From the rooftop terrace of a friend’s Plateau apartment. I sat in the early morning dew mesmerized by the quick degeneration and regeneration of these massive, beautiful clouds. When the sun broke, some shone with this ethereal golden orange glow. At times, it looked as though the light of the sun was slicing the clouds into smaller forms. They danced for hours across the sky.
Part of the gate in front of the Masson House; whatever comes of this property, I hope these get a makeover, this one’s the only post that seems to be in its proper place, and has incurred the least amount of damage.
Fallen - work of the author, September 2010
Found behind the Masson House, part of the once elaborate grounds of a sprawling Franciscan Seminary complex. At one point it included the Judah House, Masson House, not to mention the large chapel and extensive seminary annex. Behind these properties are the remnants of the manicured grounds. Ought to be turned into a park as soon as possible.
Arboreal Arcade - work of the author, September 2010
As you can see, it’s quite a space.
Hidden Neighbourhood - work of the author, September 2010
The Thomas Judah House - work of the author, September 2010
I don’t know if there’s anyone living here, but I could swear someone was living here recently. Going to get back to y’all on that one. Either way – I could just as easily picture this house in some ancient town in the Eastern Townships or up in the Laurentians. Hard to believe its straddling a highway on-ramp eh?
Tracks - work of the author, September 2010
The highest traffic rail line in all of Canada.
Marguerite's Tower - work of the author, September 2010
Mordecai Richler - 1983 - photo credit to Ryan Remiorz
In case you’ve had your head stuck under a rock for the last few weeks, a petition has been put forth by City Councilor Marvin Rotrand to have something named after Richler before the 10th anniversary of death this July. If you’d like to sign the petition, go here. Among other things considered, Fairmount Street, St-Urbain Street and the Mile End Library.
Unfortunately, when it comes time to deal with that pesky thing called proof, the irrational and misguided Patriotes tend to point fingers in all directions except Richler’s work. there’s a feeling he may be a racist which isn’t backed up by legitimate information. Nothing. Zip. Nada.
Could it be as a result of the separatist fringe’s unwillingness or disinterest to sit down and actually read his books, whether fiction or non-fiction?
As far as renaming something in his honour – I have a far better idea. Use whatever money which would otherwise go to renaming something instead to finance a film production of any of his novels. That way, everyone can see his work for themselves, and it would clearly honour his memory while simultaneously making it available for all to see. that, or buy everyone a copy of Solomon Gursky Was Here…
I’m still not convinced about that last point, but it’s good to know that events like Sex Garage aren’t going to happen again in this city. That is, as long as the citizens ensure the protection of their own fundamental human rights.
I can’t count the number of times I sat in this very square, watching the world go by. Against the strong azure of a Summer evening’s sky, the Tour de la Bourse stands with a refined elegance. It was here back in the early Fall of 2006 where I watched, with much delight, army helicopters conducting special-ops maneuvers. Should’ve brought pop-corn actually. I could look at this building for hours, mesmerized by its subtle strengths and grace.
So what’s the problem you may be asking? Land suitable for new development is at a premium and it makes a lot of sense to pursue developing the southern sector of the city for residential purposes. Moreover, such a plan could be argued from the standpoint that the city made an error forty years ago declaring this land industrial, and such development is necessary if we wish to correct a ‘historic injustice’. I don’t doubt for a second this last point has been passed around enough board-room meetings, especially with regards to Griffintown.
The Committee for the Sustainable Redevelopment of Griffintown has some excellent ideas and makes solid arguments for a ‘smarter’ development of this area, as most proposals have not adequately considered the few, though significant, heritage sites to be found there. Moreover, there seems to have been zero consideration for the fact that unused light-industrial space can be excellent lofts and studios for our artistic community, one which must be fostered at all costs. But underlying all aspects and concerns pertinent to southern redevelopment, we must ask whether the city was trying to do its citizens a favour by declaring this land industrial in the first place and rendering it unsuitable for living until such a time as the pollutants could be cleaned up? Was it slum clearance, or was it a harsh environmental reality?