Saint-Roch, Quebec City
Saint-Roch is a neighbourhood in the borough of La Cité in Quebec City, Canada. Once a working-class neighbourhood, it has been redeveloped in recent years.[1]
History
Saint-Roch was first settled in 1620 by the Recollects, who built a small church dedicated to Saint Roch.[2] Today the Église Saint-Roch is the largest in Quebec City. Later, a few houses were built near what is now the Gare du Palais.[3] In the first half of the 19th century, Saint-Roch was a shipbuilding site. Later, the district saw the development of retail and manufacturing activity. From the mid-19th century to the 1960s, the rue Saint-Joseph was the principal commercial street in Quebec City.[3] In the 1960s, with shoppers attracted to suburban shopping centres, a good part of the street was covered with a roof of concrete and plexiglass in 1974.[4] Demolition of this mall began in the 1990s and was finished in 2007[5] which led to increased commercial activity.[6]
During the second half of the 20th century, the district fell into decline and was considered the most deprived in the city. However, Since the year 2000, 380 million dollars have been invested in the district to renovate and reconstruct most of the buildings in rue Saint-Joseph.[3] The heart of the district,now known as Nouvo St-roch, has seen attracted a growing number of technology and software companies as well as new restaurants and shops. Many old industrial buildings have been converted into condos, and the area is attracting more urban professionals and students.
The northern area of Saint Roch along the banks of the Saint Charles river remains relatively unaffected by the redevelopment and contains the majority of the areas remaining social housing and factories. However, a new development at Point aux lievres will see the construction of an Eco Quarter and well start the transformation of this area of the district.
Gallery
| The Rothmans tobacco factory in the background |
| The commercial Saint-Joseph street |
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References
