^There are incredibly seedy intersections replete with winos in Montreal. But they are not tolerated in the main touristy/business areas. I am arguing more from the perspective of what would help downtown businesses thrive. If people like myself don't feel comfortable with their families in this neighborhood (Dundas/Richmond) then ten years hence we will still see an empty bank building on one corner, hemp stores, etc. Not what I call the appropriate mixture in a core of an urban area appproaching 500K.
On my own, it bothers me very little about the grubbiness of people...I have travelled the world, lived in downtowns in Montreal and Vancouver, and I am an avid urban explorer.
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The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. (Bertrand Russell)
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