Mayor Denis Coderre has no regrets about destroying federal property, and says he will do it again if necessary.
On Thursday the mayor took a jackhammer to a concrete slab that Canada Post had installed at the entrance to L'Anse a L'Orme nature park, before having city crews complete the demolition.
He said the action was essential because the Crown corporation never informed anyone before deciding to install the mailbox at the park's entrance.
Coderre said Canada Post is also making a mockery of pretending to consult with the public.
"I think I did what I did, and was okay to do it clearly, frankly, because there are other laws like environmental laws, urban laws," said Coderre.
"It's not like I tried the devil here. I made a very conscious statement and I felt that it was also a matter of principle."
The Canada Post Act gives the Crown corporation the legal right to install mailboxes and other equipment wherever it wants in Canada.
A recent Ontario court decision reinforced that notion when it ruled the city of Hamilton could not enforce a bylaw that requires Canada Post get a permit to install the community mailboxes.
But many critics say regardless of the law, Canada Post does not have any moral authority to install the boxes on front lawns -- or in parks.
Coderre added if Canada Post wants to sue him it is welcome to do so. In the meantime he has instructed city officials to send Canada Post the bill for Thursday's demolition.
He is reluctant to remove a mailbox that has already been installed at Cap St. Jacques.
Many people approve of Coderre's direct action, but the love is not universal.
Lawyer Dino Mazzone said he is concerned about the message Coderre's act sent to Montrealers.
"If I have an issue, whether it be a Bixi bike stand that's blocking my way, or some construction work that is stopping my way downtown, do I not have some justification to go and break the law? I think it's a slippery slope the mayor is on, and it's not something I would encourage as a lawyer and as a citizen," said Mazzone.
Canada Post has only made one response to the removal of the concrete slab: it issued a statement that is is always willing to listen to those concerned.
Coderre dismissed that response as "pathetic."
When pushed for additional comment on Friday, Canada Post re-issued the exact same statement.
