The city’s plan for an urban walkway from Mount-Royal to the river

MONTREAL – The link between Mount-Royal park and the St-Lawrence river may not be evident at first glance, but the city is trying to change that.

Montreal mayor Denis Coderre is backing a plan to build a $42 million walking route for pedestrians to help get them from the top of the mountain to the waterfront.

Coderre says the urban walkway will take Montrealers and visitors past some of the best parts of downtown with lots of new attractions.

The route will wind along des Pins avenue, McTavish, McGill College, Beaver Hall and McGill street.

Sidewalks will be widened, lighting improved and interactive activities planned.

But the project removes 89 street parking spaces from the downtown core.

The mayor insists it’s a small price to pay to build the link between Montreal’s two natural attractions.

“There is a very strong symbol between the river and Mount-Royal,” said Coderre.

“So, that’s why we felt it is by itself a great opportunity to learn more about our city and to give more room for those pedestrians.”

Coderre wants the urban walkway to open in time for Montreal‘s 375th anniversary in 2017.