Montrealers perform in NDG to save Saint Monica's Church
Wong encouraged residents to take action: “If you’re upset, do something about it. Good things come to those willing to push hard and get involved.”
A bike path installed on Terrebonne Street in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) has sparked ongoing controversy, creating challenges for residents and significantly affecting Saint Monica’s Church. The church reports a 30% decline in attendance and donations, with disruptions to events, including funerals.
To address the financial struggles and rally community support, the church recently held a benefit concert featuring performances by Freddie James, the Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club, Clare Keays, the Panday Tinig Chorale Ensemble, and others. "This is an overwhelming and humbling feeling," said Paul Wong, a warden at the church. "People from all backgrounds are stepping up to support Saint Monica’s Parish and its role in the NDG community."
Musician Clare Keays, a parishioner and volunteer, emphasized the bike path’s impact. “It’s made parking nearly impossible, even for funerals, which has really hurt the church’s finances,” she explained. Keays hopes the fundraiser will help keep the church afloat.
The path, implemented by Mayor Valérie Plante’s administration, has also drawn criticism from other community members. Joe Ortona, Chair of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), highlighted safety concerns, particularly after a recent accident involving a school bus and a parent’s vehicle near St. Monica Elementary School. While no injuries were reported, students were trapped inside the bus for 10 minutes due to obstructed doors.
“The bike path was meant to improve safety, but it’s created new challenges,” Ortona said, calling for a reassessment. He emphasized the need for a balanced plan: “We want kids to walk and bike to school safely, but also ensure safe access for those with physical disabilities and others.” The EMSB is urging the city to remove or modify the bike path for winter, citing tighter roadways and limited space for school buses.
The bike path’s controversial history dates back to 2020 when it was initially installed but removed due to parking issues. A similar project this summer turned the street into a one-way, further intensifying concerns about safety and accessibility. Resident Michael Shafter described the situation as a “war zone” and advocated for removing one of the two bike lanes to restore balance.
Saint Monica’s Church has been particularly hard-hit. Wong noted that 65% of parishioners are seniors with mobility issues. “They’re afraid to stop in front of the church to drop someone off for fear of a ticket,” he said. Monthly losses have doubled to over $10,000 since the bike path’s installation.
Despite the challenges, Wong remains optimistic, pointing to community interest in renting church spaces to support its operations. “The good word and community effort are keeping us afloat,” he said.
City Councillor Sonny Moroz of Ensemble Montréal echoed calls for reconsidering the bike path. “The impacts on parking, safety, and fluidity weren’t fully studied. I’ve proposed a motion to remove it for the winter,” he said, advocating for dialogue and long-term solutions.
CityNews reached out to the Côte-des-Neiges–NDG borough for comment but received no response.
Wong encouraged residents to take action: “If you’re upset, do something about it. Good things come to those willing to push hard and get involved.”
“May the success of Saint Monica be a success for the whole city,” added Shafter.
