A petition against the roof of the Olympic Stadium in New Montreal is gaining support

Quebec's decision to spend more than $870 million on a new roof for Montreal's Olympic Stadium has been clouded since it was announced in early February. But a new Change.org petition is becoming the latest barometer of public discontent in the city.

While the government says it sees the new stadium cap as the key to unlocking potential mega-events that promise an influx of tourist dollars and revitalization of Montreal's east side, critics say it's a big mistake.

The stated goal is to turn the venue into a big-ticket venue that could generate $1.5 billion in tourism revenue over the next decade, attracting names like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. But despite the high-flying predictions, the project has drawn flak from those who see the costs as wasteful for local needs.

Clifford Albert of Montreal started a petition on February 8, “Abandon the roof of the new Olympic stadium in Montreal”, which has gained support in the last 24 hours, with more than four thousand people signing so far.

“Given the well-documented history of cost overruns, it would surely cost more than $1 billion. That amount could be better spent on improving public services or supporting those who need it most in these difficult times,” writes Albert.

“I urge you to reconsider this spending and instead prioritize addressing the critical issues facing our city.

With inflation skyrocketing, health care “overflowing” and homelessness on the rise, critics argue that the mega-millions earmarked for stadium renovations would be better spent elsewhere.

This isn't the first time the stadium roof has been in the public eye for the wrong reasons, and skeptics point out that past renovations have hardly helped matters.

A plan to introduce a new fixed roof with a clear glass frame for natural lighting may seem like a clear winner on paper. But the only thing that is transparent to many Montrealers is the government's oversight of the city's current challenges.

The debate on the stadium roof, which began this summer and will last four years, is still far from over.