Save Farine Five Roses

Well, here we are in late August, and there's still nothing to report of any substance. I know some people see it as a mortal sin not to keep a blog updated (yup, you know who you are), but what is there to do?

Meanwhile, in the last few months, two contacts 'in the know' (a city employee and a would-be politician) have told me very matter-of-factly that 'well, the sign's been saved, right?' Hmm. I have no proof at all of this notion, and am convinced that the Farine Five Roses sign will remain under threat (if not imminent, then eventual) until ADM and/or Smuckers and/or the City make a public statement about plans to safeguard the sign's future.

This sign is a part of the city's heritage; an icon appearing on postcards, tshirts, even Flickr - and at least one tattoo. It is no longer simply a piece of advertising ephemera, erected so long ago without regard for the wishes of the city's inhabitants. Imagine, in its near-sixty year history, what the sign might have seen from its perch on top of the New Royal Mill: Expo; the Olympics; the ice storm.

As many visitors to this website have demonstrated, the passion for this sign far outweighs the apparent antipathy of its past or current owners. If we can finally see the merit in saving old buildings, like those in the old port, then we should also extend our vision to include this important cultural artifact. The Farine Five Roses sign belongs to Montréal.