Gazing proudly over the Old Port, the Montreal Clock Tower stands as a testament to time and remembrance. Often called the Sailors’ Memorial Clock, this iconic structure marks the entrance to the Old Port. It is a prominent landmark in Old Montreal.
Built between 1919 and 1922, the Montreal Clock Tower commemorates Canadian sailors. These brave men lost their lives during World War I. The Montreal Harbour Commission oversaw the tower’s construction. The Prince of Wales laid the first piece in 1919.
The Clock Tower’s design reflects a specific political cultural and economic context. After the First World War Montreal citizens wanted to pay homage to those who were lost. The Montreal Harbour Commission was called upon to honor the courage of the Canadian Merchant Marine and the British Merchant Navy.
Paul Leclaire an engineering assistant for the Commission designed the monument. His vision was to erect a white 45-metre-tall tower in keeping with the Beaux-Art style. He planned for the tower to feature a set of bells. However the bells never came to be. Leclaire designed four immense clock faces on each side of the tower.
The prestigious English clockmaker Gillett & Johnson designed the workings. The monument’s commemorative plaque was placed on the tower’s east face. It looks downstream on the Mighty St. Lawrence. Leclaire’s tower design echoed other WWI monuments and skyscrapers erected around this time.
The Montreal Clock Tower’s mechanism is a replica of London’s Big Ben. Manufactured in England it was known for its accuracy. For a long time the clock served as the timekeeper for workers at the Port of Montreal.
The Clock Tower once served as a lighthouse. Its bright light guided ships safely into port. It also concealed neighboring storage sheds. It indicated the time to all.
Today the Montreal Clock Tower primarily serves as a tourist attraction. Standing about 45 meters tall it offers impressive views. Visitors can climb its 192 steps. From the top they can experience amazing views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. There are three observation stops along the staircase.
The Clock Tower is a Classified Federal Heritage Building. This designation recognizes its visual aesthetics and historical environmental values. The tower played a central role in the redevelopment of the Old Port of Montreal in 1990.
Next to the Montreal Clock Tower lies Montreal’s urban beach. Created in 2012 Clock Tower Beach is an oasis. Here visitors and locals can sunbathe read or enjoy a siesta. No swimming is allowed in the river for safety reasons.
The Old Port Society manages tourism at the Montreal Clock Tower. In 1984 the Society restored the tower. This included painting the steel surfaces and installing a new ventilation system.
The Montreal Clock Tower has a strict maintenance schedule. This ensures the clock mechanism is preserved. It also ensures the time displayed is accurate. Professional clockmaker Daniel Pelletier maintains the clock’s mechanism. He adjusts the time on each of the four clock faces.
As you stand before the Montreal Clock Tower remember its history. It stands as a memorial to lost sailors a testament to Montreal’s port history. It is an enduring symbol of the city. Take a moment to appreciate this architectural gem. Its timeless presence connects us to the past.