Montreal in 19 neighbourhoods: A series HENRI-BOURASSA BLVD.
Montréal-Nord is multicultural to the max! According to a 2014 survey, the borough is made up of more than 84,000 people, and over 60 per cent are newcomers to Canada, with residents coming from Haiti (32 per cent), Italy (14 per cent), Morocco (eight per cent), Algeria (eight per cent), Lebanon (five per cent), and more. With so much diversity, it’s one of the best boroughs to hit up for authentic ethnic eats and culture. Prior to the arrival of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, the area — once known as Sault-au-Récollet — was covered by lush forest, and was used for portaging by the First Nations, due to its strategic location along the Rivière des Prairies. In 1615, New France’s first mass was given in what is now known as Montréal-Nord.
1. Henri-Bourassa Park
This park includes an indoor pool, skateboard area, soccer field, tennis court, playground, arena, basketball court, bocce field, chalet and fountain. It’s also where memorial events are often held for Fredy Villanueva, the Honduran teenager who was shot and killed by police in the area in 2008. The incident led to the creation of Montréal-Nord Républik, a justice-seeking organization that fights racism and other inequalities, co-founded by Will Prosper, a Montréal-Nord activist and former police officer.
2. Marché du Nord Henri-Bourassa
A pop-up public market that operates out of various locations every summer, the Marché du Nord Henri-Bourassa opened for the 2017 season on June 25, and will close Oct. 8. The market, created by nonprofit organization Pépinière & Co., offers a variety of fresh and inexpensive fruits and vegetables, as well as other tasty treats. Pépinière & Co. is also behind another Marché du Nord in the same borough, located on the corner of Charleroi St. and ArmandLavergne Ave.
3. Dijon St.
Every summer for the past couple of years, between Hurteau St. and Rolland Blvd., Dijon St. becomes pedestrian-only until early September. During that time, it offers lots of activities such as skateboarding, rock climbing, basketball, Zumba and Afro-fit, as well as movies, live performances and circuses. Gardening and art workshops are also available throughout the summer, as is a specialized program for seniors.
4. Lester B. Pearson High School
Established in 1976 and named after Lester Bowles Pearson, the 14th prime minister of Canada, this English-language high school is where Learning for a Cause was founded in 2004 by educator Michael Ernest Sweet. The not-forprofit student press was created to strengthen high school students’ sense of social responsibility by giving them opportunities to engage in their community through writing. This unique program has published the works of more than 1,500 high school students.
5. Henri-Bourassa Public Library
Montréal-Nord’s main and largest library opened on May 15, 1980, in what used to be a building occupied by Hydro-Québec. In addition to a vast collection of books geared to both adults and youth, it also houses a cultural centre, as well as various technical and administrative departments. The public library is named after Henri Bourassa, who was a French-Canadian politician and publisher.
6. Casserole Kréole
Casserole Kréole was created by two chefs, Hans Chavannes and Kenny Pélissier, who specialize in French-Antillean cuisine and offer both a casual lunch counter and a Haitian-fusion catering service out of the same location. The menu includes homemade specialties like pikliz, marmalade and cinnamon syrup, on top of favourites like rice and beans, or Jerk and “Kréole” chicken.