Perhaps you have heard Montreal West called “The Garden Suburb”. It is also known as MoWest. Montreal West is a unique place. Let me tell you a bit about it.
Montreal West is a small city. It is located on the Island of Montreal. This close-knit community is mainly single-family homes. The motto of Montreal West is “Justitia Omnibus.” This Latin phrase means “Justice for All”.
In 1897 Montreal West became its own town. It separated from Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-Ouest. Back then only 50 houses existed here. The population was around 350 people. The town hall came later in 1910.
For a few years Montreal West was part of the City of Montreal. This happened during a municipal reorganization in 2002. But the residents wanted their independence back. A referendum was held in 2004. The people voted to de-merge. Montreal West became its own city again in 2006.
Montreal West is small in area. It covers about 1.42 square kilometers. About 5115 people lived here in 2021.
The town has its own services. These include a Public Works Department and a Public Security Department. There is also a fire station. Residents can enjoy the community center named after John A. Simms. He was a former mayor.
The Public Security Department keeps the peace. They make sure everyone follows the rules. A lieutenant supervises the By-Law Enforcement Constables.
Montreal West holds some great events. Canada Day is the biggest. The residents organize a parade down Westminster. The parade ends at Strathearn Park. Floats represent local clubs. Sometimes residents create their own floats. Water fights used to be common during the parade. People used water balloons and super soakers. Organizers have tried to reduce these water fights. After the parade everyone gathers at Strathearn Park. They have a giant picnic. Children play games. Fireworks light up the night at Hodgson Field.
The Fête Nationale du Québec is another event. It takes place on June 23. There is a picnic at Davies Park. Québécois musicians perform. A large bonfire burns in the park.
The Garbage Bowl has been a tradition since 1950. Every January 1 men from Montreal West play football. They split into two teams. The Northern Combines wear red longjohns. The Southern Bombers wear green longjohns. They play in the cold weather. Donations go to charity.
Montreal West has many parks. These include Dave Reid Park and Davies Park. There is also George Booth Park and Hodgson Park. You can also find John A. Simms Park and Kirkpatrick Park. Other parks are Memorial Park and Percival Park. Ronald Park and Roy D. Locke Park are here too. You can also visit Rugby Park and Sheraton Park. Strathearn Park and Toe Blake Park are also available. Toe Blake was a coach for the Montreal Canadiens.
The town offers an ice skating rink. There are also clay tennis courts. A public swimming pool provides summer fun.
Westminster Avenue is the main business area. For a long time only small businesses were here. In 2010 a Pharmaprix drugstore opened. This was a controversial decision.
Montreal West has a newspaper. It is called The Informer. It comes out monthly except in the summer. The Informer shares town news. It helps create a small-town feel. The paper started as The Citizen’s Viewspaper in 1973. The town subsidizes The Informer.
Montreal West is a great place. It has a strong community spirit.