The Main National Historic Site of Canada

The elements that characterize the heritage value of the district include:

- the linear quality of the 6-kilometre stretch of street;

- the evolutionary nature of the streetscape with buildings dating from many time periods;

- the modest scale of most structures;

- a variety of functional building types including small factories, shops, restaurants,- theatres, as well as religious, institutional and community structures;

- the orientation of most buildings to the street;

- a preponderance of masonry structures;

- a strong presence in certain sectors of Montreal's "urban vernacular", 2 to 3 storey structures with grey Montréal stone facades and brick party walls;

- the variety and constant evolution of aesthetic expression.