Pointe-Claire Village on track for a major makeover

POINTE-CLAIRE – The future of Pointe-Claire Village was the hot topic at a public consultation held Wednesday night.

The city presented a proposal including new condo complexes, more parking, room for pedestrians and cyclists and and improved waterfront.

Business owners said they were excited about the proposed changes to the village, but worry it will be difficult to cater to everyone.

“Of course we have high expectations, but on the other hand, we know it’s not easy,” said Alain Dubuc.

He has been running his business in Pointe-Claire Village for ten years.

“It’s emotional. Every merchant has its own desires,” he said. “We have to make everybody happy at the same time.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's emotional. Every merchant has its own desires," he said. "We have to make everybody happy at the same time."

The city is aware that it will be difficult to please everybody, but mayor Morris Trudeau said he’s hoping to do what is best for both residents and merchants.

“The important thing is to reach a broad consensus,” he said at the public consultation.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The important thing is to reach a broad consensus," he said at the public consultation.

Rejuvenating the Pointe-Claire village has been in the works for over three years and the packed house Wednesday night was not all optimistic.

Some residents are tired of constant meetings and want a concrete plan put in action.

“It’s frustrating feeling that after three years of a planning process and diagnosis, we’re still at the stage of maybe this could happen,” said resident Isabelle Sayed.

Others are worried that the city is not taking into account how construction and road work will affect businesses.

READ MORE: Construction on Peel street two weeks behind; hurting merchants

Construction has been a major concern recently for local businesses on Peel street downtown and Saint-Jacques Street near Decarie.

“We’ve watched people losing their livelihood, losing their business, losing everything,” said Lois Butler, who owns a business in Pointe-Claire.

She said she was not impressed with the city’s proposal.

“The village comprised of businesses that are small entrepreneurs, and their lives are on the line,” she said.

Everyone agreed something needs to be done to revamp the village, but the biggest questions are what and when.