Concordia Journal Home > Archives > March 6, 2008 issue >

City commits to Quartier Concordia 

By Karen Herland

The City of Montreal was pleased to announce major investments for the Quartier Concordia, particularly Place Norman Bethune, at the corner of Guy St. and De Maisonneuve Blvd.

André Lavallée, the executive committee member responsible for urban planning and public transport, enthusiastically unveiled the $3 million Place Bethune revitalization as part of a larger $22-million project for De Maisonneuve Blvd. at a press conference on Feb. 19 attended by Benoit Labonté, Mayor of Ville Marie Borough, and Karim Boulos, Councillor for Peter-McGill District.

President Michael Di Grappa said discussions that began five years ago to develop the Sir George Williams Campus have led to the renaissance of the western end of downtown Montreal. Di Grappa acknowledged the city’s ongoing support and technical expertise in furthering plans for Quartier Concordia.

Place Norman Bethune is the centerpiece of the De Maisonneuve plan. The new square will become a green oasis featuring public art. The city will plant 30 elm and ginkgo trees around the spot where the restored Bethune statue will be relocated in the fall.

“This boulevard was conceived for cars and deliveries, and has often been seen as the service road for Ste. Catherine St.,” Lavallée said.

The De Maisonneuve bicycle path was the first step. Adding wider sidewalks, more trees and benches will change the look, feel and purpose of the boulevard. Lavallée expects the changes to encourage pedestrians and cyclists.

Di Grappa echoed Lavallée’s excitement, and underscored that the university will have invested $300 million in Quartier Concordia by the time the new John Molson School of Business Building opens its doors in 2009.

Both men acknowledged Norman Bethune’s humanitarian contributions on a global scale, and his appropriateness as a symbol for Concordia and the city. The completion of the first phase of the square this fall will coincide with thematically linked exhibitions and cultural programs in Montreal and Shanghai.