Thus, urban densification makes it possible to improve the quality of life of citizens, we are told in an editorial (“A wind of change”, May 11). Allow us to doubt it. Here, in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, a veritable densification frenzy has taken hold of elected officials: countless small businesses, gas stations and restaurants have been razed to make way for residential blocks that systematically exceed the height of the surrounding built environment and which often adjoin the sidewalk in order to maximize their layout. Hello greenery!
However, the reality is that this neighborhood is served by a dilapidated hospital whose emergency department is too often the most overwhelmed in Quebec. The neighborhood school, also overwhelmed, must send classes to an annex. Sherbrooke Street between Viau and Honoré-Beaugrand is slowly but surely turning into a forest of concrete with all that comes with it: noise, congestion, pollution, heat, lines of sight and reduced sunshine. Social housing? The promoter prefers to pay the financial compensation rather than integrating it into his project.
One cannot rise up against virtue; we must effectively reduce urban sprawl. But in doing so, could we not also think of reviewing very quickly a hypocritical taxation, where the municipalities are too happy to welcome and approve the derogations for the projects of the real estate developers who will make it possible to fatten their coffers?
“Densification is not free of constraints and disadvantages,” continues the editorial. We can not say so well. Does this wind of change announce good weather? Not sure.
To see in video