Pedestrian strip extension connects Jean-Talon Market to The Main

Shamrock Place, a pedestrian zone connecting Jean-Talon Market to St-Laurent Boulevard, was officially opened on Sunday.

The two-block strip along Shamrock Avenue was bustling with musicians, snack sellers, petanque players, and a carousel.

The borough mayor of RosemontLa-Petite Patrie said that three years ago, it was a "noman's land".

"We created this to make sure people who walk and shop in this area can transit easily between places, and to animate the neighbourhood," borough mayor Franois Croteau said.

The first phase of the project started in 2014 and closed off the street between Casgrain Avenue and St-Dominique Street to cars. The new extension cost $200,000, split between the borough and the city.

It will remain in place for the next two years.

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Croteaudefended the cost, saying that other public places, like the redterrassesalong St-Denis Street, cost much more.

Resident Nassim Norouzisays cost is not her only worry.

"It has changed mood of the area from residential to a little park. It hasn't been very pleasant," said Nassim Norouzi.

Noise is her main concern, as the strip encourages patrons of nearby bars to linger and talk loudly in the late hours. She also says residents weren't consulted on the project.

"It privileges passersby over taxpaying residents," she said.

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The borough mayor defends the project.

"It will be there for many years," Croteausaid. "And we're thinking about how it can be used all year round."

The borough will hold community consultations about the space in the fall.