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Stroll PhotographyPlaza-Saint-HubertRecently, on a beautiful sunny day in August, I revisited the Plaza-Saint-Hubert and, as usual, I had a great time. I took the Metro and got off at Jean-Talon. Then I walked on the west side of the street up to Bellechasse and strolled along the east side of the street and walked back to Jean-Talon. I am happy to tell you that the window shops still display fancy dresses and colourful textiles and that Oscar still offers its huge variety of candies and cookies. From one Dépanneur...
For 50 years now, the Plaza-Saint-Hubert has been a well known and a well established commercial sector of our urban landscape. 
In 1880, the St-Hubert Street was already an effervescent commercial road in the north part of Montreal. In 1951, Hélène and Roger Léger opened their first Rôtisserie St-Hubert. St-Hubert is now an important restaurant chain with an easy to recognize fleet of bright yellow delivery cars. In 1954, several local merchants joined forces and founded their first Association. 
Their main goal was to preserve the integrity and the viability of the local businesses. It lead to the creation of the Plaza St-Hubert in 1959 and to a long series of successful and prosperous years. 
In those days, thousands of people visited La Plaza every day. La Petite Patrie was then the centre of many commercial activities, social events and public performances. The success and the prosperity of The Plaza continued well into the 1970s. In 1973, the Plaza-Saint-Hubert inaugurated its annual sidewalk sale, a first in Montreal and in the Province of Quebec. The event still exists and the 2010 version was called “Athmosph’air sur la Plaza”. 
As early as 1981, the Merchant Association of the Plaza became a Société de développement commercial (SDC). 
In 1984, the City of Montreal, under the adminis-tration of Jean Drapeau, decided to experiment in urban design. The City provided the Plaza with an impressive glass canopy that still shelters both sides of the street between Jean-Talon and Bellechasse. The famous canopy became a huge marketing success. 
In 1990, the glass canopy, the sidewalks and the stores were all renovated and modernized. The renovations were an attempt to fight the economic recession and malaise that prevailed and to counteract the growing popularity of the shopping malls. 
Today, the image of The Plaza with its glass canopy that covers both sides of the shopping area became an important issue among the members of the SDC. 
The City initially paid for the canopy - more than 20 M$ - and for its maintenance, but the annual $40 000 required for repairs and maintenance is now under the responsibility of the merchants. 
Opinions vary. Some merchants want to renovate it, others would rather get rid of it. Pigeon droppings, rust, lack of maintenance, the canopy is old. The structure hides the facades of the buildings and, if destroyed, the storefronts will most certainly look bland and unappealing. Nevertheless, because of the constant efforts of some 350 to 400 merchants that specialize in all kinds of products and services, the Plaza-Saint-Hubert remains a busy and popular commercial area. 
Most stores are tended by people who are merchants by trade and most merchants own their own shop. Their passion in what they sell or provide is a huge advantage. 
Most merchants offer a cordial, personal and informative service. They know what they're doing and, if you ask, they will gladly share their knowledge and give you the explanation you require. The rue Saint-Hubert is known for its wide selection of shops that specialize in wedding gowns and in wedding accessories. La Plaza is also known for its affordable prices. What is less known is the fact that The Plaza is also up to date with the new trends that have recently been emerging in the retail business. 
Follow the yellow, red, green and blue color codes and discover a world of its own, a genuine paradise for shoppers and window shoppers. 
The Plaza St-Hubert is still dedicated to the bride but, in addition, some newcomers recently chose to focus on social and environmental sustainability. Much to our pleasure and satisfaction, some of the merchants now offer a large variety of eco-friendly products and services to the many shoppers who still visit The Plaza on a regular basis. ... to another Dépanneur
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