Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is a borough in Montreal situated on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec. It was founded as a trading post in 1669 and developed into a parish and then an autonomous city before merging with Montreal in 2002.

 

Lachine was established by French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1667 during his search for a route to China. 

 

The name "Lachine" is believed to be derived from the French term "la petite Chine" or "little China," possibly in mockery of La Salle's failed expedition to find a passage to China. 

 

Another theory suggests that the name was given by Samuel de Champlain, who proposed a customs house to tax goods from China passing through the area in 1618.

 

Historically, Lachine was an important departure point for fur traders heading west. Today, local industries include pharmaceutical manufacturing and machinery production for the pulp and paper industry. 

 

The borough is also home to the headquarters of Rolls-Royce Canada Limited, which manufactures and services aircraft engines. 

 

The Lachine Museum features the Le Ber–Le Moyne House (1669), an archaeological collection, and two sculpture gardens. The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site is another notable attraction.

 

Lachine is served by Autoroute 20 and has a commuter train station. The Lachine Canal, which opened in 1825, is a significant feature of the borough and offers recreational facilities. 

 

The canal is also the site of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Other notable parks include René Lévesque Park, which extends into Lac Saint-Louis, and Monk Island, where a memorial to Air India Flight 182 is located.

 

Lachine has a diverse community with a mix of old and new businesses. The waterfront downtown area features a quaint mix of twentieth-century duplexes and nineteenth-century cottages. 

 

The borough has a small public market and a main street, Notre Dame, which has seen a resurgence of new immigrant businesses, such as a French bakery run by a Cambodian owner and a Somali couple's halal butcher.

 

History of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is a borough in Montreal, situated on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec. It was founded as a trading post in 1669 and developed into a parish and then an autonomous city before being merged into Montreal in 2002.

 

The area was first settled by French explorer Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, in 1667. La Salle named the site after a contraction of "la petite Chine" or "little China," possibly in mockery of his failed expedition to find a passage to China. 

 

The first French settlers arrived in 1675, and the site was fortified under the name of Fort Rolland. This bastion became an important place for the fur trade.

 

On August 4, 1689, more than 1500 Mohawk warriors raided the small village and burned it to the ground in retaliation for the ravaging of the Seneca lands, which was accused of being committed by the governor of New France, the Marquis de Denonville. The Lachine massacre left 80 dead.

 

Lachine was incorporated as a village in 1848, then as a town in 1872, and finally as a city in 1909. In 1912, it annexed the neighboring Town of Summerlea, founded in 1895. It merged with the town of Saint-Pierre in 1999, and the combined municipality merged into Montreal on January 1, 2002.

 

Geography of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is a borough within the city of Montreal, situated on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec. It is located at the inlet of the Lachine Canal, between the borough of LaSalle and the city of Dorval. As of the 2016 Canadian Census, it has an area of 17.83 km² (7 sq. mi.) and a population of 44,489.

 

Lachine is bordered to the northwest by the city of Dorval, to the northeast by Saint-Laurent, to the east by Côte Saint-Luc, Montreal West, and a narrow salient of Le Sud-Ouest, and to the south by LaSalle. Its western limit is the shore of Lake Saint-Louis and the Saint Lawrence River.

 

Autoroute 20 passes through Lachine, which is also served by the Lachine commuter train station. The Lachine Canal and its recreational facilities, including the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, are notable features of the borough. 

 

The canal is managed by Parks Canada and offers activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and initiation to camping. A bike path runs along the entire canal, which was ranked third on Time Magazine's list of the top 10 urban bike paths in the world in 2009.

 

René Lévesque Park, located on a long peninsula extending into Lac Saint-Louis, is a significant park in Lachine. Monk Island, where a memorial to Air India Flight 182 is located, is another notable park in the borough.

 

Demographics of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

The demographics of Lachine, Quebec, Canada, are as follows:

 

Population and Density

• Population: 44,489 (2016 Canadian Census)
• Population density: 2,646 people per square kilometer (6.85 sq mi)

 

Age and Gender

• Median age: 41.7 years (2016 Canadian Census)
• Male/Female ratio: 1.0:1 (2016 Canadian Census)
• Married couples: 48% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Families with kids at home: 41% (2016 Canadian Census)

 

Language

• French: 60% (2016 Canadian Census)
• English: 29% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Non-official language only: 11% (2016 Canadian Census)

 

Ethnicity

• Not a visible minority: 75.9% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Visible minorities: 24.1% (2016 Canadian Census)

 

Education

• Language: French, English, and non-official languages
• Education level: Not specified in the provided sources

 

Other Demographics

• Black population: 13.9% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Chinese population: 3.3% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Arab population: 2.6% (2016 Canadian Census)
• Latin American population: 2.6% (2016 Canadian Census)
• South Asian population: 1.5% (2016 Canadian Census)

 

Historical Demographics

• Population growth: 6.9% from 2011 to 2016 (2016 Canadian Census)
• Population growth: 5.8% from 2016 to 2021 (2021 Census)

 

Economy of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

The economy of Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is diverse and has evolved over time. Historically, Lachine was a significant hub for the fur trade and later became a major industrial center. Today, the borough is known for its steel plants and electrical appliance and electronics industries.

 

Industrialization

Lachine's industrialization was one of the most rapid in Canada, attracting a large working-class population. The development of the Lachine Canal in the 1820s and the establishment of the Montreal and Lachine Railroad in 1847 further solidified its role in the trade network extending to southwestern Canada and the US.

 

Modern Economy

Montreal's economy is the second largest of all cities in Canada and the first in Quebec. In 2022, Metropolitan Montreal was responsible for $233 Billion CDN of Quebec's $425 Billion CDN GDP, with a population of 4.37 million people. Montreal's economy comprises approximately 54.8% of Quebec's overall GDP.

 

Unemployment and Income

Montreal's unemployment rate increased to 6.3% in the fourth-quarter of 2023, compared to 5.7%, the three-month moving average in 2022. In 2020, Montreal's per capita disposable income was $34,019 CDN, marking an increase of 8.4% from 2019.

 

Education in Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Education in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is provided by both French and English public schools. The Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys operates Francophone public schools, while the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) operates Anglophone public schools.

 

Primary and Secondary Schools

• Francophone schools:
  • Primary schools:
    • École Primaire Catherine-Soumillard
    • École Primaire Victor Therrien
    • École Primaire des Berges-de-Lachine
    • École Primaire Jardin-des-Saints-Anges
    • École Primaire Martin-Bélanger
    • École Primaire Paul-Jarry
    • École Primaire Philippe-Morin
    • École Primaire Très-Saint-Sacrement
  • Secondary schools:
    • École secondaire Dalbé-Viau
    • Collège Saint-Louis
    • College Sainte-Anne de Lachine
• Anglophone schools:
  • Lakeside Academy
  • Maple Grove Elementary School
  • Pearson Electrotechnology Centre (PEC)

 

Public Libraries

The Montreal Public Libraries Network operates the Saint-Pierre Branch and the Saul-Bellow Branch in Lachine.

 

Transport System of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Lachine commuter rail station, part of the Vaudreuil–Hudson line operated by Exo (the regional transit authority), serves the city. The station has two side platforms and is located north of Autoroute 20.

 

On weekdays, there are 11 inbound and 12 outbound trains that stop at Lachine station. On weekends, there are 4 trains in each direction on Saturdays and 3 in each direction on Sundays.

 

The commuter train connects Lachine station to the Lucien-L'Allier station in downtown Montreal in approximately 21 minutes.

 

Bus and Rapid Transit

The ARTM (Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain) is considering several public transit options to improve connectivity between Lachine and other parts of Montreal, including:

• A bus transit corridor or tramway connecting Lachine to Dorval and the Angrignon Metro station
• A bus transit corridor or tramway connecting Lachine to the Lionel-Groulx and Jolicoeur Metro stations
• A bus transit corridor or tramway connecting Lachine to the Square-Victoria OACI Metro station

 

Roads and Highways

Autoroute 20 passes through the Lachine borough, providing road access.

 

Other Transport

The Lachine Canal offers recreational opportunities for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and cycling along its bike path.

 

Lachine's transport system is centered around its commuter rail station, with plans for potential new bus or light rail connections to improve transit links to other parts of Montreal. The borough also has highway access and recreational waterways.

 

Living in Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Living in Lachine, Quebec, Canada offers a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. Here are some key points about living in Lachine:

• Lachine was founded in 1667 as a trading post by French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle. It has a rich history, including the Lachine Massacre of 1689 when Iroquois warriors attacked the settlement.
• The Lachine Canal, opened in 1825, was an important trade route and is now a National Historic Site offering recreational activities like cycling and boating.
• Cultural attractions include the Lachine Museum, sculpture gardens, and entertainment venues.

• Major industries include pharmaceuticals, machinery manufacturing, and aerospace (Rolls-Royce Canada headquarters).
• The town experienced rapid industrialization in the 19th century, attracting a large working-class population.

• Lachine is served by Autoroute 20 and has a commuter train station with service to downtown Montreal.
• The Lester B. Pearson School Board operates English schools in Lachine, including Lakeside Academy and Maple Grove Elementary.

• Other parks include René Lévesque Park and Monk Island.

 

Lachine offers a mix of history, culture, transportation, and recreational amenities, making it an attractive place to live within the Montreal metropolitan area. Its diverse population and economy provide a vibrant community.

 

Healthcare in Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is home to several healthcare facilities, including the Lachine Hospital, which is part of the McGill University Health Centre. Here are some key points about healthcare in Lachine:

 

Lachine Hospital provides primary and secondary healthcare services, 52 acute care beds, and 22,000 ER visits per year.

 

McGill University Health Centre: Reduce waiting lists, improve patient care, and increase accessibility.

 

Other Healthcare Facilities

• St-Mary's Hospital Center
• Hôpital de Lachine
• Hôpital Général Juif
• Clinique Psychiatrique Lachine
• McGill University Health Center.

 

Key Points

• Geriatrics: 20 beds reserved for geriatrics, multidisciplinary services
• Ophthalmology: Expanded services, including cataract treatment
• Bariatric Surgery: Four specially-equipped rooms for bariatric surgery
• Emergency Room: Tripling in size, improved facilities and services
• Computer Systems: Integrated and networked computer system for efficient patient care.

 

Lachine, Quebec, Canada, offers a range of healthcare facilities and services, including the Lachine Hospital and the McGill University Health Centre. The Lachine Hospital is undergoing a major modernization project to improve patient care and reduce waiting lists.

 

Tourist places in Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist places and attractions in Lachine, Quebec, Canada:

1. Lachine Canal National Historic Site: This historic canal offers opportunities for cycling, kayaking, canoeing, and other recreational activities along its scenic waterfront.
2. Lachine Museum: Located in a 17th-century building, this museum features exhibits on the history and culture of Lachine, including its role in the fur trade.
3. Sculpture Gardens (Musée plein air de Lachine): The borough has outdoor sculpture gardens that showcase works of art.
4. Vibrations Om: This yoga, massage, and wellness center offers classes and treatments in a relaxing environment.
5. GSC MMA Academy Inc.: This martial arts academy provides training in mixed martial arts disciplines.
6. Atwater Market: Located along the Lachine Canal, this public market offers fresh local produce, baked goods, and other food products.
7. McAuslan Brewery: This local brewery offers tours and tastings of its craft beers.
8. Parc René-Lévesque: This large park along the shores of Lac Saint-Louis provides green space and recreational opportunities.
9. Monk Island: This island in the Lachine Rapids features a memorial to the victims of Air India Flight 182.
10. Glup Boutique: This local shop sells a variety of gifts, home decor, and other unique items.

 

Lachine offers a mix of historic sites, outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and local businesses that cater to both residents and visitors. The Lachine Canal and its surrounding areas are particularly popular destinations.

 

Local Food of Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Lachine, Quebec, Canada, is known for its rich culinary history and diverse local food scene. Here are some of the top local foods and dishes to try in Lachine:

1. Poutine: A classic Quebec dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
2. Smoked Meat Sandwich: Montreal's signature sandwich, made with cured beef brisket and served on rye bread with mustard.
3. Tourtière: A traditional Quebec meat pie filled with minced pork, veal, or beef and potatoes, often served during Christmas and New Year's Eve meals.
4. Couscous: A popular Moroccan dish in Montreal, made with steamed granules of durum wheat semolina topped with a spice-infused stew of meat and vegetables.
5. Tassot: A classic Haitian dish made with jerked goat or beef, marinated in citrus juice, and often served with rice and fried plantains.
6. Cheese: Quebec is renowned for its cheese production, with a variety of young, raw-milk cheeses available. The Eastern Townships are a great place to explore this local specialty.
7. Bagels: Montreal-style bagels are a staple in Lachine, often served with cream cheese or smoked salmon.
8. Crêpes: Thin, French-style pancakes that are popular for breakfast or as a snack, often served with maple syrup and/or fruits.
9. Tire sur la neige: A sweet treat made by pouring hot maple sap directly onto fresh snow, creating a soft candy that is designed to be eaten straight away.
10. Lamb: Charlevoix lamb is a local specialty, known for its unique flavor and quality. It is often served in local restaurants and is a popular choice for special occasions.

 

These local foods and dishes showcase the diversity and richness of Lachine's culinary scene, reflecting the city's cultural heritage and its connection to the surrounding regions.

 

You can also check the information regarding La Tuque, Quebec