School Safety Program: three borough schools to be secured this summer

08 Jun 2021

Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Go back to NewsSchool Safety Program: three borough schools to be secured this summer

The elected officials of the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve are proud to announce that the areas surrounding Saint-Clément, Saint-Justin and Armand-Lavergne schools will undergo major redevelopment work this summer, with the goal of increasing safety. The contract for the work was awarded last night at the Borough Council meeting.


It should be noted that the borough submitted these projects last fall to the City of Montreal as part of its School Safety Program. As a result of the three proposals having been selected, the borough will receive a financial contribution of $1,117,007 (net of tax rebates) from the City of Montreal, which will cover a little more than 25% of the costs associated with the projects.


"I am delighted to know that the students who attend these three schools will benefit from a safer environment when they return to school! It is with concrete measures such as the ones to be deployed near these three schools that we will be able to reduce accidents in school zones. This safety program is an excellent way for us to quickly take action to protect the heart of our neighbourhoods," said Borough Mayor Pierre Lessard-Blais.


Nature of the work


In the case of the three projects, the borough will take advantage of current opportunities (roadway and sidewalk repairs underway) to carry out geometric changes aimed at making active travel to the schools safer and more user-friendly.


- Saint-Clément School


Location: Saint-Clément school is bordered by Adam, Théodore, La Fontaine and Leclaire streets, in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve sector.


Section targeted by the interventions: Théodore Street, between La Fontaine and Adam streets


In concrete terms, the borough plans to reduce the width of the roadway, add vegetated projections at the Adam/Theodore and La Fontaine/Theodore intersections, and create a small square in front of the school entrance for Cycle 1 students. The reconfiguration involves the removal of some parking spaces on Theodore Street, particularly on the northern portion of the section affected by the work. It should be noted that this reconfiguration and these parking modifications are intended to facilitate the movement of students from the school to the future Saint-Émélie Park, located just across Théodore Street.


- Saint-Justin School


Location: Saint-Justin School is located on Mousseau, de Grosbois, Joffre and Forbin-Janson streets, in the Mercier-Est sector.


Section targeted by the interventions: Mousseau Street, between Grosbois and Forbin-Janson streets


In concrete terms, the borough is planning a considerable reduction in the width of the roadway, the addition of vegetated projections at the Forbin-Janson/Mousseau intersection, the creation of a small square in front of the school's main entrance, as well as bus drop-off points at the required locations. The reconfiguration involves the installation of a vegetated curb strip to replace the parking lane. This area, which borders the school, will be planted with trees.


- Armand-Lavergne School and Saint-Victor Park


Location: Armand-Lavergne School is bordered by Taillon, Pierre-De Coubertin, Fletcher and Hochelaga streets, in the Mercier-Est sector.


Sections targeted by the interventions :


- Pierre-De Coubertin Street, between Taillon and Fletcher Streets


- Taillon Street, between Pierre-De Coubertin and Hochelaga streets


In concrete terms, the borough plans to reduce the width of the roadway, add vegetated projections at the intersections of Pierre-De Coubertin Street and Taillon, Joseph-Nolin, Aubry, Duchesneau and Fletcher Streets, as well as create a vegetated space punctuated with school bus drop-off points on Pierre-De Coubertin Street. The reconfiguration involves removing the parking lot on the north side of Pierre-De Coubertin Street.


A new feature!


It is important to note that many of the new projections built as part of these projects will be self-draining, a first at MHM! These will allow for the treatment of rainwater, thereby reducing the flow and volume of water directed to the sewers.


The first project is scheduled to get underway in July.


Three presentation meetings planned.


The borough will hold three virtual presentation meetings on these projects during the week of June 14. Residents, as well as parents, will be invited to attend.