Twenty years ago, I lived at the eastern end of Old Montreal, in the Faubourg Quebec district. I therefore had the privilege of experiencing the metamorphosis of the quadrilateral of the Quartier international de Montréal (QIM) up close. The work was titanic, having first started with the rehabilitation of the underground infrastructures – water, sewers, electricity, telecommunications – and then continuing at ground level, which was more apparent. In a few years, from an ugly and destructured district, we have witnessed a real urban renaissance.
From the large granite sidewalks and the quality of the street furniture, to the benches, the bike racks and even the bins cleverly integrated into the base of the lampposts, the attention to detail to embellish and make the welcoming and functional places were resolutely at the center of the vision of the artisans of the project. What can be said about the development of Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle with The Jousting, a unique sculpture-fountain, admirably inserted into its new environment. I spent several evenings there admiring the artist’s work from which sprang, through the pool of water, a circle of fire and a play of water, mist and light.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Victoria Square
Further west, Square Victoria has been reconfigured. One of the attractions is undoubtedly the entrance to the metro and its architectural element by the artist Hector Guimard, dating from the 1900s. This work of urban art, installed in 1967, was a gift from the Autonomous Paris Transport Authority. It was completed and restored as part of the QIM.
It is distressing to note that in just twenty years, the QIM is already showing signs of a blatant lack of love, as reported in the article by The Press published on May 16.
It seems to suffer from a multitude of attacks inflicted, sometimes by gestures of citizen incivility, but especially, by the negligence of the City of Montreal.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
It is clear that the City does not hesitate to invest millions of dollars to transform, redevelop and beautify existing neighborhoods, particularly in the borough of Ville-Marie2. We can only agree with this approach. In addition, it is a good idea to invest in the design of new neighborhoods, such as the Faubourgs and Lachine-Est neighborhoods.
However, how can it be possible to allow the Quartier international de Montréal to deteriorate, or even sabotage, to such an extent? How can we invoke the “challenges” of replacement and maintenance, as well as difficulties in finding street furniture components created right here in Quebec? It is surprising that Montreal and Quebec do not have qualified craftsmen capable of providing solutions that would help restore the district’s luster.
What is the reason why Montreal fails where the City of Quebec manages to maintain, preserve and enhance a heritage that dates back to New France?
In addition, it renews and creates new neighborhoods. Several sectors of the lower town, including Limoilou, Saint-Roch, Vanier and Les Saules, are undergoing a facelift. The major Promenade Champlain project, completed a few years ago, is still resplendent with beauty and has recently undergone a new phase.
The negligence of the QIM is certainly not new. Nevertheless, the current administration, which has held the reins of the City for six years, shows indifference in maintaining this signature neighborhood located in the heart of Montreal’s economic and international center.
As a metropolis, the City of Montreal should fully assume responsibility for the conservation and quality challenges of its public spaces and facilities, especially in strategic sectors.