Exploration éditoriale de la culture et de la vie quotidienne dans la Plaza San Huberto

Welcome to Plaza San Huberto: Exploring Montreal’s Latino Community

A Growing Community

Have you recently set foot in Plaza San Huberto? The smell of tacos and churros fills the air, and Spanish is more commonly heard than French. Director of the Latin American Family Aid Center (CAFLA), Cecilia Escamilla, describes the area as the “Latino neighborhood.” Over the past 20 years, she has witnessed the transformation of Plaza San Huberto, which has become a hub for Montreal’s growing Latin American community.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the population of Latin American origin in Quebec has tripled from 2001 to 2021, reaching 173,000 people. This is significantly higher than the overall population growth rate of 17% during the same period.

A Sense of Belonging

Plaza San Huberto has become the point of arrival for many Latin American immigrants in Montreal and its surrounding areas. It is a place where both long-time immigrants and newcomers, including asylum seekers and undocumented individuals, find a sense of belonging. Every Saturday, near the Saint-Denis swimming pool, between Bélanger and Jean-Talon streets, people gather to celebrate and socialize.

A Taste of Latin America

The Sabor Latino supermarket is one of the most popular spots for Montreal’s Latin American community. Its crowded aisles are full of imported products from all corners of Latin America, including aloe and cactus tea, pineapple tea, yellow, white, and blue tortillas, salsas, Peruvian beverages, Colombian cake, and more. This vibrant marketplace offers a variety of traditional Latin American dishes cooked on-site, which can be enjoyed in a dedicated seating area.

New Entrepreneurs

A new wave of entrepreneurs from Latin America is making its mark in Plaza San Huberto. One such example is Rosa Castellanos, the owner of La Toxica, a taco restaurant. Rosa, who arrived in Quebec at the age of 10 as an asylum seeker, has built a successful business by starting with homemade tacos and gaining popularity through social media. Today, La Toxica is a thriving restaurant with a loyal customer base.

Erika Duque and her husband, David Farfan, owners of Latino Systèmes, are also expanding their business in Plaza San Huberto. They started with a small shop on the second floor and later moved to a larger space on the ground floor. Their business focuses on repairing phones and selling used devices in good condition. Latino Systèmes has become a go-to place for phone repairs and other services in the community.

The Changing Face of Plaza San Huberto

Plaza San Huberto is undergoing a transformation, with new businesses and dining options emerging. In the past, the area was known for bridal shops, but now it boasts a range of diverse and vibrant businesses. Mike Parente, the director of the local commercial development society, compares the street to some of the bustling commercial areas in New York. He emphasizes that Plaza San Huberto is one of the most densely populated commercial streets, with 85% of businesses being independent retailers.

Current Statistics and Trends

According to the latest census data analyzed by Statistique Canada, there are 173,000 Latin American immigrants in Quebec, accounting for 2% of the population. The majority of them, 80%, reside in the Montreal region. The data also reveals that 25% of Latin American immigrants in Quebec since 1980 are from Colombia, but there is a growing number of immigrants from Venezuela and Brazil. Additionally, 78% of Latin American immigrants in Quebec were born outside of Canada. There are also approximately 25,000 Latin American non-permanent residents in Quebec, with Mexican and Colombian nationals being the most prominent groups.

The Value of Inclusivity and Diversity

The growing presence of the Latin American community in Plaza San Huberto is a testament to the contributions and resilience of immigrants. As Montreal continues to evolve and diversify, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the cultural richness that these communities bring to the city. The establishment of businesses, restaurants, and community organizations serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.

Editorial: The Power of Community

The emergence and growth of Plaza San Huberto as a vibrant Latino community in Montreal is a testament to the power of community and the ability of immigrants to create spaces that reflect their heritage and provide support to fellow community members. The transformation of the area from traditional commercial establishments to a rich and diverse cultural hub has played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and preserving cultural identity.

This development also highlights the importance of inclusive urban planning and policies that support the growth of immigrant communities. Municipalities should actively work to create spaces where different cultures can coexist and thrive, allowing for the formation of vibrant neighborhoods that reflect the diverse fabric of Canadian society.

Advice: Embracing Diversity and Building Bridges

For the wider Montreal community, it is essential to embrace and celebrate the diversity that Plaza San Huberto represents. By supporting local businesses, frequenting restaurants, and engaging with cultural events, residents can create meaningful connections and build bridges between different communities.

Moreover, the success of Plaza San Huberto demonstrates the economic potential and entrepreneurial spirit that immigrants bring to Canada. It is crucial for policymakers to recognize and harness this potential by implementing policies that facilitate the integration and success of immigrant entrepreneurs, such as providing access to financing, business support programs, and language training.

Overall, Plaza San Huberto serves as a beacon of multiculturalism and community resilience in Montreal. It reminds us that embracing diversity and creating inclusive spaces can lead to prosperous and vibrant neighborhoods that benefit all members of society.