Last summer, Montreal inaugurated its very first MURAL festival. Spanning over a period of three days, locals and tourists flocked towards boulevard Saint-Laurent as artists showcased over 20 unique street art murals. With the positive feedback garnered from last years festival, Montreal is set to host MURAL for a second time. If you plan to check out this epic festival, here's a list of Montreal street artists to keep an eye out for this summer.

A'Shop's epic street mural, June 2013, corner of Saint-Laurent and Pine.

A'Shop are among the most notable street artists of Montreal. Since the early 90s, A'Shop has provided the city with large-scale murals for private and commercial clients around the province. Rooted in graffitti culture, the artist-run company promises that their authentic creations and innovative ideas represent their signature style. Their street creditability is defined by the overwhelming support from Montrealers for over 25 years.

• En Masse

En Masse's street mural, June 2013, boulevard Saint-Laurent

En Masse is a multi-base artist collaboration project co founded by Jason Botkin and Tim Barnard in 2009. Having worked with over 250 artists internationally, En Masse focuses on five branches of acitvity, ranging from commercial murals to curatorial programming. Their aim is to create a collective vision with various artists in hopes of producing a masterpiece far greater than any one person could create on their own.

• Labrona

A Labrona masterpiece, fall 2013, located between Sherbrooke East and Berri.

Montreal artist Labrona is a passionate artist who combines the beauty of daily life into his works of art. For the past fifteen years, Labrona has been capturing life in his art by painting on skateboards, trains, and the outdoors walls of buildings. This talented artist ensures that he combines traditional beauty with the gritty truth of wherever he paints.

• La Paria Crew

La Paria cartoon mural, June 2013, Saint-Laurent, corner Duluth

La Paria is a group of Montreal graffers, skateboarders, and artists who collectively believe in the "do it yourself" philosophy. Drawing their inspiration from social exclusion, La Paria is bound by the promise to never bow down to authority.

• Chris Dryer

Meet Peter Varvaro Jr, a restauranteur and connoisseur of Montreal's famous deli sandwich. Born and bred in Montreal, Pete is the eldest of six children and namesake of Peter Varvaro, owner of The Main Deli Steakhouse. Pete is your typical Montreal-italian. He's outgoing, funny, and loves sharing his twisted humor with his friends and clients. His success stems from the guidance and direction of his city-famous father, Peter Varvaro Sr.

Pete's father was immersed in Jewish culture. As a young Italian boy growing up on Saint-Laurent, Peter Sr. became infatuated with Jewish traditions, specifically those which dealt with perfecting the savory brisket. He was often seen rushing home with handfuls of smoke meat sandwiches from Nathan's, a small snack bar located in the Plateau. As he got older, his father experimented with different seasonings, breads, and equipment. After much trial and error, Peter Sr. opened The Main Deli, his very own restaurant in 1974. 

With the help of his wife Diane and children Pete, Dominic, Angelo, and Jennifer, the Varvaro's were able to perfect the smoke meat sandwich. Over the years, The Main Deli has served celebrities like Celine Dion, Al Pacino, Leonard Cohen, and Stanley Lewis. As a teenager, Pete Jr. recalls when Celine Dion and her husband would slide into "the corner booth where they always sat... and [ordered] the smoked meat and baby back ribs". Today, The Main Deli remains in the hands of the Varvaro children, while Pete also manages his own restaurant in the suburbs of Montreal. 

After contributing 22 years of his life working for the family business, Pete decided to open a place of his own. In 1996, Pete opened Smoke Meat Pete, a restaurant similar to the family deli. The name of the restaurant derives from his childhood spent working for the family business. "I was nicknamed Smoke Meat Pete when I was younger, and it just kind of stuck" says the restauranteur. 

Smoke Meat Pete literally became an overnight sensation. Operating his restaurant from a tiny cramped basement, Pete marketed his brisket to the random drivers who would pass by his home in Ile Perrot. However, all that changed in June 1998 when the Montreal Gazette ran an article in the food section about Pete's smoke meat sandwich, dubbing it second best to Schwartz, Montreal's Hebrew delicatessen and The Main Deli's rival. The article made Pete a household name and the next day customers lined up around the block to try his brisket. That day, Pete was forced to close his restaurant early because he had run out of bread. After that, restaurant life was never the same, as customers kept coming back for more. To accommodate his growing clientele, Pete was forced to move his restaurant out of the basement to a larger location. Today, the restaurant continues to attract a diverse clientele, drawing customers mainly from the west island and Ontario region. 

For those not familiar with Smoke Meat Pete, it's a mix between a relaxed BBQ hot spot meets Blues bar, serving smoke meat platters, poutine, and ribs, similar dishes that the Varvaro family restaurant is reputed for since the 1970s.

Although Smoke Meat Pete has achieved success, many believed it would fail because the restaurant lies miles from Montreal's Jewish enclave. However, despite being far from the downtown core, the restaurant has gained raving reviews on TripAdivor  and UrbanSpoon, claiming that the brisket is "authentic to the core" and "[Montreal's] BEST smoke meat by FAR". 

Through his hard work and dedication, Pete has established a reputable name from himself and continues to carry on the Varvaro tradition. Not only has he imitated his family's deli sandwich, he has also managed to take the Judaic culture and expand their influences from Montreal Jewish hub westward of the island. 

For foodies interested in trying a traditional Varvaro dish, Smoke Meat Pete is located on 283 1st avenue in Ile Perrot. 

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References

How many of us have spent our binge-drinking filled weekends hanging around boulevard Saint-Laurent? While hobbling down the street in stilettos, have you ever stopped and wondered what existed before the chique boutique, supperclubs, and lounges? The answer is probably a no considering most of us focus on what is right in front of our eyes.     

Boulevard Saint-Laurent, also know as The Main, is actually a product of over 300 years of history, establishing its reputation as the immigrant corridor of Montreal. By the early nineteenth century, many Eastern and Western Europeans emigrated to Montreal flocking towards Saint-Laurent and evidently creating a social and cultural hub for immigrants, particularly of Italian, Greek, Asian, and Jewish descent. Today, Saint-Laurent has become a major commercial and social artery for Montrealers and tourists. The next time you decide to ride in a limo with your head out the window at 3 a.m., consider taking a stroll down Saint-Laurent instead and explore these 5 historic attractions whose foundations are credited to the immigrants who made our beloved city.

Surprise, surprise. I bet you didn't know that Saint-Laurent is Montreal's former Red Light District. Established in 1672, Saint-Laurent is the oldest artery and one of the first streets that crossed the Montreal Island from one end to the other. As the boulevard evolved, so did its' surroundings. Going from a wasteland to a flourishing commercial area, Saint Laurent became the hotspot for sex, drugs, and rock&roll. Saint-Laurent was the central area where soldiers and navy men used to relax and let loose during their layover time.Today, Saint Laurent is deemed a national historic site of Quebec. It also, remains a popular place to eat, party, and drink. However, the crusty and rundown bars have been revamped into upscale dinning restaurants (Zante is a personable favorite), and pop-up shops like Lollipops and Boutique 1861. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out Cleopatra, the oldest underground strip and drag club. So go explore the buildings and family-run bakeries along the street-I guarantee you will come home with a mind blowing historical fact to tell your roommate.

2. Little Italy

If you've ever wanted to visit Italy but couldn't afford the plane fare, don't worry ABAAHT IT (as the Italian's would say). Little Italy is like being in Italy except you're on a completely different continent. From its delicious italian restaurants to its' beautiful architecture, Little Italy is one of the most well-developed ethnic neighborhoods in Montreal. Little Italy is located on Saint-Laurent, between Jean Talon and St-Zotique street. Many Italians immigrated to Montreal to work on the Mile End Railway. Most settled along The Main because it was within walking distance of their jobs. By 1931, Italian immigrants made up 30% of Montreal's local population. By the 1960s, almost every Italian was living in this area. As families began to expand, the majority of Italians dispersed throughout the island of Montreal, particularly migrating to Saint-Leonard, Lasalle, and Rivieres Des Prairies. Regardless of the fluctuation, Little Italy remains one of the trendiest ethnic corridors of Montreal. Due to its delicious cuisine and tiny cafes, Little Italy has the exotic charm and foreign experience individuals appreciate. If you're interested in exploring the neighborhood, make sure to check out the fascist inspired building Casa Italia and Dante Park. If you have time, stop by Café Italy for a biscotti and espresso. Also, if you really want to feel Italian, go sit on a terrace during the World Cup and watch the excitement that will transpire.

3. Jean-Talon Market

I know its' difficult to imagine, but Saint-Laurent was once a rural farmland. After the Great Depression hit Europe, many Italians from Sicily, Naples, and Piedmont were forced to leave their homes in search of new opportunities. Leaving their dust bowl villages where land was uncultivable, Italians migrated towards The Main due to its healthy farming soil. In 1933, Italian immigrants opened Montreal's first farmer's market, bordering Jean-Talon and Mozart street. With over 300 vendors, individuals can purchase anything from fresh fish, meat, international cheeses, and spices from all over the world. If you're Italian, I guarantee you run into a family member, nosy aunt, or loud neighbor during your Sunday morning stroll through the market.

4. Baxter Block

The Jewish community is by far the largest ethnic community that has influenced Saint-Laurent. Between 1870 and 1945, many Jews emigrated to Canada in efforts to escape persecution; these individuals were primarily from Eastern Europe countries like Galencia, Poland, Russia, Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary and Romania. As of 1911, one-third of Montreal's population was Jewish and 87% of the Jewish population lived on the boulevard By the 1950s, most of the Jewish population dispersed from the boulevard and settled along Mont Royal and Sherbrooke. Since then, most of the buildings in this area have been remodeled and are currently being used as studios for Judaic theatrical productions and dance recitals. As for the district itself, only a handful of small, family owned businesses remain. However, this area remains a prominent element to history as it was the home to Jewish ancestors who suffered through the holocaust and oppression in Eastern Europe. We can see the Jewish influences in-and-around Baxter block. Located between Prince Arthur and Guilbrault street, Baxter is a commercial block and example of architectural uniformity and design which was created after the Jewish wave of migration to North America. Today, the street is the home of trendy cafes, bars, and small boutiques.

5. Chinatown

At the end of the1900s, Europeans were not the only ones lived who along Saint-Laurent. By 1911, over 1000 Chinese and Taiwanese emigrated to Montreal in search for jobs in the railway industry. They settled along the boulevard and created their own cultural hub, establishing barriers along De La Gauchetière, Saint-Urbain, and Saint-Laurent. In 1982, big arches were erected as an entrance to their very own Chinatown. Since the 1960s, many have settled away from Chinatown, consequently allowing the city to transform the ethnic hub into a commercial area. Today, Chinatown has been revamped into a pedestrian walkway where Montrealers and tourists can explore the district's restaurants and unique shops. On weekends, vendors extend their stores to the sidewalk to display fresh fruit, exotic vegetables, and imported goods. This area is also known for holding Chinese festivals like the dragon shows, the Miss Chinese Pageant, and martial arts demonstrations. So grab a bubble tea and some dragon beard candy and take a walk around the beautifully decorated neighborhood.

Montreal is an inviting city that prides itself on being rich in culture, and having some of the hottest restaurants, nightclubs, and year-round events - thus giving us the title of one of the liveliest cities in the world.

We will take you through 5 of Montreals most happening boroughs and if you are interested in finding a home, check out Micasa's home listings for Montreal.

If you are looking to be immersed in Italian culture and language, without the expense of leaving the country, Little Italy is the place to be. Its delicious delis, quaint restaurants, beautifully structured churches, savory bakeries, and authentic cafes are unlike any other. Truly the best offering of italian cuisine in the city.

If you are in the area, another enjoyable aspect is:

• Marche Des Saveurs du Quebec
• Marche Jean-Talon

These markets provide you with the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers and pastries money can buy.

All in all, Little Italy is the place to visit for a truly authentic feel of a cultured italian society.

2) Sud Ouest - Griffintown

Griffintown is Montreals newest up-and-coming borough. Most recently, in 2012, the city of Montreal released their plans to revitalize and reinvent the Griffintown area.

Now, mainly known for its industrial and vacant appearance, it will be reinvented to become a fun, family oriented neighbourhood. Plans to build parks, playgrounds, bicycle paths and condos have been implemented, and we are expecting a completed Griffintown in 2025.

With its close proximity to the downtown area, you can expect this borough to be 'the' place to live, in the city of Montreal.

Its most recent addition, a club called New City Gas, has taken this city by storm, and has potentially reinvented nightlife in Montreal. With its concert venue look, New City Gas brings in well-known international Dj's, like Deadmau5 and Alesso.

Also, new eateries like Nora Gray, and Bistro Duo D. have foodies flocking to the neighbourhood.

If you're looking to move to the city, but prefer residing in a family-friendly environment with plenty of green space, Griffintown is definitely the perfect environment for you. 

3) Le Plateau Mont-Royal

Located northeast of downtown Montreal, this vibrant borough has tons of youthful character. It can be easily distinguished by its bright coloured houses, hip cafes, unique boutiques, and one of a kind bookshops. This trendy city is comprised of an artist's community, most famously inhabited by writer Mordecai Richler. Its innovative atmosphere is definitely one to inspire.

In the summertime, take a ride down the beautiful residential, tree lined streets on a Bixi bike, or head down to the Mont Royal subway station, where there you can borrow a free bicycle for your stroll through this cultured neighbourhood.

In its pristine location, Saint Laurent Boulevard, otherwise known as 'The Main', is the host to some of Montreals hippest hot spots. Its more famous locations include:

• Moishes
• Schwartz's

Two very recognizable Montreal restaurants, serving up some of the cities most authentic food. If you're looking for a little adventure and an exciting night out on the town, try one of the areas hottest supper clubs:

• Buona Notte
• MED Bar + Grill
• Globe

There are tons of hidden treasures to discover, in this part of the city - thus making Le Plateau one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Montreal.   

4) Ville-Marie

Located in the centre of the city, this borough is the home of many famous attractions, four universities, and great parks/recreation areas - one of which being the Old Port.

The Old Port is an amazingly historic sector, that is filled with landmarks, historic walking areas, and beaches. Its cobblestone pathways, horse-drawn carriages and street performers add personality to this already vibrant city.

It is filled with year-round attractions, hot nightclubs, and a variety of different restaurants, like Garde Manger, which is owned by Chef Chuck Hughes - a Montreal native/T.V. personality.

This borough has many sights to see, like the Notre Dame Basilica, a beautiful church, in the Old Port, with stunning architecture - it is, also, the location where international singer Celine Dion was married, in 1994, to René Angélil.

It is filled with culture and Montreal history, which makes it a great place to visit and an even greater place to live. 

5) Villeray - Saint-Michel - Parc-Extension

For those who wish to live outside of the downtown area, but still want to maintain easy transportation into the city, should consider residing in the Villeray - Saint-Michel - Parc Extension borough. Its location is nearby two major metro lines (orange and blue) and is in close proximity to the Autoroute 40 and 19, which makes traveling downtown easy and hassle free.

This borough is filled with beautiful green space, like Jerry Park, formerly known as Jerry Stadium, which was the home of the Montreal Expo's, Canada's first major league baseball team. While the Expo's are no longer in Montreal, Jerry Park has become kid friendly, providing great outdoor facilities such as:

• A softball field
• A cricket field
• A Skate park
• A tennis court
• Basketball courts
• A public pool
• An artificial lake 

If you are looking for a cost effective neighbourhood to reside, that allows you easy proximity to the downtown area, Villeray - Saint-Michel - Parc-Extension is the place for you. 

 When society thinks about the city of Montreal they first think about the French and English milieu they live in. Montreal's defining traits stem from its French roots, but it has also assimilated British influences, and more recently, the contribution of many diverse cultures due to immigration. Montréal was officially founded in 1642, the history of the surrounding site dates back much further. Whether temporarily or on a permanent basis, human populations have long chosen to settle on the Island of Montreal for reasons largely determined by the characteristics of its location. These include Mount Royal and its surrounding forests, the St. Lawrence River and the Lachine Rapids, which formed a natural obstacle requiring navigators to stop and unload their boats. When exactly the Aboriginals arrived on the island remains unknown, but we do know that in 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier discovered a sedentary population living in a large village called Hochelaga.

This is how some historians think about our city. It is the beginning of the city's journey to success that is most fascinating. One person that I was acquainted with is someone who not only admires the history of Montreal but what its become. The name Michele Filippone aka Mike is to be remembered. To begin, he is a history graduate from Concordia University. Mike is a typical Montrealer; he was born and raised in the east end of the city. He grew up in a typical Italian home in St-Leonard. He went to high school when he first became fond of history in grade 10, in his own words "I was just good at it" and before he knew it he was in college trying to figure out what he wanted to do. It wasn't until University when Mike came across a particular teacher who he admired and at that point Mike knew exactly what where life was taking him and how history in general was changing his perspective in life.

After being a busboy, Mike landed and job as a manager at a club called Bsides--On the Main (ie St. Lawrence). Once again being a manager opened up a whole new world of different perspectives about how Montreal has brought much greatness since the Quiet Revolution. Meanwhile, Mike continued his education in the Masters Program at Concordia in History.

He has made me realize that learning about our city is not just through books but rather by exploring the city. In other words, moving away from his typical neighborhood and into a new area like "Le Plateau" helped him build a new cultural perspective. This engages our audience to understand the historical meaning of Montreal's cultural because it grows everyday. It is interesting to see how one person sees history and has learned so much through different experiences. Mike looks at the city as a place of comfort. From the quiet revolution, to the Maurice Richard riot, Montreal's through Mike's view is incredible. He makes people want to explore the city not just exploring the museums or the Old Port and the Olympic Stadium but also parks, nightlife, and other attractions that make Montreal some of the most diverse, beautiful and exciting places in Canada.

Learning about someone's point of view can sometimes be mind- changing. It is interesting to learn how someone views a city compare to our regular texts book and what we have learned through teachers. History of Montreal through Mike's view brings about different aspect. Such as a European element in the city, "you walk through the city and not realize that you are living in North America because of its diversity, it is not just the look - the feeling that Montreal brings."

What makes my subject worth profiling is because I am giving people a first-hand opportunity understand the link between Montrealers and its History. To engage into someone's life in order to understand how Montreal and its history is important because it teaches us how after spending some time here, you'll notice that without the complex mix of flavors--ethnicity, culture, language, ideas, cuisine and warm friendship and the "joie de vivre", Mike makes anywhere else in the world just seem bland.

This past summer when a Montreal couple needed to sell their brownstone, located in downtown Montreal, in a hurry, they soon found themselves in a race to the bottom, making for a sweet situation for the buyer who stepped in to rescue them by picking up their home a hundred thousand dollars below market value.

You might be thinking it's time to purchase a home.

If you haven't decided yet whether or not to buy a home, now just might be the right time to consider purchasing one. Since the housing downturn trend began in late 2011, the Financial Post reports that buyers remain concerned that prices will continue to fall, and with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declaring Canadian homes to be overvalued by at least 10%, it might seem like a rather risky venture or perhaps adventure to purchase a home right now. We have no reliable crystal ball to tell us what to do; however, forecasts are pointing at a downward trend in Montreal due to high unemployment levels and an overstock of inventory.

So where is the incentive to buy, when you know home values are going to continue to slide?

The average price of a condo has remained stagnate over the last year.  According to Business Canada, " Compared to the first half of last year, condo sales in Montreal are down 14 percent and prices are stagnant, with the median price lingering at $225,000."  TD Bank's predicts that the weighted average price of all properties in the Montreal metropolitan area will fall 1.6 percent in 2013, perhaps, making for a buying opportunity. 

If you do decide it's a buying opportunity, don't forget to budget in the additional cost of real estate taxes and home insurance. While real estate values remain stagnate, tax assessment values of Montreal properties rose 20%. Your insurance policy should cover the value of the  property you purchase, no more or no less to avoid paying for unnecessarily high premiums or risky low premiums. Most financial banking institutions can provide you with home insurance quotes .

While Toronto's housing market is described as dizzying, here in Montreal we've entered the land of Oz, where houses are being swept up below market value.

• An Industrial Past
• HoMa Industrial or Modish
• Possible Future

An Industrial Past

Both, Hochelaga and Maisonneuve were created in the 1600s, though it was not until the 1800s that the communities' frameworks materialized. Moreover, material and production are two words that accurately described the area at that time. Both districts were known primarily for their manufacturing qualities. Hochelaga-Maisonneuve quickly became a popular spot to set up factories owned by many rich French-Canadian business men, who owned glass, shoes, textile shops among many other needed items ("A City by Design."  ). Indeed, the area was  relatively booming during the industrial era. Things quickly changed with the dawn of World War One ("Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve"). Manufacturing companies focused mostly onproduction of defense weapons in World War Two, which gave the economy a small boost.

Increased production and technology led to the creation of beautiful buildings and streets. Additional services like purifying water, sewage and public transportation were needed. Correspondingly, this came with a cost. The borough accumulated a debt of 18million dollars and eventually had to merge with the city of Montreal ("A City by Design").

After this, the east end kept its roots as a manufacturing company. With the growth of political tensions in Quebec and the lack of business interest many companies moved away (ibid).

(Relics of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve's past: © McCord Museum)

HoMa Industrial or Modish?

Has Hochelaga-Maisonneuve remained an industrialized and unlivable area? Maybe. It is at the very least still industrial, since there are many business and manufacturing companies that do preside. Lantic Sugar and the Port of Montreal are two examples of the industrialism that persists. Whether Hochelaga-Maisonneuve's, or more modernly called HoMa, is a livable area.

(Olympic Stadium Practically empty at Expos baseball game. Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

First of all, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is one of Montreal's most important touristic areas. This includes hot ticket sellers like the Chateau Dufrense Museum, Biodome, Botanical gardens, Insectarium, and imaginably the Planetarium, which is currently being built. Of course, HoMa is also home to one of the most ill regarded places in Montreal: the Olympic Stadium. Unquestionably, Montrealers do have a reason to be question and curse the large bizarre infrastructure, which was the second most expensive stadium in the world. Many news articles have portrayed it as the BIG OWE, since it cost Montrealers $1.5 billion to make and took 30 years to pay off ("Frequently Asked Questions").

One thing that is not focused on quite nearly enough is this positive aspects of the Stadium. Little media coverage focuses on how important and defining an emblem the Big O is. The facts are that:

"The Stadium is an important driver of Quebec's economy. A single Grey-Cup game produces spinoffs worth $50million. A study conducted by Secor in 2009 revealed that the economic spinoffs from Quebec from out of province tourists alone could go as high as 160million per year if the Stadium were used 12 months out of the year, and this is considered an conservative figure". ("The Olympic Stadium: Fact and Fiction")

This is not to mention, that it is a popular image to place on the cover of a postcard. This year the Olympic stadium held L'Esplanade a great festival sponsored by Sun Life. Salsa folie. My favorite nights were on Fridays when the all of the latest food trucks would flavor the borough with their hot-selling items. One of the popular trucks was Grunmman's taco truck, which serves as more than just your average taco with beef.  

Moreover, HoMa may be on the verge of becoming the dernier cri for foodies in Montreal. There are many charming restaurants and cafes that are hopping and perfect for those who tired of the downtown scene. An example of this is HocheCafe located on Ontario street. This cute cafe serves a number of delicious coffees and teas, as well as homemade baked goods and seasonal meals. For a more upscale meal, Hochelaga's Les Canailles and Le Valois have enough savory French cuisine recipes that would convert even the greatest HoMa cynics. Another great feature for those who love great food is HoMa's fresh market Marche Maisonneuve. This market is historically known for serving local fresh foods from Quebec farmers for the last 100 years.

(My plate of salmon tartar and asparagus salad at restaurant Les Canailles)

nother sign of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve's shift towards residential living is the building of condos. Many old factories or worn down buildings are being converted into condos. These condos are quite affordable in comparison to others in the city of Montreal. Benoit Grenier is a swimming coach at the Olympic stadium and is looking to buy a condo in the area. He admitted that he most likely would have frowned upon moving to HoMa, if he were asked a few years back.  Today, he said that he has "looked all over the city and when you consider the quality versus the price of a condos, [Hochelaga-Maisonneuve] is always the best.  Also, Grenier said with a grin, "I've heard people say that it is going to become the new Plateau, because the prices there are not low as they once were". The construction of new condos and restaurants may insinuate that there is a lot of noise, expense and pollution. This is inevitably true, with construction comes all of these less pleasant elements. Yet, sustainable development is a very important issue to the residents of HoMa. Actually, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is an environmentally friendly area.

In fact it was the first area to be deemed a free-trade town. This means that the citizens of the borough consider and use fair trade options in every day life. There is a bike path which is very easy to access and run down Sherbrooke street (Beaudin). Another smooth bikepath runs throuhg the beautiufl Maisonneuve Park . Maisonneuve Park is a large lots of fresh green space, located next to the Olympic park, that is ideal for a family picnics, going to a jog, walking the dog or any other leisurely activity.

Residential HoMa

The government recently put forward a proposal to rejuvenate HoMa into a residential area. Specifically it was concerned with  HoMa's metamorphisis into a residential area. This includes maintaining housing, the relationship between residential life and business needs, the protection of plants, trees, parks and cycling paths.  Additionally, it promoted the safeguard infrastructures dedicated to activity, sports, leisure, heritage sites (Leduc, Ivon, and Lyn Thériault Faust). If they follow through with this Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has a chance of becoming a truly well reputed borough. 

Another option is to promote people to come to the area. For example, take a bike ride and a picnic with the family in De Maisonneuve Park and head for ice cream later on. It is, after all, not so far from the center of Montreal. This could be done by advertisements using posters, newspapers, billboards etc.

The city could perhaps encourage the heads of the Als or Impact games, concerts, or other events at the Big O to promote HoMa to its attendees.

Why not go for dinner on decently priced Ontario street, instead of Downtown or Old Montreal? Only by visiting the area will Montreal residents' attitudes change.

So go ahead, make a weekend of it! Be a tourist in your own city and discover HoMa before anyone else does, because this little gem won't be secret for long.

Bibliography

Leduc, Ivon, and Lyn Thériault Faust. "Montreal. Arrondisement de Mercier-Hochelaga Maisonneuve". Plan d'urbanisme de Montréal: Partie II Chapitre 14. Montreal: City of Montreal, 2009. Web.                                             

"The Olympic Stadium: Fact and Fiction" Montreal. Parc Olympique Quebec. 13 July 2001. Web.

"Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve." Montreal Insites. Heritage Montreal, n.d. Web.  20 Sept.2012.             

Beaudin, Monique. "Fair Trade Fair in Hochelaga Maisonneuve This Weekend." Fair Tade Fair in Hochelaga Maisonneuve This Weekend. The Gazette, 12 May 2010. 

"Condo Homa". GuideHabitation.ca. Guide Habitation, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.

Grenier, Benoit. Personal Interview. 22 Sept. 2012.

"A City by Design." McCord Museum. McCord Museum, n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2012.

The Plateau-Mont Royal is, as far as I am concerned, the beat that keeps the heart of the city contracting. The infamous Montreal borough is sectioned by two of the more popular neighborhoods, "the Plateau" and Mile-End, and hosts the city's densest student population. Two nooks of the same borough differing in language and lifestyle offer Montreal students the option to choose the area that best suits them.

The map below illustrates the Plateau-Mont Royal location as a central organ of the city.

Image source: Flickr

Map source: Wikipedia

Not only can you expect the Plateau to be made up of Francophones, but you also can expect that jobs in the area require a student to be bilingual. As a student, it makes life a whole lot easier to work in the area you live in. With the abundance of cafes, restaurants, and bars throughout the Plateau area, finding a part-time or full-time job is no feat if you can fill the language requirement. You'd never imagine someone asking for a soy milk latte with no foam, to go, and not to forget the cup holder so they don't burn their hand, could possibly freeze your brain and leave you looking like a dear in headlights... unless of course that person speaks so fluid in French that everything they say rolls off their tongue in what seems like one continuous word.  But I digress.

On the other hand, there's the lovely little neighborhood nest of Mile-End.  Mile-End is a predominantly English speaking area, but also a culturally diverse one. Though this is characteristic of Montreal as a whole, it is more so at the forefront in Mile-End. It establishes itself upon a thriving eccentricity by way of a diversified cultural pot full of students, artists, and old settlers. It's a testament to the area in general as the old and the new both make their place comfortably. Eastern European Jews first inhabited Mile-End way back when and still have a strong presence within the community. Adding to the diversity throughout the neighborhood is the great amount of artists that live and work in the area. Every new person I have ever met in the area has either been a musician or filmmaker or painter or photographer. And something about the area, in the air, in the people, is a sense of youth, a sense of creativity. There is this romantic notion about the area that draws you in; that through your art you are contributing something of importance to this community. It's hard not to dig the vibe of a neighborhood where musicians are serenading from the sidewalks with their handmade instruments and photographers are capturing the light from Parc Avenue. 

Mile-End is inviting for an artist, unlike the rigid social rules that can sometimes be felt in the Plateau. In Mile-End, meeting new people is effortless. You sit out on the pavement with the sidewalk musicians and end up making plans to meet at Figaro for Croque Monsieur's the next day. The area exudes cozy and warm, especially when St. Viateur bagel bakery is the only thing open at 2 AM on a Thursday after the bar.  The Plateau misses that charm. 

The Plateau does not miss when it comes to local hangouts.  Coined as "The Main", the Plateau has something for everyone.  From high-end hangouts like Buona Notte to casual hangouts like Korova, the Plateau thrives on variety. If you're like me, you embrace your neighborhood and spend time held up in the cafes, bars, bookstores, and shops. Exploring the constant rotation of hot spots is part of Plateau living. Between locals and tourists, and the ever-evolving number of restaurants and bars, the face of the neighborhood has no defining features. But the opposite is true of Mile-End. The small area and the students who live there grow to rely on the long ago established businesses like the old ABC bike shop on Parc Avenue that has been around since our grandparents were born. As I have always compared them, I still believe it's true, that living in the Plateau is similar to living in New York City, and living in Mile-End is similar to living in Brooklyn. 

For the most part, choosing to live in the Plateau area or the Mile-End area depends upon language restrictions and personal lifestyle options. You are also choosing between riding your bike versus walking to the grocery store. You are choosing between seedy and hip versus artsy and homey. Between cosmo and - dare I say - country.

Though the differences are notable to me, one similarity remains constant - both neighborhoods continue to attract a body of students. The thing is to find your place within that borough.  Where you live is as influential as the material in your textbooks during your academic years.

The Lachine Canal is a man-made waterway built in 1825 in order to facilitate shipping and trade to the factories along its shores. The closure of the canal in 1970 caused deterioration of the passage, as well as surrounding area, factories and buildings. A revitalization project undertaken in 2002 has allowed the canal to find new life and for the public to experience this piece of national heritage through recreational activities. The continued improvement of the area will cause economic growth and stability; however, pollution of the waterways due to increased boating and use should be closely monitored.

The Lachine Canal was suggested in 1670 in order to bypass the rapids between Lachine and Montreal. The canal was to serve factories and industries "that would power the Canadian economy for more than a century" (Hamilton). However, the canal was not completed until 1825 due to delays and disruptions to construction.

"Industries were attracted to the canal from the mid-19th century because of its proximity to the port of Montreal, the amount of shipping it handled and the hydraulic power resulting from the drop in ground level occurring over the entire set of locks." (Management plan)

The canal was the center of industries to use hydraulic power and have transportations access. There were two expansions of the canal, one in 1843 and one in 1875. The first was to accommodate larger steam vessels and the explosion of industries along the canal. The second was to increase volume in order to compete with the American market.

The use of the canal decreased when the St Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959. Many companies made the switch to the seaway and "developers filled several basins [of the canal] with soil excavated for the metro system" (Gedeon). The existing bike path was implemented at this time, "which became the most popular in Canada with more than 750,000 users" (London).

The canal was finally shut down in 1970 when companies along the bank switched to rail transport. By the end of 1980, most of the industries closed down. The closure of the canal meant lost jobs and left the surrounding burrows to degenerate. The canal itself fell into disrepair. "The dormant canal turned into a dumpsite for discarded furnishing and lives...people knew better than to stroll the desolate shores after dark" (Gedeon).

Plans for the revitalization of the Lachine Canal were announced in 1997. In 1999, a study by the Quebec Marine Trade Association advocated for using the canal for recreational boating and as a central part of the canal's restoration project. It claimed that " boating adds a dimension which considerably increases the attractiveness of riverside areas for visitors and recreational and tourist activities; this visual marine presence will contribute to increasing value of real-estate investments, and will improve business activity" and "the restoration of the canal's original function and purpose is fundamental to maintaining the canal's integrity as a heritage site." (8)

A study was conducted in 1996 called the Lachine canal decontamination project in order to determine if sediment that had settled at the bottom of the locks posed a health risk to users. It was deemed that the speed of the boats would not disturb the sediment and that its removal was costly and unnecessary. The report concluded with a recommendation to not decontaminate the sediments, nothing that "no significant environmental gain would be obtained by the decontamination" (64) and that "there are certain advantages to not decontaminating the sediments, notably allowing the development of the canal to proceed without further delay" (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 66).

CURRENT SITUATION

In 2002 "more than $100 million of public investments allowed the reopening of the canal to boating and served as a catalyst for the revitalization of Montreal's Southwest District." (London 33). As quoted in Hamilton, "most Montrealers never realized there was water there. It was like discovering pyramids under the sand."

The improvement of the canal for boating has shown to be worth it; "approximately 10.5 million Canadian adults went boating at least once during 2011." ("Nautical Activities"). An area once the center of commercial shipping has shown to be perfect for recreational boating. "The fact that boats will once again travel the canal is of symbolic importance, but more significant is the life being breathed into adjacent neighbourhoods." (Hamilton).

The canal is now a popular public space for all different types of events and activities. There are constantly events aimed at celebrating the rich history of the area and promoting it to the public. In an article titled "The Lachine Canal: The Heart of Montreal" in June 2012, a list of activities offered to celebrate 100 years of the canal included:
- Audio walking tours
- GPS tours
- Learn to camp workshops
- Guided boat tours

The bike path continues to be a popular destination, and with the introduction of programs like Bixi, the pay-as-you-go bike rental service, it will continue to be a viable option for both commuting and recreation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

The Lachine Canal Revitalization Project continues with the revitalization of the surrounding urban areas. "More than $300 million worth of projects are already built, under construction or approved" (London).

The possibilities of renewal in the Lachine Canal area itself and its effects on Quebec and Canada are numerous and should be considered. The canal is used in many ways to raise awareness for historic preservation as well as ecological responsibility.

In February of 2012, Montreal artist Scott MacLeod facilitated a snow art installation in order to "explore the history of the Lachine Canal and raise awareness for the My Parks Pass Program" (Student "Art Mob"). The My Parks Pass program is "designed to help students explore and learn at Parks Canada's natural and cultural heritage places" (www.parkscanada.ca), and it is supported by The Historica-Dominion Institute, Parks Canada and Nature Canada.

Route Bleue du Grand Montreal is another excellent resource for ways to enjoy the waterways surrounding Montreal. Part of the St. Lawrence Water Trail project, Route Bleue maps out routes for people to navigate the Saint-Laurent River, Saint-Louis Lake, the Lachine Canal, Riviere des Prairies and the La Prairie basin using canoes and non-motorized crafts. A local teacher, David Hill, used this tool to plan a 5 day excursion for his students. "Hill says he hopes the trip will raise awareness about preserving natural resources and using them in an environmentally sustainable way" (Edson). Unfortunately, Hill and his students found that there was garbage and other signs of pollution along their route.

The increase in use of the canal and surrounding waterways has benefitted the economy and local area. However, it raises an important issue of cleaning up and maintaining the environment for current and future generations. Despite the positive impact of the revitalization, there are still steps to be taken to ensure sustainability of the canal and waterways.
 

WORKS CITED

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Lachine Canal Decontamination Project. Report of the Joint Environmental Assessment Panel. Canada. September 1996. Print.

Edson, Kristina. "Canoe expedition highlights Montreal's waterways." Journal L'Etoile. July 12 2011. Web. Sept. 2012.

Gedeon, Julie. "History's floodgate: The Lachine Canal reopens." The Beaver 82.4 (2002): 38-42. CBCA Complete. Web. Sept. 2012.

London, Mark. "Heritage Preservation and the Lachine Canal Revitalization Project."

Marine Trade Association. Study of Pleasure-Boating in Quebec and its Development Potential in the Greater Montreal Area. Canada. Sept 23 1999.

"Nautical activities are booming in Quebec - Economic impact of %5.8 billion and over 2.5 million adults went boating last year". Canada NewsWire. Feb 2012. CBCA Complete. Web 2012.

Parks Canada. www.myparkspass.ca. Canada. Web. 2012.

Parks Canada. Lachine Canal: National Historic Site of Canada. Management Plan. Canada. Print. 2004

www.routebleue.com. "The Blue Road of Greater Montreal to Discover Montreal and the South Shore." Web. 2012.

"Student "Art Mob" Takes Over the Lachine Canal." Canada NewsWire. 2012. CBCA Complete. Web. Sept 2012.

"The Lachine Canal in the Heart of Montreal." PR NewsWire. June 2011. CBCA Complete. Web. Sept 2012.

Poverty, grimy and crime describe Montreal borough Hochelaga-Maisonneuve or HOMA, the eastern part of Montreal.The purpose of this backgrounder is simply to shed light on the clandestine features of the borough's past, present and prospective future. The first section entitled "History" will describe the industrial roots of the district. The second part "Now" will analyze the current politcal and residential . Finally, the piece will summarize the "Future Implications"  will define what the government has promised to provide HoMa with in the near future.

(Olympic Stadium located in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Photo credit: Wikipedia)

HISTORY

Since the mid 1800s, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve has been described as an industrial region, due to the many manufacturing companies including several cotton, textile and tobacco factories, as well as the Canadian Northern Railway. These manufacturers rmain an important part of the district to this day. For example, Lantic sugar factory, which was originally the St. Lawrence Sugar Factory in the early 1900s ("Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve"). Actually, Lantic Sugar generated quite a brawl this summer. The company intended to demolish part of the factory, but according to Heritage Montreal it should be preserved as a historical symbol (Heritage Montreal).

(St Lawrence Sugar Refinery in 1912. Photo Credit:© McCord Museum, © Héritage Montréal)

At a time where manufacturing was precedential, this traditionally French-Canadian population became a thriving village. It was during this period that the erected a series of lavish buildings and exquisite streets like Pie-IX boulevard in Maisonneuve ("Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve").

Successively, like many prosperous towns, while increasing its architectural attractions and buildings Maisonneuve also increased its unsettled fees. Sadly, this borough did not fair too well in the years that ensued the First World War, in the same way that the Great Depression hit most industrialized areas. In fact, the town accumulated an 18 million dollar debt and for this reason  merged with the city of Montreal in 1918 ("Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve").

Despite Hochelga-Maisonneuve' outstanding debts, the burgeoning city of Montreal continued constructing industrial sectors in, even at the expense of residential housing in the region. Additionally, costly expenditures, like the creation of the Olympic Stadium, which is to this the second most expensive stadium ever made (Egan), discouraged people's standpoint of area. In the upcoming years Hochelaga-Maisonneuve seemed to be a moribund area (Lord). Indeed, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve was not a desirable place to live, as several Montrealers revealed in an interview. Benoit Grenier, a swimming coach at the Olympic Stadium and is who looking to buy a condo in the HoMA, said laughing: "...a few of years ago? No way. No way would I have considered moving here." 

NOW

Today, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve maintains its industrialized representation. Firstly, many factories and important businesses are located in this eastern part of Montreal. For instance, the Olympic Park, which is undoubtedly Montreal's most important touristic feature. Despite the grueling thirty years that it took Montrealer's to pay off the 1.5 billion $ debt, "close to 100 million people have visited the Olympic Park or attended an event since 1976" ("Frequently Asked Questions": Rio). Moreover, HoMa's population is labelled as a "working-class" society and can be identified as Quebecois. Have voted for the Parti Quebecois, PQ in the past five elections ("Hochelaga-Maisonneuve - Quebec Votes 2012": CBC). In this year's provincial election 45.10% of the disctrict's population voted in favor of the PQ and 23.69% voted for Quebec Solidaire, QS. Both of these parties, QS and PQ,  share the same views on students' tuition fees and Quebec's distinctive character. This emphasizes the stance of a district that voted in favor for the separation of Quebec in the 1995 referendum ("Hochelaga-Maisonneuve - Quebec Votes 2012": CBC).

(Leader of the PQ, Pauline Marois, being accompanied off stage. Photo credit: Calgary Herald)

Structurally, HOMA is developing into a more "habitable" neighborhood. The building of many new chic condos, up-and-coming restaurants and coffee houses illustrate this. Specifically, condos are being constructed all around the region and the condos are significantly cheaper in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve compared to other competing places on the island of Montreal ("Condo Homa"). Another central facet of Hochelaga Maisonneuve is its accessibility. Almost always can one find easy access to a bus, metro or bike path. This demonstrates how Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is environmentally friendly and feasibly an avant-garde borough. In fact, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve became the first district in Montreal deemed to be a "fair-trade" society: a village, town or borough, that constantly bases everyday decisions with the forethought of free trade (Beaudin).

Additionally, the emergence of restaurants, cafes and eateries in the area shows how HoMa may be shifting towards a trendier future. For example, one of the newest hotspots in HOMA is HocheCafe and it arguably serves the best grilled-cheese sandwiches in Montreal. This cannot go without mentioning that their homemade salads, baked goods and a selection of velvety coffees are simply delectable.

(Surf n' Turf at Les Canailles. Photo Credit: Les Canailles)

Another example is the bring-your-own-wine restaurant is Les Canailles, which was created merely a year ago (Chesterman). This restaurant has been described by foodies as surprisingly good since it is not in a popular area (Chesterman).

Ultimately, like many well-to-do boroughs Hochelaga-Maisonneuve offers various services (Leduc, and Thériault Faust 1-49). The following list names but a few of these go-to places.

• Libraries; Langelier, Hochelaga, Maisonneuve, Mericier
• Cultural centers: Maisonneuve & Mercier cultural centers
• Sports and recreation centers; the YMCA, the Olympic Stadium, ProGym
• Parks; including Maisonneuve Park
• Maisonneuve Fresh Market  

FUTURE IMPLICATONS

In 2009, the city of Montreal and the bourough of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, collaborated and formed a mandate, which described the initative steps that the government was prepared take in order to change Hochelaga's daunty reputation. This comprises the proceeding goals:

• Improving the relationship between HoMa's business and residential areas.
• Increasing the building and quality of residential buildings
• Encouraging tree and plant protection while maintaining an appealing living space
• Creating and maintaining activity, sports and culture infrastructures
• Protecting and promoting of historical & heritage areas
• Improving cycling paths, pedestrian paths and keep peace in residential areas
• Encouraging the residents of the borough to identify with one another.

(Leduc, and Thériault Faust 1-49)

If the municipal government can hold to these promises, perhaps these undertones that connected to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve will finally disintegrate; perhaps.

WORKS CITED

"Neighbourhood Hochelaga-Maisonneuve." Montreal Insites. Heritage Montreal, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2012. 

Heritage Montreal. Demolition of the Sucre Lantic Cooperage. Heritage Montreal. Natalie Kaiser, 12 June 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2010.  

Egan, Andrew. "World's Most Expensive Stadiums." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 08 June 2008. Web. 25 Sept. 2012.

Lord, Denis. "Hochelaga-Maisonneuve - Revitalisation." Le Devoir.com. Le Devoir, 11 Oct. 2003. Web. 25 Sept. 2012.

Grenier, Benoit. Personal Interview. 22 Sept. 2012.

"Frequently Asked Questions" RIO. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012.

"Hochelaga-Maisonneuve - Quebec Votes 2012." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, n.d. Web.18 Sept. 2012. 

"Condo Homa". GuideHabitation.ca. Guide Habitation, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012.

Beaudin, Monique. "Fair Trade Fair in Hochelaga Maisonneuve This Weekend." Fair Trade Fair in Hochelaga Maisonneuve This Weekend. The Gazette, 12 May 2010. Web.19 Sept. 2012. 

Facebook handle (Les Canailles). Facebook.com. n.d.. Web.  22 Sept. 2012.  

Chesterman, Lesley. "Fine Dining: Les Canailles." n.d.: n. pag. Montrealgazette.com.The Gazette, 27 Sept. 2011. Web. 20 Sept. 2012.

Leduc, Ivon, and Lyn Thériault Faust. Montreal. Arrondisement de Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Plan d'urbanisme de Montréal:Partie II Chapitre 14. Montreal: City of Montreal, 2009. Web.