Sustainable mobility: creating a connected campus

Key mobility strategies

• Hierarchy of pathways: a structured mobility network ensures efficient access for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and essential vehicles.
• Prioritizing active mobility: expanding pedestrian-friendly zones, cycling infrastructure and shared pathways to create a walkable and accessible campus.
• Public transit integration: strengthening connections to metro stations, bus stops and regional rail networks to reduce car dependency.
• Parking and vehicular traffic management: gradually reducing surface parking in favour of underground facilities, optimizing loading and delivery routes and implementing traffic-calming measures.
• Sustainability initiatives: aligning mobility improvements with Concordia’s Climate Action Plan, including expanded green corridors, energy-efficient transportation options and decarbonization efforts.

With these guiding principles in place, Concordia ensures that both the Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses offer safe, efficient and sustainable transportation networks that prioritize accessibility and environmental responsibility.

Loyola Campus: sustainable and pedestrian-centred mobility

The Loyola Campus development plan focuses on creating a walkable, sustainable environment with well-integrated public and active transportation options. Key priorities include:

Pathways for access and connectivity

• Pedestrian paths: direct routes linking entrances to outdoor spaces and pavilions, designed to meet universal accessibility standards such as those set by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
• Shared pathways: dedicated areas for pedestrians and active mobility, with limited vehicle access for essential services and accessibility needs.
• Permeable service roads: drivable paths for emergency and maintenance vehicles, balancing functionality with pedestrian safety.
• Main vehicular access: a primary route directing vehicles to underground and surface parking, freeing up other pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.

Supporting a modal shift toward sustainability

Concordia aims to shift in transportation habits through the following initiatives:

• 28 per cent reduction in single-occupancy car travel in favour of public transit.
• 20 per cent increase in cycling use.
• 1 per cent increase in walking trips.
• 2 per cent increase in carpooling.
• 90 per cent reduction in surface parking, with spaces relocated underground to create greener and pedestrian-accessible areas.

Active mobility: pathways and amenities

• North-south and east-west mobility axes: connecting key campus sectors with pedestrian-friendly and cyclist-safe pathways.
• Cycling amenities: secure, weather-protected parking, repair stations, lockers and showers to support year-round cycling.
• Bike-sharing expansion: collaboration with BIXI to increase bike-sharing stations on campus.

Public transit

• Expanded mobility hubs: key locations providing bike storage, shuttle stops and multimodal transport access.
• Enhanced transit access: improved pedestrian links to the Montreal-West train station, including a proposed elevated bridge to Coffee Park.
• Reduction of vehicular traffic: surface parking reduction, transitioning to underground facilities with pedestrian-friendly access.

Sir George Williams Campus: enhancing mobility in a dense urban setting

Located in downtown Montreal, the Sir George Williams Campus mobility plan focuses on active mobility, transit access and reducing vehicle congestion. Key priorities include:

Active mobility and public transit

Pedestrian network enhancements

• Widening sidewalks on René-Lévesque Boulevard and Guy Street.
• Adding barriers, bollards and accessible wayfinding to improve safety.
• Expanding the underground pedestrian network, linking buildings with metro and transit hubs.

Cycling infrastructure improvements

• Strengthening bike lanes along Guy Street and Côte-des-Neiges Road.
• Expanding secure, covered bike parking and repair stations.
• Implementing safe intersections with cyclist waiting zones.

Public transit and alternative transport

Improved transit facilities

• Expanded waiting areas at metro and bus stops, with seating, lighting and weather protection.
• Designated safe waiting zones for transit users.

Shuttle service

• Exploration of connections between the Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses.
• Exploration of additional mobility hubs for multimodal transitions.

Reducing vehicular traffic and parking demand

Traffic-calming measures

• Speed reductions on Guy Street, Mackay Street and Ste. Catherine Street West.
• Shared roadways prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists.

Parking and loading strategies

• Gradual reduction of surface parking, with underground alternatives.
• Expansion of electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated drop-off zones.
• Optimized delivery schedules and loading areas to minimize disruptions.