Vieux Montreal- One of North American’s Oldest Districts

Founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, Old Montreal is home to many structures dating back to the era of New France and is one of the oldest districts in North America. The District’s original streets included the Rue Notre-Dame, the Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Saint-Jacques. The original fortifications of Montreal, erected in 1717 formed the boundaries of Montreal and didn’t expand for almost 100 years when the British authorities decided to tear them down and allow the City to expand. Montreal also enacted a wood ban in 1721, which is why almost all Vieux Montreal’s historic building are made of that iconic Quebec stone.  The 19th century witnessed the emergence of the English and Scottish bourgeoisie merchants. Their growing activity significant expanded the importance of the port , built new centers of banking, commerce & insurance concentrated along St. James St., and ultimately lead to a decline in Vieux Montreal’s residential base as the wealthy merchants built extravagant homes closer to Mount Royal (Golden Square Mile).  The Architecture also became distinctively  late-19th-century Victorian in styling, a significant departure from the stone masonry used during the French era. The district continued to grow until the Great Depression, which caused the relocation of port facilities and the heart of Downtown Montreal moved further west. Many abandoned warehouses and commercial building were left behind and mid-century planners considered urban renewal and highway proposals. Fortunately this galvanized public support to save Vieux Montreal and a Historic District was established for most of the neighborhood in 1964.

Since then Vieux Montreal steadily revitalizing bringing back residents, tourist, shops and night life to the neighborhood and becoming one of Montreal most dense and lively neighborhoods. Quality urban planning efforts also reclaimed the Vieux Port leading to a lengthy promenade, park space, and publicly accessibly piers with major regional destinations. Saint Paul’s and Place Jacque Cartier were converted into vibrant pedestrian streets and the district is served well be several metro stations running along its western edge and great bike infrastructure.

I believe Vieux Montreal could improve in a couple urban areas. First off, the pedestrian zone can be greatly expanded, especially during the weekend. Several blocks of Saint Paul’s are still open to traffic and many other blocks in the heart of the district didn’t feel they needed car access. Vieux Montreal also needs more neighborhood amenities such as a supermarkets, larger stores, public library, and even medical offices.

Click here to view my Vieux Montreal Album and here to for my Vieux Port Album

URBAN STRENGTHS:

* But far Montreal’s best collection of Historic architecture but a really interesting mix of eras generally starting with 18th century buildings closest to the seaway and ending up with early 20th century office bldgs along the western edge of Vieux Montreal.
* Several important landmarks here including: Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Marché Bon Secours, Montreal City Hall, Tour de l’Horloge, La Grande Roue de Montréal, Nelson’s Column, Alfred Building, the Montreal Stock Exchange,  Saint-Sulpice Seminary,
* Vieux Port running along the Saint Lawrence Seaway is also wonderful and a lengthy pedestrian promenade, plentiful park space, and access to lots of attractions along its many piers.
* Very pedestrian scaled and lots of small blocks.
* Several break plaza spaces including Place d’Armes, Place de la Dauversière, Le Champ-de-Mars, Parc place d’Youville
* Excellent pedestrian only stretches along several blocks of Saint Paul’s and the Place Jacques Cartier
* Great bike infrastructure including many dedicated bike sharing stations and several dedicated bike lanes.
* Several metro stations run alongside the western edge of Vieux Montreal.
* Excellent cultural amenities especially food & bev business, art galleries, Museums, night clubs/live music, an Imax theater,  and performing arts theater.
* Great retail amenities including tons of boutiques/clothing stores, gift shops, creative stores, a couple book stores, plenty of bakeries & dessert shops, several gyms & churches,  and a post office.

URBAN WEAKNESSES:

• Parts of the district would be difficult to live given the intense night life. Saint Paul’s and Place Jacques Cartier.
• Missing a major supermarket, department store, drug store, public library, and medical offices. Fortunately these amenities are all located Downtown and in the International district only a 1/2 mile away.
• Some sidewalks and narrow and this can be a bit difficult to navigate as a pedestrian when car traffic is high.