Category: Community Engagement

Unity in Action: Park-Extension Residents Join Forces to Tackle a Shared Challenge

Post author By Pierre
Post date September 20, 2023

Concerned Citizens of Park-Extension Unite Against Parking Woes

One Common Concern

In the vibrant neighborhood of Park-Extension, a close-knit community of residents has recently come together in response to a significant concern: the impending rearrangement of streets that would eliminate a considerable amount of street parking. These residents are deeply attached to their neighborhood and are unwilling to see it transformed without a fight. In this blog post, we will explore the passionate actions and sentiments of these concerned citizens as they rally to protect their beloved Park-Extension.

A Community Mobilizes

It all began with a few concerned citizens noticing “no parking” signs cropping up along Querbes Street. An urgent message was shared in a community group, sparking a wave of concern and mobilization. People were quick to chime in, expressing their worry and frustration over the situation.

Community Gathering

A call to action was made for a community gathering at Howard Park, a significant hub in Park-Extension. The goal was clear: to unite residents and discuss the impending changes. The message was spread amongst friends, with an emphasis on the importance of participation before winter arrived.

Organizing for a Cause

As the gathering neared, discussions within the community turned to strategies and organization. There were calls for awareness campaigns, the sharing of information to garner more support, and even creative ideas such as a peaceful protest. The residents were determined to make their voices heard.

Facing Uncertainty

While some residents were eager to participate, others found themselves unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Still, they expressed their support and willingness to stay updated on the progress of the movement.

Resisting Change

The signs indicated that the city planned to update Querbes Avenue, including the rearrangement of the existing bike lanes. Residents feared the loss of parking spaces and voiced their concerns that the changes would negatively impact their lives and worsen security for cyclists.

Unity in Numbers

All concerned wanted to resist the coming changes. They discussed different actions they could take. In response to fears of towing and fines, the community came together to discourage anyone from moving their cars, hoping to demonstrate the impracticality of towing all vehicles. They emphasized the importance of solidarity in their battle against the changes.

Rumors and Misinformation

Amidst the chaos, rumors and misinformation spread, causing confusion within the community. Residents grappled with conflicting reports about which side of the street would lose parking spaces.

Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Frustration led some to consider resisting any proposed rearrangement until they could consult the studies that recommended these changes on their community. The idea of disrupting the elected officials plans by preventing work from commencing gained traction.

Seeking Support

The residents of Park-Extension felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed by city officials. They sought allies in neighboring communities, believing that collective pressure could force the city to reconsider their plans.

Protecting the Neighborhood

The concerned citizens of Park-Extension are facing a significant challenge in their efforts to preserve their neighborhood’s character. Their unity, determination, and creative ideas are a testament to their love for their community. The fight to secure the existing bike paths and protect their parking spaces and the essence of Park-Extension continues, as they hope for a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Tags Civic Engagement, Community Mobilization, Grassroots Activism, Neighborhood Solidarity, Neighborhood Unity, Park-Extension, Parking Issues, Street Reconfiguration, Urban Transformation

Blog Community Engagement Montreal Blog Transportation Transportation Urban Planning

The Battle Over Bike Lanes: A Closer Look at Park-Extension’s Duelling Protests

Post author By Pierre
Post date September 19, 2023

Bike Lane Battle in Park-Extension: A Clash of Perspectives and Overlooked Concerns

Duelling Protests Expose Deep Divides in Montreal’s Parc-Extension Neighborhood

Introduction:

Montreal’s Parc-Extension neighbourhood has become the battleground for a passionate debate that pits those in favour of eliminating parking spots and increasing the number of bike paths against residents concerned about losing parking spaces and securing the existing bike paths. This ongoing feud reached a boiling point at a recent Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough council meeting, where tensions ran so high that police intervention became necessary. The heart of the matter? The borough’s ambitious plan to revamp two bike lanes on Querbes and Ball avenues, a move that would entail the removal of 250 parking spaces. In this article, we’ll delve into the perspectives of both sides of the argument, shedding light on the complex issue at hand.

The Concerns of Opponents:

Nalin Patel, a long-time Parc-Extension resident, voices the concerns of those opposing the bike lane plan. With a household of six adults relying on two cars, Patel insists that eliminating 250 parking spaces would be a disaster for residents who already find parking challenging. The sentiment among opponents is that the neighbourhood is overcrowded, and parking is already scarce.

Many of the people who are fighting for the parking spots to be minimally affected insist that there should be more emphasis on protecting the existing bike lanes and possibly adding additional speed bumps on Querbes to further reduce the speed of cars travelling the road. They appear frustrated that their voices are being ignored, and elected officials are implementing their plans without proper debate and consultation.

The Perspective of The Abolition of Parking Spots:

As has been reported elsewhere, on the other side of this debate are the people who are advocating the reduction in the number of parking spots and for additional dedicated cycling lanes to be created for protection of the cyclists. Xavier Kronstrom Richard, a resident of Bloomfield Avenue, has been cycling in the area for years and supports the borough’s move to create safer cycling infrastructure. He notes that the community has been calling for protected bike lanes for over a decade, emphasizing that the current car-centric neighbourhood is hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Kronstrom Richard highlights the added risks for families with children, citing concerns about dangerous U-turns.

Xavier Kronstrom Richard believes that the borough’s plan will not only safeguard those who don’t own cars but also contribute positively to the fight against climate change. Didier Delfolie Noulin, a 15-year resident of Park Ex, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for alternatives to car usage.

Mayor’s Perspective and the Missing Data:

Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, the borough mayor for Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension, stands behind the plan, pointing out that 50 percent of Park Ex’s population doesn’t use a car, and bike lanes occupy just two percent of the borough’s roadways. She argues that creating more equitable transportation options is essential for the neighbourhood’s many families and pedestrians. While acknowledging that some residents will face adjustments, Lavigne Lalonde believes that the greater good should prevail.

The Concerns of the Blind Community:

Among the residents raising concerns is Petros Nikolantonakis, a blind resident of Parc-Extension and a staunch advocate for the visually impaired in Montreal. He points out that accessibility for the blind and visually impaired in the neighbourhood is already a challenge, and the proposed changes raise additional concerns.

Nikolantonakis highlights that the removal of parking spaces could affect accessibility for those who rely on transportation services tailored to the needs of the blind, such as the variety of services that are offered for people with limitations. For many in the blind community and others with physical limitations, walking longer distances to reach essential services or transportation hubs is not a viable option, and the proposed changes have not adequately addressed these concerns.

A Divided Community:

One notable aspect of this debate is the composition of the opposing groups. The pro-bike path changes group, comprising about twenty individuals, appears to be predominantly of Anglo-Saxon or French-Canadian descent. In contrast, the group supporting the existing bike paths is at least five times larger and consists predominantly of members from visible minority groups that reflect the diverse makeup of Park-Extension’s actual residents.

This demographic divide raises important questions about representation and decision-making. Some residents wonder whether elected officials are relying on an assumption that it may be easier to dismiss or disregard the concerns of marginalized groups. The size and diversity of the group supporting the existing bike paths suggest that this issue is not merely a matter of preference but also one of social equity and inclusivity.

Uncovering Overlooked Concerns:

Given the events that unfolded during this protest and the perceived lack of attention to safety concerns raised by some residents, we have decided to delve further into this debate. It’s essential to investigate whether elected officials and traditional media groups might have overlooked other pressing issues in Parc-Extension. Are there other concerns simmering beneath the surface, waiting to be addressed? We will explore these questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing this vibrant neighbourhood.

In recent times, city streets have witnessed dramatic transformations as officials and city planners rush to implement changes without giving due consideration to public input. These changes often leave residents and commuters scratching their heads, wondering if anyone bothered to think it through. A glaring example of this phenomenon can be found in the streets of Cote des Neiges, where a recent street alteration has left citizens infuriated and asking crucial questions.

Final Thoughts:

The clash between those in favour of protected bike lanes and residents worried about losing parking spaces in Park-Extension is emblematic of the broader debate surrounding urban planning and transportation. As the neighbourhood navigates this contentious issue, it remains to be seen how a balance can be struck between the needs of cyclists, the concerns of car-dependent residents, the pressing issues of safety and accessibility, and the needs of the visually impaired residents and service providers who cater to them.

The hope is that transparency, inclusivity, and careful consideration of all perspectives will become hallmarks of the decision-making process, ensuring that the voices of all residents, including the most vulnerable, are heard and taken into account. The removal of the no parking signs Tuesday night gives us hope that the mayor’s office has reconsidered her attempt to force through the city’s plans as is.

Blog Community Engagement Local Governance Montreal Blog News Politics Transportation Transportation Urban Planning

The Battle Over Parking Spaces vs. Bike Lanes: Park Ex Residents Demand a Voice

Post author By Pierre
Post date September 17, 2023

Petros Nikolantonakis - advocates for Montrealers living with a visual impairment

Navigating the Controversy: Park Ex Residents Fight for a Say in Urban Change

In a recent borough council meeting in Montreal’s Parc-Extension neighborhood, tensions reached a boiling point as residents gathered to voice their concerns about the removal of 250 parking spaces to make way for revamped bike lanes on Querbes Avenue. This contentious debate has been simmering since an information session in June, and it reflects deeper issues of representation and community change in this densely populated neighborhood.

A Flashpoint in a Diverse Community

Parc-Extension, often referred to as Park Ex, is a diverse and rapidly changing community. The decision to remove parking spaces and prioritize bike lanes has become a flashpoint in this neighborhood, where residents often feel unheard by officials. The heated meeting saw attendees expressing their frustrations, and some even had to be escorted out.

Zubeda Khan, a longtime resident and mother of four, was among those who raised concerns about how this change would affect her family’s two vehicles. She felt that her lifestyle, which involves numerous appointments and errands for her family of six, was being disregarded. This sentiment was shared by many residents who rely on cars for their daily lives.

A Neighborhood Divided

While some residents argue that the focus on bike lanes is neglecting the needs of families and elderly residents, others believe it’s a step in the right direction for a greener and safer community. Borough Mayor Laurence Lavigne Lalonde defended the decision, stating that half of Park Ex’s population does not use cars, and bike lanes occupy only two percent of the roadways. However, environmental advocates argue that parking takes up nearly 30 percent of the neighborhood’s space. The revamped bike lanes are expected to improve safety for cyclists by creating physical barriers between bikes and cars, but the trade-off is the loss of parking spaces that many residents rely on.

Many residents of Parc-Extension are deeply upset about what they perceive as outsiders, including elected officials, imposing their ideas on the community without seeking their input through a vote. In this close-knit neighborhood, where residents often share a strong sense of belonging and a desire for self-determination, the feeling of being unheard in decisions that directly affect their daily lives has intensified frustrations. They argue that decisions of such magnitude, like the removal of parking spaces and the introduction of bike lanes, should involve meaningful community engagement and consultation. This sentiment underscores the broader issue of representation and the desire for residents to have a say in shaping the future of their beloved Park Ex.

The Human Impact

The debate isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the real-life impact on residents like Matilda Ramacieri, a disabled woman whose reserved parking space will be moved due to the bike lane changes. Her son, Marco Paredes-Ramacieri, expressed concerns about her safety during the winter months. These concerns highlight the very real consequences that some residents will face as a result of these changes.

Moreover, an anonymous first responder reported that the time it takes to reach someone in need and transport them to the hospital has been increasing over the years due to these changes. Tragically, the responder mentioned losing patients because of delays caused by navigating the new infrastructure.

Additional Concerns: Accessibility and Safety

Certain residents in the area, including a blind man named Petros Nikolantonakis and a seasoned taxi driver with over 2 million kilometers under his belt, have raised pressing concerns about the safety and accessibility of the revamped streets.

Petros, a blind resident that lives in neighborhood, and advocates for Montrealers living with a visual impairment, highlighted the danger faced by visually impaired individuals when exiting vehicles and having to navigate through bike lanes to reach the sidewalk. Petros went on to say that the residents of Park-Extension were invited to an informal information meeting and the decision was simply imposed on the burough residents without public consultation.

Petros safety concern was echoed by the experienced taxi driver who pointed out the challenges of assisting elderly passengers who struggle to walk even a short distance through a bike lane before reaching the sidewalk. The taxi driver emphasized that taking these passengers to a safer location was often impractical due to the layout of the streets and the long walk back to their destination.

Exploring Potential Avenues for Park Ex Residents

Drawing Lessons from Terrebonne Street in NDG

Residents of Park Ex facing the heated debate over parking spaces versus bike lanes might find valuable lessons in the experiences of other Montreal boroughs, particularly Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG). In NDG, a contentious bike path on Terrebonne Street stirred significant controversy, leading to its removal after widespread complaints, including a 2,000-signature petition. It’s a testament to the power of community engagement and the responsiveness of elected officials to citizens’ concerns.

In the Terrebonne Street case, borough councillors Lionel Perez and Marvin Rotrand took action after listening to citizens’ complaints and prepared a motion for council presentation, resulting in the removal of the bike path. This highlights that residents have the ability to voice their concerns and influence decisions. Park Ex residents may consider engaging their elected officials in a similar manner to address their concerns and seek a compromise that aligns with the needs of their community.

Seeking Solutions Amidst Unheard Concerns

The additional concerns that have come to light during this contentious problem that has the residents upset has laid bare the potential safety hazards and accessibility issues that some residents, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility, may encounter as a result of the changes. As the debate rages on in Park Ex, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached that addresses these pressing concerns while balancing the community’s evolving needs.

As the debate continues to unfold in Park Ex, with residents expressing their frustration and concerns, it becomes increasingly evident that a significant portion of the community feels marginalized and unheard in decisions that directly impact their lives. Moreover, it appears that politicians have zero concern about this problem, which underscores the urgency for meaningful community engagement and dialogue to bridge the gap between the proposed changes and the needs and voices of the residents who call Park Ex their home.

Tags Bike Lanes, Civic Engagement, Community Voice, Montreal, Park Ex, Parking Spaces