Place D'Youville (Quebec) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Place D'Youville |
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| City square | |
 Place D'Youville and its skating rink |
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| Dedicated to: | Marie-Marguerite d'Youville |
| Location: | Québec City, Quebec, Canada |
Place D’Youville, also known as carré D'Youville, is a busy public square in the center of Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It is located on rue Saint-Jean, which is one of Quebec City's oldest roads. This square shows the border between the Quebec Parliament Hill and Old Quebec. The square is named to honor Marie-Marguerite d'Youville. She was a French Canadian woman who started a religious group called the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Besides the square itself, Place D’Youville also refers to the area around it. This includes the main bus station for Quebec City's public transport system. You will also find the Palais Montcalm and the Théâtre Capitole de Québec here.
During the winter months, a part of the square becomes a fun skating rink. To the west of the square, there is a sculpture named "The Muses." This artwork was made by Alfred Laliberté. The Government of Quebec gave it to the city in 1983. This gift celebrated Quebec City's 375th anniversary.
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History of Place D'Youville
The area where Place D'Youville is today has been used since the 1730s. It is part of the historic Saint-Jean neighborhood. The first buildings there were taken down in 1815. This was done to create an open, sloped area in front of Quebec's fortifications. This open space was leveled in 1871. A market called Montcalm market was built there. Later, in 1932, the market closed. A grassy area replaced it when the Palais Montcalm was built to the south.
Making the Square Modern
In 1987, Quebec City finished making changes to the area. These changes included many updates to give the square a modern feel. The way the square was set up was changed. This was to make it better for people walking and for fun events.
In 1987, UNESCO named it the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. News reports focused on young people who were staying in empty buildings. In 1988, Quebec news started looking at Place D’Youville. They reported that some young people were gathering near the old fortifications and on rue Saint-Jean. People living and working nearby felt that the city's new plan for the square had created a place where young people might get into trouble. Groups that help people noticed more young people under 24 needed their services.
Red Bull Crashed Ice Event
Place D'Youville was part of the course for the 2014 Red Bull Crashed Ice event. This exciting race took place from March 20 to 22, 2014. The track in Quebec City was the longest of the four ice-cross downhill championship races that year. The other races were held in Helsinki, Finland, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Moscow, Russia.
Images for kids
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Place D'Youville and its skating rink
