Monday, Frank Smith quietly climbed the steps to the top of a tree-shaped staircase, near the corner of Duke and Robert-Bourassa streets, and started shooting pictures.
READ MORE: New art unveiled as part of Bonaventure makeover
He caught shots of an RTM train arriving, took pictures of a VIA Rail train pulling in and, he said, doesn’t mind waiting for an Amtrak train to pass by.
Smith enjoys the new park by Place Bonaventure because he insists it affords excellent views of rolling stock.
READ MORE: Bonaventure Expressway closures mark final stage of construction
As others walked by, they agree it is a massive improvement over the giant construction site that was there just a little while earlier.
“For the people who live nearby, it’s nice for them,” said Chrystal Healy, a bike commuter who works nearby.
“Nicer than before, but I’m wondering how many people want to eat their lunch with all this noise. I don’t know if I want my kids to play in all this smog.”
A recently-completed playground was just added to the park, and critics are quick to point to traffic as a constant concern with pets and children.
READ MORE: Demolition work continues on Bonaventure Expressway
The project cost $142 million and at its unveiling last week, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said it was “clearly a project to change a highway to an urban boulevard.”
Construction workers are still putting a few finishing touches on the park.
READ MORE: Coderre announces plans to revamp Bonaventure Expressway
A landmark $12 million art installation, ‘Source’ by well-known Spanish artist and sculptor Jaume Plensa, sits at the park’s south side.
It is expected to be there for the next 25 years in celebration of the city’s 375th anniversary.
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