Anger is brewing in Montreal.
After banning a moving tribute in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, Valérie Plante finds herself in the eye of the storm.
Objects left by fans near the Bell Centre to honour the two brothers who tragically passed away have mysteriously disappeared on several occasions, and it is the city, under Plante’s administration, that is being singled out.
Tributes poured in from everywhere: flowers, jerseys, hockey sticks, all in memory of Johnny, a beloved player in the hockey world.
In Calgary, Columbus, and even Montreal, fans wanted to show their respect. But only in Montreal, our mayor is so heartless that she ruined everything.
Whenever these items were deposited, they were quickly removed, causing a wave of indignation.
While the Montreal Canadiens and Geoff Molson have denied any involvement in the disappearance of the objects, several witnesses have reported seeing municipal employees remove the tributes.
Accusations are flying, and all eyes are turning to Valérie Plante. Some fans initially believed that the homeless were responsible, but everything seems to indicate that the city of Montreal could be behind these actions, adding to the already palpable frustration of citizens.
Valérie Plante’s silence in the face of this controversy has only amplified the anger. Fans want answers. Why ban such a simple, meaningful tribute, especially in a place as symbolic as the Bell Centre?
For many fans, the tribute is more than just a gesture; it is a reflection of their attachment to a player and a family shattered by tragedy.
“Why are the objects left for the Gaudreaus constantly being removed?” fans wonder on social media.
So far, no satisfactory answer has been given, and this fuels the perception that Plante does not have the pulse of his population.
As if that were not enough, Valérie Plante immediately announced a new, very unpopular measure: the installation of nearly 300 additional photo radars across the city.
The move, which is supposed to improve safety, is seen as an attack on motorists already exasperated by the constant roadworks and huge traffic jams.
“This is a city in ruins, and now they want to punish us even more with tickets on every street corner!” the citizens protest.
While Toronto, a larger metropolis, has only 75 photo radars, Montreal, under Plante’s management, is preparing to deploy nearly 300.
This accumulation of unpopular decisions does nothing to improve the reputation of Valérie Plante, who has already been criticized for her management of infrastructure and road works.
Montrealers are tired, trapped in a city where orange cones seem to multiply faster than solutions.
And instead of offering some respite or showing compassion in the face of events, Plante seems to respond with an iron fist: more speed cameras, more tickets, less humanity.
Calls for Valérie Plante’s resignation are growing. Public figures, journalists and citizens are demanding accountability.
Richard Martineau did not hesitate to openly criticize her, comparing her to a disconnected administrator who courts film producers in Los Angeles while Montreal falls into ruins.
“Rather than trying to attract film shoots to Montreal, Madame Plante should perhaps concentrate on the real problems of her city.”he launched in a scathing column.
Martineau also recalled the recent criticism from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who denounced the chaotic management of Montreal’s streets, a real headache for any international event.
Valérie Plante finds herself today at a decisive turning point in her mandate. If she continues on this path, ignoring the anger and frustration of Montrealers, she risks losing even more support.
Instead of responding to the needs and expectations of its population, it seems to opt for punitive and disconnected measures.
Hockey fans and citizens in general only ask for one thing: a little respect and consideration.
The tribute to Johnny Gaudreau was a simple, symbolic gesture that did not need to be hindered. By adding to that the increase in speed cameras and fines, Plante gives the impression of acting against his own people.
For now, the mayor remains silent in the face of these criticisms. But a gesture as simple as leaving the tribute to Gaudreau alone could show that she is capable of listening and compassion.
Time will tell whether Valérie Plante finally chooses to reconnect with the real needs of her citizens, or whether she will continue to sink into unpopular decisions.
The deep disconnect between Valérie Plante and her population makes us feel sick.
Instead of seizing the opportunity to show support in a moment of collective mourning, it has chosen to get bogged down in bureaucratic and punitive decisions.
For the sake of the city, let’s hope she fixes this before it’s too late.
A little common sense, Madam Mayor. You’ve lost your mind.
