Some pedestrians are voicing their concerns about plans to begin narrowing a sidewalk alongside Laurier Park.
Construction begins Tuesday to narrow the width of the sidewalk by almost two thirds – from 170 centimetres down to 70 centimetres.
Wheelchair user Laurent Morissette said he fears the city's plan to shrink the sidewalk on Brebeuf St. beside the park will keep people with lowered mobility from going there.
“My primary concern is really for security reasons, because if they shrink the sidewalk, I cannot pass safely,” said Morissette, who is the vice president of Regroupement des activistes pour l'inclusion au Quebec, a group that works to ensure Quebec is accessible and inclusive.
Morisette said 70 centimetres is too narrow for his motorized chair. He's also worried the decision could open the door to similar moves elsewhere in the city.
“Yes I'm really afraid of it. That could raise some legal precedent,” he said.
The Plateau wanted to build a concrete median between the bike path and the road from Laurier Ave. to St-Gregoire St., but after local opposition, the city of Montreal opted instead to keep parking spots and reduce the sidewalk instead.
“In 2015 it is something that is quite un-understandable,” said Plateau councillor Marianne Giguere. “To send that message that pedestrians are second-class people.”
Once it is reduced, it will be barely wide enough for a standard size stroller or wheelchair to fit.
“It’s a little strange that they're willing to tear up something relatively new and solid instead of making some repairs that are pretty well needed in the neighbourhood,” said park user Michele Ann Jenkins.
The mayor’s office would not comment on the matter.
Morisette hopes Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre will reconsider.
“He could back down and say we'll leave the sidewalk as it is. There's no other option,” he said.
