De Maisonneuve Blvd. to change to 2-ways near MUHC superhospital

The borough council of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce has voted to turn a busy section of De Maisonneuve Boulevard into a two-way street, despite concerns expressed by residents and business owners. 

The goal is to help accommodate the increase in traffic expected with the opening of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) superhospital next month, the borough says.

Last night, the CDN-NDG council gave the plan the green light.

It'll just bring more cars from a new direction into this already busy intersection- Peter McQueen, city councillor

The change will affect three blocks of De Maisonneuve Boulevard between Décarie Boulevard and Addington Street.

"At rush hour in the morning, we're going to have 400 cars an hour trying to get to the MUHC, including ambulances,” borough Mayor Russell Copeman said.

But traffic at the Décarie intersection already heads off in five different directions. Some are concerned the change will make make the corner even more complicated and dangerous.

City Councillor Peter McQueen voted against the plan.

"It'll just bring more cars from a new direction into this already busy intersection. And we don't even feel it'll move cars to the hospital quickly," he said.

Some business owners are also worried the changes could hurt their bottom line.

Greg Kataroyan, owner of Automotion Collision, said the parking spots on De Maisonneuve Boulevard are important for commercial businesses.

"If they make it a two-way street, I'll lose my parking for my clients, myself and my employees,” said Kataroyan.

“It's just going to make it more and more difficult for me to run my business properly."     

But the borough mayor says it has to be done.    

Copeman said they will make sure the intersection is safe for pedestrians and cyclists.  

The project is expected to cost close to $150,000.