The Formula-E race weekend will be just a flash-in-the-pan for many Montrealers. They’ve been putting up with the preparations for the big race during all times of the day and night for the last a month or so.
It started with the repaving of sections of René Lévesque boulevard. Then came the overnight installations of fencing and City of Montreal-branded concrete barriers. This past week added loud, overnight construction of huge grandstands and elevated pedestrian walkways right next to homes, apartment buildings and businesses.
“In a city where you can not move, as it is, because of all the construction...now they do THIS?!?,” vented one frustrated resident.“I know that Montreal is a ‘party town’ in the summer, but this is too much. This is way too much.”
Laughter or eye-rolls are the standard response from many people near the race track - whether they live nearby or are just passing through the area.
“I’m trying to tell my office I’m going to be late because I don’t know how to get there,” said a confused BIXI rider. “I have to get to work in the Old Port. I just need to get there and I don’t know how.”
Montrealers and visitors can get some relief in the form of free municipal transit. BIXI bikes are also free this weekend, but you’ll need to download the app to your phone to use them and find the closest parking station.
“It is hell. I have car. I haven’t taken my car for a week and I don’t plan on taking it for another few days because if I get out I’m not sure I can get back in.”
For more information consult the City of Montreal website.