The Société de transport de Montréal recently unveiled the names of the five future stations in the east of the city.

Far from being mere toponyms, these names are a true tribute to the history, resilience, and contribution of significant figures in our society.

While the commissioning is scheduled for 2031, these stations are already a symbol of profound transformation for the neighborhoods of Saint-Michel, Saint-Léonard, and Anjou.

Here is a bit of  history for these names:

• Vertières (formerly Pie-IX): This name pays homage to the Battle of Vertières, the decisive confrontation that led to Haiti's independence on November 18, 1803. This battle, led by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, symbolizes freedom and the end of slavery, a powerful name that resonates with the richness of the Montreal Haitian community.

• Mary-Two-Axe-Earley (formerly Viau): Mary Two-Axe-Earley was a Mohawk woman from the neighboring community of Kahnawà:ke. This activist led a long and courageous battle for the rights of Indigenous women, fighting so that those who married a non-Indigenous person would not lose their legal status. Her fight led to the amendment of the Indian Act in 1985. She is a major figure in human rights in Canada.

• Césira-Parisotto (formerly Lacordaire): Born in Italy, Césira Parisotto was a nun who dedicated her life to humanitarian aid and the well-being of the less fortunate. She is the founder of several charitable institutions in Montreal, including the Marie-Clarac Hospital, which has become an essential institution for the community. Her name pays tribute to her unwavering dedication.

• Madeleine-Parent (formerly Langelier): Madeleine Parent was one of Quebec's greatest unionists and feminists. She spent her life advocating for social justice and defending the rights of workers, particularly in the textile industry. Her legacy is that of a fighter for equality and human dignity.

• Anjou: The last station will bear the name of the borough it will serve, Anjou, acting as the new terminus of the blue line.

But the extension is not limited to these stations. It is a massive urban development project.

The City of Montreal has already announced its intention to build 25,000 new homes along the route, radically transforming the landscape of these neighborhoods.

It also plans for this line to be used by 20,000 – 25,000 people each day.

Impact on the Neighborhood and Development Projects 

Although the exact details for each neighborhood are not yet finalized, major urban development projects are planned to accompany the arrival of the metro.

• Real Estate Impact: The metro extension is a catalyst for the urban transformation of the neighborhoods of Saint-Michel, Saint-Léonard, and Anjou.

  
  

  The City of Montreal has announced its intention to build 25,000 new homes along the route, in collaboration with private developers.

  
  

• Major Development at Langelier: A particularly ambitious project is planned near the future Madeleine-Parent (Langelier) station, where large shopping centers with big parking lots will be replaced by residential towers.

  
  

  Developers plan to build thousands of homes, transforming this area into a true "new downtown" of the East.

  
  

• Projects and Improvements: The project also includes the construction of two bus terminals, a pedestrian tunnel to connect the SRB Pie-IX, and a pedestrian bridge under Highway 25 in Anjou.

  
  

  The STM also plans to build seven auxiliary buildings for metro operations and an underground maintenance garage in Anjou. The goal is to make the neighborhoods more accessible and to promote active and collective transportation.

In short, the extension of the blue line is a promise for the future of Montreal. It not only connects neighborhoods,

it revitalizes them. It honors the past while preparing the ground for a new era of sustainable and socially responsible development.