Category Archives: Perspectives on the City

The Montr̩al Tramways Building and Terminal Рor РWhy Trams Work in the 5-1-4

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Taylor C. Noakes

I hate to say it but I end up having to prove that trams can indeed operate effectively in Montréal. I can’t prove that it works technologically – I don’t need to – I can prove it historically. And historically … Continue reading →

Posted in A modest proposal, History and Culture, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Political commentary, Scenes from the City, Urban Redevelopment, Waddayoutink?, What were they thinking?, Worth reconsidering | Leave a comment

Demolishing Burnside Place to build Boul. de Maisonneuve

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Taylor C. Noakes

Here’s something to think about. The above photo was indicated as taken in 1959 and is pointed East along the street which would eventually become Boul. de Maisonneuve (which was largely carved out of the existing cityscape while the Métro … Continue reading →

Posted in History and Culture, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Scenes from the City, Urban Redevelopment | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bridges to Babylon: the Jacques-Cartier Bridge

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Taylor C. Noakes

It’s funny, I look at the above picture and wonder how it’s possible that the Sun seems to be setting on the East side of the Bridge, and then I remember that Montreal’s Sun rises in the South. It’s amazing … Continue reading →

Posted in A modest proposal, Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Political commentary, Scenes from the City, Urban Redevelopment, Worth reconsidering | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Scenes from the City II

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Taylor C. Noakes

They sway and swing gently, as if they were being carried by gusts of wind. As they dance their eerie industrial ballet, a structure rises around them. Will they call it White Elephant? It reminds me of an anecdote once … Continue reading →

Posted in Montréal Architecture, Montréal Landmarks, Montréal Stories, Perspectives on the City, Scenes from the City | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Montr̩al M̩tro Extensions РHow to get around an impasse.

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Taylor C. Noakes

There’s been a fair bit of talk about extending the Montréal Métro of late in the English Press. Typical; now removed from the halls of power the English media spends its time twiddling their thumbs and dreaming about what could … Continue reading →

Posted in A modest proposal, Kondiaronk - My Montréal Experience, Let's make this an election issue, Perspectives on the City, Political commentary, Social commentary, Unrealized development projects, Urban Redevelopment, Waddayoutink?, What were they thinking?, Worth reconsidering | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What were they thinking? {No.1}

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Taylor C. Noakes

(Part of an unfortunately on-going series) The Camillien Houde Parkway has got to be one of the stupidest ideas ever conceived of in the history of Montréal, which is unfortunate given that its a beautiful and exciting parkway. Make no … Continue reading →

Posted in History and Culture, Let's make this an election issue, Montréal Landmarks, Perspectives on the City, Urban Redevelopment, What were they thinking? | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment