This is 100% gentrification and 0% religion. Contrary to popular myth, Québec isn't religious . . . indeed, we have the lowest provincial rate of churchgoing north of the U.S. border, and the city-state of Montréal is on the low side of that. We're a regular Babylon.
What you say about an economic rationale is completely true. Everybody knows it, too. The problem is that Canadian culture – and I include Québec culture here, although that's approximate – doesn't work that way. You're speaking American. Up here, people expect a socialized solution. Of course, this would come from the same place as the impetus to build big glass towers, whence the problem.
To expand: The very artists who want the region preserved are relying on economic handouts; they are not generating significant revenues. Unsurprisingly, the Powers That Be feel that makes them a net loss where office space would earn. The moral issue is that this comparison is a lie. We already have a ridiculous vacancy rate for office space, so office space would be a net loss, too, and would represent the economic momentum of an earlier era carrying a delayed plan forward when it's no longer the best plan. Even if the region were vacant lots, it would be dumb to build offices; therefore, doing so when people and businesses stand to be displaced seems especially offensive to some.
no subject
What you say about an economic rationale is completely true. Everybody knows it, too. The problem is that Canadian culture – and I include Québec culture here, although that's approximate – doesn't work that way. You're speaking American. Up here, people expect a socialized solution. Of course, this would come from the same place as the impetus to build big glass towers, whence the problem.
To expand: The very artists who want the region preserved are relying on economic handouts; they are not generating significant revenues. Unsurprisingly, the Powers That Be feel that makes them a net loss where office space would earn. The moral issue is that this comparison is a lie. We already have a ridiculous vacancy rate for office space, so office space would be a net loss, too, and would represent the economic momentum of an earlier era carrying a delayed plan forward when it's no longer the best plan. Even if the region were vacant lots, it would be dumb to build offices; therefore, doing so when people and businesses stand to be displaced seems especially offensive to some.