Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a $1,879,500 budget transfer on March 23, 2026. It moves money from the local road reserve to the 2026 operating budget of the Service de l’urbanisme et de la mobilité, for studies and related work on the Van Horne Viaduct and surrounding area. City staff say the goal is to prepare for replacing the viaduct.
- The money will fund a feasibility study of an underpass option, preliminary design work, and public consultation.
- The decision funds studies, not construction or a final choice of replacement design.
- The amount is net of tax rebates, and the central city will pay 100% of the expenses.
What it means for you#
- People who use the viaduct: The decision does not change access, traffic rules, or services now. It funds studies to help identify a replacement scenario.
- Residents and the public: Public consultation is among the funded activities, but the decision does not set out how or when people can take part.
- City taxpayers: City funds are being redirected from the local road reserve to this project’s 2026 operating budget.
Money#
The decision transfers $1,879,500, net of tax rebates, for 2026 expenses; the central city pays all of them.
- The decision does not give separate amounts for the study, design work, and consultation.
What is unclear#
- The decision does not identify the possible replacement designs or say how the preferred option will be chosen.
- It does not give details or a schedule for public consultation.
- City staff’s current schedule puts the study phase in 2026–2029 and construction in 2030–2033; the decision does not guarantee those dates or approve construction.
Case for#
- City staff say the viaduct is deteriorated and is expected to reach the end of its useful life around 2030. Funding studies now could help the city assess replacement options in time.
- Staff say the link serves about 22,000 people a day and has no true alternatives. Studying replacement options could help the city plan for continued travel between the boroughs.
Case against#
- One concern is that the decision commits $1,879,500 to studies before the city has selected a replacement option; the materials do not show how the study costs were assessed against alternatives.
- The schedule depends on later decisions and work. The decision does not guarantee construction will start in 2030 or finish in 2033.