Montreal Children’s Hospital demolition – The institution was not there anymore “it moved to the Glen Super Hospital in 2015” but the old building was still standing there, facing Cabot Square in the west end of Montreal. Until last week when the demolition crew started to tear down the last remains of what was once the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
I didn’t grow up in Montreal so I never shared the experience of many Montrealers “during their childhood” of having to go to the hospital, whether for some minor or a more serious reason. However, through some of my friends who took their kids there, I had an indirect experience of the place, and what it meant to them at the time. I recall the experience of a former acquaintance who took her daughter there, the emotional ramifications of the experience and the sense of relief after her child was seen there, even for her relationship with her husband.
The Children’s is now gone and according to the developer’s plan for the site, four condo towers, some commercial and green spaces, will take its place. The developer has also promised to provide a location for a community centre at the request of the residents in the neighbourhood. However, another of the residents’ demand calling for a public elementary school located there, was not considered. Other objections made during hearings such as the shading effect of the tall buildings on Cabot Square were not contemplated either. The project should be finished by 2021.
In the end, the iconic building that still brings fond memories to many Montrealers is now gone, like many other landmarks in a city too eager to erase its past. Perhaps without paying much attention to whether what is replacing it with is much worthier.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca
