From Charity to Solidarity: Community Initiatives from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Marked by its worker and industrial past, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has often been at the forefront of initiatives dedicated to the poorest populations. Hit hard by the recession during the 1980s, the neighborhood changed during the 2000s, while experiencing a significant economic boom, particularly in real estate. Today, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve still has some of the highest poverty rates on the Island of Montreal, and community efforts to relieve poverty continue to be significant. Strolling on Adam Street from West to East, between Davidson and Viau streets, we will see architectural traces from a period where social services were intertwined with Catholic Church. We will pass by old churches, presbyteries and credit unions ("Caisses populaires") now transformed into community centers. This walk of 2.5 km will take us from Adam Street, to new housing projects near Viau Street going through, from East to West, the old railway now converted in pedestrian and cycling lanes. Our journey will end at the new Maisonneuve Market, next to the Beaux Arts style building of the old market, built just before the First World War. This tour is organized by Gilles Beauchamp, former CLSC community organizer from (1976 to 2012) who will commenting our journey in French as well as Annabelle Berthiaume and Tareq Hardan, two students from McGill's School of Social Work, who will be animating the discussion in English. Saturday, May 5th. Departure will be at 11 AM from Hochelaga Park (corner of Davidson and Lafontaine street).