Picture the year 1857. A new municipality is born. Saint-Lambert emerges from the shadows of Saint-Antoine-de-Longueuil. It’s a small village then. The arrival of the railway in 1852 and the Victoria Bridge in 1859 changes everything. Saint-Lambert becomes a crucial transportation hub. People and goods flow through. Its architecture reflects this era. Old industrial buildings stand near the tracks. Some are now trendy lofts. The former Waterman pens factory for example. It was built in 1908.
Saint-Lambert’s story is one of resilience and transformation. It wasn’t always easy. The soil was initially difficult to work with. Deep clay and poorly drained gleysols presented a challenge. People had to adapt. Drainage and excavation were essential. This allowed for housing construction. Poplar willows red maple silver maple and green ash trees now thrive. They tolerate the damp conditions. The American elm is less common now due to Dutch elm disease.
Its history is deeply intertwined with that of Montreal. Yet Saint-Lambert maintains a distinct identity. A strong sense of community exists here. It is reflected in its annual Saint-Lambert Days celebration. Over 80000 people attend. They enjoy live music games and sidewalk sales.
Saint-Lambert’s strategic location also shaped its demographics. For much of the 20th century it had an Anglophone majority. That started to shift in the 1970s 80s and 90s. Upper-class Francophone families moved in. Today Saint-Lambert reflects this diversity. It is a vibrant and multicultural city.
The city’s dedication to its past is evident in its efforts to preserve its heritage. The Marsil Museum originally housed in André Marsil’s 18th-century home is a testament to this. Its relocation to the Bonsecours Market however highlights Saint-Lambert’s adaptability. It is a place where history and modernity coexist.
In 2002 Saint-Lambert merged with LeMoyne. It became a borough within the larger Longueuil city. But Saint-Lambert’s spirit couldn’t be contained. A referendum in 2004 voted for de-merger. The city was reborn in 2006. Its flag was raised high. A symbol of independence and pride. Saint-Lambert’s story is far from over. It continues to evolve and thrive. A testament to its resilience and its people.