Walking past the recreation centre and following the network of lanes used, in years past, for coal and ice deliveries.
Westmount’s Lanes
Westmount Overlooked
Pictures taken while walking our dog in Westmount, Quebec.
Walking past the recreation centre and following the network of lanes used, in years past, for coal and ice deliveries.
Very interesting photos of Montreal. In Europe, during Victorian times, coal was often delivered to prosperous homes in the city by way of ‘ manholes ‘ in the front pavement. These were circular steel covers which were easily lifted, the bags of coal deposited to cellars below, thus avoiding the need to carry bags of coal through the house, which was usually the case in smaller terraced properties. Back lanes were usually built at this time, referred to as Mews. Today, depending on the area, many smaller houses used once for coaches, have been converted to accomodation, and can be very expensive to buy. Unlike Canada, most modern houses recently built in Ireland don’t have any laneways at the back. This no doubt is a reflection on those engaged in property speculation wanting to maximize profits. But, that’s another story !
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