Sainte-Catherine Street West and Phillips Square

Phillips Square: A New Urban Oasis
Phillips Square reclaims its original vocation as the heart of downtown, in keeping with the vision laid out in the 1841 Phillips Plan. Reimagined as an English-style urban garden, the square has been expanded through wider sidewalks and increased greenery. New axial perspectives offer picturesque views of the surrounding built and natural environments.

The monument to Edward VII, donated by Henry Birks in 1914, is now highlighted with new lighting, integrated street furniture, and a playful fountain. The redesign significantly enhances the area’s vegetation—boosting canopy coverage by 46% and multiplying the number of trees by fourteen—advancing the City of Montreal’s vision of becoming the greenest downtown in North America.

Five resilient tree species, selected for their ability to thrive in urban conditions, promote biodiversity. Layered plantings echo the richness of Victorian gardens, with lush flower beds paired with more rustic species in soft tones. The square becomes a verdant retreat, defined by its naturalistic aesthetic inspired by English landscapes. Other sustainable measures include a low-irrigation system for flower beds, rainwater reuse, a recirculated water system for fountains, locally sourced high-reflectance materials to mitigate heat island effect, and LED lighting to reduce light pollution.

Sainte-Catherine Street West: A Reimagined Public Space
The redevelopment transforms Sainte-Catherine Street West into a generous, inclusive pedestrian space. Wider sidewalks and the removal of on-street parking rebalance public space in favour of pedestrians and cyclists. Formerly a four-lane street, it now features a single vehicle lane, encouraging active transportation and universal accessibility.

The new linear esplanade links previously disconnected public squares, landmarks, and heritage buildings into a cohesive urban promenade. Bronze inlays embedded directly into the pavement serve as urban markers, identifying historic department stores and commercial buildings that define the district’s architectural legacy.

A modular paving system—ranging from dark to light grey—helps delineate different uses: vehicle lanes, shared areas, and pedestrian-only zones. This nuanced treatment enhances safety and wayfinding while creating a visually unified public realm.

Street furniture designed by renowned Quebec industrial designer Michel Dallaire gives the promenade a strong visual identity. Elegant benches, bike racks and decluttered sidewalks enhance the pedestrian experience while ensuring continuity with other revitalized areas, such as rue Peel and the Quartier international.