The Brink of Montreal West

When I explain to non-native Montrealers the location of my neighborhood, I usually say something like "at the edge of Notre-Dame-de-Grace and the brink of Montreal West". This naturally evokes a few raised eyebrows or vacant looks that beg an explanation. But truthfully I had no better coordinates - until I did my research that is.

Foreign to Montreal myself just 3 short years ago, it's not surprising that I was ill-acquainted with the sorting of the island. The STM metro lines provided useful markers to the city and still largely do since I am not a driver. I used to think there was a difference between getting to know your city and getting around it but really, aren't those one and the same?

The many neighborhoods of Montreal are sorted into 19 boroughs and 15 reconstituted cities as defined by the Agglomeration of Montreal since January 1, 2006 (view overall map). Though my reconstituted city is technically Montreal West, my borough is Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, wherein lies my neighborhood (click here to find yours!). Among my favorite next-door haunts are the Snowdon Bakery and Patisserie de la Gare it's not surprising I have a hard time pinning down the appropriate name of my neighbourhood. Consulting the official Ville de Montreal Portal is practical, giving you fairly clear information on the island's municipal structure and can also serve to introduce you to your community. The portal offers information on neighborhood activities (sign up for sports and recreation); its history;  and cultural scene (community organizations), altogether fostering a sense of how to take part and belong. Other discoveries I made from this hidden source include local library locations, employment opportunities and even the socioeconomic profile of my borough (view yours!). 

Feeling a bit like I always imagined Waldo did, a little lost and a little explorative, I attempt to map out my microcosm further by visiting the actual map of my borough (see arrondissement de Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) and begin to pinpoint concretely a few of my neighbourhood perks. For those of you who are similarly spatially-impaired (who get lost while getting home by an alternate route), this should help. 

The most common way to get to know your neighborhood besides walking is via the many routes of transportation in your area. The 105, 165 and 51 buses run to the west end of Sherbrooke Street where I reside. In times where I wasn't actively getting to a desired location, I became aware of a new one in passing. It's no coincidence that shops align with bus routes (or the other way around, who knows?). You will invariably find a shop, café or restaurant that pricks your interest by exploring new routes. Bicycling is also a favourable option for a day out, so get active and curious while getting to know your neighbourhood.