Beneath the rustling leaves of Cabot Square’s trees, a silent story unfolds. Cabot Square, a green space nestled between the ghosts of Montreal’s past, the Forum, and the Children’s Hospital, holds more than meets the eye. Opened in 1870, this seemingly simple square pulses with a hidden history. The centerpiece, a statue of John Cabot, the Italian-born English explorer, was unveiled in 1935. This square isn’t just a park; it’s a vital hub. It houses the Atwater Terminus, connecting various bus routes to the nearby metro. A gateway to Montreal’s Underground City, the Réso, lies tucked away in the square’s northwestern corner. Cabot Square has also become a sanctuary, an informal gathering place for the city’s First Nations and Inuit communities. Many find themselves stranded in the urban maze, lacking family and support networks. Cabot Square offers a space to connect, share stories, and find temporary respite. In 2014, the Cabot Square Project emerged, a lifeline born from a partnership between the Native Women’s Shelter and the YMCA. Outreach workers provide vital support, connecting individuals with resources and helping them navigate the challenges of urban life. This project aims to counteract the displacement of Indigenous people in Montreal’s downtown core. While the city’s efforts to beautify the square, with its cleanups and art installations, are visible signs of change, the true transformation happens in the quiet moments of connection and support. Cabot Square isn’t just a place; it’s a story of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of those who find solace under the watchful gaze of John Cabot.
Parc Dickie-Moore
Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Parc Dickie-Moore? This little slice of Parc-Extension holds a century of Montreal