In 1883, the clang of hammers and shouts of workers echoed across Peel Basin. This wasn’t just any construction project. This was the birth of the Wellington Basin, a vital addition to Montreal’s industrial heart. Peel Basin, nestled between Lock No. 2 and the Wellington Bridge on the Lachine Canal, was no ordinary waterway. Its deep waters allowed large ocean vessels to turn around, a unique feature on the canal. This earned it the nickname “terminus of Montreal,” the vital link between international trade and Canada’s interior. The basin wasn’t officially called Peel Basin during its operational years. The name is a more recent addition, cemented in popular culture. But the area’s importance to Montreal’s industrial growth is undeniable. The first major development occurred between 1843 and 1848. A hydraulic site was constructed along Mill Street. This provided a cheap and reliable energy source, fueling a boom for Montreal businesses. The “flour basins,” still visible today, were a product of this era. The Peel Basin’s current shape emerged during the second expansion of the Lachine Canal, from 1873 to 1884. The completion of the Wellington Basin in 1883 solidified the area as a strategic hub for cargo transfer between ocean-going ships and those heading inland. The St. Lawrence Seaway’s opening in 1959 marked a turning point. Commercial shipping on the Lachine Canal ceased. Between 1966 and 1970, a portion of Peel Basin, downstream of Spillway No. 2, was filled in. Today, the Bonaventure Expressway cuts across this once bustling waterway. But Peel Basin’s story doesn’t end there. Parks Canada undertook a major restoration project from 1997 to 2002. The flour basins were cleared. The area now offers a unique perspective on Montreal’s industrial past. The iconic Silo No. 5 and the famous “Farine Five Roses” sign stand as testaments to this vibrant history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to