(Longueuil) Everything indicates that the eventual REM on the South Shore will be spared the catenary, this network of suspended cables that has appeared on the REM infrastructure that will connect Brossard to downtown Montreal starting in next fall.
Posted at 5:50 p.m.
Described as hideous by some commentators, this network of suspended cables bears no resemblance to the images CDPQ Infra presented when the project was originally announced. His appearance caused consternation in many quarters.
The Mayor of Longueuil, Catherine Fournier, explained Monday after a meeting with Prime Minister François Legault, that it was essential that the REM respect the character of the heritage district of Vieux-Longueuil. “It is certain that an aerial structure would pose several challenges in terms of urban integration. »
“Solutions for spinning”
At his side, Prime Minister Legault began by saying that it was possible to paint the high structures in white “to make it beautiful”, then he added this quite unexpected clarification: “Now there is has solutions also for wiring. I don’t want to pre-empt a presentation of the Caisse de dépôt which we hope will come soon, but for me the REM on the South Shore is going to be very beautiful and very well integrated into the architecture of the various places where it will pass. »
This statement therefore suggests that Vieux-Longueuil will not have to undergo the installation of a catenary that would be totally incompatible with its heritage character.
Mr. Legault and Mr.me Fournier said they agreed on the route, the REM 2.0 as it is nicknamed must travel Taschereau Boulevard on the one hand and, above all, create an east-west link on the South Shore, a link whose ends remain to be determined.
“I hope to be able to announce the details of this project over the next few months, after we have agreed on the development of the project,” said Mr. Legault.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Prime Minister François Legault and Mayor of Longueuil Catherine Fournier said they agreed on the route, the REM 2.0 as it is nicknamed must travel Taschereau Boulevard on the one hand and, above all, create an east-west link on the Rive. -South.
Housing and environment
The two politicians also discussed social housing, with the mayor citing a waiting list of some 1,500 households for this type of affordable housing.
Mme Fournier reiterated his request to “be able to acquire tools such as the City of Montreal already has, in particular the right of pre-emption”, which gives a municipality the right of first purchase on available land and thus escape the real estate speculation.
It also expressed its desire to obtain the powers that would enable it to protect wetlands and natural environments, in particular urban woodlands.