Summer pedestrianization of commercial arteries | The happiness of some, the misfortune of others

A slight increase in sales and an increase in traffic for some, a drop in turnover caused in particular by the reduction in the number of parking spaces for others: the sun will not have shone in the same way this summer for all the traders who line the streets which have become pedestrianised during the hot season.

Is it really beneficial for sales? “That is indeed THE question. It depends a lot on each territory and how the project was developed,” responds Sébastien Ridouin, general director of the Association des sociétés de développement commercial (SDC) de Montréal.

“It depends who you talk to,” adds Mike Parente, general manager of the SDC de la Plaza Saint-Hubert. The artery known for its marquee and wedding dress boutiques was pedestrianized for a good part of the summer. Although it received the support of merchants at a general meeting, the project was later criticized by some. “Not everything is black or white,” adds Mr. Parente.

“Restaurateurs are the ones who benefit the most,” believes Sébastien Ridouin. “For retailers, it can vary,” he acknowledges.

After questioning several traders, The Press actually found that the pedestrianization of commercial arteries made some people happy and others unhappy.

“For me, it’s vital that there be a pedestrian street,” says Pierre Thibault, co-owner of the Taverne Saint-Sacrement and the restaurant Le Pontiac. Both establishments are located on Mont-Royal Avenue, a thoroughfare that was in its fifth year of pedestrianization this summer.

For Mr. Thibault, during this period, sales are booming and his employees pocket nice tips. This is a way for him to replenish his coffers before the winter slack period. “The tourist who arrives always has a little more budget than the neighborhood clientele.”

“It has to come back,” he adds, looking ahead to next summer.

In light of a survey conducted in the summer of 2023 by the Observer on behalf of the SDC de l’avenue du Mont-Royal, 43% of merchants said that their turnover was up during the pedestrianization, 25% responded that it had no impact, while 30% confirmed that there was a negative effect.

What about retailers?

Lili Fortin, president of Tristan, falls into the third category. Her store on the famous Plateau Mont-Royal Avenue is not full of sales and customers during this period, she confirms.

This summer, in her Plateau Mont-Royal store, she recorded a 13% decrease in traffic compared to last year. She attributes this decrease not only to pedestrianization, but also to the work that took place on a neighboring street, not far from her store.

By his own admission, François Roberge, president and CEO of La Vie en Rose, acknowledges that pedestrianization does not move the needle on his sales. The man who has stores on four commercial arteries that become pedestrianized during the summer season – Saint-Hubert, Wellington, Ontario and Mont-Royal – nevertheless applauds these initiatives.

“Overall, I really like it when a street closes,” he says. “It gives the street a special character. It’s more friendly.”

Anne Lespérance sold a little more clothing during the pedestrianization of Plaza Saint-Hubert. The owner of the Quebec creations boutique Belle et Rebelle specifies, however, that this is a slight increase. Having adopted Plaza Saint-Hubert 18 years ago, M^me Lespérance believes that we need to have a long-term vision.

“It’s not madness. [Mes ventes ont] increased by 4% or 5%. But at some point, you have to take a long-term view. There are more tourists coming, she notes. The street is more attractive. There are places to sit, free Wi-Fi. The Plaza is being rebuilt. It involves all these details to make it more pleasant.”

Of the 400 members of the SDC of Plaza Saint-Hubert, only about sixty voted during the assembly concerning the pedestrianization project. The close vote in favor of the project creates divisions.

“If it wasn’t good for some this year and we persist, maybe it will be good next year,” she adds. “We are in the process of revitalizing the entire neighborhood. It’s not going to happen in one summer.”

The reign of the automobile

The main criticism of retailers opposed to pedestrianization? It’s a hindrance to customers who usually drive home. “For those who come from a little further away, it’s very difficult to access,” says Lili Fortin.

“Everyone always comes back to the car,” replies Mike Parente of Plaza Saint-Hubert. “We still have three metro stations along our artery, including the Jean-Talon station. We have six bus lines in the area. We have bike paths. We are easy to access for people who walk.”

“There is no artery that is as well served as the Plaza,” adds Anne Lespérance. “There are three huge parking lots that we have never seen full. We are almost like a shopping center.” [commercial]. »

François Roberge believes that pedestrianization does not harm his businesses that have a storefront. “I have customers who walk. Those who take the car, they will go to DIX30, to Carrefour Laval.”