[flar]

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[Jonny5]

Thank you for this tour.
Random musings:
I wish our convenience stores could be open 25 hours a day.
Gotta love a good "Mega Solde".
48 reminded me of how old Hamilton has some common architectural elements to both Montreal and Toronto

 

[junctionist]

Montreal is a city that knows how to fashion itself well. When you see street after street without overhead wires, with unobtrusive traffic signals with black casings coordinated with the attractive, low-profile but well-made street furniture, consistently attractive and well-scaled street lighting, you might not think about these things. You might not notice the attention to urban design, or the fact that square after square has been renovated within the last decade with excellent designs, either. You might notice the fine design of the subway stations because it's a rare thing to see, down to the easy electronic payment system, sleek Modernist signage, intense calming blue lighting on platforms at the 'designated waiting areas' and even a pleasant, polished tone preceding announcements at stations.

But in the end, you just say "what a beautiful city". The history, architecture, and culture shines through. The refinement of the small details reassures you (even unconsciously) that the more noticeable stuff like the buildings, retail, institutions is great, too. There may be even more impressive cities out there, but many haven't yet achieved such a great job of presenting themselves, inspiring mixed emotions.

 

[Observer Walt]

Junctionist, that is well written. There is a real difference between Montreal and Toronto, and you point out some of that. Good design is evident. Montreal is remarkable for some of the public squares and small parks. Toronto has largely lacked the atmosphere that these spaces give the city. We are finally beginning to move in that direction (a littile bit, comparatively) in the last few years, with Harbourfront development. But Montreal is also working on their version of Harbourfront (Lachine Canal).

My only major complaint about Montreal is the condition of some of the major highways. Awkward traffic circle interchanges, lanes that just disappear without warning, etc. are a problem. They are talking about major rebuilds of some of the interchanges, which will make matters worse before getting better.

Flar, thanks for another good set of photos.

 

[Long Island Mike]

Interesting pictures of Montreal...always neat!

Flar: This is a good photo tour of Montreal here...I am now noticing all the use of gray stone in many older buildings...

It is always good to see famaliar places like the METRO...

I noticed the graffiti on that older building in pic #30...is this located in a seedier section of the City?
It looks like something you would see in sections of NYC...it looks to be too nice a building to be vandalized that way...

Another graffiti thought: Does Montreal or Tpronto have more noticeable graffiti today?

I will note more things when I have some more time...

LI MIKE

 

[ganjavih]

Having lived in both cities, my impression is that graffiti in Montreal is much worse.

 

[PUTOTO]

Great pics... And nice comments everyone...
I've had many friends from overseas and from the states, and "no one" ever said Toronto is a more beautiful place than Montreal. (the other way was a lot)
This is sad as a person living in Toronto, but I'm sure Toronto will gain "money" as it grows quickly now, and hopefully art and architecture afforded by the money.

 

[javlin_101]

Every time I come back home from a trip to Montreal I curse our subway system and dream about a better one for weeks. Your pictures gave me a reminder of that feeling. Thank you (in a good way)

 

[steve_36]

Wow, this is an amazing set of photos. As a matter of fact it is one the best set of photos i have seen of the downtown core. I am a native montrealer myself and you had me rediscover my city from a different persective. I don't know why but it is always better to see your own city trough someone else's lens. Of course i assume you are not from Montreal but regardless........your photos are great !!!

 

[pman]

Montreal is a city that knows how to fashion itself well. When you see street after street without overhead wires, with unobtrusive traffic signals with black casings coordinated with the attractive, low-profile but well-made street furniture, consistently attractive and well-scaled street lighting, you might not think about these things. You might not notice the attention to urban design, or the fact that square after square has been renovated within the last decade with excellent designs, either. You might notice the fine design of the subway stations because it's a rare thing to see, down to the easy electronic payment system, sleek Modernist signage, intense calming blue lighting on platforms at the 'designated waiting areas' and even a pleasant, polished tone preceding announcements at stations.

But in the end, you just say "what a beautiful city". The history, architecture, and culture shines through. The refinement of the small details reassures you (even unconsciously) that the more noticeable stuff like the buildings, retail, institutions is great, too. There may be even more impressive cities out there, but many haven't yet achieved such a great job of presenting themselves, inspiring mixed emotions.

Thank you, junctionist, you said it perfectly.

Toronto may never be in Montreal's league (in terms of public realm design and maintenance), but I do hope we learn a few lessons from them. And what a wonderful collection of photos - it reminds me of how much I miss living in Montreal.

 

[DM4]

Great pictures. A city I would love to visit.

 

[goldmyth]

Haha! Amazing pictures of the METRO and cars, it all looks beautiful but can you translate #34 for me? I do not understand that language.

 

[goldmyth]

Great pics... I know this topic is literally from 2011 but my camera's quality is so under high quality. What Camera do you use?

PS. Why is there smoke on picture 4? Or is that just fog or frost air?

 

[debbieyc]

how i miss Montreal. Thanks for sharing!!