The Metro links Montreal to Laval

The dignitaries officiating at the official inauguration of the extension of the Montreal subway to Laval descended on Montmorency aboard metro trains. At the station, about 200 people were packed together in anticipation of what many have called an historic moment.

The event gave the impression of an historic turning point between Montreal and Laval, an occasion for general reconciliation between the two cities.

"We have succeeded in uniting Montreal and Laval, despite the difficulties and against all odds," noted Joël Gauthier, president and director-general of the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT). The comment appeared to mystify the two chief magistrates who exchanged quizzical glances with one another before moving on to the shaking of hands.

"The Laval Metro has been at the heart of a political debate for the past 30 years. If at times it was divisive, it is now unifying," added Claude Trudel, chairman of the Montreal Transit Corporation (STM).

Montreal mayor Gérald Tremblay commended the innovative dimensions of the Laval stations which have provisions for services for the handicapped. "For me, it's the beginning of major investments in public transit. We'll do all we can to reduce dependency on the automobile," he stated, before adding "It's a great day for our collective future."

For sure, the happiest man of the day was Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt. He's the only official still in power ten years after the 1998 announcement by then Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard that the metro would be extended to Laval.

The mayor spared no superlatives in pointing to the former premier's daring approach. He thanked everyone who believed in the project from the start, specifying that this particular club had very limited membership.

The mayor could not avoid making references to the Highway 25 bridge. During Mr. Vaillancourt's commentary, the mayor of Montreal forced an awkward smile, the environmentalists simply showed lack of appreciation.

"In his address, the mayor said he's proud of inaugurating a metro that will result in less cars on the road. But on the other hand, he reminded everyone that he wants a bridge that will bring more cars," deplored Sydney Godsmark, president of the Regional Environment Council of Laval. "Instead of focusing on the development of road infrastructures, we should be investing in public transit," Mr. Godsmark added.

The three Laval metro stations were declared officially open by the premier of Quebec, Jean Charest.

Beforehand, the premier paid tribute to Lucien Bouchard. As to the costs of construction, he stuck to saying that it's a long story, although emphasizing the project was coming into completion at a below average 'cost-per-kilometre'. "The extension to Laval will be an example for those who want to build subways in other parts of the world," he stated.

The added touch to the press conference was provided by singer Michèle Richard, who reprised the official song of Expo 67 she had performed 40 years earlier at the inauguration of the Montreal Metro in 1967.

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)