STM Closes Peel Metro's Stanley Entrance Indefinitely After Brief Reopening
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has once again closed the Stanley Street entrance to the Peel metro station, this time indefinitely, following just one week of reopening after a year-long closure. This decision comes as a significant blow to local businesses in the area, who have already been grappling with reduced foot traffic and sales due to ongoing construction projects.
Businesses Voice Frustration Over Continued Disruption
Business owners near the intersection of Stanley and Ste-Catherine Streets express mounting frustration as the metro entrance closure compounds existing challenges. Lea Cope, manager of Marché Floh, a vintage shop on Stanley Street, highlighted the dual impact of the metro closure and Ste-Catherine Street construction. "A lot of tourists use the métro, and if they go out, they don't go from this place," Cope explained. "They're not going to think to come to Stanley."
Cope noted that the period from January to March is typically slow for retail, and the construction disruptions are exacerbating the situation. "Now it's already the dead moment for every store, from January to March," she told The Gazette, adding that the construction is "not helping."
STM's Announcement and Reasoning
The STM initially announced on social media platform X that the Stanley Street entrance would be temporarily closed on February 18 and 19, 2026. However, the following day, they updated the announcement to indicate an indefinite closure. The STM cited "analysis of the work to be carried out" as the reason for the extended shutdown.
When pressed for details, the STM clarified that the closure relates to work being conducted by the building owner, not directly by the transit authority itself. This has left business owners in a state of uncertainty regarding the timeline for the entrance's return to operation.
Economic Impact on Local Enterprises
The closure has had tangible economic consequences for businesses on the Stanley Street block. Yaniv Moyal, owner of Editorial Boutique, a clothing store in the area, reported significant revenue losses attributed to the construction and metro entrance closure. The reduced foot traffic has forced Moyal to cut employee shifts, reflecting the broader strain on local commerce.
The metro entrance had been closed for approximately one year prior to its brief reopening, during which time business owners already observed a decline in sales. The combination of the metro closure and ongoing construction on Ste-Catherine Street has created a perfect storm of challenges for retailers and service providers in this bustling Montreal neighborhood.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
Residents and business operators are now left wondering when normalcy will return to the area. The indefinite nature of the closure adds to the anxiety, as there is no clear timeline for completion of the necessary work. This situation underscores the delicate balance between urban infrastructure improvements and supporting local economic vitality.
As Montreal continues to evolve and upgrade its public transit system, the impact on adjacent businesses remains a critical consideration for city planners and transit authorities. The Peel metro station serves as a vital transportation hub in downtown Montreal, making accessibility concerns particularly significant for both commuters and the local business community.
