Old Port of Montreal

Old Port of Montreal

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Old Port of Montreal

Marina, Old Port of Montreal

Marché Bonsecours, seen from the Old Port, Fall 2006

Science Centre, Old Port

Stretching for over two kilometres along the St-Lawrence River in Old Montreal, the Old Port Of Montreal has been the social, economic and cultural soul of Montreal ever since early French fur traders used it as a trading post in 1611. It was here that the city and the port came to life more than 350 years ago.

The redevelopment of the city's Old Port took place in the early 90s, under the direction of architects Aurèle Cardinal and Peter Rose.^[1]

Today, the riverfront welcomes over seven million visitors per year. The historical Old Port offers Montrealers and visitors alike access to a wide variety of activities, including the Montréal Science Centre, with an IMAX Theatre. It offers riverfront access for walking, cycling, roller-blading, quadricycle, pedalo and Segway rentals. It is also located at the eastern end of the Lachine Canal, which has itself been extensively refurbished as a popular destination for cycling, roller-blading and pleasure boating.

The Old Port of Montreal changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal in 2005. Every 2 years the Cirque de Soleil launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay.

Shipping has been moved further east to the present Port of Montreal site, leaving the riverside area of Old Port adjacent to Old Montreal as a recreational and historical area.

Management

The Old Port is managed by the Old Port of Montreal Corporation, a subsidiary of Canada Lands Company, an arms length,self-financing Crown corporation reporting to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Although it is a subsidiary of Canada Lands, the Old Port reports directly to the government. ^[2]