Pedestrianizing Mackay: a community-driven idea

Anchored in Concordia’s Campus Master Plan and longstanding student advocacy, the project explores the possibility of seasonal closures and long-term pedestrianization of Mackay Street through learning, testing and dialogue.

Pedestrianizing Mackay aligns with Concordia’s Campus Lab approach by using campus spaces as sites for experiential learning, research and community engagement.

• Explore a shared campus-community vision for possible seasonal or long-term pedestrianization of Mackay Street.
• Align with the Campus Master Plan’s goals for walkability, sustainability and improved mobility.
• Create experiential learning opportunities in urban design, planning and mobility.
• Foster collaboration and centre student and community voices in discussions on campus public space.

Students, staff and faculty at Concordia have been advocating for pedestrian-safe campus urbanism for decades. This advocacy aligns with the Campus Master Plan guidelines, which identified Mackay Street as a candidate for pedestrianization. Because Mackay Street is a public right-of-way under the City’s jurisdiction, any future changes would require close collaboration with municipal partners.

In 2024, advocacy by the Pedestrianize Mackay student movement and recommendations from the Campus Master Plan prompted internal Concordia groups and community partners to begin meeting more formally. This supported the emergence of a cross-campus and community group focused on advancing the goal of pedestrianization. At this stage, the works remains focussed on exploration, research and engagement.

The Campus Master Plan identifies Mackay Street — between Sherbrooke Street West and De Maisonneuve Boulevard West — as a key opportunity to expand outdoor gathering spaces and improve pedestrian connectivity.

Strategies include seasonal pedestrianization, flexible urban furniture, shade, space for university activities, and continued access for emergency and service vehicles.

Mackay Street sits at the intersection of daily campus life and the surrounding downtown neighbourhood. Pedestrianization offers an opportunity to:

• Improve safety, comfort and accessibility for pedestrians and people using mobility devices.
• Support informal learning, social interaction and campus culture.
• Test low-cost, temporary, and adaptable interventions before permanent changes are made.
• Strengthen ties between Concordia and the surrounding community.