But so far no one has noticed any action to support that claim, for the entire site has been quiet ever since the last dump truck hauled away the final load of possibly toxic soil. The Glen Yards remains several acres of an empty, open space — a dog-walking haven for anyone svelte enough to squeeze through the broken fence.

But Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc made a momentous announcement on Tuesday: shovels will be in the decontaminated ground of the Glen Yards by this time next year. Yes, folks, the MUHC Superhospital — a mere pipe dream half a generation ago — is finally on the brink of becoming a reality.

Okay, but don’t hold your breath.

Over the years, the original plans have been scaled back, little by little, to the point where the term ‘superhospital’ no longer applies. Every few years there seems to be renewed interest in the project, but always with a significantly reduced vision.

Money, of course, is always the culprit. And with our economy taking a nosedive straight into the nearest toilet, it seems doubtful that Mr. Bolduc’s optimistic statement will be given much thought in 2010, that is if it is even remembered at all.

There has been much ado over the STM’s recent acceptance of “atheist” ads for some of their busses. Devoutly religious people are understandably upset, for the message not only undermines their faith but mocks their devotion in a very public way.

On the other hand, many others don’t care, just so long as it injects a bit of much-needed cash into our transit system. Considering the relative irrelevance of the message, we should be more concerned about improving the system and attracting more passengers away from their cars.

The issue does, however, leave one burning theological question: If there really is no God, does that mean you’ll never again get a seat on the 24 during rush hour?

Perhaps it would have been better to lift commuters’ wintertime spirits by adorning bus sides with that famous quote in a mock-graffiti scrawl:

“God is dead” — Nietzsche

“Nietzsche is dead” — God.

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