Celebrated author Mordecai Richler will receive his due recognition as part of Montreal’s history.
Almost 15 years after his death, the author of Barney’s Version andThe Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz will be named a citizen of honour. A site will also be named in his honour, to be announced by city hall on March 12.
Calling him part of Montreal’s identity, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre underscored Wednesday the importance of highlighting Richler’s work, including books set in Montreal that became known and loved known internationally and made into feature films.
Coderre would not confirm, however, if the site to honour Richler would remain the tattered gazebo on Mount Royal.
Richler’s widow Florence said in late January she remained hopeful but "dubious" the city would begin repairs to the 1920s gazebo that was supposed to be named after the celebrated writer.
Calling Richler "one of the greatest novelists in Canada and around the world," the City of Montreal announced in 2011 it planned to revamp the shanty bandstand on the eastern flank of Mount Royal and rename it the "Mordecai Richler Gazebo."
Work on the gazebo has been delayed several times since the project was announced.
With files from The Canadian Press
