“West part of the east” is how some people describe Mercier-Ouest. Are you ready to explore this Montreal neighborhood? Mercier-Ouest is part of the Mercier Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. It offers a unique blend of history and modern life.
Mercier-Ouest got its name from Honoré Mercier. He was the Premier of Quebec from 1887 to 1891. The area has a rich past dating back to the early colonization of Montreal.
Initially, Mercier-Ouest was known as Longue-Pointe. It started as a seigniorial fort on Iroquois land. Settlers armed themselves to defend their village. In 1775, a battle during the American War of Independence took place here. American officer Ethan Allen tried to capture Montreal but failed.
The municipality of Longue-Pointe officially formed in 1845. Later, it ceded land to Beaurivage and Tétreaultville. In 1910, Longue-Pointe joined Montreal. Five years later it was renamed Mercier.
Mercier-Ouest long maintained a rural feel. However, from 1950 to 1970, rapid development transformed it into a Montreal suburb.
A major change occurred in 1964. The historic heart of Longue-Pointe was razed. Highway 25 and the Louis Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel were built. Opened in 1967, this split Mercier into Mercier-Ouest and Mercier-Est.
Did you know that in 1734, the Chemin du Roy crossed Longue-Pointe? This road connected Montreal to Quebec City. A stagecoach stopped at Pointe-aux-Trembles before continuing.
As you explore Mercier-Ouest from south to north you will notice diverse landscapes. The Guybourg industrial sector lies in the southern area. It houses the Port of Montreal and a Canadian Armed Forces base. The base employs over 2000 people.
Duplexes and triplexes lead to the residential area of Longue-Pointe. North of Sherbrooke Street, you’ll find schools, parks and businesses. The Louis-Riel sector in northern Mercier-Ouest features parks and community gardens. Green laneways offer safe play areas for children.
Recent projects aim to improve life in Mercier-Ouest. These include developing a hub around Assomption Boulevard and greening Hochelaga and Sherbrooke streets. Carré Notre-Dame-des-Victoires has been pedestrianized.
Many residents of Mercier-Ouest speak French. However, the area has become more diverse since the early 2000s. It welcomes immigrants mainly in the Louis-Riel sector.
Place Versailles is a shopping destination in Mercier-Ouest. Opened in 1963, it was Montreal’s first fully covered mall. Today, it has over 225 stores. You can also see sculptures by Augusto Escobedo among the fountains.
Mercier-Ouest offers green spaces like Parc du Boisé-Jean-Milot. It’s great for picnics and nature walks. Birdwatchers can observe many species here. Parc Félix-Leclerc has a popular sledding hill and a dog park. You are also close to Parc Maisonneuve and the Botanical Garden.
Mercier-Ouest is a neighborhood with a rich history and a bright future.