Les voies d'accès au mont Royal (Camillien-Houde / Remembrance)

I believe that the through access by road should continue to be available to cars, public transit, bicycles and pedestrians. The best way to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians would be to separate their access from that of motorized vehicles. Separate tracks should be created, based on the ability of the users to tackle more or less steep terrain, curves etc. Access to lookouts is important in appreciating the park, for users arriving by all means of transport. Inevitably there will be more need of parking on weekends, when more people are free to enjoy the mountain. In summary, I disagree strongly with cutting the through access for cars, while believing that more safety should be offered to cyclists and pedestrians by isolating them.

The mountain holds many strong memories for me, whether driving to work and feeling like I lived in the country for a few stress free moments, walking with my husband to the lookout and sharing a thermos of tea along the way, bringing grandchildren for a run up the hills, or showing off the chalet and lookout to out-of-town friends and family.

It is not acceptable to ban through-traffic on the mountain. Such a ban excludes a variety of people arriving by car, from families with strollers, families packing the traditional picnic celebration, older and disabled people arriving with family by car, people who do not live in the city, but who arrive by car with people from out of town, who visit the cemeteries to admire the historical monuments, or who simply spend a day in Montreal. This proposed ban ignores the traditional sharing of the mountain by all ages and cultures of citizens and tourists. Everyone should be allowed to use the park road to access recreation and enjoy a little peace in nature amid the city.

But, I don’t think adding more roadways is a good idea. Protecting what green space is left, we should not add roads. Cyclists zipping along empty throughways, not stopping to ‘use’ the mountain, doesn’t make sense. More educational activities about the mountain could sensitize users of the need to protect this jewel in the heart of Montreal. We love our mountain! Don’t take it away from us.

I am a certified real estate broker in business since 1970. I cannot bike anymore since I broke my collarbone biking down a mountain in Hawaii several years ago. Besides losing my courage, I no longer am of the age to take chances because I depend on my livelihood which is selling real estate. My sellers and buyers are on both sides of Mount Royal,. When driving my buyers to properties that are for sale I choose my peaceful, beautiful mountain drive that makes me very proud to show off instead of the nightmare traffic and construction detours that have existed for too long in this once-beautiful city which now looks like a war zone. Mayor Plante and Mr Fernandez only want pedestrians and bikers to enjoy the mountain. There are twelve thousand real estate agents trying to make their living selling real estate in Montreal. They also have customers on both sides of our mountain and depend on reliable method of transportation. As well most of us have relatives in both of the cemeteries that border our mountain with whom we like to pay homage to every once in a while on special occasions. My experience trying to park my car this summer to go and enjoy the park itself was a nightmare of full parking lots with guards trying to detour everyone around that we had to give up. I know I am not the only one who had this experience. This project was not a success Mr Fernandez, so stop lying about it publicly to everyone. On behalf of my fellow colleagues and the entire population of automobile owners in Montreal, I beg our mayor to stop the nonsense and work on behalf of every Montrealer.

I think it is a terrible idea to close the road to cars . Everyone who lives in Montreal should be able to enjoy the mountain ,including those who drive and their passengers.

I think through-traffic should be allowed on Mount Royal. It allows people to access all parts of the park from either side of the mountain. It also allows Montrealers to bring their visitors - even those who are elderly and infirm - up to see the Belvedere and have a wonderful view of the city.

To keep cyclists safe, I suggest we put barriers all the way up Camilien Houde. This should prevent illegal u-turns by cars. Many European cities do this. We could either use concrete dividers or those flexible poles.

Additionally, we should make Camilien Houde "bikes only" for a few hours a week. For example: Saturday or Sunday morning from, say, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This would allow people who need to train on hills to get their work out done safely.
Ottawa does a similar thing with the Parkway and it gets everyone out cycling.

I see this move as hugely detrimental to many citizens' quality of life, including mine and my family's, while the benefits of such a ban are comparatively nebulous. With the sheer volume of construction and closures we already have to deal with when trying to get anywhere, cutting off one of our major arteries is the last thing we need. Those of us who don't have the ability to zip around on a bike are particularly affected. A ban may mean improved access for some, like cyclists, while greatly reducing access for many others. Technology and infrastructure improvements are going to change the city's landscape dramatically over the next decades - but today, the reality is that many of us use cars to move around the city as best we can, and we don't appreciate the city adding to our collective headache.

As a user of Camilien -Houde, the issue for us is access to Montreal east side that does not have to navigate downtown traffic, particularly given the road work that is currently going on. At present there is no other ready access road ( east to west) where traffic flows is uninterrupted. As a Mayor and leader of council you are representing the entire population of Montreal and that includes car drivers. We would ask that you hear our concerns with an open mind despite your personal bias. We admire your concerns for the environment but would like to remind you that we all have a vested interest in keeping the mountain safe and green but do we have to do this by totally disregarding and inconviencing a segment of the population

Your concerns about safety for cyclist and pedestrians are our concerns as well ( we are "walkers"; and visit the "Mountain" on foot without a car.) We enjoy the nature at our doorstep and bike there as well. We feel that this enjoyment is not impeded by allowing traffic to drive over the mountain, once you are on the trails there are virtually no traffic sounds.

I would also question the number of cyclist you are protecting with this measures of closing off this route to car traffic. Camilien -Houde is a steep climb on a bike and I would venture to say that only a core of elite cyclists are using this route, this is not a "family outing" bike path.

Finally your contention that this trial project is a success because there were no accidents in this time period is naive and indeed false, I know of at least one accident between a cyclist and a pedestrian the was never reported.

So maybe the answer is not so simple. In your decision making, I would ask that driver/cars be given fair consideration.and we are not cast as the only problem that needs fixing. The, mountain should be protected; the issues of safety ,noise pollution, and protecting our green spaces are noble causes but we must create a plan that does not scapegoat cars as a menace to nature. The two have coexisted for many years, and with the right plan they will continue to do so.

I believe the ability to cross the whole mountain by car should be maintained, the same scenario that existed prior to the 2018 pilot project.
I disagree with the notion that one group of users should be given priority. We are all citizens of Montreal so we should have all the same access. The tragic accident that killed a bicyclist was caused my a motorist that "broke the law" by making a U-turn. So by banning all cars is not the solution. Have appropriate signage concerning car/bike paths, aggressively ticket both car drives and bike drivers who break the law. I am of an age that I cannot bicycle over the mountain, so why should I be denied the right to cross the mountain.
We had visitors to Montreal this year and the pleasure of showing them over the mountain and the added appreciation that tourists have of Montreal is not possible.
Finally the city administration does not appreciate the economic impact their decision. People have to cross the mountain for work, school etc. Forced public transit and bike paths are not the solution.
The old Joni Mitchell song lamented the fact that "they took paradise and made it a parking lot".
The current administration with its pilot project on the mountain as well as its plans for St. Catharine street are to take the paradise that is Montreal and make it into one pedestrian walkway or bike path.

I feel, that closing the access to Mount Royal and access to the south Gate of the Mount Royal Cemetery is totally unacceptable and not necessary.
I'm 94 years old and need access to the south Gate via Bus in the summer to visit my husband's grave. i cannot walk up to the grave from the North Gate.
Please keep the road open at all times and make room for the cyclists another way.
thank you

I am in favor of keeping the road of Mont Royal opened for traffic 12 months a year
It is a great road both scenic and practical
It reduces traffic in other roads Dr Penfield
Sherbrooke and COTE Ste Catherine
Please keep the road open
Thank w
Franco Niro

Montreal needs to improve communicating to the public. The use of globally recognized roadway pictograms would be a start. If words are used, let’s have it in English and Spanish - like many European cities who appreciate the value of tourism. Mont Royal is our heritage and needs to be shared equally.

First of all the whole project was pushed through without a proper consultation. It was only a token movement
to do it after the project was implemented as a result of the negative reaction the public expressed!

I feel that cars should have access to the mountain at any time not just for a group of super fit bicyclists who
train there. Most people will not attempt to bicycle over the mountain. The mountain should be used by
everyone at all times. There are many peoples who commute to get to work by going over the mountain.

It becomes difficult for families and people with mobility challenges to access the mountain if you ban cars.

I am so relieved that the road over the mountain has been re-opened. It is a beautiful park and we should all be able to access it . During the summer I noticed many less people accessing the space . I have lived in Montreal most of my life, my parents are buried in the cemetery and my daughter was married at Beaver lake. This mountain belongs to us all and not Valerie Plante or Luc F. I was up there one day recently and I noticed many bikes racing through the stop signs and not only risking their lives buts pedestrians lives.
The best solution I believe is to reduce the speed limit and for a short time make sure tickets are given to both motorists and cyclists for speeding. This is a charming route from east to west and should be continued with some very carefully planned solutions ( definitely not closure of the road). My last point is the entrance to both cemeteries should be accessible to both east and west. Please listen to the requests of the people . This is our mountain too.

We have been protecting the mountain's fauna and flora for generations and until the vehicle restrictions were put in place this past summer (without any prior consultation with the citizens) it was accessible to all to enjoy this beautiful green space.

In my opinion, relatively few citizens access the Mount Royal park via bicycle or public transportation. The majority, I would suggest rely on their vehicles, for a variety of reasons.

I visited the park many times a year until last summer. When I did go this past summer it was a most frustrating experience. Firstly, access to one of the parking area was totally inadequate. When I arrived at this lot it was full and there was no place to turn around to leave the lot and there were 5 or 6 cars in front of me experiencing the same situation. When I was leaving the park I encountered several cyclists spread out across the road thereby blocking any cars from passing them. It appeared to me that they were emboldened by their new found sense of power and were being very arrogant about it.

I wrote my borough mayor about this, suggesting that there were better ways to ensure cyclists safety, as the catalyst for closing the mountain to traffic seemed to be related to the tragic death of a cyclist who hit a vehicle making an illegal U-Turn. I received a prompt but dishonest response, saying that the closure was not due to the accident but meant to allow people to enjoy the green space without having to put up with the noise from car traffic. Total B.S.!

You may have guessed by now that I am NOT in favour of restricting vehicle access to Mount Royal.

I VOTE NO TO RESTRICTING VEHICLE ACCESS TO MOUNT ROYAL!!!!!

Having grown up and lived in Montreal all my life I am thoroughly disgusted at the attitude of the this Administration .There is no appropriate solution that should be adopted, that prevents certain populations of citizens from enjoying Mont Royal. Bikers/cyclists are not the only population using the mountain. Any action taken must involve easy access for all citizens of any age. This pilot project effectively prevented seniors and any person unable to bike or walk EASY ACCESS to OUR MOUNTAIN. THIS IS A TRAVESTY!!!!

Build a separate bike lane but you must allow full vehicle access and thoroughfare from one side of the mountain to the other.

Vehicle access could be controlled with basic restrictions during rush hour, that are used all the time, elsewhere.

PS:
Don't use your very weak Fletcher's Field logic, that destroyed the existence of a multi-generational field of dreams ritual/ summer past time, of playing a pickup softball game on a summer night at the local field

The mountain access should remain open and available to all citizens of Montreal and our visitors.

In restricting access for the benefit of any special interest groups it is not only unfair to the remainder of our society but it actually discriminates against those with the least means among us to fully enjoy a true marvel of a modern day city. It limits access to the elderly, to those less mobile, the handicapped and simply to anyone who wishes to see the park easily in its entirety.

In today's world, it would seem easy to widen roads, provide designated bike paths, install better lights and safety features as opposed to keeping people off the mountain so only a few can benefit from it. In fact it causes me to be extremely concerned as to why this idea is being pushed so hard without more effort to
find solutions.

The challenge to the city is to act on the issue of what is right for the majority of Montreal citizens and to find a solution that allows all parties safe and guaranteed access.It is also their mandate to protect the mountain environment for future generations to enjoy - for all members of our society at all times.

That is what a responsible government does, that is why they get elected .

I'm a 58 year old that was born and has lived in the Plateau almost all my life, 20 years ago I moved to NDG so of course I would travel over the mountain on weekly basis to visit family still living in Plateau. Last summer was the 1st summer that I didn't make that weekly trip, also it was the 1st time that out of town family visitors were not taken up to the mountain as has been probably all Montrealers way of showing off the city. I also have a few beloved family members buried in the cemetery and those visits were also curtailed. Has the division of Camillien Houde impacted me and my family, hell yes and I'm not happy about it. I'm totally against it!
I can honestly say in all the years of traveling that road that cars speeding was not something that I witnessed often, but speeding by cyclists who were training was witnessed on weekly basis. How many times did I have to slow down so as to allow a cyclist (or many times a group) to make their U-turns? Almost every time, especially during the summer months. Why is this not discussed? This road was built for cars to travel from east to west of city not for cyclists to use as training grounds. Well limiting cars will make it easier for pedestrians and joggers, this administration says. Bull! That road is very steep and most people have never attempted to walk/run it, there are other trails that wind up the mountain that are visualy nicer and easier to take. Fix these trails so all groups of people feel comfortable and safe taking them.
This mountain belongs to all Montrealers and we all take tremendous pride in it and have the right to enjoy it's beauty whether we walk, jog, bike, travel by bus or travel by car and dividing Camillien Houde limits access to all areas and that's a fact. It has affected me and all my friends and family members for the worst. Being able to drive from one end to the other not only cuts travel time but for many people including myself the beauty, the calmness, is a stress releaser from our hectic lives. It's our little drive through the country that many Montrealers never get to experience otherwise. For myself and many who have loved ones buried in the cemeteries driving along the road gives us a moment to remember them, say a prayer and even shed a tear as we make our way to wherever we're going.
The citizens of Montreal have overwhelmingly expressed their opinions against closing/dividing Camillien Houde and we deserve to be heard and this road needs to remain open. This administration trying to shame car drivers for wanting to continue to drive from one end to other is cheap and sad!

A park road by its very existence implies accessibility. I know total ban of through traffic has lessened access to the mountain for families carrying chairs and picnic supplies) and especially seniors (I am one). Public transportation does not always meet our needs. Total ban is especially restricting for those visiting the two cemeteries who have entrances from the mountain parkway.

Protection of all users should be considered. Bicycle paths should be cordoned off with removable striped panels as in many other parts of the city. Severs fines as indicated by posted signs for u-turns by the C-H lookout should be enforced as well as extending the barriers that prevent this.
Driving over the mountain with tourists and for simply spirit renewal should not be restricted to those who are physically able to bike or hike the hills. It privileges them over other citizens.

What would be possible alternatives to removing through-traffic? What would be the conditions for their application?

First and simplest restriction would be to Ban Through Traffic during the morning and evening rush hours when most drivers are just using the mountain as a short cut - maybe from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Make sure to enforce this restriction with policing and ticketing or create barriers (such as at hospital and other parking lots) that only open for buses and others provided with plastic encoded passes to activate the gates.

Underground parking near Smith house might be a solution that leaves little visible imprint on the mountain as opposed to constructing more ground level parking lots and running shuttle buses seems expensive and not necessary except on weekends.

The exit from the mountain parkway to Cote des Neiges going south is a dangerous crossover maneuver.

Reduce city car and truck emissions on the mountain by ensuring that city vehicles respect the no idling law!

I run on the Mountain three or four times a week. I cherish Olmsted Path when it is quiet (in the snow and rain) and when it is busy with locals and tourists. I feel so fortunate to have this oasis of trees and fresh air in my backyard! That said, I do not think that prohibiting private-vehicle through-traffic from Camillien-Houde Way and Remembrance Road is necessary to preserve the tranquility of Parc Mont-Royal, or to protect its flora and fauna. Rather, it just serves to limit who can access a precious resource that belongs to everyone.

We need less cars on the roads, but this should be achieved through better and more accessible public transportation— not by limiting access to the Mountain. The goal of protecting cyclists can be achieved by lowering the speed limit on Camillien-Houde Way and Remembrance Road to 30km an hour, and by imposing steep penalties for illegal turns.

The following is addition to my previous submission. Thank you.

Regarding through traffic, it is fully acceptable to have through traffic on the mountain. This particular road is a very convenient and beautiful way of getting from one side of the city to the other. This road on the mountain helps ease traffic from the other streets surrounding the mountain. It is already difficult to get in and around the city of Montreal without construction and roadworks. Now that there are numerous streets being closed off due to construction and road repair, it is presently more than ever difficult to drive in the city. Having through traffic on the mountain has always been a life-saver for motorists, whether there are road repairs in the city or not. It saves a lot of driving time, and gives drivers the opportunity to see the city from up high. Driving on this road is all positive for the users, the visitors to the mountain, the visitors to the cemetery, citizens and the environment and nature.

It is completely unacceptable, meaningless, impractical, inconvenient, etc to ban through traffic on the mountain. Having through traffic on the mountain is very necessary to Montreal. Banning through traffic on the mountain would increase the commute for drivers as motorists would have to use the other streets surrounding the mountain, causing those streets to be even more congested. Also, a longer commute equals more pollution, more frustration for drivers, and more congestion on the other streets, which will lead to more road accidents on those particular streets.

The City of Montreal, as its population grows considerably, must find ways to alleviate traffic for motorists, to improve the commute and driving experience. Closing roads, reconfiguring streets or narrowing already existing streets, creating bike paths in impractical areas, negates this.

Thank you!

Bonjour! tellement heureuse que l`on puisse traverser cette magnifique montagne et respirer à nouveau!!
J ài eu le plaisir de faire la visite avec des touristes américains et ils étaient époustouflés de cette beauté.

Je vous prie de laisser ce joyau tranquille... très important pour ma santé et tranquillité.

Merci beaucoup

Closing the Camillien Houde to through traffic makes little sense. It divides the city into two and further contributes to gridlock elsewhere in the city nearby.

I think CLOSING the road to cars is NOT A GOOD IDEA.

KEEPING THE ROAD OPEN:
1) allows for a good way to go over the mountain from one part of the city to another
2) allows for anyone to use any parking lot at Smith House or Beaver Lake lodge - so if one is full, you can keep going and use the next one - or then stop at the lookout before going home.
3) allows for ALL PEOPLE to use the entire park - elderly, young, skaters, skiers, bikers, hikers, sledders, tourists, etc.

KEEP THE ROAD OPEN TO CARS.

It was with great excitement that Montrealers greeted the new Camillien Houde parkway in 1981. It is a beautiful drive/cycling/viewing road. Unfortunately an American chose to do an illegal u-turn, however he didn't do it as fast as the cyclist was speeding toward it. I believe the cyclist was going too fast and out of control, or else he might have been able to stop in time, and be alive today.

The new roadway finally brought western and eastern Montreal together in a route that was shorter than driving around the mountain. Families, tourists and Montrealers were able to approach Beaver Lake from either the west or the east. Then because of one (reported) accident we were suddenly not able to traverse the mountain. This was an unfair decision by City Hall, and it probably cost huge bucks to rearrange the roadway and enforce it. To have made this decision while the city is saturated with road closures and orange cones was simply not feasible. I appreciate that Mayor Plante loves to ride bicycles, but most of us don't for various reasons, including seniors and the disabled but who are nevertheless still able to drive. The mayor needs to be a whole lot more understanding of all citizens residing on the island of Montreal.

RE-OPEN THE CAMILLIEN HOUDE PARKWAY AND POLICE THE CYCLISTS TO MAKE IT SAFER!

Hello EVERYONE!!!!

And I am talking to cyclists,car drivers,hikers, skiers and any one else who enjoys the mountain...this mountain is part of our city and belongs to all of us....not just the few who have the money to buy expensive bikes and all the gear that goes with it!

I have a brother who has recently suffered a stroke and is in a wheelchair - HE ALSO NEEDS ACCESS to the mountain

I am a divorced single woman who cross-country skis - I need access to the mountain

My daughter is a runner but lives far from the mountain and she needs access to run up and down hills

My friends from the east end of the city tried to get to the mountain for a picnic and couldn't park anywhere...they need access to the mountain...with their 3 small children...

The mountain has been part of my family's life for over 30 years....give it back to us...

Lorraine Shatilla