McGill to get even greener
Pleased with Montreal plans for bike path, University is moving to eliminate parking and cars from its lower downtown campus
Ď㽶ĘÓƵ, an oasis of green in the heart of downtown Montreal, is taking steps to become even greener as early as the middle of next year. As part of a multi-stage plan to improve the downtown campus environment, McGill will move to all but eliminate vehicle traffic and parking on the lower campus by the end of 2010.
As the City of Montreal announces its plans to create a bicycle path along University Street, from Milton Street to de Maisonneuve Blvd., the University is announcing that it is committed to dramatically reducing vehicular traffic on the campus. The welcome addition of a University Street cycling path together with the steps McGill is taking will make the lower campus a much safer, pedestrian-friendly place.
Service and delivery vehicles will be permitted limited access to buildings on the campus, but there will be no more parking along the lower campus roads and, by the end of 2010, the only regular vehicle entrance will be via the Milton Gate off University Street.
“This is an important step as we continue to implement our vision for greater sustainability and continue our steps toward a better environment,” said François R. Roy, Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance). “Our campus exists for its people and for the enjoyment of the broader community. By these actions and measures, the campus will be cleaner, quieter and much safer for all.
“We are delighted that the City of Montreal has taken the initiative to establish the cycling link between Milton and de Maisonneuve, in a safe and responsible manner, and we are delighted to join with the City in this overall plan to make Montreal even more beautiful.”
“McGill takes its role as custodian of a remarkable urban green space very seriously”, said Jim Nicell, Associate Vice-Principal (University Services). “We understand how valuable this space is, how important it is to Montreal’s urban environment and to our situation on the side of Mount Royal. We are very confident that the steps we are taking, in conjunction with the City of Montreal, will make McGill’s downtown campus a more welcoming, healthy place all Montrealers can share and enjoy.”
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