Montreal in 19 neighbourhoods: A series NOTRE-DAME ST. WEST
A FINE STATE OF PRESERVATION: From national historic sites to public works of art commemorating its storied past, Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough (which includes the neighbourhoods of Saint-Henri, Pointe-Saint-Charles, Griffintown, Little Burgundy, Ville-Éma
1. École de technologie supérieure (ETS)
Part of the Université du Québec network, the ETS specializes in application engineering and technology, with a focus on co-operative education and a strong sustainable development policy. One of its buildings is located in what used to be the old O’Keeffe Brasserie, and the school also features works of art by Roberto Pellegrinuzzi, Laurent Pilon and Michel Boulanger.
2. Corona Theatre
One of Montreal’s premier concert venues, the Corona Theatre was built in 1912, back when silent movies were all the rage (and accompanied by live music). It’s why there’s still an orchestra pit in front of the stage. The Corona was a successful theatre until the ’60s, when its very existence was threatened by demolition. Largely forgotten for years to come, it was purchased from the city by the Institut des Arts de la Scène in 1997, and reopened in 1998. Since then, it has showcased a variety of artists and played host to several organizations for special gatherings.
3. Maison des jeunes La Galerie
For over 20 years, La Galerie has been an accessible meeting place for SaintHenri youth aged 11 to 18 years old. One of the centre’s main goals is helping young people realize their full potential, regardless of their economic situation, by finding fulfilling work in the community. It also aids kids with problems like low selfesteem and drug addiction, while teaching them how to effectively resolve conflicts. For years now, the youth centre has been seeking a new location.
4. Sir-George-ÉtienneCartier Park/Square
A quaint park and public square created on the site of an old abattoir in 1912, Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier park/ square is characterized by woods in the northern part, a pool in the southern part (at 4550 Sainte-Émilie Street) and a sculpture-fountain in the middle. This fountain, which features two cherubs fighting over a flute, was purchased from J. L. Mott Iron Works, which was founded in New York in 1828.
5. Saint-Ambroise Street
Famous for its literal brewing past, Saint-Ambroise Street is home to the old Canada Malting Company structure that was built around 1905, when the area was the most important industrial district in the country due to its strategic location along the Lachine Canal. McAuslan Brewing, which launched its first beer in 1989 and is located at 5080 St-Ambroise Street, took over where the old Canada Malting Company left off, and its Terrasse St-Amboise, situated at the back of the building facing the Lachine Canal, is the ideal place from which to enjoy one of its brews while taking in a lovely view.
6. Atwater Market
Situated in a plum location near the Lachine Canal, the Atwater Market is named after Vermont-born Edwin Atwater, director of the City and District Savings Bank of Montreal, and a city councillor. The market, which has been around since 1933, is now as famous for its Art Deco architecture as it is for its butchers and cheese shops. Open yearround, the market features a tasty “Pôle des saveurs” area during the summer season. It also displays art by Jacek Jarnuszkiewicz, who was born in Warsaw and whose works can also be found at McGill University and at the BAnQ Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.
7. Black Rock
Located at the foot of the Victoria Bridge, Black Rock is an official monument to the 6,000 Irish famine refugees who died of typhus in the mid-1800s and were buried in a large, unmarked mass grave on-site. The monument was erected in 1859 by workers (many of whom were Irish themselves), who discovered the bodies while constructing Victoria Bridge. The inscription on the rock reads: To Preserve from Desecration the Remains of 6000 Immigrants Who died of Ship Fever A.D. 1847-48.