Work gets underway to revamp Lachine lighthouse, pier
Work is finally underway at Lachine's picturesque lighthouse and pier, a project envisioned by and for residents.
Architect François Martineau says the revamping project underway at Pier 34 is an homage to Lachine.
"I believe it's going to be a lot more people, but that's a good thing for Lachine. It's going to improve the experience," he said.
He's part of the group of residents that pitched the pier makeover idea to the city in 2021. Three years later, it's finally underway.
Martineau says that's a relief.
"Being an architect myself, I see a lot of projects, a lot of ideas not being realized," he said.
Pier 34 in Lachine. (CTV News)
It was one of the projects that won in the first edition of Montreal's "participatory budget," a citizen-led initiative.
For urbanist Julie Levasseur, who was also behind the pitch, it was crucial to table an idea that benefits all visitors.
"When I first moved to Lachine, I found that the lighthouse is very emblematic. But people were allowed to park on it so it was kind of strange because you have this amazing space for people but it's not inclusive because there's cars all the time," Levasseur said.
Geared towards creating a haven of relaxation, the group planned an accessible space to promote the natural beauty and the activities it nurtures, like urban fishing.
"One of my biggest sturgeons that I caught was actually here at the lighthouse. It was a 55-pounder," said Montreal resident Karl Balazuela.
Balazuela says catfish, bass and walleye are other common fish reeled in at the pier.
Aside from fishing, there's still plenty to enjoy in the area, like people watching.
"We see the people putting their boats in the water, coming out of the water. We see people passing by on their bikes," said Lachine resident Lise Bessette.
Lachine Borough Mayor Maja Vodanovic sees the $3-million project as an investment in the neighbourhood's future.
"We want to create a destination in Lachine, a destination for watersports, a destination for swimming — like a real summer destination," Vodanovic said.
As Levasseur points out, the pier's remodeling is just the first step of a much bigger project.
"This whole place is actually part of a future huge nautical park. So the marina is going to be eventually a public marina for everybody. This place is going to be much more inclusive for people," she said.
In 2021, 3,780 citizens voted for the Pier 34 project. While they'll have to wait six months to enjoy the renewed pier, residents nevertheless see the light.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6947086.1719783953!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Are you proud to be Canadian? Poll suggests that feeling is dwindling
A new poll suggests the vast majority of Canadians are proud of their home and native land, but our sense of national pride is lower than it was a few years ago.
More WestJet flight cancellations as strike hits tens of thousands of travellers
WesJet flight cancellations grew to over 800 Sunday afternoon, upending plans for close to 100,000 passengers as an unexpected strike by plane mechanics entered its third day on the busiest travel weekend of the season.
Neighbour on the hook for $3,675 in damages due to ‘nuisance cedar’: B.C. tribunal
A B.C. man who reneged on a deal to split the cost of removing a tree with his next-door neighbour is now on the hook for the whole amount, B.C.’s civil resolution has ruled.
Multiple people injured in RV police chase in Lloydminster: RCMP
Several people were injured Saturday night after a man allegedly stole an occupied RV during a police chase at a campground in Lloydminster.
A study identified 6 types of depression. Here’s why that matters
Scientists may be a step closer to that reality, thanks to new research that has identified six subtypes — or 'biotypes' — of major depression via brain imaging combined with machine learning.
B.C.'s Michael J. Fox joins Coldplay on stage at Glastonbury Festival
A crowd of around 100,000 people were treated to a surprise appearance from a B.C. star during Coldplay’s set at Glastonbury Festival in England this weekend.
Nude beach etiquette: Lose your clothes, not your manners
Most of us have felt the freedom and delight that comes with stripping down to a swimsuit on a sunny day and wading into a cool sea, the horizon twinkling in the distance.
Canada Day is forecast to be rainy for many this year. Here's a look at weather and fireworks celebrations
Canada turns 157 years old this year, and several fireworks shows across the country are expected to paint the night skies in celebration. Here's a look at the forecast and fireworks celebrations across the country for Canada Day in 2024.
Police seek suspect, probe suspected hate crimes after two Toronto synagogues vandalized
Toronto police say they're investigating a pair of suspected hate-motivated offences after two city synagogues were damaged early Sunday morning.