Good Neighbourly Relations Committee Meeting Minutes

1. MEETING MINUTES
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Signature on the Saint Lawrence Construction G.P.
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181201-A0000-30AF-000205
Minutes No.: 06_CBV-VSO Project name: Verdun/Sud-Ouest Good Neighbourly Relations
Committee for the New Champlain Bridge Corridor
Project
EDMS Reference No.: 181201-A0000-3RMB-000010 Project No.: 181201
Meeting date: June 21, 2017 Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Elgar Community Centre Room: Community hall
In attendance:
Partner members
Chantale Côté, Senior Director, New Champlain
Bridge, Infrastructure Canada (IC)
Jean-François Parenteau, Verdun Borough Mayor
James Byrns, City of Montreal
Signature on the Saint Lawrence (SSL) team
Dan Genest, Director, Coordination
Annie-Claire Fournier, Director, Communications
Geneviève Campeau, Director, Mobility
Citizen members
Leanne Ruberry
Hubert Fortin
François Labelle
Philippe Dubeau
Paul Lussier (standing in for Mario Langlois)
c.c.: Benoît Dorais, Daniel Brasseur, Mario Langlois, Seraya Speer, Billy Walsh, Sarah Chouinard, Cédric Glorioso-Deraiche, Michel Langlois and Nathacha Alexandroff
Subject: Good Neighbourly Relations Committee Meeting Minutes
Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
1. Opening of the meeting
1.1 Welcome and presentation of the agenda.
2. Presentation of work updates and selected mobility options
2.1 Mr. Genest and Ms. Geneviève Campeau presented the work under way and planned until winter 2018 for
the l’Île-des-Soeurs area and the mobility options chosen to complete it. A paper copy of the presentation
was given to every Committee member and the presentation was posted on the website:
http://www.newchamplain.ca/neightbourhood/june-21-2017/
3. Question period for Committee members
Questions Answers
3.1 Details on the time frame for the work on
René Lévesque Blvd. (slide 33), 12 months or
more
Relocation of René Lévesque Blvd. will take place once
construction of the bridge has been completed. Partial
closures of René Lévesque Blvd. can be put in place for
the relocation.
From September 2017 to the end of 2017, the boulevard
will be partially closed. For the majority of 2018, the
boulevard will be completely closed (from the roundabout
to the fire station). Once the bridge is open, we will
partially open the boulevard to relocate it.
3.2 Details on the reason for closure: presence of
the current project site vs. presence of the
backfill and construction of the new bridge
The combination of these two factors will make it
impossible to keep the boulevard open in 2018.
We are building three overpasses for the René Lévesque
Blvd., while simultaneously building the new bridge.
Because of these factors we have chosen to divert traffic
from René Lévesque Blvd. to l’Île-des-Soeurs Blvd.

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Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
3.3 Impact of having one lane open on
René Lévesque Blvd. during rush hours with a
work-site crossing
Currently, the only access to the work site is at the
Claude Robutel roundabout, which poses certain safety
challenges due to the behaviour of workers and drivers.
Despite this challenge, the mobility team can easily
manage the matter. A four-way intersection would be
needed to keep René Lévesque Blvd. open, but that is
not a safe option because of the large amount of traffic
that is expected. The access road would have to be
moved frequently due to the presence of heavy
machinery, which is why it is important to find better
options that are safer for road users and workers. It is
preferable to invest in improving l’Île-des-Soeurs Blvd.
than to keep René Lévesque Blvd. open in an unsafe
manner.
SSL is confident that the solution of improving traffic flow
on l’Île-des-Soeurs Blvd. will create conditions that are
similar to the current ones, as opposed to having traffic
go through a site whose level of activity is so high it
makes travel dangerous for motorists.
3.4 Possibility of using the pedestrian tunnel to
create a new access between Pointe-Nord
and Pointe-Sud
All work in the René Lévesque area (tunnel, bridge and
backfill) will take place simultaneously in the same time
frame.
It is also impossible because the tunnel will lead to Hwy-
15.
3.5 Details on the start of the disruptions and the
duration of the closures for the Hwy-15 North
on-ramp and exit 57S (slides 23 and 25)
They will happen more or less at the same time. The
Hwy-15 North on-ramp will be closed around August. Exit
57S should be closed sometime in the fall. There might
be an overlap, but the two closures should not affect
each other.
3.6 Improving public transportation as a mitigation
measure
Ms. Campeau said that the first working meeting with the
STM was scheduled for the following morning. There will
be an update at the next Committee meeting.
SSL
3.7 Review of the work sequence to keep
René Lévesque Blvd. open. For example,
begin with the tunnel, then do the backfill, and
then the overpass.
This would not change anything because the tunnel will
lead to Hwy-15.
3.8 Slide 22 on the closure of the Hwy-15 North
on-ramp and the possibility of a closure
further up the highway to keep the exit open
Two options were possible: close the right lane on Hwy-
15 North or close the Hwy-15 North on-ramp. The first
solution was not recommended to Infrastructure Canada
because the right lane would have to be closed at the
beginning of the Champlain Bridge, which would cause
significantly worse traffic conditions. In addition, the left
northbound lane already closes during evening rush hour
since it is reserved for buses. With these both closures,
there would be only one lane open from the South Shore
during the evening rush hour. That was inconceivable,
which is why we chose the second option.
3.9 Impact of the disruptions on the mobility on
l’Île-des-Soeurs
With the chosen mobility options, traffic conditions on
l’Île-des-Soeurs will remain approximately the same.

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Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
4.0 Question period for the public
4.1 Projected blocking of the small corridor on the
Bonaventure Expressway to access l’Île-des-
Soeurs, which will extend to downtown
The new traffic conditions will not be worse than they
currently are, but they will not be better either. There is
a disruption in the left lane of Hwy-10 from downtown
to l’Île-des-Soeurs. This lane disruption is necessary for
the duration of the overpass construction on l’Île-des-
Soeurs Blvd., but the lane will reopen before
René Lévesque Blvd. closes.
Mr. Genest mentioned that the plans for the l’Île-des-
Soeurs Blvd. area need to be more clearly explained.
In a following meeting, we will use fewer diagrams and
more technical details to better explain the solution.
SSL Fall
2017
4.2 Details on the detour near the Casino (slide 23)
and the reopening of exit 60, and worry that
travel time will increase significantly (more than
30 minutes)
Ms. Campeau explained that there are two options
being considered for the detour: Carrie-Derrick and
Bonaventure. They need to be examined more closely.
Current travel time is five minutes. There may be
gridlock at times, which will be improved by painting
markings on the road or by programming the traffic
lights differently.
As for exit 60 on Gaétan Laberge, it will reopen at the
end of summer 2017 and the traffic lights will give road
users two options, namely, to turn right toward
downtown or left toward Verdun.
Mr. Parenteau noted that the City is currently
performing an independent analysis and the
information will be made public in the next two to three
weeks.
Mr. Genest explained that he understands the
concerns, but based on the data and analyses, SSL
does not foresee any problems.
Verdun July
4.3 Proposal to fast-track the work to shorten the
duration of the work and closures
We only have one work shift on the highway work site.
For financial reasons, we are not considering adding
another work shift at the moment.
It is possible, however, that the bridge completion date
of December 1, 2018, will lead to a faster work pace
and the addition of more work shifts.
4.4 1st comment: follow-up at the next Committee
meeting on the borough's promise to install an
electric charging station at the future LRT
station on l’Île-des-Soeurs.
2nd comment: it would be better to keep the
Hwy-15 North exit open with appropriate safety
measures (lights, police, signs, etc.).
Concern that the long detour on Bonaventure
could pose life-threatening risks if emergency
responders are delayed on the way to the
hospital, and suggestion that helicopters or river
shuttles be used to respond to emergencies
The first comment will be addressed at the next Good
Neighbourly Committee meeting.
Mr. Parenteau said that he, like the commenter, had
suggested the use of river shuttles to SSL, which is not
optimal, but is an alternative to active transportation
and makes it possible to walk from Verdun to a metro
station under six minutes.
As for first responders, Ms. Campeau is holding regular
meetings to ensure that emergency services are not
affected by the mobility options that are implemented.
Travel time for emergency services must remain the
Verdun Fall
2017

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Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
during peak hours. same.
4.5 Importance of taking into account home care
services: 660 people rely on home care
services 24/7 by 50 employees and 11 doctors
who go back and forth between Verdun and
l’Île-des-Soeurs.
Mr. Genest noted that we have received the letter from
the CIUSSS director sharing their concerns and that an
answer will be sent shortly.
SSL July
4.6 Closure of René Lévesque Blvd. to cause a
disaster; must plan a temporary René Lévesque
Blvd. ASAP at peak hours.
Many other concerns voiced: look back at the
impact of the René Lévesque closure last fall,
unreasonable travel times for buses, and doubts
about the reconfiguration of l’Île-des-Soeurs
Blvd.
Duly noted. SSL hears and understands the concerns.
For its part, SSL deems that it has done rigorous work
to arrive at the proposed solutions. SSL must better
explain the solution chosen to increase traffic volume
on l’Île-des-Soeurs Blvd. at the next Good Neighbourly
Relations Committee meeting in the fall.
SSL Fall
2017
4.7 Possibility of keeping one lane open for morning
and evening rush hours because, according to
the resident, there are no real safety issues at
the Claude Robutel roundabout
Duly noted.
4.8 Details on the exact location of the
René Lévesque closure
The boulevard will be closed from the fire station to the
Claude Robutel roundabout, which will remain open.
4.9 Possibility of reviewing one-way traffic on Levert
Street and verification whether access to
Champlain Bridge from René Lévesque Blvd.
remains open.
Mr. Parenteau said that is an interesting option to
consider.
Ms. Campeau explained that access to the South
Shore from René Lévesque will always be open.
Verdun Fall
2017
4.10 Doubts about emergency services being able to
respond in a timely manner because of last fall's
accidents on René Lévesque Blvd., when even
the police could not respond, as well as the
risks for pedestrians posed by the new solution
for the l’Île-des-Soeurs Blvd.
Duly noted.
4.11 Problems with the detour via the roundabout
(slide 31) and the little overpass that is very
narrow for trucks
That is currently the case, and it will stay as is.
4.12 Feeling of being kept hostage in Pointe-Nord
following the announcement of this closure and
the possible opening of a third Evolo tower,
which will increase Pointe-Nord’s population
density, making it harder, for example, to go
shopping.
Duly noted.
4.13 Solution to create a way across. For example,
use a barge as a temporary bridge.
Duly noted.

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Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
4.14 Possibility of seeing the number of vehicles
using René Lévesque Blvd. to enter and exit
Hwy-15 and the Bonaventure Expressway.
Ms. Campeau offered to show them to the citizen. She
invited her to come see her after the meeting.
End of the question period Mr. Parenteau explained the different roles for this
particular issue. SSL's objective is to build a bridge
while following a time frame and budget. The borough's
priority is its citizens’ well-being. A local bridge is
impossible due to the time frame, but a ferry could be a
good option. Maybe using two work shifts more often
could be a viable option to complete the project faster.
It is important for elected representatives and
Infrastructure Canada (IC), the client, to hear the
citizens’ concerns.
Ms. Côté noted that IC mobility specialists have
reviewed the mobility options and an independent
engineer has also reviewed all the studies. They have
all come to virtually the same conclusions as SSL. IC
continues to work with its partners with the objective of
minimizing the impacts for the public.
5.0 Presentation of the work completed, under way and to come
5.1 Mr. Genest and Ms. Geneviève Campeau presented the work under way and planned until fall 2017 for the
Verdun/Sud-Ouest area and the mobility options chosen to complete it (click the following link to see the
presentation) http://www.newchamplain.ca/neightbourhood/april-18-2017/).
Update on the sound walls: Ms. Côté explained that during the last Good Neighbourly Relations
Committee meeting, IC had presented its chosen solution for sound walls, improving on SSL's previous
proposition. SSL analyzed the technical feasibility of the improvements and, in general, it seems feasible,
with a few modifications to the height. IC is continuing its discussions with SSL and the City of Montreal to
optimize the plan, especially in terms of materials, visual integration, etc. The south-facing walls have been
prioritized because of the deadlines.
There were no questions or comments from the members of the Good Neighbourly Relations Committee
following the presentation.
7.0 Question period for the public
7.1 Details on keeping the access to l’Île-des-
Soeurs from Gaétan Laberge Boulevard
Ms. Campeau explained that there will be temporary
structures to ensure that it remains accessible
throughout the duration of the work. However, there
might be a few night closures to create connections.
7.2 Location of the permanent sound wall on the
new l’Île-des-Soeurs bridge and its
soundproofing effect for pedestrians and
cyclists.
Mr. Genest explained that the wall will only cover a
small portion of the new bridge and that regarding its
location, SSL will have an answer at one of the next
meetings.
SSL Fall
2017
7.3 Details on the reopening of Gaétan Laberge It will reopen at the end of summer 2017.
7.4 Details on the sound walls’ installation date:
September 2017?
Infrastructure Canada and the City of Montreal have
come up with a solution for the sound walls that
exceeds what SSL had originally planned, and SSL has
just confirmed the technical feasibility of the new
proposal.

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Point # Subject Follow-
up
Date /
Status
The walls will probably not be installed by September.
They will be installed before the new bridge opens, but
probably not before the opening of the new southbound
approach.
7.5 Information about the closure of the seaway
dike bike path
There are signs with real-time information about the
closures at the entrance of the ice control structure, at
the St-Lambert lock and Sainte-Catherine.
The information will be posted on the website and
emails will be sent to cycling associations and to our
partners, such as Vélo-Québec and Société Jean-
Drapeau, a few days in advance. We will also
announce the closures on Twitter.
7.6 Details on the compensation for the 60,000 tons
produced by the project
SSL had the option to plant trees or buy carbon credits,
and it chose the latter.
Infrastructure Canada and the City of Montreal came to
the agreement to plant more than a hundred trees in
the areas affected by the project.
Mr. Parenteau explained that SSL had the choice and
preferred to buy carbon credits. Following that decision,
the City of Montreal and IC decided to go one step
further by planting a substantial number of trees in the
area.
As per the contract, SSL must also landscape the area
affected by the work.
8. Adjournment
Closing statement Mr. Genest reiterated the importance of maintaining
this communication with the public. SSL is taking all
concerns under consideration and will return in the fall
with an update on the work and a more detailed plan.
SSL Sept.
2017
8.1 Next meetings The next Committee meeting will be held in early fall.
Next meeting: October 11, at 7 p.m. (location to be determined)