway 40 as an alternative to congested St-Charles Blvd. Recently, the focus shifted to creating an access road for the Kirkland REM station, set to open later this year.
Under the Valérie Plante administration, the project was transformed into a two-lane thoroughfare for public transit and bicycles, with a bike-only section from Antoine-Faucon St. to Gouin Blvd., to minimize vehicular traffic. However, this plan faced opposition from Mayor Beis, who vowed to overturn it if elected. The project was paused indefinitely but has been revived in the Martinez Ferrada budget, allocating approximately $60.5 million over five years, with major work scheduled for 2028.
Mayor Beis's Stance and Community Debate
In a recent interview, Mayor Beis emphasized the necessity of incorporating cars into the new roadway, stating, "Not only is that road necessary, but the idea of incorporating vehicular traffic as well in whatever form we feel necessary would be an absolute requirement." He expressed frustration over project delays, noting that it was announced years ago with little progress since. Beis plans to collaborate with neighboring mayors to design a road that could include features like dedicated carpool lanes during peak hours, balancing support for public transit with the car-dependent lifestyle of West Island residents.
However, Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson strongly opposes allowing cars on the road, citing current network capacity issues. He argued, "Adding cars on the road would be a poor decision," and stressed that the Ste-Marie Rd. overpass must be rebuilt and capacity increased before introducing new traffic. Gibson expects the project to take years to restart, as provincial funding delays under the Plante administration contributed to its hold.
Infrastructure Challenges and Future Steps
The debate highlights broader infrastructure challenges in the region, including the need for upgrades to existing roads and overpasses. Mayor Gibson pointed out that Kirkland will have a say in the project since the road passes through the city, and he anticipates a lengthy process before any construction begins. The project's revival under the Martinez Ferrada administration signals a renewed focus, but disagreements over design and traffic management must be resolved through community collaboration.
As discussions continue, the outcome will impact transportation options for residents and the integration of the REM station into the local network. The project represents a critical juncture in balancing environmental goals with practical mobility needs in Montreal's West Island.
