Vaudreuil-Dorion mayor Guy Pilon is quite categorical. A state of emergency over the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge is out of the question.

Since last Monday, hundreds of motorists have taken to social networks to express their dissatisfaction with the nightmarish congestion in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. Many are proposing solutions, including a state of emergency. An idea categorically rejected by the mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion.

"First of all, you don't just declare a state of emergency. You have to obtain the approval of the Ministère de la Sécurité publique and, above all, be able to justify the request. Are our citizens short of drinking water? Are they in danger from an out-of-control forest fire? Do they fear for their lives because a dam threatens to burst, as in the Hautes-Laurentides? No, they're simply dealing with the intense congestion we see every day in many cities on the outskirts of Montreal," he sums up.

According to the Éducaloi website, authorities, particularly cities, "cannot declare a state of emergency unless an exceptional situation is underway. A major disaster occurs when an event, natural or otherwise, causes great risk to people and property. Floods, earthquakes and pandemics fall into this category. Local authorities may declare a state of emergency when such a disaster requires immediate and unusual measures to protect the life, health or safety of people".

"Although traffic is exceptional for the region, the situation does not require a state of emergency," continues Mr. Pilon.

Shuttles to the train station?

Another solution put forward by road users exasperated by the situation is the introduction of shuttles to the Vaudreuil-Dorion train station. What does the elected representative think?

"In 2019, we set up a temporary park-and-ride facility on the site of the former Flying J. We'd like to do the same thing in the next few weeks, but at a different location.  We'd like to do it near Walmart and Réno Dépôt. However, for that to happen, we need the authorities like ARTM, EXO and MTMD to get on board. We have submitted a proposal to this effect. We're awaiting his response. Shuttles could transport people to the train station to relieve congestion in the station and Centre Multisports parking lots, which are at full capacity."

The mayor of Saint-Lazare, Geneviève Lachance, would also like to see shuttles set up to pick up citizens at a few points on her territory, such as Route 342 to the Vaudreuil-Dorion train station. "It's part of all our discussions. In any case, all shuttle operating costs will be assumed by MTMD."

Mr. Pilon also says he received confirmation this Wednesday, December 6, that school buses and paratransit buses transporting Vaudreuil-Dorion students to Montreal establishments can use the bus-only ramp near the Château Vaudreuil. "This is great news. It will relieve congestion on the bridge and allow buses to get to their destinations more quickly."

Good cooperation from MTMD

Guy Pilon is known for his outspokenness. He doesn't hesitate to denounce a situation when necessary. So it's with the same frankness that he throws flowers at MTMD. "I have to admit, we've had great cooperation from them on this issue. We meet twice a week to take stock of the situation. Everyone is working well together."

What message would Mr. Pilon like to send to the citizens affected by the situation? "Good luck. I'd also like to ask companies that hire local people to be open and flexible in these difficult times, by allowing telecommuting and accommodating their work schedules. It's the only way to relieve traffic congestion on the bridge. I also hope that MTMD will speed up the repair of the concrete ball and that another misfortune doesn't occur in the meantime."

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