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
Canada issues travel warning as Hurricane Beryl tears through region
As Hurricane Beryl rips toward the southeast Caribbean, Global Affairs Canada is warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to Jamaica as well as several countries in the region.
Canadian feels 'abandoned' in Mexico after WestJet strike
More than 1,100 WestJet flights and counting have been cancelled since last Thursday, when a strike by the airlines mechanics union grounded travel plans for more than 100,000 customers.
Trudeau won't commit to national caucus meeting, says he's having calls with MPs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he's been taking calls from different members of his Liberal caucus following the party's historic byelection loss in a downtown Toronto riding last week, but his focus remains on governing.
Nearly four out of 10 Ontarians considering leaving due to cost of housing: survey
Nearly four out of 10 Ontarians say that they are considering leaving the province due to the high cost of housing, a new survey has found.
1 dead, 2 injured after helicopter crash near B.C.-Alberta border
One person was killed and two others were injured in a helicopter crash near the B.C.-Alberta border on Tuesday evening, according to the RCMP.
Hurricane Beryl roars toward Jamaica after killing at least 6 people in the southeast Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl was roaring toward Jamaica on Wednesday, with islanders scrambling to make preparations after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean.
Popular weight loss and diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of rare form of blindness
People who take Ozempic or Wegovy may have a higher risk of developing a rare form of blindness, a new study suggests. Still, doctors say it shouldn’t deter patients from using the medicines to treat diabetes or obesity.
Delta flight diverts to New York after passengers are served spoiled food
A Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted to New York's Kennedy Airport on Wednesday after passengers were served spoiled food, airline officials said.
The son of Asia's richest man is getting married in one of India's most anticipated — and lavish — weddings of the year
Billionaire heir Anant Ambani is set to marry his longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant later this month, in a lavish ceremony widely described as the country's wedding of the year.