Southwest borough wants public input on Atwater market-area improvements

Montreal's Southwest borough is asking for the public's input on what to do with the area around Lionel-Groulx Metro station and the Atwater Market.

Around 5,000 people live in the focus area, which extends from the Lachine Canal to St-Antoine Street and from Rose-de-Lima Street to Vinet Street.

Thousands of cars pass through the area each day, as do hundreds of buses going to and from Lionel-Groulx Metro station.

For pedestrians and cyclists heading to the Atwater Market and Lachine Canal, the area can be a challenge to navigate.

A dedicated Facebook page on the topic will collect opinions over the summer on ways the neighbourhood can better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, cars and public transit users.

"Pedestrian-only zones are one option we're considering," said Benoit Dorais, mayor of Southwest borough.

"We also want to rethink the Atwater Avenue curve near Atwater Market. At the moment, it's dangerous getting to the market for many people."

Dorais said Parks Canada, which is responsible for the Lachine Canal, is also in the process of rethinking its plan for the area.

Montreal's L'Institut du Nouveau Monde has received a $25,000 grant to conduct a related survey over the summer.

The survey will gauge opinions from both residents of the area and visitors.

The first results of the Southwest borough consultations will be released in September.

• Looting in Montreal neighbourhood puts spotlight on gentrification
• Another St-Henri business vandalized in part anti-gentrification protest