Lasalle, Montreal

LaSalle is a borough (arrondissement) of the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It consists entirely of the former city of LaSalle located on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada.

The borough is located at the southwestern corner of the island. It was a separate city until the 2002 municipal mergers.

History

Named for the area’s first seigneur and French explorer Robert René Cavelier de La Salle(born at Rouen, France in 1643, died in Texas in 1687). LaSalle came into existence as a municipality in 1845 and finally became the City of LaSalle in 1912. In 2002 it was annexed by the city of Montreal along with a number of other cities on the Island of Montreal.

Lachine Rapids are situated inside LaSalle territory. The name Lachine, which is also the name of the neighboring borough, stayed because in the French Regime period, LaSalle was actually part of the Lachine Parish. Before the creation of the Lachine Canal, the rapids had to be portaged on a trail called “Chemin LaSalle” (what is now the LaSalle Boulevard).

It is known for its many public schools, most noticeably l’Ecole secondaire Cavelier-de-LaSalle, known as one of the top talent producing schools in the field of dance, song, and two Montreal Alouettes cheerleaders. The other common public school in LaSalle isLaSalle Community Comprehensive High School, opened many years ago, home to many cultures.

Geography

LaSalle is bordered on the north by Lachine (largely along the Lachine Canal), to the northeast by Le Sud-Ouest, and to the east by Verdun.

The southern and western limit of the borough is the Saint Lawrence River; several islands in the river belong to the borough, including the Île aux Hérons migratory birdreserve. The Lachine Rapids pass by the borough.

Government

Federal and provincial elections

The entire borough is located within the federal riding of LaSalle—Émard. The LaSalle—Émard riding is represented by former city councillor Lise Zarac.

Provincially, most of the borough constitutes the electoral district of Marguerite-Bourgeoys, with the northwest corner being part of Marquette. Marguerite-Bourgeoys was represented by Monique Jérôme-Forget until her 2009 resignation.

Demographics

Cityscape

Among the LaSalle’s attractions are Angrignon Mall, the Lachine Canal and the Canal de l’Aqueduc, with their recreational areas; the Octagone library; the Parc Angrignon; the Île aux Hérons migratory bird refuge; the Saints-Anges archeological site; Des Rapides Park; and the Fleming windmill, which is used as the borough’s symbol. Other major installations include the Cégep André-Laurendeau.

Economy

LaSalle’s main economic engines include industries and agrifoods:

• Seagram’s Distillery
• Fleischmann’s Yeast
• Labatt’s Brewery
• Angrignon Taxi
• Carrefour Angrignon

Infrastructure

LaSalle is served by the LaSalle commuter train station on the Delson-Candiac Line. Route 138passes through the borough before crossing the Honoré Mercier Bridge to Kahnawake. Other important thoroughfares include LaSalle Blvd., Newman Blvd., La Vérendrye Blvd., Bishop Power Blvd., Champlain Blvd, Shevchenko, Lapierre, and Jean-Brillon.

Sports and recreation

LaSalle also has various sports teams, the football association (Warriors), the hockey association (Cougars),the baseball association (Cardinals)and the soccer association (Lasalle Rapids) which remain popular.

via: wikipedia