Presence

The Lebanese form the largest group in this sub-region, followed by Syrians and Egyptians.

• Estimated Population: Approximately 75,000 to 90,000 people of Lebanese origin (one of the largest Lebanese diasporas per capita in North America), plus approximately 30,000 Syrians and Egyptians

• Concentration: A strong concentration is visible in the borough of Saint-Laurent and in Laval, where they represent a significant part of the social and economic fabric.

   

Migration Table

Vitality of the Community

While “Petit Maghreb” is a commercial artery, the Levantine community has literally built entire neighborhoods, notably Saint-Laurent (often affectionately nicknamed “Ville Saint-Liban” in the 90s).

Institutions and Landmarks:

• Places of Worship: The Saint-Maron Cathedral (corner of Henri-Bourassa/Acadie) and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (Acadie Blvd) are major architectural and social landmarks.

Coptic Orthodox churches are also very active for the Egyptian community.

• Cultural Centers: The Lebanese Center of Canada, the House of Lebanon, and the Syrian Community Center of Montreal.

Commercial Zones:

• Hubs: Boulevard Curé-Labelle (Laval) and Boulevard de la Côte-Vertu.

• Impact: This is where food giants like Groupe Adonis were born, revolutionizing the international food offering in Montreal.

Festivals:

• The Lebanese Festival of Montreal attracts thousands of visitors annually to celebrate gastronomy and folklore.

Concentrations and Professional Activities

This community has a distinct entrepreneurial profile, having transitioned from manufacturing to managing major global brands^..

• Fashion and Textile: Historically, Lebanese and Syrians were the engines of the fashion district (Chabanel) in the 70s-90s. Today, they lead several head offices of international brands based in Montreal^.

• Real Estate and Urban Development: Many major real estate developers and property owners come from this community, transforming the commercial face of the Greater Montreal area (Laval, Brossard, Town of Mount Royal)^.

• Retail and Food: Owners of franchises, independent supermarkets, and industrial bakeries (e.g., Andalos)^.

• Liberal Professions: The second generation is highly present in law, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry^.

Culinary Institutions (Selection)

• Adonis: Iconic Lebanese market^..

• Boustan: Lebanese chain born in Montreal^..

• Damas: High-end Syrian cuisine (Van Horne Ave)^..

• Al-Taib: Iconic for manakish and shawarma (Guy St)

• Aux Lilas: Historic Lebanese restaurant (Parc Ave

Impact and Renown)

This community has offered Montreal economic empire builders and major cultural figures.

Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurs

• Andrew Lutfy (Real Estate/Retail): CEO of Groupe Dynamite (Garage, Dynamite) and leader of Carbonleo. Grandson of Lebanese immigrants, he is the architect behind Quartier DIX30 and the Royalmount megaproject, redefining retail and urban planning in Montreal^.

• Chamandy Family (Industry): Founders of Gildan Activewear. Glenn and Greg Chamandy transformed a family children's clothing business into one of the world's largest manufacturers of basic apparel, a publicly traded jewel of the Montreal economy^..

• Cheaib Brothers (Food): Élie and Jamil Cheaib, founders of Adonis markets. Starting from a small grocery store on Faillon Street, they built an empire largely acquired by Metro, democratizing Middle Eastern flavors in Quebec^..

• Charles Khabouth: Major entrepreneur in hospitality and entertainment (INK Entertainment)^.

• Jeff Hammoud: Automotive Designer (Lucid Motors)^..

• Notable Pioneers: Issa Rassy (Industrialist, Mona Marie Manufacturing) and Emile Sara (High Life Lingerie)^..

Arts and Culture

• Wajdi Mouawad (Theater): Playwright and director of Lebanese origin, author of the immense international success Incendies. He is a global reference in contemporary theater^..

• Xavier Dolan (Cinema): Filmmaker and actor (Lebanese/Egyptian origins on the paternal side)^..

• Music: K.Maro (Cyril Kamar, producer/singer), Massari (Pop/R&B), Patrick Gemayel (P-Thugg of Chromeo), and Joyce El-Khoury (International Soprano)..

• Arsinée Khanjian: Actress and collaborator of Atom Egoyan.

• Jade Hassouné: Actor (Shadowhunters, Heartland).

Politics, Society & Academia

• Ruba Ghazal (Politics): Member of the National Assembly for Mercier (Québec Solidaire). Of Palestinian origin, she embodies progressive politics and the defense of the French language in Quebec

• Caroline Kodsi (Governance): Founding President of La Gouvernance au Féminin, working for gender parity on Canadian boards.

• Dr. Raymonde Goudana: Respected figure in the Coptic Egyptian community, active in healthcare and integration.

Gad Saad: Professor of Marketing at Concordia University and media figure