COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
A look at Pointe-Claire
Originally designed as a garden city, the West Island community of Pointe-Claire today remains true to its founders’ vision. Ample green space, tree-lined streets, and kilometres of lush waterfront terrain truly make it a scenic oasis for residents seeking suburban paradise while being only 25 minutes from downtown Montreal.
In April, Pointe-Claire received the No. 1 ranking among communities in the Greater Montreal area from MoneySense.ca for its return on investment, location, and city management.
To the nearly 31,000 people who call Pointe-Claire home, this status came as no surprise.
“The city gives a high priority to protecting quality of life and is uncompromising on this issue, especially where the environment is concerned and the friendliness and urbanity of our community,” said Mayor Morris Trudeau. “Its high level of municipal, institutional and commercial services, its dynamic community life, and its strategic location on the island of Montreal are all part of its quality of life.”
Nestled between Dorval and Beaconsfield on the shore of Lac St-Louis, Pointe-Claire covers an area of nearly 35 square kilometres. There are 12,000 households within its territory, and the average household income is just over $85,000. Interestingly, 52 per cent of residents were either born in another country, or have at least one parent who was born in another country.
“Our diversity is an important part of our identity as a community,” Trudeau said. “In PointeClaire, everyone is welcome to enjoy what the city has to offer.”
And, put simply, there’s plenty of choice.
The scope of its urban forest, the activities on the lakeshore, its network of parks, many outdoor pools, and its libraries, all distinguish the community and leave little to be desired no matter what your interests are.
“It’s a wonderful part of Montreal,” said Victoria Lucas, manager at Orchard House daycare on Brunswick Blvd. “Spending as much time as I do here in the community, it’s easy to see the appeal of living here; it’s so green and well-maintained, and everyone is so friendly.”
Kathy Dancsecs, director of the Pointe-Claire YMCA, which has been operating in the community since 1956, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s really a great place to work and to live, with very involved residents,” she said. “We have 250 volunteers and many of them are from Pointe-Claire and are also loyal members.”
In keeping with Pointe-Claire’s history of above-par services and facilities, a substantial number of projects are planned for the summer ahead.
In addition to maintaining roads, public buildings and areas, the city also has a slew of exciting new programs, including the development of a monarch butterfly garden near the Terra-Cotta Natural Park, the installation of a splash pad for kids at Valois Park, a new skatepark near the Aquatic Centre, and upgrades of the Terra-Cotta and Ovide dog parks.
Moreover, the Terra-Cotta chalet has been renovated and the area has been doubled in size, and accessible indoor and outdoor toilets have been installed. As part of the park’s conservation project, 22 educational panels will be installed and 1,400 plants will be planted. A snake hibernation site and nesting boxes will also be built.
“The Special Planning Program for the Village of Pointe-Claire was adopted in the spring of this year, and the first stage is already under way with the complete reconstruction of Cartier Ave., which is the entrance to the village,” Mayor Trudeau said.
“A bicycle path will also be developed from Autoroute 20 to Lanthier Ave., and an electronic board will be added, too.”
In terms of real estate, Pointe-Claire has a full gamut of options suited for just about any kind of buyer. From condos and townhouses for first-time buyers and young families, to large family homes and waterfront estates, you’re sure to find a property to suit your needs and budget in Pointe-Claire.
A three-bedroom townhouse on Donegani Ave., for example, is available for $530,000, and a two-bedroom condo on Lakeshore Rd. is listed for $305,000. If you’re looking for more space, a four-bedroom two-storey home on de Compton Cres. is going for $608,500, and a five-bedroom property on Braebrook Ave. is available for $525,000.
“Pointe-Claire is a sought-after neighbourhood for many reasons: great schools, lots of green space, easy access to public transportation, and easy access to major highways,” said Sarah Thacker, real-estate broker with Proprio Actif. “Many young professionals are moving from downtown back to the West Island to start families, and we’ve seen a trend as well where some homes haven’t been listed in 20, 30, even 40 years, as many homeowners move to Pointe-Claire to stay long-term.”