Car-Free Mile End

Car free conclusion

Montreal’s first ever Car Free Week wraps up on Sunday, Sept 26. The week’s activities included a Monday afternoon flashmob performed at a red light at Parc and Milton’s intersection, and a Wednesday “Die-In” to protest violence against cyclists.

For one grassroots group, it’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up a summer experiment in alternate modes of transport and community living. Car-Free Mile-End has shut down four blocks of St-Viateur, from Jeanne Mance to St-Urbain, one Saturday each month since July, with the last taking place on Sept. 25. In place of cars, the street has been filled with children’s activi ties, local artisans and kiosks of local community groups.

“It was fun just bringing people to the streets,” says organization co-founder Mathieu Vick. “People would meet and talk, instead of just sitting home and watching TV, or taking their cars from one place to another.” Vick says reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, and hopes to repeat the experiment next year. They are going out with a bang. Saturday’s events include local musicians, free yoga and a park(ing) contest. Contestants compete to transform a parking lot into a green space, using real sod. Activities run from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. To learn more, visit carfreemileend.com.

—ELISABETH FAURE