Vieux-Port de Montréal

South end of promenade with a railroad crossing, near Rue McGill; The historic port of Montreal was used as early as 1611; it stretches for over two kilometers along the St. Lawrence River. In 1976, Montreal's Port activities were moved east to the present Port of Montreal in the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, and the area decayed. The Old Port redevelopment master plan was submitted in 1987 and building began in 1989, under the direction of architects Aurèle Cardinal and Peter Rose. In 1992 the area was inaugurated on the 350th anniversary of Montréal’s founding. It is today a recreational and historical area and draws six million tourists annually. The Old Port is managed by the Old Port of Montreal Corporation (established 1981), reporting directly to the government of Canada. Redevelopment continues; the current plan spans 2005-2015. In 2002 the Lachine Canal reopened to pleasure boaters. Source: Old Port of Montreal [website]; http://www.oldportofmontreal.com/ (accessed 7/29/2014