Griffintown has always been an important part of Montreal’s Irish Community. For over 170 years, Griffintown has always been renowned as an Irish neighbourhood with its important symbols, buildings, its residents – from Thomas McCord to Mary Griffin — and its fascinating, illustrious history. This is why we must sign the REM Griffintown station naming petition.
“The United Irish Societies of Montreal (UIS) has its origins in Griffintown and St. Ann’s Church. The UIS has always been sensitive to the recognition of Griffintown as an Irish neighbourhood and continues to be sensitive to this recognition as its ongoing gentrification continues,” said Patricia Mulqueen, President of the United Irish Societies, the organization behind the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In June of 2020, the Irish community met with Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, only to discover that the REM station that borders Griffintown would be named “Griffintown – Bernard Landry”, after the late former PQ cabinet minister and Premier of Quebec.
On June 22, the Irish community met once again with Mayor Plante to hear that the name of the REM Station will definitely be named “Griffintown – Bernard Landry”. This decision from the mayor was not taken well and was opposed by all of Montreal’s Irish communities with great displeasure, which was strongly voiced during this call with Mme Plante. In September, the UIS worked with West Island MNA Greg Kelly to publish a petition on the National Assembly website, which will expire on January 23, 2021.
The UIS is encouraging members of Montreal’s Irish communities, current residents of Griffintown, and anyone who believes in the preservation of the heritage of Montreal’s many cultural communities, to sign the petition before January 23.
The petition is public and can be reached by going to the following link that can also be found on the United Irish Societies Facebook page.
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