January 2025
• The mayors of Saint-Lazare : Joseph Leduc
• Book release Patience vaincra — L’histoire de Saint-Lazare
• Heritage of our ancestors
• Retirement of Daniel Bissonnette curator of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges regional museum
• Founding families of Saint-Lazare : The Castonguay family
• The Saint-Lazare coat of arms
• A bunker in Saint-Lazare
Way back when is the Saint-Lazare historical society’s historical magazine published 3 times a year, in January, May and in September.
The content of this publication may be reproduced with the acknowledgment of the source on the express condition of having obtained prior permission from the SaintLazare historical society.
Editor: Paul Lavigne
Corrector: Lyne Boutin
Lifetime membership in the Saint-Lazare historical society as a civil member is free. By becoming a lifetime member, you will receive the link to our digital magazine 3 times a year and you will benefit from preferential rates for our events.
You can find the membership form on our website www.shsl.ca under the heading Becoming a member.
The rates for becoming a corporate or institutional member of the Saint-Lazare historical society are as follows:
GOLD level member (1/4 page add) : $200.00 per year
SILVER level member (1/8 page add) : $150.00 per year
BRONZE level member (1/16 page add): $100.00 per year
To become a corporate or institutional member, contact the SLHS via email at info@shsl.ca and we will gladly inform you about all the other advantages.
The mayors of Saint-Lazare : Joseph Leduc
Book release Patience vaincra L’histoire de Saint-Lazare
The heritage of our ancestors
Retirement of Daniel Bissonnette, curator of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges
regional museum
Founding families of Saint-Lazare: The Castonguay family
The Saint-Lazare coat of arms
A bunker in Saint-Lazare
Saint-Lazare Historical Society’s board of directors
President: Donald Simpson
Vice-president: Anick Chevrier
Treasurer: Emma Mergl
Secretary: Paul Lavigne
Administrator: Robert Rozon
Administrator: Manon Leroux
Administrator: Gisèle Gareau
Administrator: Lyne Arbec
As part of the commemorations surrounding the 150th anniversary of Saint-Lazare, the SaintLazare historical Society is taking this opportunity to highlight the contributions of the mayors who have left their mark on the history of our city. In this fourth installment, we highlight the contribution and life of Joseph Leduc.
of Saint-Lazare from 1923-1927 and 1931-1937
By Paul Lavigne
Joseph Leduc was born on June 18, 1889, in Saint-Lazare. Son of Pascal Leduc and Victorine Crevier, he married Marie-Joseph Couturier on July 26, 1909, in Saint-Lazare. He was a farmer, milkman and served the city of Saint-Lazare for over 45 years as city councilor from 1917 to 1920, as mayor from 1923 to 1927 and from 1931 to 1937 and finally as secretary-treasurer from 1937 to 1962. He died on July 27, 1967, and is buried in the Saint-Lazare cemetery.
Joseph Leduc was a prominent figure in the political and civic life of Saint-Lazare. Serving as mayor during two key periods, from
1923 to 1927 and again from 1931 to 1936, Leduc played a pivotal role in the community's development during a time of significant economic and social change. His leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the town's infrastructure, fostering local businesses, and navigating the challenges of the Great Depression.
to one that was beginning to incorporate more modern amenities. His administration worked to improve the town's infrastructure, including roads and public services, which were crucial for ensuring better connectivity for both residents and local businesses. His tenure saw the installation of key public works, which were vital for the town's development and for attracting investment and new settlers.
Joseph Leduc was born into a family deeply rooted in the community. Little is known about his early life, but his background in the region and his ties to local industries would later help him understand the unique needs of Saint-Lazare and its residents. At a time when many rural towns in Quebec were still largely agricultural, Leduc recognized the importance of balancing the town's agricultural traditions with the need for modernization and infrastructure improvements.
Leduc's first term as mayor began in 1923, during a period when SaintLazare was transitioning from an entirely rural community to one
Leduc's efforts were not only focused on physical infrastructure but also on enhancing the quality of life for Saint-Lazare's residents. Education was an important issue, and he strongly supported the development of local schools.
Leduc's second term as mayor came during one of the most difficult periods in modern history the Great Depression. The global economic downturn severely impacted rural communities like Saint-Lazare, where the economy was primarily based on agriculture and small local industries. Many families were struggling, and unemployment was high. Leduc's leadership during this challenging time was crucial to maintaining stability and fostering a sense of community.
Despite the economic hardships, Leduc worked to sustain public services and ensure that essential infrastructure projects continued. He focused on keeping municipal taxes low, offering relief to those affected by the economic crisis,
while still pushing for modernization projects that could offer long-term benefits to the town. His pragmatic approach helped Saint-Lazare weather the worst of the Depression years, and the town continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace.
Joseph Leduc’s impact on Saint-Lazare extended beyond his time as mayor. His leadership laid the foundation for many of the town's modern infrastructure and public services. Though his tenure was not without its challenges, particularly in the face of the economic hardships of the 1930s, his dedication to the community helped SaintLazare become a more connected and resilient town.
Today, Leduc’s legacy is remembered in Saint-Lazare as a mayor who understood the needs of his constituents and worked tirelessly to improve their living conditions. His leadership was crucial during a transformative era, and his work paved the way for future development in the town. Joseph Leduc's tenure as mayor serves as an example of local leadership during times of adversity and change, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Saint-Lazare.
By Anick Chevrier
In the presence of numerous citizens, elected officials, representatives from la Caisse Desjardins de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges and media, the SLHS presented the highly anticipated book.
The title, which echoes the motto of our city, is a book about the history of Saint-Lazare, launched as part of our municipality's 150th anniversary. In 1975, the year of Saint-Lazare's centennial, a first book, written by Louise Chaîné was produced. In 2000, for the 125th anniversary, a photo albumstyle book was presented by Céline Camirand.
For 2025, the year of the 150th anniversary, we are launching a third book, an extraordinary work, tonight. This book is the result of an initia-
tive by the SLHS, with authors Donald Simpson and Paul Lavigne, our colleagues and friends.
They were backed by the book committee members who helped with the research, archives, and photos. This group includes Manon Leroux, Andrée-Anne Lavigne, François Bourbonnais, Éric Béliveau, and me.
I must say that our contribution is modest compared to the monumental work done by Donald and Paul! They sifted through archives and photos and read countless documents and newspaper clippings. With great skill, they undertook the delicate tasks of writing, proofreading, and correcting this marvelous compilation.
They thoroughly examined all the archives related to Saint-Lazare: at the Centre d’Archives de VaudreuilSoulanges and spent months reading and analysing newspaper clippings from L’écho, L’étoile, and Première Édition. As expected, some texts had been destroyed or lost over time. But, in my personal collection of documents, I happened to have articles and photos that were not listed anywhere else! I am happy and moved that archives, many of which were cut
and annotated by my mother and father, were used by the SLHS and in this book. The same goes for all the people of Saint-Lazare who generously shared their treasures, documents, photos, and long-preserved memories with us.
Donald is also my cousin (our mothers are sisters) ... while we don't share physical traits, we do share the same values, interests, and concerns.
Donald is a founding member of the SaintLazare Historical Society (SLHS), created in 2016, and has been active in the organization since, serving as its president since 2018 with distinction.
A native of Saint-Lazare, Donald is a descendant from a few pioneering families. Isaac Simpson, one of the first English settlers in Saint-Lazare in 1833, is his great-great-grandfather. On his maternal side, the Bédard family, two founding families, settled on la côte Saint-Charles. He is
passionate about history, a knowledgeable and dedicated promoter of Saint-Lazare’s past, and contributed to the 125th anniversary book committee in 2000.
Donald volunteered for 22 consecutive years in regional minor hockey:
• Coach, La Presqu’île Hockey from 2001 to 2004,
• President, HRS Hockey from 2004 to 2010,
• President, Trois Lacs Hockey from 2010 to 2018,
• Vice President of Arsenal from 2013 to 2023.
A young retiree from the SPVM in 2022, he was quickly recruited by the US State Department, starting just days after celebrating his retirement.
He is also a husband and father of two children, Emily and William. We acknowledge the understanding and great support of his wife Céline, who has stood by him through his many commitments!
Paul is originally from Chibougamau but grew up in Outaouais. In 1998, he and his wife moved to NotreDame-de-l'Île-Perrot, then settled in Saint-Lazare in 2010. Paul's ancestors settled in the Seigneurie of Vaudreuil, and his great-great-grandparents, JeanBaptiste Poudrette, dit Lavigne, and Célanie Pilon, were the couple who, in 1875, donated land to the
new parish of Saint-Lazare to build the church, rectory, and cemetery.
His great-grand-uncle, Napoléon Lavigne, a wellknown figure at the turn of the 20th century, owned one of Saint-Lazare's sawmills and the Hôtel Lavigne, located at the heart of the village, which would eventually become the Bar Chez Maurice.
Roméo Chartrand purchased the hotel from Napoléon Lavigne. He passed the business down to his son Maurice, who maintained the hotelgeneral store functions and later expanded with a bar, tavern, and eventually a discotheque and orchestra space. The 3rd and 4th generations of Chartrand continued the legacy, ensuring the venue remains the lively entertainment spot it is known for today, with its pub-restaurant and music and comedy shows.
Back to Paul. He spent 32 years in the aviation field, mainly in air traffic control, and ended his career in 2014 as the Canadian Director of Aviation Safety at NAV Canada.
A passionate historian of Quebec, VaudreuilSoulanges, and particularly Saint-Lazare, he is a member of several historical societies and genealogical groups in Quebec. He joined the SLHS in 2020, where he now acts as secretary and editor of our historical magazine.
Paul who presided over the 150th Book Committee, is also president of the 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee for Saint-Lazare, overseeing all subcommittees a huge task that he always performs on a volunteer basis.
In October 2021, he released the excellent historical novel La Quête, L’Odyssée d’André Poutré, the first volume of a historical saga about the ancestors of many families in the region. In his spare time, Paul is working on the second book in the series.
He is also a husband, father of three children Andrée-Anne, Marie-Anick, and Alexandre and grandfather to Benjamin. We recognize his wife, Lyne, for her understanding and great support in all the projects Paul is involved with!
I am breathless just summarizing the profiles of Donald and Paul...
We know how hard they have worked over the past years to write and create this book. It is a long and painstaking research and writing project that has taken hours of their time.
It takes great passion and a strong commitment to sharing the history of our hometown to invest all this energy and use the knowledge and discoveries accumulated over time.
For a long time, the SLHS dreamed of publishing a book for the 150th anniversary. This project is now a reality! It’s much more than just a challenge met it’s a monumental achievement!
On behalf of myself and my Historical society colleagues, we salute your remarkable dedication to this noble and beautiful project, and we applaud the extraordinary work you have done. You are both a source of inspiration and pride for the SLHS.
Thank you! and congratulations to both of you!
Review of previous books on the history of Saint-Lazare
The first book (1975 Centennial)
In 1975, a first book providing an overview of the history of our beautiful parish was written by Louise Chaîné, supported by a research committee including Huguette Dunn and Lise and Rachel Lauzon. The cover page features the recently created coat of arms and motto, designed in that centennial year by Robert Rozon. All copies were sold and are no longer available. However, it is possible to view one at the SaintLazare Library or read it digitally on the City of Saint-Lazare website under the "Leisure, Sports, and Culture" section, in the "Saint-Lazare Books" category.
The second book (2000 125th anniversary)
In 2000, a beautiful photo album-style book was created to mark the 125th anniversary of SaintLazare, written by Céline Camirand with the
support from a research committee including Manon Leroux, Chantal Faubert, Gaëtan Ménard, Bertrand Myre, Roger Sénécal, Ralph, and Donald Simpson. This book presented many previously unpublished or little-known photos. All copies were sold and are no longer available. However, it can also be viewed at the Saint-Lazare Library or digitally on the city’s website under the "Leisure, Sports, and Culture" section in the "Saint-Lazare Books" category.
For many years, the SLHS and the research committee for the 150th anniversary book worked to gather archives, historical documents, photos, and relevant information to create a comprehensive historical collection about Saint-Lazare.
The title of the book reflects Saint-Lazare's motto, honoring Robert Rozon for his historical contribution, as he created the coat of arms and motto for the city in 1975: "Patience Vaincra" ("Patience Will Prevail").
This historical work, which we present for the 150th anniversary, is one of the most exhaustive to date. It traces our history, from the earliest days before the
first settlers, through the time when SaintLazare was part of the Seigneurie of Vaudreuil, until it became a separate parish in 1875 within the County of Vaudreuil, right up to the present day.
The book’s jacket features a stunning watercolor painting by Gisèle Lapalme, a resident and artist. The piece, titled "Au petit trot, les mémoires de Saint-Lazare", beautifully captures several characteristics of Saint-Lazare. The SLHS has acquired the artwork and its copyright, and the original will eventually be displayed in one of the city’s buildings.
The Saint-Lazare commemorative 150th anniversary book Patience vaincra, L’histoire de Saint-
Being a native of Saint-Lazare, I still have fond memories of the Saint-Lazare of my youth.
By Robert Rozon
I remember very well the time when we would walk along our peaceful paths on foot or by bike, when we worried much less about traffic congestion. It was a time when we could still see beautiful farmland, animals grazing…
There was a time when Saint-Lazare was much less well-known, a time when our grandparents and great-grandparents still cultivated their land. It was hard work, but it made folks so proud.
My grandmother often told me how proud
my grandfather was when he would look at his land after making a detour on his way home from Sunday Mass. The land was clean and wellmaintained with very rudimentary tools.
Imagine… plowing, rolling, harrowing the soil, mowing hay with horses, and I don’t need to tell you that we had to walk behind the equipment to get the job done. To weed under fences or along ditches, it was done with a scythe by hand.
The work was never finished, as there was also the need to maintain the land such as repairing parts of a fence or even restoring one completely, cleaning and rebuilding ditches to help the natural drainage of the land. There was never a moment of respite; in winter, it was time to cut wood to sell or for personal use.
But being a farmer also meant having animals
oxen, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and thus being able to meet one’s basic needs with the products of the land. Many also had full-time jobs in addition.
Today, when I walk through the area, I still have the same fond memories of my youths, but of a very different landscape. The woods have reclaimed the space where my ancestors had cleared the land with their own hands, using horses or oxen. The ditches are now left unattended, roadsides are filled with dead trees no one is responsible for, and weeds are as tall as a man, where they were once mowed by hand. Abandoned buildings, often built with the help of neighbors…
And that’s my question: What have we done with the heritage of our ancestors? We must listen to the song Dégénérations by the band Mes Aieux to find the answer.
By Lyne Arbec
To run a museum, it takes a lot of vision, dedication, and above all, passion. Passion is that emotion that has guided many of my career choices in my own life. I resonate with Daniel's words, as he shares with me his deep passion for the museum, with eyes full of enthusiasm. Daniel Bissonnette, Curator of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Regional Museum for 38 years, retired at the end of 2024 after 40 years of service at the museum!
His love story with the museum began when he volunteered to welcome visitors, among other tasks. Little did he know that one day he would become its director. His academic background in history already hinted at a career in the field, and even his summer jobs revolved around the subject, such as working as a guide at Pointe-duMoulin in 1980. But with a degree in teaching, he thought he would educate rather than lead,
and he never imagined staying there for four decades.
He led the museum brilliantly! When I asked Daniel about his greatest pride, the first thing he spontaneously mentioned was having built a strong and loyal organization over the years. No wonder then, that when I asked the team what they appreciated most about their director, they all answered, "his human leadership," saying he was very approachable and accessible. They also mentioned his dedication not only to the museum but to the entire region. His passion is contagious, they said! It's important to note that Daniel was always open to suggestions and constantly encouraged initiatives from his team, which now includes about a dozen employees and twenty volunteers. In 1997, he received the Heritage Merit Award, and a few years later, the Charles III Prize.
It's important to note that the regional museum is not a non-profit organization but a privately managed entity. Daniel managed to make it shine through several mandates he took on and was involved in various related associations to build connections with municipal, social, and governmental sectors, such as chambers of commerce, business groups, the local development center, the arts and culture council, and the Québec Museums Society, just to name a few! In 2018, he created a major partnership with the city of
Pointe des Cascades for the development of the successful Parc des Ancres project!
The building, as magnificent as it is, also brings its share of challenges. Built in 1840, this former boys' school on Saint-Charles Street in Vaudreuil has not only been expanded several times but also had to undergo very specific maintenance and restorations over the years, with the largest renovations taking place in the mid-1960s to transform the school into a historical museum. This is why we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the museum in 2025. An exhibition has been set up on the first floor for this purpose, to help citizens better understand its evolution. Daniel was clever and persistent in securing the necessary funds to carry out the required work throughout his tenure!
What originally started as an institution mainly focused on preserving regional heritage has evolved into a cultural center, hosting launches, floating exhibitions, and a permanent exhibition in constant change. Let us not overlook the educational aspect he developed with his team over time to welcome schools and provide them with educational kits!
Daniel says he didn't see the years go by! He truly loved the fact that his days were far from routine, full of challenges, and allowed him to be very creative. He even adds that it was a privilege to have this job. Over his 40 years at the museum, he initiated the acquisition of more than 8,000 objects for the collection and oversaw hundreds of exhibitions. He thus leaves his successor, Sébastien Daviau, a museum that, let's say proudly, is one of the most respected throughout Quebec. Daniel
Bissonnette (INFOSuroit)
By Donald Simpson
At the time of the founding of Saint-Lazare in 1875, several families had already been established there for about 100 years! The concession of côte Saint-Louis was opened in 1774 and the one of côte Saint-Charles, in 1811. In this article, I will talk about one of these founding families, the Castonguay family.
The first Castonguay
Gaston Guay was born on September 4, 1630, in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France. He was the son of Mathieu Guay and Nicole Adam. He was a winemaker, and around 1650, he married Jeanne Prévost in Montreuilsous-Bois, France. Around 1671, the couple immigrated to la Nouvelle France.
They settled in the seigneury of Gaudarville in 1673. In 1678, Gaston bought half of the Saint-François fief near Quebec and was therefore known as Lord Gaston Guay.
The couple had a total of seven children: Mathieu, Nicolas, Elizabeth, Marguerite, François, Jean-Baptiste, and Charles. Charles was the only one born on this continent.
Gaston died on January 6, 1682, and his wife Jeanne followed him in April 1699. They are both buried in Quebec.
Second generation :
Mathieu Guay was born on November 12, 1654, in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France. He was baptized in the parish of Saint-Pierre.
He married Marguerite Balan on August 17, 1695, in Quebec, and the couple also settled in the Quebec region. Prior to this union, Mathieu had married Thérèse Poirier in 1681 and Anne Brisson in 1694.
Mathieu had a total of 19 children with his three wives: François, Jean-François, Thérèse, Noël, Raymond, Charles, Anne-Félicité, René, MarieCharlotte, Geneviève, Claude-Catherine, VincentMathieu, Marguerite, Simon-Edmond, Marie, François, Pierre, Marie-Geneviève, and MarieAnne. Most of them would henceforth carry the surname Castonguay.
Mathieu died on July 4, 1719, Anne on November 27, 1694, Thérèse on September 26, 1693, and Marguerite on October 19, 1758. They were all buried in Quebec.
Third generation :
Vincent-Mathieu Guay, dit Castonguay, was born on August 21, 1700, and was baptized in the parish of Quebec.
He married Marguerite Roy on February 24, 1727, in the Notre-Dame parish in Montreal, and the couple had two children: Marguerite and Pierre
This couple settled in the seigneury of Montreal, where Vincent-Mathieu became a mason. He died on December 2, 1729, and Marguerite preceded him in death on February 26, 1706. Both were buried in Montreal.
Fourth generation :
Pierre Castonguay, a blacksmith, was born on November 26, 1729, in Montreal. He married Anastasie Raizenne on October 12, 1750, in the Notre-Dame parish in Montreal.
The couple eventually settled in the Oka region, where they had at least six children: Marguerite, Marie-Louise, Pierre, Angélique, MarieAmable, and Jean-Baptiste.
Pierre died on May 15, 1811, Anastasie preceded him on October 29, 1798, and both were buried in Oka.
Fifth generation :
Pierre Castonguay was born on August 18, 1754, in Oka. On October 20, 1777, he married Palagie Gauthier in the parish of Vaudreuil. The couple had 12 children: Josephte, PierreBernard, Michel, Michel-Antoine, Rose, PierreLacroix, Pierre-Jean, Pascal, Pierre-Cyprien, Guillaume, Luc, and Adélaïde.
He was the first to settle on the land that would later become Saint-Lazare. He and his son Pascal appeared as residents of la côte Saint-Louis during the 1825 census, and Pascal also served in the War of 1812.
Pierre died on February 14, 1838, while his wife Palagie preceded him by one year. They were both buried in Vaudreuil.
Sixth generation:
Pierre-Lacroix Castonguay was born on September 14, 1788, in Vaudreuil. On February 17, 1817, he married Josephte Desrochers in the parish of Vaudreuil, and the couple had 11 children: Pierre, Julienne, Cyprien, Calixte, Antoine, Hilaire, Octave, Mathilde, Anastasie, Moise, and Emery.
By 1831, they all appeared as residents of la côte Saint -Louis.
Pierre-Lacroix died on March 1, 1873, and was buried in Vaudreuil, while Josephte died on October 27, 1880, and was buried in Saint-Lazare.
Seventh generation :
• Pierre Castonguay was born on September 25, 1818, in Vaudreuil, and he married Suzanne Brazeau on November 23, 1847, in Vaudreuil. The couple had eleven children: Pierre, Antoine, Octave, Evelina, Anastasie, Angélique, Emery, Anastasie, Zelima, Julie, and Joseph. Pierre died on January 14, 1886, and was buried in SaintLazare.
• Cyprien Castonguay was born on December 7, 1822, in Vaudreuil, and he married Célanie Roquebrune on February 9, 1847, in the parish of Vaudreuil. He remarried Mathilde Crevier on July 22, 1872, in Montreal. Cyprien served as a city councillor from 1884 (Vaudreuil) to 1886 (SaintLazare). He had 11 children with his two wives: Cyprien, Célanie, Izaide, Pierre, Marie-Azilda, Evangéliste, Philomène, Marie-Celima, MarieLouise-Elisa, Paul, and Marie-Louise-Rose-Anna.
• Like his brother Moise, he was a furtrader, and the couple had nine children: Antoine, Elvina, Émelie, Isaïde, Ferdinand, Henriette, Joseph-Emery, Narcisse, and Paul. Antoine died on October 18, 1910, and Emmelie died on December 18, 1909. Both were buried in Saint-Lazare.
• Octave Castonguay was born on January 11, 1832, in the parish of Vaudreuil. He married Julienne Leduc on October 16, 1857, in the parish of Vaudreuil. He served as a city councillor for Saint-Lazare from 1886 to 1888, and the couple had at least three children: Malvina-Alvina, Ovila, and Clara. Octave died on May 17, 1912, and Julienne died on August 27, 1900. Both were buried in Saint-Lazare.
• Moise Castonguay was born on September 29, 1840, in Vaudreuil, and he married Rosalie Chevalier on September 12, 1871, in the parish of Vaudreuil. Like his brother Antoine, he was a fur-trader. The couple had five children: Jean-Baptiste, Rosalie, Isaïe, Guillaume-William, and Clerilda. Moise died on December 11, 1907, and Rosalie died on July 20, 1936. The couple was buried in Saint-Lazare.
• Antoine Castonguay was born on June 13, 1827, in Vaudreuil, and he married Emmelie Dupont on February 23, 1852, in the parish of Vaudreuil.
Paul Castonguay (son of Antoine Castonguay) with his wife Émelie Rozon and a few of their children.
• Emery Castonguay was born on September 29, 1840, in Vaudreuil (twin brother of Moise). He married Philomène Rozon on March 4, 1867, in the parish of Vaudreuil. Emery served as a city councillor for Saint-Lazare from 1875 to 1878 and as mayor of Saint-Lazare from 1880 to 1883. The couple had seven children: Emery, Alexandre, Paul, Ludger, Marie-Louise, Marie, and Noé. Emery died on May 8, 1910, and Philomène died
A rather unique story lies behind the origin of the Castonguay (and Gastonguay) family name in Quebec. While many family names reflect a profession or a place associated with our various pioneers, the Castonguay name stands apart. It literally comes from the combination of the first and last name of their ancestor, a man named… Gaston Guay! Over the generations, some descendants adopted the names Gastonguay (which is still used today), Gastongué, and eventually Castonguay. It is also worth noting that the pioneer Gaston is the ancestor
These six couples, from the seventh generation, are all founding families of Saint municipality in 1875.
By Anick Chevrier
It was for its 100th anniversary that the City of Saint-Lazare adopted its coat of arms. The design was created by Mr. Robert Rozon in 1975, along with the following moto: “Patience vaincra” which represents the determination of the city’s leaders and citizens, and to preserve their environment, institutions, and distinct identity.
The band symbolizes the railway and the airstrip, the three shells (charges of the band) represent the origin of the city of Saint-Lazare (once submerged by the waters of Lake Champlain) and the city's water sources. In the topleft corner of the shield, a fleur-de-lis represents the French-speaking population, and at the bottom-right tip, a rose symbolizes the Canadian English element. The branches, which are attached to the maple leaves that support the shield, symbolize the city belonging to Canada while the leaves represent the green spaces and residential character of our city.
The mural crown, with the shield embossed upon it, is the emblem of the city's dignity and fortifications while the lion's bust atop the mural crown symbolizes a growing city, prestige, honor and the expanding nature of our city.
It is important to note that Mr. Rozon and the city received the support of the Heraldic House of Montreal in the creation of the coat of arms and its approval by government authorities. The firm also created a sculpture of the coat of arms on an oak piece presented to the city, as seen in the photo taken during the unveiling at City Hall in September 1975.
The logo of the City of Saint-Lazare, adopted in January 1993 and presented by Mr. Terry Oliver, reflects the unique features of Saint-Lazare: underground water, sand, forest cover, environmental quality of life, and the equestrian vocation.
In 2008, the city revised its logo to comply with the requirements of the Office Québécois de la langue française. The word "saint" is now written in full.
The city updated its logo, initially in black and white, which was used in various municipal publications.
A recent version in shades of white, gray, and black is now used in the city's publications.
The logo of the Saint-Lazare historical society was created by the members of the board of directors with the collaboration of Infografilm in 2019. It was inspired by the coat of arms of Saint-Lazare, which was designed by Mr. Robert Rozon of Saint-Lazare for the municipality's centennial in 1975.
Parchment and Motto: the motto of the Saint-Lazare historical society was written in 2019 by Anick Chevrier, a member of the executive and vice-president of the SHSL.
Here is our latest edition of the commemorative calendar, launched for 2025, the year marking the 150th anniversary of our municipality. The Saint-Lazare historical Society was able to carry out this project thanks to the participation of sponsors and a grant from the city. This promotional article allowed us to raise awareness while giving people the opportunity to acquire a collectible item filled with archived photos that are largely unknown to the public.
Source of information and photos: Robert Rozon
In the summer of 2024, a "bunker" shelter dating back to World War II was discovered on the property of a resident in Saint-Lazare. Our colleague Robert Rozon was given privileged access to the site and received permission to photograph it and allow SHSL to share the images. To protect the privacy of the property's owners, Robert has personally committed, on behalf of himself and SHSL, to keep the location and the identities of the residents anonymous.
