Saint-Leonard, Quebec

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Saint Leonard (in English usually pronounced /'li ʌ nʌrd/) is a former city on the Island of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It consists of the Borough of Saint Leonard. It was amalgamated into the city of Montreal in 2002.

The city, which was originally called St. Léonard de Port Maurice after Leonard of Port Maurice, lies in the east end of the Island of Montreal, and as such was traditionally francophone. However, it is also home to a large minority of Italian immigrants (mostly assimilated into English culture). Many services are offered in Italian in addition to English and French. The community newspaper, Progrès Saint-Léonard, is offered in both official languages.

Saint Leonard contains underground caves, located at Pie XII Park. These caves are a popular tourist attraction.

[edit] Italians

Saint Leonard was the site of the dispute which led to the creation of Quebec's first language legislation. Italian immigrants wished to send their children to English schools, while the local school board refused and tried to force them into French-language education. At the time, there was no legislation on schooling and language, and the dispute was settled with the creation of a Bill legislating the status quo at the time, which was absolute freedom of choice between English and French schools.

The Leonardo Da Vinci Centre is located in Saint Leonard. Its services are offered in English, French and Italian. This cultural building contains theaters, gyms, bocce playing areas, and a cafe.

Because this area of town has such a prominent Italian Canadian community, it is nicknamed Città Italiana.