The 1924 statue was created by renowned sculptor Olindo Gratton (1855-1941) and the unofficial explanation is that it was removed for safety reasons but I have not reached anybody for a full explanation.
I believe Plateau-area heritage activist are looking into this and is planning a complete report on the issue in the Société d'histoire du Plateau-Mont-Royal journal.
well, word is that the entire forecourt area there will be re-landscaped into verdure, the parking eliminated as the hotel dieu transitions from hospital to residential or whatever.
ReplyDeleteit doesn't really explain why they're removing the statue so soon though.