Didn’t Chomedey blossom from the union of Renaud Quebec, L’Abord-à-Plouffe, and Saint-Martin? This happened on April 1, 1961. These towns merged. They created a new city. It was named Chomedey.
Chomedey pays tribute to Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. He was the founder of Montreal. Chomedey’s city hall later served all of Laval. The city of L’Abord-à-Plouffe initiated this merger. They wanted to unite with Laval-des-Rapides. Renaud also joined. They aimed to create the “Cité de Laval.”
However Laval-des-Rapides withdrew eight days later. Renaud also hesitated. A referendum took place. “Fusionists” won on January 16, 1961. Festivities marked the birth of Chomedey. These celebrations lasted from October 8 to 15, 1961.
Chomedey rapidly modernized. Residential and industrial sectors excelled. Between 1962 and 1964, Chomedey welcomed one new industry per month. It quickly became a significant city.
Chomedey considered further expansion. In 1963 it explored annexing Sainte-Dorothée and Fabreville.
In 1964 Chomedey inaugurated its new city hall. Affleck, Desbarats, Dimakopoulos, Lebensold, and Sise designed the building. It was meant to be part of a Civic Center. The center would house a library, theater, and art center. This complex was not fully realized until Laval’s creation.
Today Chomedey is bordered by the Rivière des Prairies to the south. Laval-des-Rapides, Duvernay, and Vimont border it to the east. Sainte-Rose is to the north. Fabreville lies to the northwest. Sainte-Dorothée is to the west.
Chomedey stands as Laval’s most multicultural area since the 1960s. It hosts diverse communities. These include Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Portuguese, Lebanese, Algerian, Moroccan, Syrian, Egyptian, Haitian, Italian, and Armenian populations. Chomedey also has Quebec’s largest Greek community.
Like Montreal Chomedey reflects linguistic divisions. More English speakers reside in western Île Jesus. Chomedey became home to Anglophone and allophone minorities. The Greek community is a notable example.
Main thoroughfares include Curé-Labelle Blvd and Chomedey Blvd. Also important are Saint-Martin Blvd and Souvenir Rd. Notre-Dame Blvd, Samson Blvd, and 100th Ave are key roads. Daniel-Johnson Blvd, Le Carrefour Blvd, and Le Corbusier Blvd serve residents. Armand-Frappier Blvd, Cartier Blvd, and Lévèsque Blvd are well-used. Promenade Des Îles and Cléroux Blvd are also significant.
Increased traffic has become common since 2000. Major routes often experience jams. Reserved bus lanes and expanded bike paths are helping. The Metro extension into Laval is also beneficial. These initiatives promote sustainable transit.
Among historical sites is the Cosmodome. It is Canada’s only space science museum. It features one of two lunar rocks on display in Canada.
The Armand Frappier Museum is another point of interest. It honors Dr. Armand Frappier. He was crucial in combating tuberculosis in Canada.
Église Saint-Martin is also nearby. This parish church dates back to 1782. It was the first church on Île Jesus. The current church replaced one destroyed by lightning in 1942. It stands over 120 meters away from the original site.
Another important place is the Centre du Sablon. The City of Laval bought the building in 1992. It was previously a YMHA. The center now offers many activities. These activities serve diverse age groups. They fulfill social, recreational, and cultural needs.
Chomedey stands as a testament to unity. It shows progress and greatness. It continues to evolve. It is a vibrant part of Laval.