Have you heard about the crater of greenery in the heart of Montreal? That is Old St-Francois Quarry. It might surprise you to learn it was once a bustling quarry. Let’s dive into the story of Old St-Francois Quarry.
This quarry, now known as the Saint-Michel quarry, holds a fascinating past. Old St-Francois Quarry covers approximately 20% of the Saint-Michel district. Imagine this vast area filled with mature trees and a large lake of black water. That water is an inheritance from Montreal’s dirty snow.
The history of Old St-Francois Quarry dates back to the early twentieth century. Back then it was known as the Dupré quarry. It was owned by the National Quarries. For nearly 60 years, they extracted tons of stone from this very site.
In 1980, quarrying operations ceased here at Old St-Francois Quarry. Four years later, the land was sold to the City of Montreal. The city used it exclusively as a snow waste deposit. The rest of the site was simply abandoned.
Fast forward to 2005, the city announced its intention to dispose of the Old St-Francois Quarry site. Ideas floated around including campsites and a shopping center. The campsite idea was quickly rejected. The shopping center faced stiff opposition from citizens. Consultation and citizens committees were formed. During this time, the selling price was set at ten million dollars.
After years of negotiations, the City of Montreal chose a project by SmartCentres. This Canadian company specializes in developing shopping malls. The plan included a shopping center and a thematic green space. Work was supposed to start in 2012, but nothing happened for over a year.
Old St-Francois Quarry played a vital role in Montreal’s development. In the 1960s, the Francon and Miron quarries supplied crushed stone and construction materials. These materials were essential for the city’s phenomenal growth. The closure of these quarries in the 1980s marked the end of an era. Stone quarrying had been a feature of the island since the early days.
Montreal’s landscape is dotted with former quarries. Many have been transformed into parks. Old St-Francois Quarry stands as a reminder of this industrial past. It also shows nature’s ability to reclaim and transform spaces.
Today, Old St-Francois Quarry offers a unique blend of nature and history. It is a green space born from industrial activity. It’s a place where you can reflect on Montreal’s past and its evolving landscape. It is a testament to the city’s continuous transformation.