Urban conflicts, compromises and socioterritorial cohesion: the case of Montreal's TOHU

The Saint-Michel neighborhood is marked by a strong history of conflict between its citizens and the City of Montreal about the problems caused by the Miron quarry. Saint-Michel's dense community milieu and local governance mode are derived from three decades of conflict activity. Despite a context of social diversity and different waves of immigration, there is a strong social cohesion in the Saint-Michel district. A sense of belonging and common values are shared by the citizens. This well-structured community has not only been a fertile environment to receive the TOHU**, which is part of the City of Circus Arts, but it has also allowed citizens to own and enjoy, to some extent, the benefits of such equipment in the area.