Projet Montréal wants more streets named after women
This year 17 streets were named after men while only 3 were named after women
Montreal's official opposition is calling on Mayor Denis Coderre to name more public spaces after women.
- University St. in downtown Montreal to be renamed after Robert Bourassa
- Gary Carter honoured with Montreal street name
In the past year, 17 streets were named after men and three were named after women.
Projet Montréal city councillor Valérie Plante says that's not enough.
"In 2014, we have to be more proactive," she said.
"And yes, we could always choose some professional athletes, our favourite hockey players, but there's more than that."
The City of Montreal's naming committee has a bank of about 400 names, but the list isn't accessible to the public.
Projet Montréal said it's time to make it available, and make sure women are on it.
The opposition party also said it's time to pay tribute to a greater diversity of people, including First Nations.
Cathy Wong, the head of the Conseil des Montrealaises, a city consultation group, said there is room for improvement.
"Definitely, there are many many women who have been forgotten, or that have not been taken in consideration when we talk about the history of Montreal," she said.
"I definitely believe this is one of the ways to do it, to remember them again."