Four Montreal borough mayors formally appealed to the Quebec government on September 21, 2026, urging a restart of the long‑delayed Lachine tramway project. The mayors, representing the municipalities that border the Lachine area in the city’s far southwest, submitted a joint request that the provincial authorities reconsider the proposed transit line.
The appeal was directed specifically at the provincial government, which holds responsibility for major transportation initiatives across Quebec. The four mayors emphasized that reviving the tramway would provide a new public‑transport option for residents of southwest Montreal, an area that currently lacks direct rapid‑transit service.
The Lachine tramway has been part of the city’s long‑range transit planning for several years, but construction has not begun. The line is envisioned as a surface‑running streetcar corridor that would connect key neighbourhoods in the Lachine sector with the broader metropolitan network, thereby improving mobility for commuters and local travellers.
By seeking a restart of the project, the borough leaders aim to address growing concerns about traffic congestion and limited transit alternatives in the region. They argue that a functional tram line could ease road pressure and support sustainable urban development in the southwest part of the city.
As of the time of the request, the Quebec government has not issued a public response. No details on funding, timelines, or specific project modifications have been disclosed.
The Lachine tramway remains unbuilt despite its inclusion in earlier transportation plans. The current push by the four mayors adds renewed political pressure for the province to allocate resources and move the project forward.
The request reflects a broader pattern of municipal leaders seeking greater provincial involvement in expanding public‑transit infrastructure to underserved parts of Montreal, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between local and provincial authorities over the city’s future mobility strategy.