Camillien-Houde Way: a missed opportunity
CAA-Quebec learned this morning of the City of Montréal’s decision to cease all automobile through traffic on the Camillien-Houde Way over the next few years. While a number of the arguments put forward are perfectly laudable, this move comes as a surprise, since it goes against the advice of several experts, and that road safety issues remain.
The final report issued by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OPCM) on the access roads to Mount Royal provided some valuable recommendations, in particular that automobile traffic be maintained along the entire axis, but also that it be made safer for all users of the mountain. Moreover, the report recommended that the redevelopment of the axis be undertaken in a concerted effort involving all stakeholders.
Besides, in a position paper published in 2018 (in French only), CAA-Quebec outlined solutions for better road sharing, thereby enabling pedestrians, cyclists, cars and buses to continue to coexist safely on Mount Royal. This mainly involved improving existing infrastructure, implementing speed-calming measures, favouring adequate signalization in line with international standards, and ensuring compliance with the Highway Safety Code. However, to this day, this paper has gone largely unheeded by the City and its bodies.
«“We believe the mobility of all road users must be taken into account when faced with decisions that will impact the daily lives of citizens. In line with Vision Zero, CAA-Quebec offered solutions that would have alleviated traffic congestion, promoted the cohabitation of different means of transport and improved road safety for all. After all, isn’t this the goal we should be pursuing?”
Sophie Gagnon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Social Responsibility
CAA-Quebec thus reiterates the willingness and availability of its experts to take part in discussions on this landmark for the citizens of Montréal and all those who visit it. Solutions can be found for all users who use this roadway on a daily basis, regardless of their mobility preferences.
CAA-Quebec strives for a better approach, drawing on all available expertise
Following the 2018 pilot project, 65% of the people we surveyed (members residing in the Greater Montréal area) were opposed to a complete closure of the Camillien-Houde Way, and those transiting through the area noted an increase of 21 minutes on average in their daily commute.
Shutting down one access to the mountain sends out a contrary message to the fair sharing of the road advocated for all users of the network. This closure will not solve the problem of joint use, but will instead shift the issue to the surrounding arteries (Côte-des-Neiges Road, Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Park Avenue, Pine Avenue, etc.), increasing congestion on these already problematic arteries.
Ultimately, the conclusions of our road safety experts also pointed to numerous road safety issues that persisted, even after the closure of through traffic, on both Remembrance Road and Camillien-Houde Way. The City of Montréal itself acknowledged that these conflict situations had continued after the closure of through traffic.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.
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