THEN AND NOW: OUR STORIES… MONTRÉAL ET L’EAU

We know Dorval has a privileged connection with water through its shores on Lake Saint-Louis, but what is the water’s importance on the rest of the island of Montreal? On April 15 at 2 p.m., lecturer and anthropologist Nathalie Boucher will address this question from different historical and contemporary perspectives, from the point of view of water as a geographical, economic, and cultural element, or from the viewpoint of the shores, access, development, and urban perceptions. It is generally accepted that Montreal has turned its back on water in recent decades: waterways have been canalized, access restricted, knowledge transfer limited. Today, there are many signs that Montreal wants to renew its relationship with water, notably by developing beaches and facilitating water-based sports activities. What are the legacies that Montreal must now deal with? How can we envisage a future with the waters of Montreal?  This conference is presented in a hybrid format: in person at the Dorval Library and online (the link will be sent by email).