New roof or demolition? The debate surrounding the Big O continues

A day after Quebec announced plans to spend $870 million on a new roof and technical ring at the Olympic Stadium, there was still plenty of backlash.

The decision to repair is applauded by many.

“They decided to make a decision, and I have to thank them for that. It takes some courage,” PQ MNA Pascal Berube said on Tuesday.

“It's still a symbol of Montreal and Quebec, so I think it's the worst decision that's ever been made,” said Gabrielle Nadeau-Dubois, co-spokesperson for Quebec Solidaire.

Not everyone is happy with the project.

“When they start trying to justify it on economic grounds and it's a good business decision, it just shows why this thing is called the 'Big O,' and it's not as a token of love,” said Moshe Lander, an economist. Professor at Concordia University.

“It's a joke and they're playing on it.”

The province said there are economic benefits to doing the work, but Lander isn't buying it. He said the stadium would not have a full-time tenant, such as a sports team.

“The minute they put in a dollar, that's the end of the Expos, because Montreal will have two 50,000-seat stadiums, in Peel Basin and 10 kilometers apart there, and trying to hold them both. Lander said.

The East End Chamber of Commerce says the Big O tent has hurt economic development.

“If we say we're going to cancel your event if it snows three inches in five days, there's no promoter interested in coming,” said Jean-Denis Charest, president of the East End Chamber. Trade.

Lander said Quebec should demolish the stadium and fill the space with housing. Officials say the demolition of the subway tunnel under the stadium is a delicate process. He also needed 2 billion dollars.

“What they're saying is that what's preventing the stadium from being torn down is actually the main attraction, which is that there's a subway station underneath,” Lander said.

“Imagine being able to build 5,000 units of housing in that space and connect it to the subway underneath.”