Ontario Street (Montreal) facts for kids
| French: Rue Ontario | |
Rue Ontario
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| Part of | Ville-Marie, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve |
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| Length | 6.1 km (3.8 mi) |
| Location | Between Sherbrooke Street and Sainte-Catherine Street |
| From | Saint-Urbain |
| To | Rue Ida-Steinberg (slightly east of Rue Viau) |
Ontario Street (officially known as French: rue Ontario in French) is a main street in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It stretches from east to west across two important areas of the city: Ville-Marie and Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. In the eastern part, this street becomes a mix of homes and shops. This section is often called Promenade Ontario.
Contents
History of Ontario Street
How Ontario Street Got Its Name
In the past, two businessmen, John S. Cartwright and J. B. Forsyth, bought a large piece of land. They divided this land into smaller plots and created new streets. They decided to name three of these new streets after famous Great Lakes: Erie, Huron, and Ontario. This is how Ontario Street got its name.
For many years, people thought the street was named after the province of Ontario. However, in 1948, a historian from Montreal found old documents. These documents showed that the street was actually named after Lake Ontario. Even though it was known as Ontario Street since 1842, the name became official in 1867.
Changes Over Time
The areas that Ontario Street passes through, like the Centre-Sud and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhoods, faced tough times in the 1980s. Many shops closed, and the areas became known for being poor.
However, things have changed a lot since the 2010s. The street has become much more lively and popular. This is partly because new developments have opened in the downtown section. Also, the Promenade Ontario shopping area in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has become very popular. During the summer, this shopping area even closes to cars and becomes a fun place for people to walk and shop.
Exploring Ontario Street
Where Ontario Street Runs
Ontario Street starts in the west at Saint-Urbain Street. This is in the Quartier des Spectacles, a lively entertainment district. The street then stretches all the way to the east, ending just past Rue Viau in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
The part of Ontario Street in downtown Montreal is very urban. It has many businesses and shops. As you move further east into Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the street changes. It becomes a mix of homes and shops. In the summer, this section is often closed to cars, making it a pleasant place for walking.
President Kennedy Avenue
West of Saint-Urbain Street, Ontario Street changes its name. It becomes known as President Kennedy Avenue (or French: avenue du President-Kennedy in French). This part of the street is home to many hotels and apartment buildings. It was named after John F. Kennedy, who was the 35th President of the United States.
Getting Around Ontario Street
If you want to travel along Ontario Street, you have a few options. Two metro stations are located right on the street: Place des Arts and Frontenac. The STM, which runs Montreal's public transport, also has a bus route, the 125 bus, that travels the entire length of Ontario Street.
