Over the past 20 years, the globalization of trade, free trade agreements, the new pace of production and the emergence of new delivery demands (just-in-time) have transformed the freight transportation industry.
These changes have increased the flow of goods between regions and countries. This trend, which is in evidence in Montréal, is expected to continue for a number of years. Among other things, this means a large increase in the number of trucks using the municipal road network, which puts upward pressure on maintenance and repair costs.
The transportation sector is responsible for a large part of the production of greenhouse gases and is one of the major generators of nuisances in living environments. From the perspective of reducing emissions and improving air quality, the City favours intermodal connectivity between different modes of freight transportation.
The industry’s needs
The railway companies have all the space necessary for their operations. In light of this, the Plan confirms the future residential vocation of the Outremont railyard due to its development potential.
Some rail corridors are used both for passenger and freight transportation. The surge in freight transportation activities along certain corridors restricts the possibility of increasing commuter train services.
Montréal - Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has a large amount of remaining space to meet its expansion needs.
The Port of Montréal faces the opposite situation. Its expansion is limited and due to the increase in container traffic, which requires more space for storage, handling and transshipment, the Port is constantly on the lookout for new areas for its operations. This lack of space means that port, railway and road infrastructure must become more efficient.
In addition, industry competition has led truckers to carry heavier loads and consequently, to increase the size of semi-trailers. One effect of this, particularly in older industrial areas, has been to force drivers to manoeuvre on public roads, which blocks traffic and jeopardizes the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians.
The Plan sets forth one action relative to the strategic role of freight transportation:
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Improve accessibility and service for major freight transportation generators
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