Category Archives: History and Culture

The End of the Great Depression

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

Now that we’ve all had a week to digest… The administration of Stephen J. Harper, Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, has mercifully come to an end. A nation takes a much-needed sigh of relief. This was not the prime minister the … Continue reading →

Posted in Canadian politics, History and Culture, Political commentary | Leave a comment

In search of the Fat Damned English Ladies from Eaton’s

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

Here’s an example of a contemporary Quebecois myth you’ve likely heard before: At some point in the past Quebec Anglophones were openly hostile to Francophones and insisted that Francophones speak English whilst conducting business transactions. This supposedly widespread phenomenon was … Continue reading →

Posted in History and Culture, Montréal Stories, Political commentary | Leave a comment

Cabot Square Redux: not quite paradise, kind of a parking lot…

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

After about a year’s worth of work, Cabot Square re-opened to the public on Wednesday July 8th. The major improvement involves two outreach workers who will now use the square’s renovated stone kiosk (vespasienne) as home base to provide services … Continue reading →

Posted in A modest proposal, Commentary, Cultural commentary, History and Culture, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Scenes from the City, Social commentary, Urban Redevelopment, Worth reconsidering | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rethinking Viger Square’s Rehabilitation

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

This is a bit late, but there’s a petition circulating I urge you to sign. We need to save Viger Square for demolition, as the city now intends to do. In point form, here’s why: 1. Viger Square’s reputation isn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in A modest proposal, Cultural commentary, History and Culture, Kondiaronk - My Montréal Experience, Let's make this an election issue, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Unrealized development projects, Urban Redevelopment, Worth reconsidering | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tragic Mayorality of Jean Doré

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

Former mayor Jean Doré passed away on Monday, June 15th, after a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer. From 1986 to 1994 he was our geeky young mayor with the Magnum P.I. moustache and something of a breath of fresh … Continue reading →

Posted in History and Culture, Kondiaronk - My Montréal Experience, Perspectives on the City, Social commentary | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Montreal Photo of the Day – April 16th 2015

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Taylor C. Noakes

Taken from Basin Street in Griffintown, from left to right you can see the Cité du Commerce Electronique, construction cranes around both the Roccabella (tower one) and Tour des Canadiens de Montréal, 1250 Boul. René Lévesque Ouest, the CIBC Tower, … Continue reading →

Posted in History and Culture, Kondiaronk - My Montréal Experience, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Photographs, Scenes from the City, Urban Redevelopment | Leave a comment