What's in a name?
Avenue du Parc -- which unsurprisingly runs alongside (you guessed it) a park -- couldn't sound like a more utilitarian moniker. But as it turns out, a Parc by any other name just wouldn't be as sweet.
Constructed late 19th century, it was named in 1883 in honour of Parc Mont Royal. In the 1860's, the people of Montreal were up in arms -- trees were being chopped down left and right on the mountain -- so they petitioned for conservation. The government listened, and the city's most celebrated green space was born, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the man behind New York's Central Park.)
Over a century later, a new band of Montrealers worked to keep that history alive.
In case you don't know, Mayor Gerald Tremblay hatched a little plan to rename the avenue after former Quebec premier Robert Bourassa. He obviously hadn't anticipated the clash that would ensue; a huge group of residents, property owners, merchants and heritage groups banded together to save Parc. Bourassa's family also objected, believing that the conflict would tarnish the premier's legacy. They made such a ruckus that Tremblay was forced to eat a whopping chunk of a certain humility-themed dessert, and on February 6, 2007 the plan was scrapped.
But what makes Parc so precious?
That's the charm of du Parc; it's eclectic, it's odd, it's often nonsensical. And we like it that way.
"It's got a very special energy about it," says Chris Karidogiannis, one of the leaders of the citizens' group who protested the name change. "It's a very eccentric, talented, diverse neighbourhood. And it's been the gateway of the immigrant community into Montreal for over 100 years."
Indeed, it was once the centre of the Jewish immigrant community, who rode the streetcars that connected the residential area with downtown. Parc has evolved into one of the city's major arteries. Nowadays, the Greek community -- among others -- has flourished here (when Greece won the 2004 Euro Cup traffic was blocked by a sea of blue and white.) The streetcars have been replaced by the famed route 80 bus, which runs to the end of Parc at Jean Talon. Beyond there lays the avenue's namesake, Parc Extension; one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in the city with 80% of residents whose first language is neither English nor French.
But the avenue isn't just about history; it's also a great place to tie one on. For years, Bar Skala was the local dive par excellence, with cheap beer and a host of colourful characters. Sadly, its doors have closed. It has been replaced by a mostly empty place whose 90's décor seems to have been stolen from your friends' moms' rec rooms. When asked for menus, the waitress replied, "Tonight is spaghetti and meatballs. It's served at 8 pm." Maybe this is your friend's mom's living room in the 90s! But that's the charm of du Parc; it's eclectic, it's odd, it's often nonsensical (the notorious and much maligned Park-Pine interchange was testament to that.) And we like it that way.
Besides, the dive tradition is kept alive by La Petite Idée Fixe, where big bottles are sold and the free jukebox is packed with Fleetwood Mac. When the sun comes up, Dusty's is the perfect spot for moaning into your coffee. You'll need the energy if you want to dance at the Tam Tams, where masses of bongo drummers convene under the angel statue in the park every warm Sunday of the year.
Those looking for a tamer time can indulge in the laziest of sports at Quilles International. If you're too upscale for bowling, go for a fancy meal at Parisian bistro Chez Gautier or a relaxed lunch at Café Imagination. Or best of all, catch a flick at Cinema du Parc. Local hearts were broken in 2006 when this intimate repertory theatre closed its doors. But just like the beloved name of the avenue itself, it was given a second chance and is up and running once more. Du Parc, it seems, is full of little miracles.
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Susan Krashinsky is a freelance writer, editor and poet based now based in Ottawa.
Wherefore art thou?
La Petite Idée Fixe
4857, av. du Parc
(514) 272-1734
Dusty's
4510, av. du Parc
(514) 276-8525
Open daily 7h to 19h
Salon de Quilles International
6590, av. du Parc
(look for the sign with the bowling Eiffel Tower)
(514) 276-7222
Open Mon.-Thurs. 11h to 23h, Fri. 11h to 1h,
Sat. 12h to 1h, Sun. 11h to 22h
http://www.salondequillesinternational.com/ |
Restaurant Chez Gautier
3487, av. du Parc
(514) 845-2992
Open Mon.-Wed. 11h30 to 23h,
Thurs.-Fri. 11h30 to 23h30, Sat. 9h to 23h
Café Imagination
330, rue Sherbrooke O.
(514) 985-5888
Open Mon.-Fri. 7h to 20h, Sat.-Sun. 9h to 20h
Cinéma du Parc
3575, av. du Parc
(514) 281-1900
http://www.cinemaduparc.com/ |
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