Montreal and the climate crisis: A blueprint for the future
“The CAQ hasn’t the slightest clue what Montreal’s current transit needs are, let alone what they might be in a city that could easily be car-free within a decade.”
Haunted Montreal: 8 places to get terrified this Halloween, and 3 to avoid at all costs
“Let’s get this straight: I don’t believe in ghosts. Irrespective of my beliefs, and I make no pronouncements as to whether what haunts us is real or not, I can say with authority that Montreal is a very old city, and old cities are haunted. Have I seen shit? Hell yes.”
CAQ vs. English universities: François Legault’s specialty is cutting Quebec off at the knees
“François Legault’s decision to double the cost of university tuition for out-of-province students is shortsighted, mean-spirited and, from an economic vantage point, completely idiotic.”
The REM de l’Est: Blood on the tracks, or parasitic zombie?
The plan for a subterranean REM de l’est has been scrapped, but what remains of the Montreal transit extension is a mess.
Appreciating Claude Cormier
“Montreal is richer today because of Claude Cormier, who passed away on Sept. 15 at the age of 63. He created whimsy — and over the course of his career helped transform our urban environment in ways that will likely, and hopefully, last for many more years.”
City of Montreal so-called car ban on Camillien-Houde a missed opportunity for Mount Royal
“Rather than getting rid of an unnecessary roadway that’s disfigured the mountain for 70-some-odd years — and commit to genuine reforestation — we’re getting half-assed greenwashing that still tries to be all things to all people.”
The case for a census of buildings in Montreal
The need for detailed records of the built environment in Montreal, particularly potential heritage buildings, is all the more urgent following the recent fire at the Bon Pasteur monastery.
Go visit Place des Nations: Montreal’s post-modern, retro-futuristic ruins
“Few cities have abandoned, historically significant, fantastically interesting ruins set in a place that’s otherwise considered a nature park, so take advantage of it, because this is your last chance.”
An ode to the Main
“The sandwich was piled so high with meat, it defied gravity. The coleslaw was tart and savoury, the pickle was fresh and briny, the fries were generously salted but somehow almost sweet, complementing the Cott’s black cherry that would have won the cola wars if only they were allowed to enter the competition. The Main’s smoked meat special was clearly the greatest meal in all creation.”
Billions more for the Blue Line, but my bus won’t run on time
“The Blue Line is, in nearly every way, a constant reminder of our provincial and federal governments’ incoherent transit policies, and unfortunately, the City of Montreal has little recourse but to play along.”