9675 Blvd. LaSalle, Lasalle

Sometimes, unexpected landmarks lead to surprising discoveries. While simply searching for a grocery store in the Lachine/LaSalle area, we stumbled upon an impressive windmill—something I hadn’t remembered was still visible in this part of Montreal. Though windmills still stand in parts of Quebec, finding one here, so well preserved, was a pleasant surprise. What makes this site particularly fascinating is the rich history behind it, dating back to the early 19th century.

During that era, land in Quebec was divided under the seigneurial system, where each seigneur was expected to provide a flour mill for the residents, who, in return, were obligated to use it and pay a fee. However, James Fleming, a Scottish immigrant, broke with this tradition by building a private mill in 1815 to serve both local residents and breweries. This challenged the Church and the seigneurial monopoly, sparking legal disputes that dragged on for years. The powerful Sulpician Order, which held seigneurial control in the area, strongly opposed Fleming’s actions and brought the matter to court, but eventually ceased legal action in 1825.

The original mill from 1815 was later replaced by the current, more robust stone structure in 1827, still constructed by Fleming. Cleverly designed, the mill’s rotating cap allowed it to adjust to wind direction, optimizing efficiency. It remained in operation until 1891 and became city property in 1947. Today, the Fleming Mill is both a historical interpretation centre and a small theatre aimed at younger audiences. Although the original windmill blades were lost in 2019 due to structural issues, the 15-meter-high tower still stands proudly, facing Lac Saint-Louis—a testament to one man’s defiance and ingenuity in a time of rigid control.

Other attractions nearby: Lachine Museum. Maison LeBer-LeMoyne, Canal Lachine, Rene-Levesque Park