Archaeology

Since the early 2000s, the City of Pointe-Claire has undertaken excavations and rigorous studies to document and reconstruct the past through the analysis of discovered material remains. These efforts are carried out in compliance with the Cultural Heritage Act, overseen by the Québec's ministère de la Culture et des communications, which governs the preservation and promotion of our historical heritage.

Objectives of the Archaeological Excavation Studies

• Evaluate the archaeological potential of Pointe-Claire.
• Conduct an inventory of archaelogical resources and excavate certain historic sites.

Research has focused on several key locations, including:

• The site of the old convent from 1787.
• The site of the second village church, dating from 1750 to 1755.
• The old cemeteries, where over 5,000 people were buried between 1713 and 1946.

These areas may still contain numerous significant artifacts and historical remains.

Major Discoveries

Even before the arrival of Europeans, the sites are believed to have been frequented by Indigenous peoples, including the Iroquoians and Algonquians. It is thought that further excavation might uncover evidence of their presence.

Archaeologists also hope to find:

• Remains of the wooden fort built for defense at the time
• Traces of the first village core, dating back to the early colonial period

Archaeological Intervention in la pointe Claire – Summer 2022

Dates: June 20 to August 18, 2022

Context: Work conducted ahead of the redevelopment of Sainte-Anne and Saint-Joachim Avenues

Objective: To conduct a preliminary archaeological inventory before transforming the area

Nature of the Interventions

• Targeted excavations
• Redevelopment of surfaces

Key Findings

The intervention revealed rich layers of occupation, highlighting the diversity of uses in the area over time:

• Institutional and religious presence shown through remains of the second Saint-Joachim church, a rectory, a cemetery, and a boys’ school
• An industrial past, evidenced by the presence of a forge
• Domestic life, with remains of historic homes and signs of Indigenous occupation

Details by Area

Saint-Joachim Avenue Sector (west of the church)

Discovery of:

• Two stone foundation walls and a third northern wall, indicating a likely extension of a building
• Traces of domestic occupation dating back to the 18^th century
• Two rows of postholes to the north, suggesting a former fence predating the stone construction

Front of the Church and Rectory

Discovery of:

• Discovery of postholes and stakes, along with three fire pits
• Indigenous elements, inlcuding flint flakes, lithic tools, including an arrowhead
• These remains may correspond to the first rectory built in 1705

Sainte-Anne Avenue Sector

Discovery of:

• Remains of the façade of the second Saint-Joachim church
• Indigenous artifacts uncovered
• Traces of late 18^th-century occupation:
  • Stone foundations, small walls, walkable surfaces, wooden drain, drainage ditch
  • Possible links to a former forge

Old Cemetery Sector

Discovery of:

• Discovery of a coffin, but no human remains were found

Additional Information

An information session was held on June 5, 2025, at Pointe-Claire City Hall. It is available for online viewing.

Resources

Cultural Heritage Act

Pointe Claire heritage site in le répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.