SENNEVILLE
Historic site on the western tip of the island of Montreal
As one of the oldest villages in Quebec, Senneville holds a special place in the province’s history. Founded as a settlement in 1679, it was incorporated as a municipality centuries later and recently celebrated its official 120th anniversary as the Village of Senneville.
Despite all of the changes it has undergone since its founding, the waterfront community has been able to maintain much of the charm that makes it so unique.
“You can actually still find one of the 20 oldest remaining windmills in Quebec, built in 1686, as well as a historic fort built in 1671,” said Jane Guest, mayor of Senneville. “Our village is full of history, which adds to its inherent charm.”
The territory of Senneville is vast and contains a substantial concentration of green space, which has been preserved for years.
With the Lake of Two Mountains on one side of the town and the Morgan Arboretum on the other, Senneville is uniquely located on the western tip of the island of Montreal.
“As an introduction to Senneville, I often suggest people use Google Earth showing the island of Montreal,” said François Vaqué, Senneville city councillor. “Then I say: You see the large green spot on the map? — Well, that’s us!”
Once a popular location for summer homes and cottages belonging to wealthy Montrealers, today the community is made up of just under 1,000 year-round citizens. Despite this small population, the architecture and urban development in Senneville is quite diverse.
“Estate houses built by famous Montreal architects like the Maxwell brothers as well as more modest postwar houses are well integrated into the lush green semi-rural environment,” Guest said.
Our village is full of history, which adds to its inherent charm.
MAY O R JANE GUEST
“The northern part of the village was actually designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002,” she said.
The northern part of Senneville also boasts four organic farms: Ferme Carya, Ferme Santropol, Ferme du Zéphyr and Domaine Souffle de vie. They all provide organic food locally, and at various points of sale throughout Montreal.
“Over the last few years, Senneville has taken a leadership role in redefining its ecoterritory,” Coun. Vaqué said. “Our long-term vision allows the preservation of not only
Over the last few years, Senneville has taken a leadership role in redefining its ecoterritory. FRANÇOIS VAQUÉ
our unique green space but also facilitates for the maintenance and the development of residential properties in Senneville. It is unique on the island of Montreal and we’d like to keep it that way.”
It’s easy to see why Senneville is widely regarded as a perfect location to raise a family. There are activities for kids and adults all year long in a safe, beautiful environment, along with very good public and private schools in the area.
“It’s a well-organized, small, friendly community where people can participate, or not, depending on their lifestyle,” Guest said. “People choose to live here because they value the semi-rural village environment and all it has to offer so close to Montreal.”
The village features enough amenities to keep just about anyone busy: a yacht club on the Lake of Two Mountains; Braeside Golf Club, a private nine-hole jewel founded in 1895; a vineyard; and a newly opened private equestrian centre specializing in dressage and jumping as well as a stud farm, to name just a few. Senneville is also an amazing bird sanctuary. The village
People choose to live here because they value the semi-rural village environment ... JANE GUEST
has two equipped parks with many organized recreational activities for kids and adults including hockey rinks, tennis courts, swimming facilities and programs, volleyball, soccer, yoga and many other activities and courses offered on a seasonal basis in its community centre.
Senneville is a largely bilingual community with English and French schools, both public and private, and a German school in the area as well. The German school in nearby Baie d’Urfé is a big draw for executives from Europe who often choose to locate and invest in the area so their kids can attend this highly regarded school when coming to Canada.
“Our community is very open and inclusive,” Vaqué said. “Senneville is a perfect location for families with young children, but we also have an aging community that really enjoys the safety and quiet environment they can find here.”
In order to encourage first-time homeowners to buy in Senneville, the municipal council recently accepted the development of some townhouses to be built in the middle of the village.
“This upcoming new development will also allow for seniors interested in downsizing to stay in the community,” Guest said.
There is a range of single-family homes on the market, from multimillion-dollar properties to smaller family homes. A newly built four-bedroom Tudor cottage on Tunstall Ave., for example, was listed at $750,000.
“Our community is ideal and inclusive for everyone, from newcomers to Montreal to people who have lived here their whole lives,” Guest said. “Our incredible sense of community, and our beautiful surroundings make Senneville a very special place to live.”