Ste-Catherine Street could get heated sidewalks

The overhaul of Ste-Catherine Street West may feature something most people can probably get behind heated sidewalks.

According to a city council document obtained byLaPresse, the concept will be unveiled in May.

Montreal is looking to put in heated sidewalks in during the renovation work slated for the busy thoroughfare betweenAtwaterAvenue andBleuryStreet.

The Ste-Catherine Street revitalization project is supposed to happen in two phases, beginning with the eastern portion and moving west. Mayor DenisCoderreinferred the project would not be completed by 2017 for Montreal's375thanniversary.

With the cost of the heated sidewalks, the project is expected to total $95 millionabout $15 million more than was announced when the last capital-works program was unveiled.

The budget hike, which is said to represent different pilot projects, needs approval of city council.