McGill College Avenue has remained in a state of transition since the completion of the REM construction work, particularly the section between Maisonneuve and Sainte-Catherine, which is looking rather run-down. If the post-construction site improvements have been limited, it is because McGill College Avenue was supposed to undergo a complete transformation in the summer of 2026. The section stretching between Sherbrooke Street and Cathcart was supposed to become an urban park. Here are some of the elements included in the project:
- The planting of 200 trees and the installation of misting stations, addressing the need for cooling in a neighbourhood prone to urban heat islands.
- Oscar Peterson Square, paying tribute to the famous jazz musician and highlighting the contribution of the Afro-descendant diaspora, particularly from the West Indies, to Montreal’s culture.
- Rest and relaxation areas where people could enjoy the greenery and the proximity of downtown businesses.
- A gathering space that would allow the square to remain active even during the winter.
The current administration has nevertheless decided to postpone the project until 2028, explaining that the operating costs of the project as currently designed are too high. These costs include cleaning, snow removal, and park security. When asked about the issue, Mayor Martinez Ferrada said she wanted to hold new consultations on the project.
With the goal of getting the conversation started, the Peter-McGill Neighbourhood Table held a first reflection activity on the subject on September 3. The activity was divided into two parts: first, an exploratory neighbourhood walk to discuss local issues along the avenue, followed by a workshop focused on its future. Participants were invited to reflect on the role of citizens in urban planning and on the elements they would like to see in public spaces. These discussions brought forward several ideas for redeveloping the area.
Ideas for a Reimagined Avenue
Participants were supportive of adding a public space to the area. Many saw it as an opportunity to create a place to rest, slow down, and simply be. This could benefit workers and students in the area, as well as people who come downtown to shop and might be encouraged to stay longer after taking a break in a calm, green space.
In terms of design, this could mean having tables and chairs where people could sit and relax, as well as shade provided either by tree canopies or umbrellas. Some participants mentioned Dorchester Square as an example, with its lawns, large trees, and tables equipped with umbrellas. Creating a space conducive to relaxation also came with ideas for minimizing potential drawbacks: trees and greenery were considered important both for reducing the urban heat-island effect and for limiting noise along the avenue.
Several participants liked the idea of having a place that remains active in winter, whether through small cabins or an outdoor skating rink. The Esplanade Tranquille was highlighted as an excellent example of how a space can be transformed according to the season.
The presence of public art was also considered important. In this regard, participants supported the idea of Oscar Peterson Square. They also discussed the possibility of having more art in public spaces, with installations that could change regularly through the participation of the various museums in the area.
Several safety concerns about the current avenue were also raised. For many participants, the intersection on the McGill side could be made safer, as could the access ramp to the Esplanade at Place Ville-Marie, whose design is interesting but appears difficult to climb.
Participants also recognized the avenue’s central role in the area. With the REM set to create a direct connection to the airport in the coming years, McGill College Avenue could be the first point of contact with the city for many tourists. Turning the avenue into a park could help foster a positive image of the city and would build on the transformations already underway on Sainte-Catherine Street.
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