Early history Hochelaga was named after the
Iroquois village of the same name, first visited by explorer
Jacques Cartier in 1534. The neighbourhood was at one time believed to be the location of the historic village, but modern
historians and
anthropologists have not reached agreement on the exact location. '', are a common sight Present-day Hochelaga was founded as a suburban village in 1863. Industry soon started moving in, including the Hudon and Sainte-Anne
cotton mills and in 1876 the terminal and railway shops of the
Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and Occidental Railway.
Industrial Development In 1883, Hochelaga was annexed to the city of Montreal against the demands of some of its landowners to the east. In response, they separated their territory to found the village of Maisonneuve. Maisonneuve grew rapidly between 1896 and 1915 and became of one Canada's largest industrial suburbs, marketed as a model industrial city and the
Pittsburgh of Canada during the first two decades of the 20th century These factories hired many workers, including immigrants and people from the surrounding countryside. They worked in the
shoe,
textile,
tanning,
slaughterhouse, tobacco, food, and
shipbuilding industries.
Civic Projects & Beautification The threat of annexation led the growing French bourgeoisie class in the town of Maisonneuve push to distinguish themselves,. Local councilors promoting government spending on 'civic beautification,' constructing the former Maisonneuve Town Hall (now Bibliothèque Maisonneuve),
Maisonneuve Market, gymnasium and baths, and boulevards, including expansion of
Pie-IX that established zoning in the area and barred factories and mill from being constructed,. The decision attracted wealthier French bourgeoisie class, which can be seen in the construction of
Château Dufresne with its ornate design and decorated with stained glass from artisan
Guido Nincheri. Nincheri would move his studio ontl Pie-IX boulevard in 1914. In 1917, the town of Maisonneuve published an advertisement describing the town as the Garden of Montreal, a contradiction to its former industrial title. and remains one of the
largest parks in Montreal, but it was fraught with scandals, being over budget and land speculation. Nonetheless, Maisonneuve Park succeeded with promoting cultural and athletic activities, and it continues to host the
Montreal Botanical Garden beginning in 1930s, and later, the
Maurice Richard Arena and Olympic stadium. In 1918, the town of Maisonneuve was $18 million in debt. The district became particularly notorious for
prostitution, a contentious issue for many years.
Present day The 2010s were marked by increased
gentrification, the arrival of students and professionals, and
condo development leading to protests and some cases of vandalism of commerce. Notable areas that developed include the
Promenade Ontario shopping street and the
Place Simon Valois revitalized in 2017. In December 2020, the camp was shut down by
the police, following a fire a few days earlier and hygiene concerns. This occurred despite promises from
the mayor that they would not be forcibly relocated. However, by the summer of 2022, many of the occupants had gradually returned, and were again removed by the SPVM in June, leading to an outcry from homeless advocates and certain
opposition politicians. == Features ==