The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it is addressing traffic and safety concerns on residential streets due to detours from the ongoing Old Chateauguay Road (OCR) Rehabilitation Project.
At the duly convened Council Meeting of June 9, Council of Chiefs met with representatives from the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers, Public Safety Division, MCK Transport, and MCK Public Works to discuss the impacts of the project, which is expected to continue through the 2025 road construction season.
The most pressing concern raised was the significant increase in non-local vehicles circumventing detour routes by cutting through residential areas in an effort to access the Mercier Bridge. This has resulted in traffic congestion, community disruption, and serious safety concerns for residents living on these side streets.
“The MCK is taking these disruptions seriously and is actively working with our departments and enforcement bodies to identify ways to mitigate the problem,” said Commissioner of Public Safety, Lloyd Phillips. “Our priority is ensuring the safety and peace of mind of all Kahnawa’kehró:non.”
While a mitigation plan is currently being developed, the MCK is urging community members to exercise patience during this time. Residents are reminded not to engage with non-locals or escalate confrontations. Any incidents of trespassing, verbal threats, or physical altercations should be reported immediately to the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers.
“We must strike a balance between protecting our community and avoiding actions that may cause further safety risks,” added Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “However, commuters also need to know that unless they have legitimate business in the community, they are not permitted to cut through. Increased traffic in residential areas pose safety risks to community members, and with the upcoming summer break the side streets will be populated more than ever with our youth.”
More information will be shared with the community as plans are finalized.
