A Park disputed

During the meeting, residents, mainly seniors, gave their opinion.

Mrs. Eberwein, a long time resident of Roosevelt Avenue, said it was terrible to build a residence at this place. "It is a long walk to the downtown area," she maintained, suggesting the projected grounds for the Maison de la culture, located at 10 Montgomery Avenue. Other residents also mentioned this on several occasions.

Mayor Danyluk replied that it was not large enough. "We consulted several companies that said to us that in order for such a project to be viable, we need at least 100 housing units,” she said. “With this land (on Montgomery), we could build only two floors, three maximum, with at most 25 or 35 units, and this, without bus or services in the vicinity."

René Dufour, who has lived Mount Royal for 42 years, also came to the microphone. "I cannot even believe that the council plans to allow the private sector to make profits from a public property," he said disappointingly.

Danyluk replied that the municipality did not have the right to build, have and operate a seniors’ residence, which requires the involvement of the private sector.

A resident from Dobie Avenue said it was too bad to "open a door that harms the plant life," to which the Mayor replied that the municipality had just bought three green spaces that were going to remain.