Despite the reluctance of some during the first pedestrianization of a section of Mont-Royal Avenue during the summer of 2018, more merchants are present on this artery than five years ago.
Mayor Valérie Plante also indicated in a tweet that the rate of commercial premises left vacant on Mont-Royal Avenue fell from 14.5% in 2018 to only 5.6% in 2023.
“Since the pedestrianization, the avenue is more dynamic and frequented than ever, indicates Ms. Plante. Business is good.”
A merchant met by TVA Nouvelles agrees and believes that the mayor.
“It helps us a lot,” explains Café Americano manager Anthony. There are many more people. We have a lot more tourists so at this time of year, that helps us a lot.”
Pedestrians also find their happiness there.
“I like it because we have no more cars. We can sit on the terraces without the noise and the smell of gas, it’s over, ”says a man.
“It’s better like that because with the passing cars it makes a lot of dust on the terraces and there are a lot fewer people walking by and stopping near the restaurants,” adds another passerby.
Other merchants, however, feel that the lack of parking and the heavy traffic in the area are detrimental to them.
Watch the full explanation in the video above.