“Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension” It sounds like a tongue twister doesn’t it? This borough of Montreal boasts a rich history and diverse culture. Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension was created on January 1 2002. This followed the municipal reorganization of Montreal. The borough includes the neighbourhoods of Villeray Saint-Michel and Parc Extension.
Until the late 19th century Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension was mainly rural. Farms dotted the landscape. The Canadian Pacific Railway’s arrival in 1878 spurred growth. Electric streetcars in 1892 further boosted Villeray’s development. The Italian immigrant community also chose this area.
In the early 20th century Park Extension became industrialized. A dozen quarries opened up. This led to economic development. The Miron and Francon quarries attracted workers. People came to Saint Michel and Park Extension beginning in the 1940s.
The Metropolitan Expressway’s completion in 1959 changed the borough. It cut the area in two. But it also drew industries. These opened along the expressway. Saint Michel’s population soared. It jumped from 6000 to 68000 in under 20 years.
Jobs and efficient transport caused strong growth. Manufacturing especially textiles drew new immigrants. They settled in the borough. The Saint-Michel neighbourhood was once an independent city. It was known as Saint-Michel-de-Laval. It joined Montreal in 1968. Villeray was also once its own municipality. It has been part of Montreal since 1905. Parc Extension left St-Laurent. It joined Montreal in 1910.
Villeray is in the center. Saint-Michel is the easternmost neighbourhood. Park Extension is the westernmost.
The current borough mayor is Laurence Lavigne Lalonde. She is with Projet Montréal. The borough has four districts. These are in three different neighborhoods. Françoিস-Perreault spans Saint-Michel and Villeray.
In 2016 the census revealed interesting language facts. 88% of people spoke only one language at home. French was the most common at 57%. English followed at 10%. Spanish Arabic and Vietnamese were also spoken. 48% of residents learned a language other than English or French. Spanish Arabic Creole Italian and Greek were common.
Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension offers much to see and do. The Orange and Blue lines serve it. Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 19 traverse it. Transit stations include Crémazie Jarry and Jean-Talon. Acadie Parc De Castelnau Fabre D’Iberville and Saint-Michel are also stations.
Attractions include the old Park Avenue train station. It now houses Parc Metro station. Jarry Park is a great place to relax. TOHU La Cité des arts du cirque is a must-see. It includes Cirque du Soleil and l’École nationale du cirque. The former Miron and Francon quarries are also located here. The borough hall stands at 405 Ogilvy Avenue. This was once the site of CTV Montreal TQS CFCF radio & CFQR-FM studios.
Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension a place where history industry and culture intertwine. It is a vibrant borough. Its story continues to evolve.