An article in a local newspaper in canada this week reveals yet another groups planning to squat an abandoned-building to create some kind of radical community resource. The
With the headline 'Trying to make their Point', the article by Brett Bundale of the Gazette says that the group "plans abandoned-building squat to protest against corporate development".
Published on the 6th June, the article states that a radical Point St. Charles neighbourhood group launched a 'roving community centre' offering a travelling movie theatre, independent media centre, collective kitchen and a fleet of free bikes.
However, this weekends events are just the prelude to taking what they hope will be a more permanent space. Quoted in the paper, spokesperson Marco Silvestro said, "We don't want to buy or rent space, we want to work outside the rules of the capitalist market and beyond the commodification of our neighbourhood."
According to the paper, the idea for the squat was developed over a year at public meetings organized by the activist group La Pointe Libertaire to discuss the Southwest borough's future.
"There's an invasion of condos and corporate development, we don't want the Point to turn into another Griffintown.", Silvestro said before pointing out that squatting unoccupied urban spaces for community use is a growing global movement.
The paper also interview developer Vincent Chiara, who owns the building the group says they will squat. He claimed to be sensitive to the concerns of residents. "But the word squatting gives me shivers. If they want to talk, I have an ear. But they can't use the buildings without my permission.", Chiara said.
The paper goes on to speak with the borough mayor, Jacqueline Montpetit who said she understands the Autonomous Social Centre's motivations. "We have similar concerns about the borough's development, but the tactic of occupying private buildings is troublesome", she said.
Setting the scene we are told that Point St. Charles is one of the poorest areas in Montreal but a short trip from the centre it is a prime location with lots of interest from developers. The site in question is nearly 3.5 million square feet, or one-quarter of the neighbourhood, and development may begin within the next twelve months. The developer calims it will be divided into a residential and an industrial zone, creating both housing and jobs.
Despite not yet being officially consulted, Action-Gardien has come up with its own plan with the help of residents, architects and urban planners. Their plan focuses on the community's need for affordable housing.
The article ends, "It's a beautiful plan," said resident Jacinthe Dufort, who attended a meeting held by Action-Gardien on Wednesday. "But I just wonder if it's really possible. The land is already privately owned."
Published on the 6th June, the article states that a radical Point St. Charles neighbourhood group launched a 'roving community centre' offering a travelling movie theatre, independent media centre, collective kitchen and a fleet of free bikes.
However, this weekends events are just the prelude to taking what they hope will be a more permanent space. Quoted in the paper, spokesperson Marco Silvestro said, "We don't want to buy or rent space, we want to work outside the rules of the capitalist market and beyond the commodification of our neighbourhood."
According to the paper, the idea for the squat was developed over a year at public meetings organized by the activist group La Pointe Libertaire to discuss the Southwest borough's future.
"There's an invasion of condos and corporate development, we don't want the Point to turn into another Griffintown.", Silvestro said before pointing out that squatting unoccupied urban spaces for community use is a growing global movement.
The paper also interview developer Vincent Chiara, who owns the building the group says they will squat. He claimed to be sensitive to the concerns of residents. "But the word squatting gives me shivers. If they want to talk, I have an ear. But they can't use the buildings without my permission.", Chiara said.
The paper goes on to speak with the borough mayor, Jacqueline Montpetit who said she understands the Autonomous Social Centre's motivations. "We have similar concerns about the borough's development, but the tactic of occupying private buildings is troublesome", she said.
Setting the scene we are told that Point St. Charles is one of the poorest areas in Montreal but a short trip from the centre it is a prime location with lots of interest from developers. The site in question is nearly 3.5 million square feet, or one-quarter of the neighbourhood, and development may begin within the next twelve months. The developer calims it will be divided into a residential and an industrial zone, creating both housing and jobs.
Despite not yet being officially consulted, Action-Gardien has come up with its own plan with the help of residents, architects and urban planners. Their plan focuses on the community's need for affordable housing.
The article ends, "It's a beautiful plan," said resident Jacinthe Dufort, who attended a meeting held by Action-Gardien on Wednesday. "But I just wonder if it's really possible. The land is already privately owned."
