De La Concorde

De La Concorde Laval Canada: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

De La Concorde in Laval, Quebec, is not just a transportation hub—it’s a living symbol of the city’s history, resilience, and urban evolution. Born from post-war infrastructure growth and named for harmony and unity, the area has transformed into a key intermodal transit gateway, connecting Montreal’s bustling cityscape with Laval’s vibrant attractions. From the tragedy of the 2006 overpass collapse to the renewal brought by the Metro station’s opening, De La Concorde is a testament to urban adaptation and community spirit.

This guide provides an in-depth look at De La Concorde’s historical journey, practical visitor information, travel tips, and the best nearby attractions. Whether you’re a commuter, a tourist, or a local, discover how this dynamic district blends the past with a forward-thinking vision for the future.

Find more details in these resources: Wikipedia on De La Concorde station, Ville de Laval, and Tourisme Laval.

Introduction
Early Development and Naming
The Overpass: Construction and Challenges
2006 Overpass Collapse and Its Impact
De La Concorde as a Modern Transit Hub
Practical Visiting Information
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Urban Revitalization and Modern Growth
Cultural and Community Significance
FAQ
Timeline of Key Events
Visuals and Media Tips
Conclusion and Final Tips
References

Early Development and Naming

De La Concorde’s roots trace back to Laval’s rapid mid-20th century transformation from rural farmland to a modern city. The name, inspired by Paris’s Place de la Concorde, reflects values of harmony and unity. Boulevard de la Concorde became a central east-west artery, facilitating urban expansion and integrating diverse neighborhoods (Wikipedia).

The Overpass: Construction and Challenges

The De La Concorde overpass, built between 1968 and 1971, was a pivotal infrastructure project connecting Laval to Montreal via Highway 19. Its innovative design—using cantilever beams and box girders—enabled efficient construction over a busy highway, but also introduced vulnerabilities, particularly at beam seats and expansion joints (CBC, Technical Causes of the Collapse).

Despite its engineering promise, the overpass exhibited structural issues within a decade, leading to repairs in 1992 that inadvertently weakened the structure.

2006 Overpass Collapse and Its Impact

On September 30, 2006, a section of the De La Concorde overpass collapsed onto Highway 19, resulting in five deaths and six injuries—a tragedy that shocked Quebec and Canada (Cross-Safety). A public inquiry identified a mix of design flaws, poor concrete quality, inadequate inspections, and ineffective repairs as root causes (Technical Causes of the Collapse). This event led to a province-wide overhaul of bridge inspection and maintenance practices.

De La Concorde as a Modern Transit Hub

In 2007, the opening of De La Concorde Metro station marked a new era. As part of the Montreal Metro Orange Line extension, the station became an intermodal hub, linking the Metro, Exo’s Saint-Jérôme commuter rail, and local bus routes. Park-and-ride lots and bike paths support sustainable mobility. The station’s split-level design, public art (“Nos allers-retours” by Yves Gendreau), and accessible features reflect a modern, user-friendly approach (Wikipedia).

Practical Visiting Information

Metro Station Hours: Approx. 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM daily
Commuter Train Hours: Vary by schedule; consult Exo
Tickets: STM tickets for Metro, Exo tickets for trains; OPUS card for combined travel
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with elevators and ramps
Parking: Park-and-ride lots; check current rates and availability
Guided Tours: Occasional walking tours from local tourism offices; no regular station tours
Nearby Parks: Parc Paul-Marcel-Maheu for relaxation and outdoor activities

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Times to Visit:

Weekdays outside rush hours for a quieter experience
Weekends for leisure and exploring local attractions

Top Nearby Attractions:

Cosmodome: Canada’s space science centre. Open Tues–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM (cosmodome.org)
Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier: Health sciences museum; Wed–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM
Centropolis: Open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment hub
Centre de la nature: Laval’s largest park, open daily 7 AM–10 PM
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles: Canoeing, kayaking, eco-tours

Dining & Shopping:
Centropolis and Carrefour Laval offer diverse restaurants, shops, and entertainment (Tourisme Laval).

Accessibility:
Most attractions and public transit facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Urban Revitalization and Modern Growth

De La Concorde is at the heart of Laval’s downtown revitalization, guided by the Special Planning Program (SPP) adopted in 2022 (Ville de Laval). The vision includes new public spaces, active mobility, and sustainable real estate projects like the LEED-certified Exal De la Concorde (268 rental units, launched 2024) (AgoraMTL).

The area is also adjacent to a $150 million cultural complex in the Montmorency sector, which will become Quebec’s largest cultural project in over a decade (Courrier Laval News).

Cultural and Community Significance

De La Concorde is more than a transit point—it’s a cultural touchstone reflecting Laval’s diversity and creativity. Its integration of public art, green spaces, and proximity to cultural venues like the Cosmodome and upcoming Montmorency complex underscore its role as a community gathering place (Ville de Laval, Over Your Place).

FAQ

Q: What are De La Concorde Metro station’s hours?
A: Daily, approx. 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, paid park-and-ride lots

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Occasional walking tours via tourism offices; no regular station tours

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: At vending machines, online, or with OPUS cards for transit

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators and ramps

Q: Are there entrance fees to De La Concorde?
A: The area is public; some attractions (e.g., Cosmodome) charge admission

Timeline of Key Events

1968: Overpass planning contract awarded
1971: Overpass opens
1980: First structural issues reported
1992: Major repairs conducted
2006: Overpass collapse (5 deaths, 6 injuries)
2007: De La Concorde intermodal station opens
2022: Downtown revitalization plan adopted
2024: Exal De la Concorde project launched

Visuals and Media Tips

Photos: De La Concorde Metro station (interior/exterior), “Nos allers-retours” artwork, Centropolis plaza, Cosmodome exhibits
Maps: Showcasing De La Concorde’s location and nearby attractions
Infographics: Timeline of historical events
Alt Tags: Use phrases like “De La Concorde Metro station entrance,” “Cosmodome astronautics exhibit,” “Centropolis at sunset”

Conclusion and Final Tips

De La Concorde exemplifies Laval’s journey from a historic transport corridor to a thriving, accessible urban center. Its story—from early development, through the 2006 tragedy, to its present as a vibrant intermodal hub—reflects a resilient community dedicated to innovation and inclusiveness.

Visitors benefit from seamless Metro and commuter rail access, proximity to top attractions like the Cosmodome, lush parks, and a flourishing downtown. Ongoing urban renewal promises even more amenities and cultural destinations in the years to come.

Plan your visit:

Use official transit and tourism websites for the latest schedules and event details
Download the Audiala app for real-time travel updates and insider tips
Follow Tourisme Laval and Ville de Laval for news and events