The Securing of Alleys in VSP: A Report on Ongoing Measures

Alleys in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension (VSP) borough serve multiple functions, from providing access to residences to being spaces where neighbors interact and children play. However, these diverse uses can sometimes come into conflict, particularly when vehicle traffic poses risks to pedestrians and cyclists. To address these issues, the borough has implemented a strategy aimed at securing alleys and managing traffic to ensure safety while maintaining accessibility.
The primary goal of alley security measures is to limit through traffic and reduce vehicle speeds. With these actions, the borough hopes to protect residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, from potential hazards. The initiative is part of VSP’s broader traffic-calming strategy, which aims to create safer, more peaceful neighborhoods by reducing the impact of non-local traffic and encouraging slower driving in residential areas.
The alleys prioritized for these measures are selected based on several key factors. Those near schools, daycares, or parks are given special attention due to the higher concentration of children in these areas. The borough also responds to direct requests from residents, and specific alleys have been identified during consultations held in the Parc-Extension, central VSP, and eastern sectors. In addition, the presence of children, citizen-led initiatives, nearby bike paths, high levels of vehicle traffic, and the width of the alley are considered in the decision-making process.
In practice, securing an alley often involves closing one of the entrances to prevent through traffic from using it as a shortcut. This is typically done using planters, flexible bollards, or concrete barriers. These solutions are intended to discourage non-resident drivers from entering while still allowing access for those living nearby. By controlling traffic in this way, the borough seeks to balance the need for safety with the practical considerations of local access.
It is important to note that this initiative is not without challenges. While residents generally support efforts to make their neighborhoods safer, some have raised concerns about the potential inconvenience caused by restricted access. There is also the question of long-term maintenance of the barriers and whether the current measures will be sufficient to address more entrenched traffic issues. The borough will need to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions and make adjustments where necessary.
The measures being implemented in VSP’s alleys are part of an ongoing effort to address traffic-related concerns raised by residents. These actions reflect broader trends in urban planning aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing reliance on vehicles in residential areas. As this strategy continues to unfold, it will be important to assess the impact on both the safety and accessibility of alleyways in the borough.
While the security measures aim to reduce risks associated with vehicle traffic in residential alleys, their success will depend on continued community involvement and responsiveness to local needs. The borough’s strategy represents a step toward safer neighborhoods, but ongoing evaluation will be necessary to ensure these measures are effectively addressing the concerns of VSP residents.