On Monday, the mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre kicked off the organization of the city’s 375th anniversary celebrations. The festivities will take place throughout 2017.
Mayor Codere said many of the anniversary projects will celebrate the city’s history, identity, and quality of life. The mayor referred to them as “legacy projects” that will be used by Montrealers on a daily basis. He wants to give many historical parts of the city a makeover as part of his plan to revitalize Montreal.
Maison Saint-Gabriel
One of the anniversary projects will be to expand the Maison Saint-Gabriel museum to include the history of native women. The historic building in the Point-St-Charles neighbourhood was purchased in 1668 by Marguerite Bourgeoys to house the Filles du Roi, the 800 French girls who came to Quebec between 1663 and 1673.
Fleuve-Montagne
Another project will highlight the role of the mountain and the river in Montreal’s history and explore what went on between the two landmarks. A pedestrian link wil be built from the St. Lawrence River to Mount Royal. Along the way, residents and tourists will be able to discover important landmarks and learn about the role the river and the mountain played in Montreal’s development.
Place Jacques Cartier
The city also plans to renovate Place Jacques Cartier in the heart of Old Montreal. Mayor Coderre said he wants to showcase the square’s history and make it “less plastic.”
Other projects
Other projects include the Cité mémoire de Montréal en Histoires and the second expansion phase of the Pointe-à-Callière museum.
France Chrétien Desmarais is the president of the Society for the Celebration of Montreal’s 375th Anniversary.
The year 2017 also marks the 150th anniversay of Canada and the 50th anniversay of Expo 67 that took place in Montreal.
