The Mount Royal Cross is 100 years old
The fact remains that Luc Poirier still says he is annoyed by this story of the cross on Mount Royal, which he holds responsible for this situation.
The Mount Royal Cross, which turns 100 this year, has been the center of discussion surrounding Montreal’s urban landscape and building height regulations. Entrepreneur Luc Poirier claims the cross prevented him from constructing a 100-story skyscraper on the slopes of the mountain. But is this assertion accurate?
The cross was erected in 1924, financed by a campaign led by the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Over 100,000 children sold five-cent stamps, raising $10,000, equivalent to about $250,000 today. Initially, plans envisioned the cross atop a building, but financial constraints led to its placement on the mountain.
This metal cross serves as a tribute to the wooden cross Paul de Chomedey planted in 1643 to thank divine intervention for sparing Ville-Marie fort from rising waters. Interestingly, 19th-century plans by ultra-Catholics included erecting a giant statue of the Virgin Mary on the mountain, a concept reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, inaugurated in 1922.
In November 2015, Luc Poirier purchased the former Montreal Children’s Hospital site, envisioning Canada’s tallest tower there. He proposed a 100-story structure using the Upbrella method, which allows construction to pause if economic conditions worsen. However, Poirier says his plans were blocked by height restrictions tied to the Mount Royal Cross.
Poirier recalls a conversation with then-Mayor Denis Coderre, who allegedly stated the cross limited building height due to a long-standing regulation. “Coderre told me it was outdated but didn’t want to challenge it,” Poirier claims.
Former Mayor Coderre, however, disputes this version, asserting that height restrictions are tied to the Saint Joseph’s Oratory, not the cross, to preserve unobstructed views. He emphasizes the importance of discussing building heights in Montreal, noting, “If it’s about views, I understand, but if it’s about the cross, we should consider secularism.”
Urban planning considerations, rather than the cross’s height, dictate maximum building elevations in Montreal. According to city councillor Robert Beaudry, these regulations aim to protect Mount Royal’s views and iconic features. The rules limit building heights to 204 meters, aligning with the mountain’s lowest peak, while nothing may exceed 232.5 meters above sea level.
Poirier eventually sold the hospital site to another developer, which constructed lower buildings instead of the envisioned skyscraper. While he remains frustrated, stating, “The cross is an old relic of religious times,” Poirier continues advocating for high-rise development in Montreal.
He argues that taller buildings provide efficient land use and better sunlight for residents. Despite setbacks, including attempts to build his skyscraper in Laval, Poirier persists in his ambition to transform Montreal’s skyline.
The Mount Royal Cross, meanwhile, endures as a historic and cultural symbol. It has seen changes, from fiber-optic lighting introduced during Montreal’s 350th anniversary celebrations to discussions about its role in a city striving for balance between heritage and modern urban growth.
