1990s – 2023

The Connections that Bind the Community Together

The period from the 1990s to today is characterized by the closure of the NCC in 1989 and the stop of all its operations in 1993. Even with the NCC gone, community participation is still at the heart of Little Burgundy’s history. The neighbourhood’s resilience takes its roots in its collective fight against racism, discrimination, poverty, and the struggles over urban renewal.

At the beginning of the 1990s, community organisations banded together to tackle the crack crisis through social actions. The targeted actions by the community groups made a big impact and started changing the face of the neighbourhood towards a safer environment. Subsequent waves of gentrification with the revitalization of the Lachine Canal and surrounding metros also impacted the area. With its inherently strong community presence, the ‘tightly knit community’ remained.

“There is a mural on (Rue) Saint Martin that says: ‘a tight-knit community.’ That is exactly what the community was and still is. Everywhere was always packed, everyone was close, it was full of life. So much vitality in one single area.”

Over the years, there were attempts at reopening the NCC. When the west wall collapsed in 2014, followed by the demolition of the building, dreams of rehabilitating the NCC were shattered. Throughout the years, rallies to revive the NCC kept its memory alive. Hopes of reviving the NCC are back once again since the City of Montreal bought back the lot from developers.

The community spirit that was once celebrated at the NCC remains alive among Little Burgundy’s residents today. Most importantly, the community is celebrated in people’s connections to each other and is passed on throughout daily rituals of uplifting others. Testimonies of ‘giving back’ to the community show the intergenerational will of passing forward the soul of Little Burgundy to new residents and new generations. The area surrounding Oscar Peterson Park is an important place where we see people interacting with one another.

“We all know that the face of the neighbourhood has changed drastically but in general where I am, on Coursol Street, it has stayed the same. It has always been a community place, everyone interacts with each other.”

The connections between people are deep and strong. Testimonies highlight the importance of those relationships that are described as family bonds. The sense of belonging to the community contributes to its resilience. The family ties described by the community is multicultural and encompasses lifelong residents of the neighbourhood and new residents. Once you become part of the community, you remain a part of Little Burgundy, even if you move.

“At almost 40, I still have the same friends I had at five years old. We are a community from the beginning to end, we stick together.”