Vieux-Montréal Businesses Face Fresh Disruption as McGill Street Work Looms
MONTREAL – Businesses in Old Montreal are bracing for six weeks of construction on McGill Street, beginning imminently, during what should be a peak season for tourism and private events. The work, focused on repairing a section of the cycle path between Saint-Jacques and Notre-Dame, will involve granite work and the installation of cement meshes, prompting concerns about accessibility and potential economic impact.
the timing of the project has sparked frustration among local restaurateurs, already grappling with ongoing disruptions from other city infrastructure projects throughout the year.Graziella, owner of a well-regarded Italian restaurant in the area, expressed dismay, noting the constant street closures hinder business, notably after investing in staffing and resources for events. “We put so much energy and money, we hire extra staff and then get the street closed constantly,” she said. She is particularly concerned about an upcoming event in October with Tourisme Montréal and the James Beard Foundation, designed to attract American journalists. “I do not know what impression we will give,” she sighed, anticipating the welcome of her guests amidst a construction zone.
According to Ville-Marie borough city councillor Robert beaudry, the McGill Street work is distinct from other recent construction in the area. He clarified that the project isn’t a re-operation of the roadway, but rather focused on improving the safety of the existing cycle path for both cyclists and bus users. Beaudry acknowledged the project was initially slated for the construction holidays but was postponed to allow the summer season to progress.
The McGill Street closure is the latest in a series of infrastructure projects impacting Old Montreal this year.A timeline reveals a pattern of disruption: a terrace permit request for the Helena restaurant in February, an initial proclamation of three weeks of work on the McGill cycle path in April, major work on Longueuil, Saint-Maurice, and Saint-paul streets from May to July, the McGill Street closure in june, completion of work on Longueuil Street (though lighting remains incomplete) in July, a surprise announcement of a protected cycle path project for October in August, and a September refusal to postpone the current work until spring.
Businesses are now facing the prospect of six months of construction-related disruptions throughout 2025, threatening the vibrancy of one of Montreal’s key tourist and cultural districts. Anyone with facts related to this story is encouraged to contact the Journal de Montréal at 1 800-63SCOOP.
