Villeray Street merchants are urging city officials to keep the pedestrian‑only layout in place after the trial period this summer proved popular with shoppers.
During the summer of 2026, Montreal opened a temporary pedestrian zone on Villeray Street. The initiative attracted a noticeable flow of pedestrians, and local observers described the result as a clear success.
Business owners on the street say the car‑free environment encouraged more foot traffic and created a welcoming atmosphere for customers. They argue that extending the pedestrian‑only experience would build on the momentum generated by the trial and support continued economic activity.
The Villeray experiment fits into a broader pattern of Montreal testing seasonal pedestrian zones in various neighborhoods. Authorities have used these pilots to gauge public response and assess the impact on local commerce and mobility.
Merchants are now pressing for a renewal of the pedestrian‑only arrangement, hoping that the city will formalise the temporary measure into a longer‑term summer policy. Their request reflects a desire to maintain the positive shopper experience that emerged during the trial, while also reinforcing Villeray Street’s reputation as a vibrant, walkable commercial corridor.