A large group of demonstrators opposed to the removal of parking spaces to allow the development of cycle paths in the Parc-Extension district made themselves heard loudly on Tuesday evening, before the Villeray–Saint-Michel– borough council meeting. Park-Extension.
While they chanted “we want our parking lots!” », in French and English, on the steps of the district town hall, a group of cyclists, fewer in number, replied “we want our cycle paths!” “.
Several police officers on bicycles separated the two groups to avoid scuffles.
New cycle paths are being developed in this multi-ethnic and densely populated district, notably on Ball, Querbes and de l’Épée streets. These are one-way lanes, in each direction, which require the removal of on-street parking on one entire side, or approximately 260 spaces for motor vehicles.
Opponents of these developments denounce the fact that there were no consultations on the disappearance of these spaces.
“We want public consultations. Yes, we want safe cycle paths, but while keeping our parking lots,” Sia Spanoudakis, one of the group’s spokespersons, told the demonstrators.
More details to come.