As Montrealers began mourning the loss of Leonard Cohen, thoughts began turning to how to honor one of this city's most internationally renowned native sons.
Within hours of learning of Cohen's death on Thursday night, candles and flowers began turning up at his modest duplex at 28 Vallières St., overlooking Place du Portugal in the Plateau.
Glenn Castanheira, a special adviser to the City of Montreal for commerce, tourism, and special events, says he knew the day would come when they'd have to consider a permanent memorial to the Montreal legend.
"Everybody saw it coming. He saw it coming," Castanheira said. "But I guess we always hoped he was immortal, because he kinda was."
Castanheira already has a few ideas on how to immortalize Cohen.
"We do need a [plaque] on his house," he says. "I would love to see a statue of Leonard Cohen in Parc du Portugal. A bronze statue, sitting on a bench, the way he was. And I would love to see a huge mural on the Main so we could see him around from miles away."
City councillor Justine McIntyre suggested renaming Parc du Portugal itself after Cohen — a move which would require the clearance of the Plateau borough council, Cohen's family, and the Portuguese community.
"I think that would be a wonderful tribute to his memory and a beautiful way to keep it alive," McIntyre said.
Many have suggested a street be renamed after him — or even a section of a street, in much the same way New York City sometimes names sections of existing streets for famous people. Some have even suggested renaming the Place des Festivals near Place des Arts.
One woman who spoke with CJAD 800 on Friday morning suggested something be renamed near the waterfront, "because Suzanne takes you down to a place by the river" — a line from one of Cohen's best-loved songs.
Another suggested there be an official walk of Leonard Cohen's favorite haunts.