Quebec's decision to spend over $870 million on a new roof for Montreal's Olympic Stadium has been catching flak since it was announced in early February. But a new Change.org petition is becoming the city's latest barometer for public dissatisfaction.
While the government has said it envisions the stadium's new lid as a key to unlocking potential mega-events, promising an influx of tourist dollars and a revival for Montreal's east end, critics see it as a colossal misstep.
The stated goal is to transform the venue into a powerhouse for big-ticket events, drawing names like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé and potentially raking in $1.5 billion from tourism over the next decade. But, despite the high-flying predictions, the project has landed with a thud among those who see the expenditure as extravagant in the face of more pressing local needs.
Montrealer Clifford Albert launched the "Reject the Proposed New Olympic Stadium Roof in Montreal" petition on February 8, which has spiked in support over the past 24 hours with more than four thousand people signing so far.
"Given the well-documented history of cost overruns, it will most surely cost over $1 billion. This amount could be better spent on improving public services or providing support to those who need it most in these trying times," writes Albert.
"I urge you to reconsider this expenditure and prioritize addressing the critical issues facing our city instead."
With inflation biting, healthcare "crumbling", and homelessness on the rise, critics argue the mega millions earmarked for the stadium revamp could be better spent elsewhere.
This isn't the first time the stadium's roof has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, and skeptics are quick to remind that past repairs have hardly been a patch on the problem.
The plan to introduce a new, fixed roof complete with a transparent glass hoop for natural lighting might sound like a clear winner on paper. But for many Montrealers, the only thing transparent is the government's oversight of current urban challenges.
With work slated to start this summer and stretch over four years, the debate over the stadium's roof is far from over.
Stéphane Brügger offices in the Montreal Olympic Stadium Tower.Stéphane Brügger
Stéphane Brügger offices in the Montreal Olympic Stadium Tower.Stéphane Brügger
Stéphane Brügger offices in the Montreal Olympic Stadium Tower.Stéphane Brügger
Stéphane Brügger offices in the Montreal Olympic Stadium Tower.Stéphane Brügger
Stéphane Brügger offices in the Montreal Olympic Stadium Tower.Stéphane Brügger
Split image showing what downtown Toronto could look like before and after a war.FeelWhatWeFeel.com
Joseph Roby | CNW Group/Parc Olympique
