Philippe Sarrasin took part in Wellington Street’s summer pedestrianization during the pandemic, but the Verdun bookstore owner believes making it permanent would be a mistake.
“It’s pretty scary to think that we’d be out of cars and buses during the colder periods,” said Sarrasin, owner of Librairie de Verdun. “I don’t think we could survive that.”
Verdun residents are being consulted on whether Wellington Street should become a pedestrian-only zone year-round. Montreal’s Public Consultation Office (OCPM) is holding meetings this week after a petition supporting the plan gathered more than 3,000 signatures.
Street pedestrianization is a topic that brings debates which extend beyond Verdun.
Last week, the city announced that Plaza St-Hubert would not return as a pedestrian street. While 88 per cent of residents supported last summer’s pilot project, 60 per cent of business owners called for its cancellation.
Back on Wellington, Marla Mulhim, whose family owns the grocery store Fruiterie Vert Pomme, said pedestrianization beyond the summer months would create significant challenges for businesses.
“Our economy isn’t certain right now — we don’t know what’s going to happen with tariffs, and inflation keeps rising,” said Mulhim. “We don’t want too many factors affecting the future, especially for small businessowners.”
Verdun Borough Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger told CTV News that, even if the project were approved, it would not happen overnight.
“It’s the will of the citizens to have consultations, but there’s no project in the pipeline and no budget from the borough,” she said. “So, it’s more of a long shot to talk about for now.”
For Sarrasin, he’s worried this possible permanent change to Wellington Street could have long-term repercussions for the neighborhood.
“It would probably change the dynamic for all the residents of Verdun because a lot of the stores simply wouldn’t survive,” he said.
Residents have until Wednesday to share their opinions on Wellington Street’s future.
