West Island Mayors Prepare for REM Arrival with CDPQ Infra, STM and ARTM Experts
Pointe-Claire, January 6, 2026 — As 2026 marks the imminent arrival of the REM in the West Island, the West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) held its second Mayors’ Forum on December 2, bringing together several municipal elected officials with experts from CDPQ Infra (REM), Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM). This strategic meeting aimed to concretely prepare the region for the service launch scheduled for spring.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 97% of REM construction completed
- Service launch scheduled for spring 2026
- Full-system testing planned for winter 2026
- 7 mayors in attendance
FROM LISTENING TO ACTION
At the first Mayors’ Forum, mobility was identified as a priority issue for the region. This year, WIMCC moved to action by facilitating direct dialogue between municipal decision-makers and the technical teams responsible for the project.
Discussions focused on concrete issues: incentive parking management, bus network integration, safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and complementary solutions such as dedicated shuttles and reserved lanes.
“Our role is to create this privileged space where municipal elected officials can obtain the strategic information they need and ensure that the West Island’s local realities are fully integrated into this major project,” said Sophia Lavergne, General Manager of WIMCC.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
CDPQ Infra experts confirmed that the opening of West Island stations remains scheduled for spring 2026, with over 97% of construction completed. STM and ARTM representatives presented their work to ensure a simplified and high-performance bus network.
“As we approach the opening of the REM’s Anse-à-l’Orme branch, STM is working closely with boroughs and all local partners to ensure successful integration of our bus network redesign. The new service will provide customers with more direct connections to the entire REM network, in addition to facilitating access to the bus network and metro” said Christopher Kranjec, Senior Director, Service Planning and Delivery, Société de transport de Montréal (STM).
“The opening of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch will improve mobility in the West Island. It will provide a fast, reliable, frequent and sustainable public transit option for residents of this area. For CDPQ Infra, constant dialogue with municipalities and partners is important to understand the realities of the communities they serve,” added Denis Andlauer, Vice-President, Operations, CDPQ Infra.
“This service launch marks a major milestone in facilitating travel for workers and residents of the West Island, offering them a fast, reliable and sustainable public transit option,” said Philippe Dubé, Director, Operations and Equipment Management, ARTM.
Mayors engaged directly with technical teams to clarify issues specific to their municipalities. Among the concerns raised: anticipated pressure on incentive parking lots and the importance of equitable management between local residents and users from outside the area.
Elected officials also emphasized the need for complementary solutions, including dedicated shuttles, reserved lanes, and safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. They demonstrated strong commitment to preparing their communities for this major mobility transformation.
A COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT
The meeting concluded with elected officials committing to maintain ongoing dialogue with technical partners. Participating mayors represented the municipalities of Dorval, Pointe-Claire, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Baie-d’Urfé and Senneville.
ABOUT THE WEST ISLAND OF MONTREAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce (WIMCC) is the voice of the West Island business community and is dedicated to encouraging and promoting business community development.