Jarry Park, a key green space in the heart of Montreal, has been undergoing extensive renovations for several months — and while the project promises long-term improvements, the short-term impact on accessibility is creating frustration, especially among residents of the Parc-Extension neighbourhood.
The current revitalization work includes major upgrades such as new public furniture, improved drainage systems, additional plantings, and enhanced lighting. These improvements are expected to modernize the park and make it more resilient to climate change. However, until the renovations are complete — sometime this summer — large sections of the park remain closed or difficult to access.
Community members from Parc-Extension, one of the neighbourhoods bordering the park, are voicing concerns over what they describe as a lack of consideration for pedestrians and daily park users. While the construction site is active, there appears to be little in the way of temporary pedestrian pathways, signage, or safe alternate routes to help people move through or around the closed areas.
Residents say that repeated calls for clearer signage and accessible detours have been met with little or no response. As a result, people who rely on the park for daily walks, exercise, and family outings are feeling sidelined. For many, Jarry Park is not just a leisure space — it is a vital part of the neighbourhood’s quality of life.
City Councillor for Parc-Extension Mary Deros confirmed in a conversation that the city is working to complete the renovations as quickly as possible, noting that Jarry Park is soon celebrating its 100th anniversary. She emphasized that clear signage is essential during construction and acknowledged that the lack of proper information and detours is a mistake — particularly when it comes to preventing accidents or confusion among park users.
