Boring display, obscene costs

Re: “Lights send message of renewed confidence” (Opinion, May 17) I want my money back. The light show on the Jacques Cartier Bridge was underwhelming — in fact, boring. For $40 million, I had expected much more, especially since it was put on by the highly respected Montreal studio Moment Factory.

After two minutes of watching various lighting patterns, the novelty wore off. Speaking with fellow Montrealers at the Clock Tower basin in the Old Port, I found I was not alone in my reaction. And it was interesting to note that ohs and ahs were collectively expressed only when fireworks were set off from La Ronde.

It is an obscene amount of money to spend on such a frivolous activity, especially when there are so many pressing problems that need funding, like the health system, education and infrastructure.

Or why not cut our taxes, instead?

The opinion piece signed by “10 prominent citizens” adds insult to injury. Their collective wisdom holds that the project will attract tourists, promote high-tech research and development, and raise Montreal’s global profile.

Well, tourists won’t come because of a light show, and high-tech companies can fend for themselves. The public purse should not be subsidizing their branding and promotional costs.

Let’s not forget the total cost of these 375th birthday celebrations has been estimated at $1 billion. This kind of wanton spending is typical of Montreal specifically, and governments in general. Brings to mind the expression “bread and circuses.” Edward Jamison, Montreal