This article was submitted to the Citizen Journal project of the Peter-McGill Community Council. Please note that the opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of our organisation. This project aims to create space for the voices of residents, students and friends of the neighbourhood through articles, photos, videos and podcasts (as well as other mediums). Are you interested in contributing? Contact us at benevolat@petermcgill.org!
The former Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), located on the southeastern façade of Mount Royal, is an important institutional site, and of vital importance to those living in Downtown Montreal. As an enduring symbol of social solidarity, it is essential that the site responds to public, social and community needs, especially if it is to carry on its legacy as a place of healing.
However, a deal between the Government of Québec and McGill University granted the latter to use some buildings for educational purposes. This decision concerning a public site, having enormous potential to serve the Montreal community, was reached without consulting residents and without a debate at the National Assembly.
In hopes of democratizing the planning procedure, a coalition of community organizations have mobilised to ask the government to make a considerable effort to include the public in the decisions surrounding the former RVH and its buildings. The Royal Vic for the Public coalition is working together so that the future of the site is decided, owned, and managed democratically and ecologically.
By ensuring that civic participation is taken into consideration, a series of public consultations with the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI) will bring together community groups who have an interest in the project. Notably, the Peter-McGill Community Council will have a chance to contribute to the democratic deliberations and hopes to amplify the voice of the community.
Moving forward, if you want your voice to be heard, and wish to discuss the upcoming public consultations, please send an email to christa@direction.ca.
