A Major Transportation Project for Our Community: Inauguration of the REM

This spring, Mayor John Belvedere and members of the Pointe-Claire City Council had the pleasure of taking part in the inauguration of the REM’s Anse-à-l’Orme Branch, as well as the two new stations serving the territory of Pointe-Claire.  

The arrival of the REM in our City marks a significant milestone, strengthening connections between the West Island and the greater Montréal area. First announced in April 2016, and initiated in April 2018, this highly anticipated project officially came to fruition on May 18, 2026. Like any major project, its launch comes with a period of adjustment, as new travel habits take shape around this reliable, fast and frequent public transit network in the heart of the West Island. 

A Driver of Growth for Pointe-Claire  

As a structuring transportation system, the REM is a key driver for enhancing the attractiveness and vitality of Pointe-Claire’s industrial and commercial sectors. By providing direct connections between the West Island and downtown Montréal, it improves mobility and reinforces the appeal of our community. The STM also took advantage of the REM’s launch to carry out a major redesign of its bus network, modifying service in more than nine demerged cities and six boroughs. 

“We are confident that the REM will have a positive impact on the economic development of our City and will serve as a strategic asset for the prosperity of local businesses. Its launch will act as a catalyst for urban revitalization by facilitating workforce recruitment and retention, while also enabling Montrealers to discover Pointe-Claire, whether by visiting the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre, our Olympic-level Aquatic Centre, the villages of Pointe-Claire and Valois, or our shopping centres,” said Mayor John Belvedere. 

This project also aligns with the City’s sustainable development vision and supports the objectives set out in its 2023–2030 Strategic Plan. 

A New Way to Get Around 

Many of you likely had the opportunity to explore this new mode of transportation during its inaugural weekend, and some may already be utilizing it in their daily commute to work or school. This fast and direct connection reduces travel times, improves traffic flow, and helps reshape mobility habits. It also enhances quality of life by allowing residents to spend less time commuting and more time with loved ones or enjoying leisure activities.