The City of Montreal is moving to protect land near l'Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park where the remains of a 17th century fort have been unearthed.

An archeological survey conducted in recent weeks found evidence of Fort Lorette, which was built in 1696 and used until 1721, according to Heritage Montreal.

Montreal will have to work out a deal for the land, which was purchased by a condominium developer for $2 million from the Misericordia Sisters, a religious order.

Lorraine Pagé, city councillor for the district, said what the city will do with the land depends on what's found at the site.

"If we find important remains, we could develop them like we did with the remains of Fort Ville-Marie," she said. "It will definitely be a park, a public space for use by citizens."

The provincial government also announced protection for the site recently because of its archeological value.