Quebec Park to Be Closed for Tramway Construction Starting August 3

The Parc de l’Amérique-Française in Quebec City will be closed starting August 3, 2023, as part of a multiyear project to construct a tramway system, according to the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec (CCNQ). The park, located along Boulevard René-Lévesque Est between Claire-Fontaine and Jacques-Parizeau streets, will serve as a construction site until the tramway’s completion in 2033, the CCNQ confirmed.

Why Is the Park Being Closed?

The closure is part of a larger infrastructure initiative led by CDPQ Infra and the City of Quebec. The CCNQ stated the park’s temporary use as a construction site is necessary due to the “highly urbanized nature of the area” and the scarcity of open spaces. The agency emphasized that “the majority of the park’s trees will be preserved” during the project, though specific numbers were not provided. The artwork *Autoportrait* by Jean Pierre Raynaud will be relocated, according to the CCNQ.

What Happens to the Park After Construction?

The CCNQ pledged to restore the park to its original condition after the tramway project concludes. A spokesperson noted the agency is “considering future renovations to integrate the park with the new environment created by the tramway.” The commission also encouraged residents to use nearby green spaces, such as the Parc de la Francophonie and the Plains of Abraham, during the closure.

How Long Will the Closure Last?

The park’s closure is expected to last until the tramway’s projected 2033 completion date. The project’s timeline aligns with statements from CDPQ Infra, which has not yet provided updates on construction milestones. The CCNQ acknowledged the inconvenience of the closure, stating it “regrets the impact on the community” but emphasized the long-term benefits of the tramway for urban mobility.

What Are the Public Reaction and Alternatives?

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the closure. While some support the tramway’s potential to reduce traffic, others criticize the lack of transparency about tree removals and the disruption to public space. The CCNQ has not released detailed plans for compensating the community during the park’s closure, though it reiterated its commitment to “a renewed park that will be a source of pride for residents.”