Bright lights, ugly city

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by Patrick Lejtenyi

Lower Plateau residents are worrying their neighbourhood may be losing what character it has left. First, the Esso station at Sherbrooke and St-Laurent is getting a complete facelift that will eventually turn it into a flashy, bright, busy service station. And for months, hotel developers have been trying to tear down the century-plus-old St. Margaret's Hospital and its adjoining garden with same-aged trees on Sherbrooke and Clark. Both are part of the historic Notman Mansion, where famed Canadiana photographer William Notman spent the last 15 years of his life. In its place, developers hope, will go a 179-room hotel, bar, restaurant and underground parking space.

Locals, as usual, are not amused. Anne-Marie Boucher, a member of the Groupe de la défense de la maison Notman, calls the plans for the hotel ghastly. "When I saw the signs announcing the development of the hotel in April I began mobilizing. We examined the plans and got all the documentation together. We presented a petition to the city with 5,440 names on it opposing the project with a 600-page document outlining our position. Then we held a silent march with black armbands."

All her agitation got results. The plan, slated for the go-ahead by the city, has been put on hold by the province. The Ministry of Culture, in charge of heritage sites, including the 160-year-old mansion, is examining the proposal and should give its verdict by the end of August.