Crumbling brick whispers tales of Montreal’s past. This is the Station de Pompage Craig. Built in 1887 it stands as a testament to ingenuity. Its architects Maurice Perrault and Albert Mesnard designed this remarkable structure. The city commissioned it to combat relentless flooding. Paired with the Riverside pumping station it redirected excess water. Montreal’s spring floods became a thing of the past.
The Station de Pompage Craig isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol of overcoming challenges. It’s a story of human endeavor. It protected the city for decades. Its powerful steam pumps once throbbed with life. They pushed water away from vulnerable neighborhoods. The station ceased operations in 1954. It fell into disrepair by the 1980s.
Time hasn’t been kind to the Station de Pompage Craig. The surrounding buildings are gone. The Jacques-Cartier bridge now stands nearby. The station is isolated a stark contrast to its bustling past. Yet its legacy endures. Heritage Montreal and other groups advocate for its preservation. They recognize the station’s exceptional heritage value. Mayor Valérie Plante announced in 2018 its inclusion in urban planning initiatives. The plan aims to improve river access.
A 2020 Cosigma engineering report revealed advanced degradation. The walls are unstable. The mortar crumbles. The chimney was heavily fissured. The city decided to demolish the chimney and other unsalvageable parts. Only the facades will remain. This decision sparked controversy. The architect Peter Jacobs criticized the city’s approach. He cited the Station de Pompage Craig as an example of Montreal’s problematic facade-ism. Despite the challenges the Station de Pompage Craig remains a significant part of Montreal’s story. Its future is uncertain but its past is undeniably rich. It’s a story of resilience progress and the ongoing fight to protect our shared heritage. The Station de Pompage Craig is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a legacy.