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Because History repeats itself...
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The CN shops in Point St. Charles
1830 Le Ber street
Architectural Value
Even though they were for the most part rebuilt in the 1920s, the CN shops in Point St. Charles constitute a built and technological ensemble of great interest.
Archaeological Value
The site of the shops is home to both infrastructure and remains of former installations.
Historic Value
The origin of the shops is closely tied to the construction of the Victoria Bridge, one of the major technical feats of the Victorian era, and to the development of the Canadian railroad, which made Montreal into the main trading and transportation hub between Canada, the United States and Europe. The shops were built in the 1850s, and along with the Lachine Canal (opened in 1825) and the Victoria Bridge (inaugurated in 1860) bear witness to the Industrial Revolution.
The Threat
The closing of the shops, the failure of a project to convert them for use as film studios and the purchase of the site by an American firm to build a trade centre, imperil this heritage site whose worth does not appear to be fully recognised. Furthermore, the site is severely contaminated, which prevents possible reuse for housing units. Urban planning calls for the development of a pôle d’emploi. There is a very real risk of repeating the experience of the Angus Yards, where the price of transformation was the demolition of the majority of buildings on the site and the destruction of archaeological remains.
Actions by Héritage Montréal
Héritage Montréal took part in public consultations on the issue. It also made regular submissions for the site to be included in the historic site the federal government proposes to create around the Lachine Canal to commemorate the industrialisation of Canada. The dossier must be closely watched to ensure the adoption of a solution that takes into account the multiple values of the site.
To help safeguard this site, write to us.
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