LEO LEONARD

Leo Leonard's Horse Palace is located in the heart of Griffintown, an area of MontrÈal, Quebec, which was founded by early Irish settlers. The Horse Palace is one of the last functioning stables in close proximity to downtown. The area will change drastically in the near future as a result of current development proposals that are disregarding the unique sense of place that can still be found in Griffintown.

Built in 1862 , The stables and courtyard are a remnant from the era of horse power in the nineteenth century. However, this complex of stables and carriage houses still function for their original purpose. The stables still shelter work-horses, ponies and carriages. Now used for the tourist trade, there are 5 horses permanently housed here. The Horse Palace serves several carriage drivers, who conduct tours through old Montreal. At one time the complex acted as an over-night stop for travellers to and from the city, and as housing for work-horses used in the industry and manufacturing businesses of the neighbouring Lachine Canal.

Hustak, Alan. “Apocolypse for the Horseman.” The Gazette. Tuesday, April 3, 2007.