Peace Park

In the vibrant heart of Montreal, a unique space invites you to pause. Peace Park, also known as Place de la Paix, isn’t your typical Montreal park. It defies the city’s park by-laws, remaining open at all hours, a beacon in the bustling city. Peace Park’s story began in 1986. Mayor Jean Doré declared Montreal a Nuclear Free Zone. Inspired by this commitment, he envisioned a place dedicated to peace. He announced the creation of Peace Park in 1989. It would stand as a memorial to the tragedies of nuclear war. The park found its home on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, facing the Monument-National and the Montreal Pool Room. Designed by Robert Desjardins, Peace Park was inaugurated on November 20, 1994. Granite forms the foundation of the park. Grass grows around granite tiles in the center, surrounded by a border of trees. Originally, green metal benches offered respite under the trees. These were removed in 2005 as part of an effort to gentrify the area. City officials aimed to address the issues of homelessness, drug use, and prostitution that arose from the park’s location in the heart of Montreal’s red-light district. Peace Park holds a special place in the skateboarding community. Its long, high granite ledges and stairs provide a unique and challenging environment for skaters. The park’s central location makes it a natural gathering spot. Despite initial prohibitions and hefty fines, skateboarding became a defining characteristic of Peace Park. In 2014, the city temporarily allowed skateboarding. Then, in 2015, it was permanently legalized. The park’s skateboarding culture even inspired a documentary. Local skateboarder David ‘Boots’ Bouthillier filmed the park’s activities for years, capturing its unique spirit and the stories of its inhabitants. His documentary, “Peace Park / Place de la Paix,” was released in 2013. Peace Park is more than just granite and grass. It’s a testament to Montreal’s commitment to peace. It’s a haven for skateboarders. It’s a stage for events like the Under Pressure International Graffiti Convention. Peace Park is a vibrant, ever-evolving space in the heart of Montreal.