Place des Montréalaises public square inaugurated: recognizes the contribution of women in the city

A new public space paying tribute to the city’s women was inaugurated today.

The City of Montreal introduced Place des Montréalaises, which also creates a safe and universally accessible link between downtown and Old Montreal.

“As the 400th anniversary of Montreal, co-founded by Jeanne Mance, approaches, Place des Montréalaises marks the territory by recognizing the women builders of Montreal and serves as a daily reminder that women and girls must never doubt the place they must loudly and clearly claim in our society,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

“Despite all the work and struggles that remain, I am very proud to bequeath to Montrealers this spectacular place, which contributes to making Montreal a decidedly feminist city, and proud of it,” she added.

The name Place des Montréalaises was inspired by the Conseil des Montréalaises, the city explained.

This pushed the city’s administration in 2016 to create a square dedicated to women who have made their mark on the city’s history.

The multidisciplinary landscape covers over two hectares, and consists of three components:

• Flower meadow, located on the slope, offering a constantly changing display of flowers and acting as a lookout over the city
• Mirror, bearing the names of the 14 victims of the École Polytechnique femicide and seven pioneering women of the city from different fields
• Staircase displaying a field of letters, evoking the names of all Montreal women, and showcasing Marcelle Ferron’s stained-glass window

“It is with great emotion and immense pride that we take part in the inauguration of this space, dreamed up since 2016 by the Conseil des Montréalaises to give visibility to the women builders of Montreal,” said Nelly Dennene, President of the Conseil des Montréalaises, the City of Montreal’s feminist advisory council.

15 citizens of the Council have been actively involved in this project over the years.

“Today, we are celebrating an important step forward,” she explained. “Above all, we are paving the way: a path that recognizes the contribution of all the women who have made, are making, and will make.”

“May Place des Montréalaises and Place Marie-Josèphe-Angélique inspire all young girls to realize their dreams,” she added.

Montrealers are invited to bring these spaces to life, including the redeveloped and enhanced Place Marie-Josèphe-Angélique.

Located west of the Champ-de-Mars metro station and adjacent to Place des Montréalaises, upgrading the site was also part of the redevelopment project for the Champ-de-Mars sector.

Named in 2012, it is intended to pay tribute to Marie-Josèphe Angélique (1705-1734), a slave who suffered a tragic fate.

“The name of the square recalls the historical reality of slavery in Canada and the violence against women,” the City said in a press release. “Two elements that are essential to collectively remember.”

About 100 trees were planted as part of the project, increasing the greening of the area.

The development of Place des Montréalaises also helped repair the urban divide created by the Ville-Marie Expressway, the City explained.

“Both a link and a place, the new developments will provide a safe and pleasant way to travel between the Champ-de-Mars metro station and the area around City Hall, Chinatown, and, more broadly, Old Montreal,” they said.

“Our challenge was inspiring: we had before us the opportunity to reintegrate biodiversity, reweave the city, and, above all, create a unifying space that honors the women who have marked Montreal’s history,” said Patricia Lussier, landscape architect and partner at Lemay.

“What became clear throughout the process was that this invitation to celebrate women through public spaces is more than an opportunity to create a grandiose design: it’s a powerful act of inclusion and a feminist gesture,” she added.

Montrealers are invited to celebrate the completion of the Place des Montréalaises and Place Marie-Josèphe-Angélique projects on Saturday, May 17, with several activities planned for all.