Griffintown, Former industrial district in Le Sud-Ouest, Canada
Griffintown is a former industrial area between Notre-Dame Street and the Lachine Canal in southwestern Montreal. The neighborhood now contains a mix of old factory buildings, modern apartment complexes, and restored heritage structures standing side by side.
The area began in the 1820s when Mary Griffin subdivided her land and attracted Irish workers building the canal. The neighborhood grew into a densely packed working-class district before losing importance with deindustrialization in the 1900s.
The neighborhood's name comes from Mary Griffin, who subdivided the land and attracted the first residents during the 1800s. Today, art galleries and local eateries reflect how this former working-class area has transformed into a creative hub.
The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot, with many streets laid out flat and connected together. The canal also offers walking and cycling paths that guide visitors through the area.
In Parc Griffintown-St-Ann, parts of the original St. Ann's Church foundation remain visible, marking where the Irish community once gathered for worship. These remains stand as a reminder of the spiritual life that existed beneath today's buildings.
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