Pierrefonds residents highlight government 'negligence' at Montreal Symphony Orchestra concert
Group of residents to attend free OSM concert in T-shirts that criticize government's flood response
Despite rain and a demonstration by disgruntled residents, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra gave a rousing performance in Pierrefonds on Thursday evening.
The benefit concert aimed to provide solace to the victims of the spring flooding, which caused major damage to thousands of homes across Quebec in April and May.
Pierrefonds-Roxboro was one the most heavily-hit regions in Montreal as high water levels infiltrated backyards, basements and kitchens.
The <a href="https://twitter.com/OSMconcerts">@OSMconcerts</a> performed tonight in Pierrefonds to benefit people affected by flooding. <a href="https://t.co/Pvbl0ID6nm">https://t.co/Pvbl0ID6nm</a> <a href="https://t.co/TwMNBt2BXH">pic.twitter.com/TwMNBt2BXH</a>
—@CBCMontrealSome residents used the event to express their dissatisfaction with the municipal, provincial or federal governments in the aftermath of the flooding.
Several dozen wore a T-shirt with the words "Negligence, abandoned, action" printed on it.
Itsik Romano said she wanted to use the opportunity "to show our discontent with the government and city officials [with] how they are handling our situation."
Rene Leblanc, who estimates his home sustained about $70,000 to $90,000 of damage, called on government officials to be more present in the community.
"Are we going in a mood of celebration? No. We are going to say thank you to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and their director, because I think to not go would not send out the right message," Leblanc told CBC News.
Both Leblanc and Romano live on des Maçons Street residents in Pierrefonds. Last week, people living on that street called a meeting to discuss how some had received initial payments from the government of up to $10,000, but others hadn't.
They also discussed how some damaged homes had been appraised but there was never any follow up by Quebec's Public Security Ministry.
Music 'can touch people'
Adam Johnson, the assistant conductor of the OSM, was the MC at Thursday's event and himself lives on a street which was flooded, on Île Parizeau, north of Pierrefonds.
He said the orchestra is helping support these flood victims how they can — with uplifting music.
"We know that people have suffered and music is something that really can touch people in a profound way," Johnson said.
with files from CBC's Sabrina Marandola and Patrick Butler