Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Tucked away on the island of Montreal, Cîte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce holds a captivating story. It’s a tale of two communities, each with its own distinct identity. Cîte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce became one borough in 2002. It consists of the former towns of Côte-des-Neiges and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Both were annexed by Montreal in 1910. Today, Cîte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce stands as the most populous borough in Montreal. It boasts over 168,000 residents. Within Cîte-des-Neiges alone, over 100,000 people call it home. This vibrant borough is a melting pot of cultures, with 75 different nationalities represented. The history of Cîte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce stretches back to the era of New France. Initially, Côte-des-Neiges served as a vacation spot for Montreal’s bourgeoisie. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the tanning industry provided livelihoods for the area’s early inhabitants. The arrival of public and religious institutions in the late 19th century marked the beginning of urbanization. The establishment of Université de Montréal in the 1930s further fueled its growth. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce began as agricultural land. It transformed with the arrival of streetcars in 1908. Anglophones predominantly populated the area. Its urbanization took place between the 1910s and 1930s. The name Côte-des-Neiges originates from a legend. The legend of Notre-Dame des Neiges tells of a nobleman named Jean and his wife. They had a dream where the Virgin Mary instructed them to build a chapel at the site of a miraculous snowfall. While the chapel was not built in Côte-des-Neiges, the legend contributed to the area’s name. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce pays tribute to the devotion to Mary, Mother of Grace. This devotion dates back to the 13th century with the founding of the Order of Our Lady of the Mercy. The name also connects to the Notre-Dame-de-Grâces sanctuary in Cotignac, France. Cîte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce offers a rich blend of history, culture, and community. It’s a place where past and present intertwine, creating a unique urban experience.