COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
A look at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue
With a village-like atmosphere, the cosy community of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue offers residents a unique, green, and pedestrian-friendly place to call home. Nestled on the western tip of the island of Montreal, the town is best known for its ample natural beauty, internationally recognized educational institutions, and its vast array of outdoor activities.
“It’s small and beautiful and it’s also a college town because of John Abbott College and the Macdonald Campus of McGill University,” said Ryan Young, city councillor for District 2. “Many people who work and study there also live here and that creates an interesting dynamic. There’s always new people arriving and bringing new energy and ideas in and this is contrasted with the long-term residents who are very attached to the community’s traditions and quality of life. It makes for an interesting mix.”
In fact, the diversity of its population — and the way in which everyone gets along — is a defining characteristic of the community.
“Everybody knows everybody so get to know your neighbours, and explore as much as you can,” Young said.
When you’re not chatting it up with the locals, you’ll find no shortage of available activities in the charming community. From cycling, birding and boating, to cross-country skiing and nature walks, there truly is something for everyone who wants to spend time outdoors.
The town’s Ecomuseum Zoo, Morgan Arboretum, Bellevue Observatory, Montreal Aviation Museum, and Macdonald Campus Farm are just a few of the sights that draw tourists to the thriving community each year. But if you’re looking for a more low-key activity, you can always take a stroll along the city’s waterfront, and enjoy the local shops and well-known market.
“For me it’s the waterfront Saturday local farmers’ market, and the multi-generational familyowned and managed businesses like Marché Richard and the D’Aoust store that really make the community what it is,” Young said. “It’s one of the only Certified Fair Trade Towns in Quebec, and the farmers’ market was key in getting that certification.”
From young families and professionals to multi-generational households, residents from all walks of life call Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue home. There’s also a healthy artistic community in the town.
”At its heart it’s something of a bohemian centre for artists, poets and musicians,” Young said. “Much of that local talent is featured every summer in our outdoor concert series on the boardwalk, and at the local Union Church’s Coffee House, which is a venue for local performers and Montreal recording artists like Susie Arioli and Connie Kaldor.”
In terms of real estate, the town offers a unique mix of heritage properties and newer developments. For instance, a two-bedroom townhouse in the south sector of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue is currently listed for $485,000, while a two-bedroom condo in the same area is going for $239,000.
On the other hand, a decadesold home on Tremblay St. in the north sector is currently available for $409,000, while a newly built mammoth property on EuclideLavigne St. has a price tag of nearly $1.6 million.
“The village area abounds with century-old homes at affordable prices and are a steal for those who appreciate Old World charm and want to make their own mark by lovingly restoring and updating these homes with character,” said Mayor Paola Hawa. “In fact, in the past couple of years younger couples have moved in and have done splendid work in restoring these homes.”
The town’s website features a database of all homes in its territory that are at least 100 years old. “We’re working on populating this database with the social history of these homes so we can document who lived there, and have stories associated with each property, and so on,” Mayor Hawa said.
As for new projects, Ste-Annede-Bellevue is currently working on a large development for its north sector, called the Projet particulier d’urbanisme (PPU). It is centred around creating a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
“The concept plan we’re presenting is the outcome of a long and thoughtful process that we wanted to be transparent and that meets the concerns and expectations of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue citizens,” Hawa said in a prepared statement. “Its development is based largely on studies conducted by independent firms and on the briefs that were submitted, as well as on citizens’ comments. We are very proud of the work that has been done, and we are convinced that the results are a faithful reflection of our citizens’ vision for their city’s development.”
The development will feature residential, commercial, and industrial areas, surrounded by a specially developed green belt. The neighbourhood will be served by public transit, and provide both new homes and potential employment opportunities.
Final adoption of the plan for the north sector by Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue municipal council should take place in the spring.