The emblematic Chinatown arches are reportedly going to be under scaffolding for three months longer than originally expected, dulling the glow of what was once one of Montreal’s big draws.
As people huddled beneath umbrellas and dodged puddles Thursday afternoon, several “for rent” signs were easily visible in abandoned storefronts – the arches symbolic of a neighbourhood some say is in dire need of a makeover.
Get breaking National news
Business owner Jennifer Taing agrees.
Garbage was also visible on the sidewalk in a neighbourhood that is not only smack in the city’s downtown core but a stone’s throw from city hall.
- The Canada Child Benefit goes out on Monday and gets a small increase
- Quebec police ethics commissioner opens file into Montréal-Nord racism allegations
- ‘It was horrible’: Ontario man warns of tick-borne illness after 10-day hospital stay
- Quebec rail bypass approved 13 years after deadly Lac-Mégantic derailment
But litter is only one of many obstacles.
“One problem we see?” said XiXi Li, the executive director of Chinese Family Services of Greater Montreal:
“Parking is difficult in Chinatown, and rents are high.”
Li said she wishes the city would take steps to bring more services to Chinatown, and perhaps revamp it entirely.
There are about 100,000 people of Chinese descent living in the city of Montreal.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.