If public spaces are places of socialization, the fact remains that accessibility to these spaces can be difficult for the elderly, especially when their physical and cognitive capabilities decrease. Yet, these areas may contribute to the welfare of seniors by promoting physical activity, independence, social contact and participation in community life. This paper focuses on the issues that seniors perceive regarding the use of a particular kind of public space: the local commercial street. The paper builds on a research conducted in 2010 among eight people aged between 65 and 87 years in Montreal. As a case study, the research included two dimensions: firstly, a spatial analysis of a local commercial street (Promenade Masson, Montreal); secondly, an analysis of the discourse of a group of seniors about this street. For this second dimension, we conducted two data collection activities: a focus group and an exploratory walk. The qualitative analysis of data identifies several challenges faced by older people on the local commercial street. The analysis also helps to understand the importance of this place in terms of daily mobility of seniors, essential to their socialization and participation in community life, as well as the characteristics that make the street attractive to participants.