On July 31st, 2023, the first stretch of the REM, Montreal’s new light metro system, opened to the public. The opening of the REM is the biggest transit project in the French-speaking city of Quebec since the opening of the metro in 1966. 5 stations spanning across 15 kilometers connect downtown Montreal to the South Shore, with future phases expanding its reach to 26 stations and 67 kilometers, connecting Montreal’s airport and suburbs to downtown.
The REM will help increase density and create more housing along the line due to transit-oriented development and favorable zoning laws. Examples of this are the $1.3 billion Solar Uniquartier project, a mixed-use, high-density development located next to a REM station. The REM will also address Montreal’s chronic housing shortage, as new mixed-income transit-oriented developments are popping around the corridor.
Plans for a future extension of the REM, called REM de l’Est, have been derailed by a small but vocal group of NIMBYS, who argue that the elevated parts of the project would destroy the communities of East Montreal, which is known for being an economically poorer part of Montréal. Supporters of the project argue that the project would bring much-needed economic development to the area and provide better transit options for its residents.
As Montreal continues to grow, the REM stands as a symbol for the city’s commitment to transit expansion and sustainable urban development. The relatively low cost of the project and quick building time can serve as an example to other east coast cities, which lag behind in transit development. Also, the muti-model system of bike lanes, paths, and bus stations near the REM is an example of a well thought out comprehensive transit network.
RELATED STORIES:
REM will open to the public for the first time July 31 | CityNews Montreal
New REM Light Rail Launches in Montreal | Planetizen News
Montreal’s east end getting its own REM, at a cost of $10B | CBC News
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