Abstract

Space/Time in Montreal

Montreal, Quebec is humming in cheerful anticipation of Expo 67, but the chances are that at this World's Fair the city itself will be an exhibit of greater interest than any of the temporary pavilions. In fact, Montreal secured the fair because the city has emerged like a splendid butterfly from its gray provincial cocoon to become a World City of the first order. World Cities are those that serve as models to towns of similar size; cities that attract delegations of administrators, businessmen, planners from other continents, that become part of the mental inventory of people who have never seen them. A decade ago Canada did not boast a single first-class metropolis. But today, Canada has produced a World City and it is Montreal. Arriving at Windsor Station today, one is greeted by a totally changed skyline. Above the dome of the cathedral looms the 51-story cruciform tower of Place Ville Marie, flanked by companion skyscrapers.