Montreal to preserve Boisé Steinberg

The city of Montreal has decided to scrap plans for a road through a green space in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

In a Thursday announcement, the city revealed it would cancel the proposed extension of Assomption Blvd. toward Notre-Dame St. E., which would have required clearing part of Boisé Steinberg.

Instead, the city will acquire an abandoned area currently owned by CN Rail and use it to connect Boisé Steinberg with the nearby Boisé Vimont. City councillor Sophie Mauzerolle explained that this will create a buffer between the residential and industrial zones, providing local residents with some separation from industrial activity. The decision followed months of consultations with citizens.

The original plan, in development since 2013, aimed to close Dickson St. to facilitate truck access from the Port of Montreal to Highway 25 via Souligny Ave. The goal was to reduce the issue of trucks cutting through local streets to avoid traffic on Notre-Dame St. by keeping them on main roads.

Now, only bike paths and walking trails will be constructed in Boisé Steinberg, allowing a broader range of people to enjoy the green space.

The city also stated it will continue to explore the Assomption-Souligny project to find solutions for minimizing truck noise and traffic in the residential area.

This announcement coincides with the city’s settlement of a $343 million lawsuit with Ray-Mont Logistics, a container yard operator in the area. As part of the settlement, the city will pay $17 million to the company, which had accused the city of unnecessarily delaying the project despite it complying with zoning regulations.

Mauzerolle expressed pride in the decision, saying, "We have always prioritized the preservation of green spaces, especially in the eastern part of the city where industrial activities heighten the need. By protecting these wooded areas, residents can enjoy a green environment for generations to come."