A community space in the Plateau adorned with picnic tables, potted plants and art installations has been torn down by the city.

Known as Burner Alley, the colourful space between Hotel de Ville and Laval Aves. existed for almost 10 years before the city declared it illegal. 

The demolition Sunday came as a surprise to local residents.            
             
“They just started demolishing things from the north end of the alley. The first thing they destroyed was a bed of sunflowers that a group of kids had been working on,” said Burner Alley contributor Michael Hendricks.

Without much warning, city workers tore up the alley, removing the plants, art and seating.
          
“A bunch of happy citizens working together across generations – francophones, anglophones, we're making a safe clean space for us, other residents, for children,” said contributor Sarah Moser.

The local initiative is modeled after Burning Man, a festival in Nevada that promotes self-expression and community.

After ten years in existence, residents say it's the first time the city has had a problem with the alley.

“What residents got was a notice that simply said by statute you can't leave possessions in public places and certainly there was no deadline or consultation process,” said Hendricks.

Although the alley decor had not been approved and is technically illegal, Projet Montreal borough councillor Alex Norris argued that the space should not have been destroyed.

“I think the communication was inadequate, and I think the whole operation appears to have been massive overkill. Had I known, I would have tried to mediate,” he said.

The Plateau Mont-Royal borough has earmarked a $350,000 budget for green alleys.           

“There are two main criteria for a green alleyway project to be approved: One is citizen mobilization and the other one is just technical feasibility. Are there a lot of garage entrances?” said Norris. 

Burner Alley appears to be a good candidate, said Norris.

Residents in the area have formed a committee and plan to follow through with the process and apply for a green alley in the coming months.