Digging Into the Past: Archaeologists Return to Pointe-Claire Village This Summer

Every layer of soil beneath Pointe-Claire's historic village tells a story.

This summer, archaeologists are once again returning to the heart of the village to continue uncovering pieces of the community's rich past before future infrastructure work moves ahead. The excavation project, taking place along Sainte-Anne and Saint-Joachim avenues, is expected to build on remarkable discoveries made during earlier archaeological investigations.

Pointe-Claire's historic core has long been recognized as one of the most archaeologically significant sites on Montreal's West Island. Beneath today's streets and sidewalks lie centuries of history, preserving evidence of the people who lived, worked and worshipped here long before modern development transformed the landscape.

Previous excavations revealed an extraordinary glimpse into that past. Archaeologists uncovered remnants of early homes, stone foundations, drainage systems, and evidence of businesses that once served the growing village. They also identified features connected to former religious buildings and institutions that played an important role in the development of Pointe-Claire.

Even older discoveries point to the area's importance long before European settlement. Indigenous artifacts recovered during earlier digs demonstrate that First Nations peoples occupied and travelled through the area for generations, making the site an important chapter in the region's much longer history.

Researchers believe there is still much more to uncover. The current excavation aims to document additional archaeological remains that could shed light on the earliest days of the village, helping historians better understand how the community expanded along the shores of Lake Saint-Louis over more than three centuries.

One of the most fascinating aspects of archaeology is that every discovery—whether it's a simple pottery fragment, an old foundation wall or a centuries-old tool—adds another piece to the story of the people who once called Pointe-Claire home.

The excavation is expected to continue throughout the summer, with archaeologists carefully recording and preserving any significant finds before municipal work resumes.

Residents interested in local history will also have an opportunity to see some of the discoveries firsthand during Pointe-Claire en fête in August, when archaeologists will present artifacts recovered during the excavation season and explain what they reveal about one of the West Island's oldest communities.

For history lovers, it's a rare reminder that beneath the charming streets of Pointe-Claire Village lies a hidden record of the generations that helped shape the community we know today.