Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
At least one Montreal school will be turning to remote learning as cyclists race through the city later this month.
Le Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie, a private high school for girls, is making plans to mitigate the impact of the UCI Road World Championships, which are coming to Montreal from Sept. 20 to 27.
The race will span 36 kilometres of road network, with the most significant impact being felt on Parc Avenue, between des Pins and Mont-Royal avenues. Some road closures have already begun, and more are to come, including those surrounding the school.
Located on Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Saint-Nom-de-Marie will hold classes virtually on Sept. 23, 24, and 25 due to accessibility issues at the building, explained spokesperson Malisaï Levesque-Vanny in a statement.
The school declined an interview request but said in the statement that educational services will continue through structured learning days with work plans, and students will complete the activities and assignments provided by their teachers.
“Therefore, there will still be three school days, and teachers will be available according to the arrangements that will be communicated to the students,” the statement says.
Due to the race route, several streets surrounding the school will be completely closed to traffic, including Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road and Vincent-d’Indy Avenue.
“In addition to these closures, an exceptional influx of spectators is expected, with hundreds of thousands of fans lining the course,” the statement adds.
“The school recognizes the exceptional nature of this event and is adapting to the situation. This decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, while allowing educational services to continue.”
In a statement, the city says it has been working with school service centres for several months to plan for the event’s impact.
“Although various mitigation measures are planned, some schools believe the impacts will remain too significant for families and staff,” the statement says. “We respect these decisions and are continuing our efforts, alongside our partners, to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible.”
The city has been warning of expected detours and congestion during the event.
The championship’s website lists useful information for getting around and features interactive maps with real-time information for each race and affected regions.