The owner of a facility in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district believes that the construction of a bike path on Henri Bourassa Boulevard is responsible for the end of its operations.
Kelly Shoe Repair, founded in 1939, served its final customers last week. Owner Éric Bussière says he was forced to close his business due to the impending abolition of parking spaces in front of his store.
For what ? The arrival of the Express Bike Network (REV) in this Montreal nerve center. Work will begin sometime in 2024.
“When they presented their project to us, it was a feast for the eyes,” says Éric Bussière. They told us we didn’t need a parking space.
“They added that the new cycle path would bring us renewal and a new clientele. I don’t know what planet they live on to say that.”
Kelly Shoemaking was founded in 1939.
It’s not easy to find parking on Montreal’s various streets. This is what we noticed during our visit. The worst is to come according to Mr. Bussière, 50% of customers drive to his store.
“The anger of people in the industry is palpable. In addition to eliminating parking spaces, people will no longer be able to turn right on small streets.
“Then finding a parking space is complicated because of the stickers. With the presence of the REV this will be even more the case.”
A confident mayor
The mayor of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district tried to calm the REV project in her sector.
“Outside of rush hour, the four lanes of Henri Bourassa Boulevard are not fully utilized,” emphasizes Émilie Thuillier. It is the most frequently used public transport route in Montreal.
“We need a complete east-west cycle connection. It is truly a mobility project and our aim is to revitalize the sector.”
And she is convinced that there will be enough parking spaces around the shops on the boulevard.
“We will move the locations from Henri-Bourassa to the beginnings of the vertical streets,” she adds. There are places that are currently not filled.”
There will be a public meeting on Thursday evening to announce the details of the REV project.
Twinge
Coming back to Mr. Bussière, this is the end of an adventure that began in 2009 when he bought his parents’ company. The latter have been owners since 1972.
“It hurts my heart. Shoemaking is very important in my family, as my grandfather and several of my uncles worked in this field.
He tried to save his business by looking for space elsewhere in Montreal, but exorbitant rental prices forced him to back out.
“I will do a workshop at home. I will continue my orthopedic shoe repair contracts.
“If I had continued for another two or three years, I would have gone bankrupt with the arrival of REV. I can walk there with my head held high and say that I have served my loyal customers well.”