Exploratory neighbourhood walk in Southeastern NDG
Wednesday, 15 September 2010, 19h00 - 22h00
Meeting point
NDG Community Centre
3757, rue Prudhomme
For more information:
Sarah-Maude Guindon - Mobiligo
sarahmaude.guindon@mobiligo.ca (514) 739-0463
On the 15th of September, the Urban Ecology Centre of Montreal, Mobiligo and Prevention NDG hosted an exploratory walk through the streets of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce in collaboration with Sophie Paquin from the Direction de santé publique de Montréal.
After meeting at the NDG community centre, the 15 participants were invited to follow one of two paths in the sector. The goal was to take a critical look at the design of the neighbourhood and share observations regarding positive elements and elements that need improvement in order to encourage safe active transportation (walking and cycling) within the neighbourhood as well as towards adjacent neighbourhoods.
A discussion followed the exploratory walk allowing participants to exchange their observations and identify characteristics unique to southeastern NDG. Positive elements that could be taken advantage of and developed include: calm and green streets enhanced by trees, quality green spaces, the businesses and services within proximity that are concentrated on Sherbrooke street and an overall planning and design that create a pleasant environment for pedestrians.
The large arterial roads (including a highway) and the lack of connection with residential streets found within the residential neighbourhood were identified as factors that instilled a sense of insecurity for pedestrians. Certain residents criticized the large scales of streets. Certain improvements identified include: better signage, street equipment and the overall design of certain sections that should be developed according to the needs of pedestrians as opposed to the needs of vehicles that pass through the neighbourhood. The streets St-Jacques and Girouard were also identified as hostile environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
The speed of vehicles (especially within proximity of schools and parks), the noise generated by traffic and the lack of north-south connections in the area for pedestrians as well as inadequate urban planning for bicycle users, were elements at the heart of the concerns put forth by participants.