There are eight R.E.M. stations in total in the West Island and Airport sector, covering several boroughs and cities, including Pierrefonds-Roxboro, the borough of Saint-Laurent, the City of Dorval (airport), as well as Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Kirkland, and Pointe-Claire. The western R.E.M. will begin operating in 2024.
The informational video linked above outlines the use of land surrounding the future Kirkland R.E.M. station. The current Centre Kirkland plaza, where the station is under construction, will be redeveloped and consist of an assortment of different infrastructures. A public plaza that may include terraces and restaurants will be situated nearby, surrounded by green spaces, and residential areas will be built mainly to the west of the station.
PHOTOS: City of Kirkland
The height of buildings will vary between low-density buildings to the south of Elkas Boulevard and then increase to medium and higher-density buildings closer to the station. In terms of parking, there will be reserved parking for Kirkland residents and those who live on-site in the form of tiered and underground parking lots.
After a public consultation session with citizens, to be held this spring, the Special Planning Program (SPP) by-law will be prepared. Residents are urged to send their questions or comments through this online form.
Their online forum provides some answers to commonly asked questions surrounding the project:
Q. Is the Colisée Kirkland cinema destined to disappear as part of the site’s requalification project? What about the other buildings on the site?
A. The decision whether to demolish an existing building, keep it in its current form, relocate it elsewhere on the site or give it a new configuration rests entirely with the owner of the site.
The SPP is a regulatory planning tool developed by the City to frame the desired vision for the redevelopment of this site, as defined by the City and its citizens. There will be no requirements to demolish any buildings, such as the cinema, in the SPP.
Once adopted by the Kirkland Town Council, the Special Planning Program will serve as a regulatory framework compelling the site owner to comply with its requirements and redevelop the site in accordance with the vision determined by the citizens and the municipality.
Q. How will the City prevent R.E.M. users from parking on neighbouring streets near the station?
A. Enforcement measures will be implemented to prevent this type of behavior, before the R.E.M. is put into service.
Q. How many parking spots will be reserved for Kirkland citizens using the R.E.M.?
A. The City is presently finalizing a traffic study to ensure the proposed number of parking spaces does not cause adverse traffic conditions. The SPP's main development orientations currently provide approximately 200 parking spaces reserved for Kirkland citizens using the R.E.M.
Q. Will the S.T.M. adapt their bus routes to improve access to the R.E.M. stations servicing Kirkland residents?
A. Yes, the S.T.M. is presently reviewing their bus routes in preparation for the arrival of the R.E.M. in the West Island. However, final plans have yet to be confirmed. In addition, the Town of Kirkland is currently developing its sustainable mobility plan to improve accessibility, including public transit.
SOURCE: City of Kirkland
