Montrealers prepare for traffic confusion ahead of Formula E race

There’s a lot of confusion for commuters trying to get around downtown Montreal ahead of the FIA Formula E, taking place from July 29 to 30 on city streets.

There are already several lane closures with barriers, detours and orange cones everywhere.

READ MORE: Mayor Denis Coderre on the defence; calls Formula E an investment

Some merchants are complaining it’s affecting business because people can’t access their shops.

“I don’t really see someone going to the race and coming to buy a piece of salmon,” said Alexander Meletakos, spokesperson La Mer fish market.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I don't really see someone going to the race and coming to buy a piece of salmon," said Alexander Meletakos, spokesperson La Mer fish market.

“I see it very difficult to justify. On top of it, when you’re hurting merchants and residents in the area. We haven’t been offered any compensation or anything.”

Why Montreal?

This is the first time the race is coming to Montreal.

3:47 The quietest Formula race ever

WATCH: Canadian race car driver Patrick Carpentier joined Global News Morning to talk about Montreal’s first Formula E event.

The electric cars will zip through downtown on streets like Papineau, Viger and Notre-Dame.

READ MORE: Buying an electric car? Here are some factors Canadian drivers should consider

“More than 40 per cent of electric cars in Canada are sold in Quebec,” said Canadian Champ Car, IndyCar and NASCAR driver Patrick Carpentier.

“It’s pretty impressive because we have the natural resources for it.”

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READ MORE: Parked car? No problem, says Montreal worker paving René Lévesque Boulevard

Officials explain the point of the race is to promote renewable energy.

“Our clean and renewable energy will supply not only Formula E cars, but also the electric vehicles that are taking to Quebec roads in greater and greater numbers,” stated Hydro-Quebec president and CEO Éric Martel in a press release.

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READ MORE: Electric car subsidies in Ontario and Quebec costly and inefficient: report

The event is also changing the way fans get involved in the race, allowing them to influence a racer’s performance by voting for a “Fanboost” via social media, which grants the most popular three drivers extra power for the second half of the race.

“People think that electric cars aren’t powerful, but it’s really changing,” said Carpentier.

“The current Formula E car can generate up to 275 horsepower, and can go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 3.1 seconds.”

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