The Grant Manor
Located in the heart of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, the Grant Manor is an exceptional landmark that reflects the region’s history and architectural heritage. This iconic building, which has withstood the test of time, now welcomes visitors to a unique setting perfect for cultural exploration, events, and memorable experiences.
The History of the Manor
Current research suggests that the Grant Manor, originally an inn called the Grant Hotel, was built between 1835 and 1839 on the orders and at the expense of Lord Ellice, Seigneur of Beauharnois. Mr. Duncan Grant was reportedly the manager of the Manor during the Irish uprising in June 1843.
The Manor was sold as a residence after the construction of the first Beauharnois Canal. The property was then acquired in 1907 by Mr. Edmond Arthur Robert on behalf of the Canadian Light & Power Company. The wooden building appears behind the stone Manor. The property is used to house the architects and engineers responsible for building the Saint-Timothée hydroelectric power station. In 1949, Hydro-Québec acquires the buildings and land on the estate, as well as the power station.
The location opened to the public in 1984 under the name “Café-concert La Belle Époque.” In 1994, the original name, Hôtel Grant, was restored. In 2006, the new owners, Caroline Benoît and Frédéric Jodoin, renamed it Manoir Grant. The venue has retained its function as a reception hall, specializing in weddings.
The foundation walls of the Manor are 1 meter thick. The building measured 13.8 m by 10.4 m and had two floors. The attic, which occupied the surface area of the two adjoining buildings, was suitable for occupancy. A 9.3 m by 11.8 m annex and a garage were built in 1909. The house was built in the Monumental Regency style.
The Irish uprising
Several Irish workers who were digging the Beauharnois Canal lost their lives under tragic circumstances on Monday, June 12, 1843, in front of Grant Manor in Saint-Timothée.
The workers were shot by British soldiers while attending a protest rally, which drew approximately 1,000 workers demanding better working conditions and higher wages from Magistrates George Crawford and Jean-Baptiste Laviolette.
The official death toll was reported as six, but according to eyewitness accounts, the number was much higher. In a panic, the workers attempted to escape from the soldiers’ gunfire and the cavalry’s sabers by fleeing in all directions. Some even jumped into the rapids. Meanwhile, the infantry searched the bushes for any workers who might be hiding.
It was Magistrate Laviolette who reportedly ordered Major Campbell, the commanding officer of the troops, to fire on the crowd, only minutes after reading the Riot Act, which prohibited the formation of coalitions. The crowd had reportedly been walking back and forth in front of Grant Manor and had not made any attempt to advance toward the troops. The Irish chaplain, Reverend John Falvey, was present at the scene.
Fearing disturbances similar to those that had occurred at the Lachine Canal, Magistrates Laviolette and Crawford had requested and received protection from about fifty soldiers of the 74th Regiment, as well as cavalry from the Queen’s Light Dragoons.
