Mount Royal cross centrepiece of 375th anniversary idea

A Montreal man has a unique proposal to celebrate the city's 375th anniversary.

PhilippeMailhot wants the cityto add a letter "M" and a "L" on either side of the cross on Mount Royal to spell out M-T-L.

"It'll make us all look at the cross and breathe new life into an icon that i think was somewhat taken for granted."

Mailhot, who has posted detailed schematics for his proposal on his website, said the idea is to make it a temporary measure for 375 days to mark 375 years of Montreal.

"Previous generations had Expo, had the Olympics, but 40 years has passed since the Olympics and we're ready for something new," he said.

The city is already readying plans for the 375th anniversary, taking place in 2017.

Last week, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced$300 million hasbeen committed to the celebrations and cultural institutionsincluding the Biodome, Jean-Drapeau Park and the Pointe--Callire Museum will also benefit from some additional investment.

The Society for the Celebration of Montreal's 375th Anniversaryis nowtaking public submissions for large-scale projects until Dec. 19.

How do you think the city should mark its anniversary? Let us know in the comments section, tweet us @CBCMontrealor post to our Facebook page.