Ever wondered about the secrets held within Nuns’ Island? This tranquil haven in the heart of Montreal boasts a rich history far beyond its picturesque landscape.
Originally named Île Saint-Paul it wasn’t always known as Nuns’ Island. It started its life in 1634 under the ownership of Jean de Lauzon a future governor of New France. The island was later divided among prominent citizens. It wasn’t until 1706 that the Congregation de Notre-Dame nuns acquired a portion. By 1769 they owned the entire island. This ownership gave the island its enduring unofficial name.
For nearly two centuries the nuns cultivated the land. They farmed raised livestock and built houses. Imagine the quiet rhythm of their lives. The island served as a sanctuary a place of peace and reflection. A far cry from the bustling metropolis it is today. A surprising fact is the island even became its own municipality in 1899. This was due to a tax dispute with Verdun the borough it is now part of.
The nuns’ era ended in 1956 when they sold the island. The Quebec Home and Mortgage Company purchased it. The following year the nuns left Île des Sœurs forever. Development began in earnest with the Champlain Bridge opening in 1962. The transformation of Nuns’ Island into the modern urban community we see today was a dramatic shift. Chicago’s Metropolitan Structures company was instrumental in this urban development. They followed a master plan by the American firm Johnson Johnson and Roy. Note that earlier master plans by architect Harold Ship were never realized.
The island wasn’t merely transformed physically. It also became a cinematic backdrop. David Cronenberg filmed his horror classic Shivers here in 1975. The hotel tower stood in for the film’s Starliner Tower apartment building.
Today Nuns’ Island is a vibrant mix of nature and urban living. It retains some green spaces like the Domaine Saint-Paul natural woodland. This crucial bird sanctuary is one of the last remaining natural woodlands in southern Montreal. Ironically the artificial Lac des Battures was accidentally created during landfill operations in the 1960s and 70s. Much of this fill came from Montreal’s Metro system excavation. The island continues to evolve a testament to its layered history. From a peaceful haven for nuns to a modern urban center Nuns’ Island’s story continues to unfold.