Reviving the LaSalle-Coke Crane

Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Updated, October 2 , 2025

Find out now who won the Canal-de-Lachine 4.0 project!

As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Lachine Canal in 2025, PME MTL Grand Sud-Ouest, in collaboration with Parks Canada, launched a call for creative proposals this spring to highlight the LaSalle-Coke crane — a striking remnant of Montréal’s industrial heritage.

 

History

La Lasalle-Coke crane at the Lachine Canal, Montréal.  

Erected between 1914 and 1916, this massive metal crane was used to transfer coal destined for the Montreal Iron and Steel Company’s coke plant, a key facility in the industrial growth of Montréal’s southwest. It stands as a symbol of the area’s working-class memory and the economic history tied to the Lachine Canal — a true engine of development for the city throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Though no longer in operation, the LaSalle-Coke crane remains a prominent feature of the urban landscape, a silent witness to a bygone era. Its visual and symbolic potential makes it a powerful tool for historical and artistic storytelling — an ideal candidate for an innovative cultural revitalization project.

The Lachine Canal 4.0 Project

This call for proposals is part of the Lachine Canal 4.0 initiative, an ambitious program aiming to transform the area along the Lachine Canal into a hub for local economic development.

Cultural organizations, artists, collectives, and institutions had until May 30, 2025, to submit their proposal. 

The winning project
The winning project was selected in the fall of 2025, with a view to completion in the winter of 2026. Dozens of organizations, artists, collectives, and institutions responded to the call for projects by submitting their proposals.
After a rigorous analysis by a committee of experts, the winning project was awarded to DKI - Refexio, a Ville LaSalle company located near the crane! Their proposal stands out for its originality and its ability to highlight the identity of the site.
  • A man gazes at an illuminated crane, where glowing lines outline the silhouette of a ship under a starry sky.
    Click on the image to enlarge it and discover the winning project!

The project includes:

  • the installation of a work of art at the foot of the crane;
  • the installation of architectural lighting to highlight its beauty;
  • and the creation of a welcoming rest area on the north side of the canal.

This innovative project will be completed in 2026 and will enrich the visitor experience while contributing to the Lachine Canal's reputation.

To learn more about this project, visit the PME MTL Grand Sud-Ouest website.

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