A cloudy Saturday in February, a mild temperature envelops us and the sound of birds accompanies us on the 13e avenue, south of Beaubien. We are in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie. One might think of a street like any other in what was once the suburbs of Montreal. This sector of the city has been the focal point of Montreal’s Ukrainian community for 100 years now.
Several Montreal communities have left their mark, their history, their memories, but above all, a cultural color that has influenced Montreal life. Some have done it more quietly than others, but they are no less present at the heart of their communities. This is the case of the Ukrainian community.
Well anchored to the north of Vieux-Rosemont, in the area of boulevard Saint-Michel, these Ukrainians have set up businesses, a Ukrainian credit union, churches, institutions, community centers and homes over time. . They have thus actively contributed to the development of this part of Montreal, and when we look closely, we see that it is indeed their neighborhood.
The invasion of their country of origin by Russia created a state of shock within the Ukrainian community of Montreal, which pushed them to be less discreet than usual. As was the case in war territory, the Ukrainians have also organized and mobilized here. From fundraising campaigns in the basements of Ukrainian churches to charitable activities, from logistical support to exceptional attendance at the annual Ukrainian festival, a wave of solidarity quickly swept through the neighborhood.
As if they had not been sufficiently tested, the Ukrainians had to face, last December, the death of the young Mariia Legenkovska, 7 years old, killed by a motorist in too much of a hurry in the Center-South of Montreal. Tears, anger and incomprehension: another moment of contemplation took place at the Ukrainian cathedral Sainte-Sophie. It was packed, showing again this strong Montreal solidarity.
Brutal events often lead to a public stance to reaffirm values and principles that are dear to us, such as democracy and freedom. This was the case this past year for the Ukrainians of Montreal, especially during the Ukrainian festival. This event has been taking place for 22 years in the neighborhood, and for the first time it took place a little further, at Maisonneuve Park. To see the crowd, we had the impression of meeting as in time, at Saint-Jean. The lyrics, usually more festive, gave way to patriotic speeches and invitations to help Ukraine by sending arms. There was even a tank on site.
By chance, this year was to take place the installation of the work of Giorgia Volpe at the Ukraine Park. Tracery was created in collaboration with the Ukrainian community. Inspired by the country’s tradition, it represents a ” Pysanka », this hand-decorated Easter egg from a long Ukrainian tradition. The unveiling of a piece of public art in a park doesn’t usually draw large crowds, but this time it was different. The dignitaries were there, as were the representatives of the entire community. Art brought people together, it warmed hearts, but it also made it possible to create even more bonds.
Already a year of war in Ukraine. The invasion of a neighbor who was once a brother. Already a year of mobilization for the Ukrainian community of Montreal in support of their motherland. The proliferation of activities and events has made local neighbors aware of their strong presence for a century. Through human dramas and deep wounds, there has been this solidarity and this rapprochement between the Ukrainian community of Rosemont and the Rosepatrians.
Montreal and the borough have recognized the important contribution of Ukrainians to the neighborhood by naming a street and a park of Ukraine. Over time, these places have naturally become part of the lives of all the people who live around them. Today has come the time for official recognition, when the name of a place is permanently inscribed. Beyond commemorations, rallies, tributes and support, it is time to name this part of Montreal as it is. The next time you pass over Bellechasse, arriving between the 12e and the 13e avenue, take a look north, a Pysanka sits there as a reminder that you are in the heart of the Ukrainian district.