Two proposed stations in Montreal’s electric train project have been relocated in the hopes of bringing more traffic to certain parts of the West Island.
The Kirkland station is now expected to be built at the bottom of Jean-Yves Street, near the southwest corner of the Benevoles soccer field.
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Originally, the plan was to build it at the intersection of Saint-Charles Boulevard and Highway 40 west, but the city asked Quebec’s pension fund to reconsider.
Officials said they believe relocating closer to the RioCan shopping centre would help bring more traffic to the area.
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Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson told Global News he’s pleased about the relocation and says there are also plans for a multi-level parking lot.
“We did address the situation that we would like to also have some underground parking, but we’re still in the negotiation process in that regard,” he said.
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To build all that, Gibson said businesses like the Tim Hortons, Madisons and Linen Chest may need to go.
“They’ve [RioCan] got some decisions to make,” said Gibson.
“I know the Caisse has already contacted the RioCan group in Toronto.”
The Caisse told Global News nothing is final yet.
Negotiations to buy land are still ongoing.
One of the proposed train stations in Pointe Claire is also expected to be relocated, slated to be built on the east side of Fairview shopping mall, behind the Réno-Dépôt.
Pointe-Claire’s mayor, Morris Trudeau, insists the station at Fairview would be vital.
“Fairview shopping centre is the hub of Pointe-Claire – it’s our downtown city core,” said Trudeau. “We have the West Island main bus terminus there. It will only improve the area as far as people coming in. There could be some traffic issues, but we’ll deal with them when they arrive.”
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The train stop is expected to be fully integrated with the mall.
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