The MUHC contacted the Examiner in response to an article about a talk given at last week’s Westmount Municipal Association by NDG borough councillor Peter McQueen, in which concerns were expressed over the Vendome metro station’s ability to handle the increased traffic the hospital will bring.
According to MUHC spokesperson Julie Paquet, a pedestrian tunnel which will link the metro to the hospital’s underground parking lot has been built. The only remaining task is to link the existing tunnel with the new one, a project that will be completed around the same time as the new hospital opens to the public in 2013.
Paquet also responded to recent criticism that the MUHC was not committed to a second entrance to the already-full Vendome metro.
“In fact, the MUHC has been the leader on this issue, rallying our partners the STM and the AMT to move this idea forward.”
“The MUHC has offered a venue, but it’s not for the Department of Health to fund transportation projects.” - MUHC spokesperson, Julie Paquet
Paquet said that the MUHC and their partners have agreed on a technical solution, and the hospital has offered their building at 5100 De Maisonneuve to serve as an entry point. A feasibility study, currently underway, should be completed in December.
After that, Paquet said, the next challenge is to secure funding from Quebec City for the project.
“At that point, it becomes a transportation issue, and that’s for the Ministere des Transports to fund,” she said. “The MUHC has offered a venue, but it’s not for the Department of Health to fund transportation projects.”
Paquet also added that the MUHC will be holding their yearly public information session on November 13th at 7 p.m. at 5100 De Maisonneuve. Residents of the area are invited to attend.
