Petition to reject new roof for Montreal's Olympic Stadium

Quebec is planning to replace the roof of Montreal's Olympic stadium, which is expected to cost $870 million, but a petition is asking people to reject the project.

Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx made the announcement on February 5 at the Big O exhibition.

“We have been investing for 50 years. This is what we do. We're doing it for you, for your children and grandchildren, with all the commercial potential that the stadium has,” Proulx said.

However, there is a resident of Montreal against these huge costs.

Clifford Albert started a Change.org petition and believes the money should be used to improve public services and support those who need it most.

“I am very concerned about the actual problems before us. Inflation makes life difficult for families,” writes Albert in the petition. “Our healthcare system is collapsing. Homelessness is at record levels and our food banks are bare. This is a difficult time for all of us.”

He says that he does not understand why millions are being spent on building a new roof for the Olympic Stadium.

“These costs seem trivial compared to the urgent needs of our community.”

The new roof will allow Montreal to become a major player in the events industry, Quebec's tourism minister said. Proulx said the Big O is the only stadium in Quebec that can hold more than 50,000 people.

“The goal is to restore Quebec land to its full potential,” the government said in a press release, and will generate economic benefits of about $1.5 billion over 10 years.

Albert is encouraging interested people to sign his petition and prioritize important issues facing the city.

“I ask you to say no to this proposed stadium upgrade and yes to investing in solutions that will truly benefit the people of Montreal.” Sign this petition if you think Montreal's funds should be spent on more pressing social needs rather than unnecessary stadium upgrades.