Saint-Laurent

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Montreal, a borough stands tall, a testament to time and transformation: Saint-Laurent. Saint-Laurent, a place where history whispers through the rustling leaves of Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park and echoes in the bustling streets of Vieux Saint-Laurent. Here, amidst the modern cityscape, the echoes of the past intertwine with the pulse of the present. Saint-Laurent wasn’t always the bustling borough you see today. Its story begins in the late 17th century, a humble agricultural village nurtured by the fertile lands along the Côte Saint-Laurent. The first settlers, the Descaries family, arrived in 1687, laying the foundation for a community that would weather centuries of change. In 1720, Saint-Laurent officially became a parish, its heart centered around a modest church built near the crossroads of future Sainte-Croix Boulevard and Chemin de la Côte-Vertu. This central location fostered the growth of a village, drawing travelers and merchants alike. By 1765, 162 families called Saint-Laurent home. Even after New France was ceded to Great Britain, Saint-Laurent remained a haven, welcoming Scottish families who joined the existing French Canadian community. This blend of cultures shaped the borough’s identity, creating a rich tapestry of traditions and perspectives. The arrival of the Fathers of Sainte-Croix in 1847 marked a turning point for Saint-Laurent. Their establishment of the Industrial Academy, later renamed Collège de Saint-Laurent, elevated the village’s reputation and attracted new residents. The late 19th and 20th centuries witnessed an era of rapid transformation. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1885 spurred industrial growth, transforming Saint-Laurent into a hub of activity. In 1893, the village officially became a city, boasting 225 houses and 1,225 inhabitants. Modernization followed, with the introduction of electric lighting in 1900 and a complete aqueduct system the following year. The iconic Town Hall, a symbol of civic pride, was built in 1912. Saint-Laurent continued to flourish throughout the 20th century. The arrival of the Canadian Northern Railway’s Deux-Montagnes line in 1918 further connected Saint-Laurent to Montreal, accelerating its growth. The establishment of the Bois-Franc Field in 1911, later Cartierville Airport, ushered in the age of aviation. The presence of aviation giants like Noorduyn Aviation and Canadair solidified Saint-Laurent’s position as a significant industrial center. The influx of workers during World War II led to the creation of the Norvick district, a planned community designed to house the burgeoning workforce. Saint-Laurent’s transformation continued into the late 20th century. The closure of Cartierville Airport paved the way for the Bois-Franc residential district, while the Technoparc Montreal, established in 1992, became Canada’s leading science park. In 2002, Saint-Laurent merged with the city of Montreal, becoming a borough. Despite this change, Saint-Laurent retains its distinct character, its streets pulsating with a unique blend of history, industry, and residential charm. From its humble beginnings as an agricultural village to its present-day status as a vibrant borough, Saint-Laurent’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of community. As you stand here today, you are a part of that continuing story.