Nowhere has a community seen such a turn around in its fortunes and character than in Lachine. Once known as a community of hard working decent people, over time the area was neglected and allowed to degenerate into a low-income ghetto. However, the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments planned on revamping the area and launched a major overhaul of the borough starting with the Lachine Canal. The canal was once an important trade route for furriers in the 1600’s who wanted to bypass the treacherous Lachine Rapids. But it took 130 years before it could be successfully engineered into a fully operational canal. It officially opened as an important industrial shipping route in 1825. Eventually it lost its place as an important shipping lane to the St. Lawrence Seaway, which could accommodate much larger ships and tonnage. So after playing such a pivotal role in the development of the region and Canada as a whole, it was officially closed in 1969 and had been neglected ever since. The Governments wanted to preserve the canal’s historic heritage, so a massive cleanup ensued. Since its closing the canal had become a virtual dumping ground for all kinds of junk and the waterway was polluted with industrial waste from the many factories that once lined its banks. After hundreds of millions of dollars, numerous years of cleaning and the restoration of the locks, the canal was finally reopened in 2002 as a historic site, pleasure boat recreation facility and picnic area. Along its banks bicycle paths were constructed and where old factories once existed new condominium developments were built, some from renovating old factories and warehouses while others were completely new structures. The area has become a hot spot for condo developers and buyers. Property values have soared in the area and real estate is at an all time premium. Because of its proximity to downtown Montreal, the Lachine Canal is highly sought after as a condo dwellers paradise offering the best of both worlds; scenic river front property and easy access to the city’s unequaled shopping, dining and nightlife. Buses, trains and the metro are all within easy access so commuting is a breeze. The canal runs from the Alexandra Basin in the Old Port of Montreal for 14.5 kilometers (approximately 9 miles) to the eastern tip of Lac St. Louis. A boat tour is available starting at the Atwater Market and lasts approximately 2 hours. Walking and bike tours are also available. Though it doesn’t have the gondolas of Venice it does have romantic and luscious charm as you leisurely sail its placid waters and savor its serenity. You can enjoy a picnic along the way in one if its many parks and simply relax as you enjoy the many tranquil sites it has to offer. As to condos, they run the gamut from townhouses to luxury tower complexes. You are only limited by the amount you want to pay. For anyone considering a condo in the Montreal area this is one of the most enchanting areas in the city. |
