As anticipation builds, residents of Montreal’s West Island prepare for a significant shift in public transportation with the imminent launch of four new REM (Réseau express métropolitain) stations. Scheduled to open on May 18, the stations at Des Sources, Fairview-Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and l’Anse à l’Orme promise to enhance connectivity for local commuters, though challenges remain regarding accessibility and parking.
Upcoming Openings: Stations and Access
In just a few weeks, the landscape of commuting in the West Island will change dramatically. The stations at Des Sources, Fairview-Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and l’Anse à l’Orme are set to become operational, yet the ease with which residents can access them varies significantly. At Fairview, for instance, there are currently no parking facilities for users of the REM, raising concerns about how commuters will reach the station.
Kirkland is scheduled to offer 200 parking spots—exclusively available to its residents—while Des Sources will accommodate 484 vehicles. In contrast, the l’Anse à l’Orme station, located in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, will feature 216 parking spaces. Pointe-Claire Mayor John Belvedere has expressed his concerns regarding accessibility, stating, “Right now, it’s hard to get there by car; there’s no parking. We can’t cross the Trans-Canada highway safely—there’s no overpass, there’s no bike path. I mean, for it to work, we all need to collaborate as a community.”
Negotiations and Future Solutions
Discussions are ongoing between the REM authorities and Cadillac Fairview regarding the potential for additional parking spaces at the Fairview station, although a final agreement has yet to be reached. Mayor Belvedere noted, “They’re looking at X number of hundreds of spots. I believe it is only temporary until things settle down. Obviously, Cadillac Fairview has a commitment to their tenants, too.”
These developments come on the heels of a major overhaul of the bus network by the STM (Société de transport de Montréal), aimed at facilitating access to the REM and encouraging West Islanders to opt for public transport over personal vehicles.
Optimism Amidst Concerns
Kirkland’s Mayor Michel Gibson has expressed cautious optimism regarding the new transit system, hopeful that it will not only benefit local residents but also attract visitors to the area. “It’s a welcome addition for our commercial, our industrial base and for our residents,” he remarked. “They say it’ll be a great way to go downtown—but it’ll be a great way to come from downtown also.”
Meanwhile, in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Mayor Michel Boudreault acknowledged the efforts made by STM to improve access, yet he remains vigilant about potential traffic increases. “Maybe on the Morgan exit and on Chemin Sainte-Marie because it’s not a large road,” he warned. “But the administration and council are watching that closely in the next couple of months. And we’re already working on possible solutions in case it becomes an issue.”
Why it Matters
The introduction of the REM stations represents a pivotal advancement in public transport for the West Island, poised to alleviate traffic congestion and foster economic growth. However, the current lack of adequate parking and safe access points raises significant concerns for effective implementation. As municipalities collaborate to address these issues, the success of the REM system in reshaping the commuting experience hinges on the collective efforts of local authorities and citizens alike. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how well this transformative project meets the needs of the community it aims to serve.
