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Call Montreal the city that saved a mountain.

Repeatedly over the past century and a half, Montrealers have rallied to save Mount Royal from avaricious landowners, extravagant politicians and well-intentioned dreamers.

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Some of the schemes ‒ towers, tunnels, speedways, museums, amphitheatres and more ‒ would have damaged the mountain’s natural beauty by dramatically changing the landscape and attracting throngs of additional visitors.

Named by Jacques Cartier in the 16th century after he visited an Iroquoian village on its flank, Mount Royal has for centuries been a focal point for Montrealers as an iconic symbol dominating the skyline and a rural escape from the buzzing city.

As we flock to the mountain once again to enjoy the summer greenery, the Montreal Gazette looks at pivotal moments in the history of the fragile urban oasis and at some fanciful proposals ‒ towering structures, people movers and sports venues ‒ that never materialized.