Picture this: a bustling street in Montreal. It is shielded by a canopy of glass. This is Plaza Saint-Hubert.
Welcome to Plaza Saint-Hubert a commercial artery. It is home to about 400 businesses and services. They line Saint-Hubert Street between Bellechasse and Jean-Talon. This is in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie borough.
The Plaza Saint-Hubert wasn’t always like this. Its story stretches back to the early 19th century. The Petite-Patrie neighborhood began to take shape then.
Back in 1826 Saint-Hubert Street was officially mapped. The island was mostly farmland owned by Sulpicians. Municipal councils formed in 1840. They managed the lands divided into concessions.
The area became two villages by 1846. These were Côte-de-la-visitation and Côte-Saint-Louis. The name “côte” comes from the area’s elevated topography.
Limestone quarries thrived here. The population was mostly French-speaking Catholic workers. They farmed or worked in the quarries. The Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1878. This spurred commercial development on Saint-Hubert Street.
The railway created jobs. Families settled near the tracks and Saint-Hubert Street. By 1880 Saint-Hubert Street was a major commercial hub. Electric streetcars arrived in 1893. They boosted transportation and drew immigrant workers. The population quadrupled by 1897. New businesses sprang up.
The late 19th-century saw a surge in immigration. This shaped the Petite-Patrie’s multiethnic character. Irish Ukrainian and Italian workers arrived. This brought prosperity to Saint-Hubert Street.
Around 1910 the street saw rapid commercial expansion. Many new arrivals were business owners. The Italian community grew forming Little Italy. They greatly contributed to the area’s commercial and industrial development. The Catelli pasta factory generated jobs and revitalized the sector.
In 1951 the Léger family opened the first St-Hubert rotisserie. It became the famous St-Hubert BBQ chain. A neon sign featuring a rooster was added. It was one of the first of its kind. The renovated restaurant still operates today.
To protect local businesses the merchants formed an association in 1954. This led to the Plaza St-Hubert we know today in 1959. The 1960s were boom years. The Plaza was a popular economic and cultural spot. Big stars performed here. Crowds flocked to the Plaza. It was a lively hub of commerce entertainment and community.
Montreal’s metro replaced the streetcars. This improved access. Télé-Métropole TV station promoted the Plaza. The show “Dix sur Dix” gave away prizes from Plaza stores. The first Christmas parades took place on Saint-Hubert Street. They remain popular today. Stores continued to open.
In 1984 Montreal added a glass canopy over the sidewalks. It stretched 1.2 km. The Plaza became known for this feature.
Renovations occurred from 2018 to 2020. Underground infrastructure was upgraded. The canopy was replaced with a lighter structure. Multi-use lanes and wider sidewalks were added. Public spaces and trees were included. Building owners were encouraged to renovate their facades.
Today the Plaza Saint-Hubert is supported by a non-profit organization. It promotes commercial development. They organize events like the annual sidewalk sale.
The Plaza Saint-Hubert continues to evolve. It maintains its place as a vital part of Montreal. Its blend of history commerce and culture makes it unique. The iconic glass roof symbolizes its enduring appeal.