Commuters using the new Bois-Franc station of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) are facing significant challenges. Despite its inauguration three weeks ago, access to the station is more straightforward by car than on foot. Issues arise due to a blocked pedestrian shortcut, prompting residents to call for its opening.
Bois-Franc Station: A Commuter’s Dilemma
Located in the Saint-Laurent area, the Bois-Franc station is close to a residential neighborhood. However, pedestrians encounter a long detour, mainly due to a fence surrounding nearby commercial parking spaces. Local resident Bosko Dzepina highlights the challenge, stating, “There is already a gate, it would only take 30 minutes of work to open it.”
The Request for Access
During a recent borough council meeting, Dzepina addressed local mayor Alan DeSousa regarding the blocked access. The gate in question has been locked for three weeks, forcing many pedestrians from the Bois-Franc area to take an alternate route via Boulevard Marcel-Laurin. This detour doubles travel time, increasing from about 10 to over 20 minutes.
- Current time to walk: 10 minutes
- Detour time: over 20 minutes
Many residents express frustration, with Dzepina noting that the extended travel time is driving them to use cars instead. “In 20 minutes, you can reach downtown by car,” he remarked.
Ownership and Access Issues
While the fence belongs to REM, access is complicated by private land ownership. One lot is owned by a numbered company and another by a group of four businessmen. To reopen the gate, negotiations with these owners are necessary, which has stalled progress.
Challenges in Negotiations
Mayor Alan DeSousa reported unsuccessful discussions with the owners. “For some unknown reason, they chose to terminate negotiations. We cannot force them,” he said during the December 2 council meeting. Efforts had previously been made to create an official passage through the area, but those plans dissolved due to what was termed “excessive” financial demands from the landowners.
Frustration from Local Authorities
Eric Paquet, urban planning director for Saint-Laurent, echoed these sentiments, stating that the desire for access remains strong despite halted cooperation. Meanwhile, CDPQ Infra, the subsidiary managing the REM, contends that safety concerns hinder the possibility of utilizing the unapproved access point, noting that the adjacent road serves bus routes for users.
- Concerns about pedestrian safety
- Ongoing traffic from STM buses
CDPQ Infra also indicated that two real estate developers are planning safe pedestrian pathways in their projects, but these will not be available for several years. One of these developments, Équinoxe Bois-Franc, is expected to eventually connect with the REM.
A Pattern of Delayed Access Solutions
Similar challenges have arisen before in the city. A shortcut for commuters between the metro and the REM downtown was only opened after extensive discussions throughout 2024. Originally announced in 2018 by CDPQ Infra, that shortcut faced delays due to jurisdictional issues with a property management firm.
The resolution came after ongoing community pressure and public attention, a reminder of the importance of accessible public transport for all. With these past instances in mind, residents and officials continue to advocate for immediate access improvements at the Bois-Franc station.
