Montreal Districts

Pierrefonds District

Once a city, Pierrefonds is now a residential district located North West on the Island of Montreal (MBK). It extends along the Rivière des Prairies.

At the end of the 20th century, the district held more than 60 local parks including three large parks offering cross country skiing trails, pedestrian and cycle paths, beaches, windsurf facilities, sugar houses, etc.

With its 47 streets, 23 schools, two community centres, one cultural centre, two libraries and many recreational centres, what was once a Montreal suburb, is now a pleasant and well organized neighbourhood.

History of Montreal

The history of the locality dates back to the early 18th century. It is believed that, as early as 1700, the western portion of the Island of Montreal served as a strategic point in the fur trade.

It was not uncommon for trappers departing from Lachine (MBK) to portage to and fro to avoid the strong river currents.

One of its leading figures is a famous and fiery notary named Joseph Adolphe Chauret. Always in the limelight, this colourful fellow was praised by some and criticized by others. His reputation remains controversial to this day, mostly because of his stormy and ostentatious life style.

Inspired by an engraving of the Château de Pierrefonds in France in 1902, Chauret built a turreted, gabled residence with the inscription Château de Pierrefonds on two of its bases.

Chauret’s château style stone house can be recognized by its opulence, its large gable in the front, its conical-roofed tower, its numerous openings and its cut-stone quoins at the lintels and at the angles of the buildings.

The building only somewhat resembled the much heralded fortress Chauret finally visited in 1911 when he journeyed in Europe. The restored feudal Château in France is an impressive fortress endowed with big carved towers and a roofed pathway.

Chauret Street linking Gouin Boulevard to De La Caserne Street was named in his memory. A similar tribute was paid to the fiery notary by the Commune de Pierrefonds in France. In 1959, the then city in Québec adopted the motto of the French Commune “Qui veult, peult” – “Where there is a will, there is a way”. On both side of the Atlantic, the symbols represent courage, tenacity and the spirit of enterprise. The name therefore can be traced to Chauret’s residence, now a prestigious elder’s residence.

Main Street Canvas

The district is easily accessible from downtown Montreal. Gouin and Pierrefonds Boulevard are the main East-West roads. Public transit users are also well served by six STM Montreal bus lines.

In addition, the AMT suburb commuter trains link Montreal Central Station to the AMT Deux-Montagnes train station. The neighbourhood is convenient for the business travellers. Last but not least, river access is possible by the Port de Plaisance Marina.

Four main arteries have given access to the territory for more than two centuries. Gouin Boulevard (1910), a primitive road laid out by pioneers, extends along the river, while Des Sources, St-Jean and St-Charles roads join the Lac Saint-Louis to Rivière des Prairies. Lauzon, Angers and Rose-Marie Streets were laid out on the west side while Rose and Bonny Streets opened up in the last, testifying to the evolution of this Montreal suburb. In 1953 housing developments replaced farmland.

Twin Cities

In 1965, the then city in the province of Quebec and its namesake in France became twin cities.

They solemnly pledged to maintain permanent bonds, promote exchanges between their residents so that they may develop a mutual understanding of worldwide brotherhood and combine their efforts to help establish peace and prosperity throughout the world.

In 1967, Pierrefonds, Québec and Richmond British Columbia proclaimed the twinning of the two cities, also pledging to promote cultural, touristic, social and economic exchanges between their residents.

Finally, in 1988, the two cities, the one in the province of Québec, the one in Oise, France and the Pel Village in Mali formed a triangular twinning. The twinning followed the two cities' involvement in fund raising activities for the benefit of Pel and the agreement of the Canadian International Development Agency - CIDA to endorse the project and sustain financial aid.

The twinnings have proved to be very rewarding for the Pel community. Through the years, joint aid programs and numerous cultural, recreational and professional exchanges have strengthened the bonds that tie the three cities.

Thank you for visiting Pierrefonds District.
More to come soon.

Roxboro District (MBK)
Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough (MBK)
Local Street Map of the Borough (PDF)

Exit Pierrefonds
and go to Montreal Business Kit Home Page