Welcome to the borough of Verdun
Welcome to this page dedicated to the borough of Verdun in Montreal. REALTA, Montreal’s real estate agency, introduces you to its neighborhoods, residents, businesses and services. We also discuss the quality of life offered by this increasingly sought-after area, both by local residents and tourists. Let’s discover together, this dynamic and welcoming district where life is good!
Where nature and city live side by side!
Welcome to the borough of Verdun, a true treasure nestled in the southwest of Montreal, between the majestic St. Lawrence River and the picturesque Canal de l’Aqueduc, and, from west to east, between LaSalle and Pointe-Saint-Charles. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where you can enjoy the advantages of a big city close to nature, then Verdun is tailor-made for you! From red-brick homes dating from the 1940s to superb penthouses with windows and balconies overlooking downtown or the river, there’s a home to suit every taste and budget.
The borough of Verdun offers an exceptional quality of life, with green spaces, riverside parks and trails inviting you to rejuvenate in the heart of nature. Imagine living in a neighborhood where bike rides along the Canal de l’Aqueduc or hikes along the St. Lawrence River (or vice versa) can be part of your daily routine.
But that’s not all! In addition to quality public services, Verdun abounds in local businesses, restaurants with a variety of flavors, and charming boutiques that add a unique touch to the Verdun experience. And why not take a trip to downtown Montreal, which is only 15 minutes away by car or 20 minutes by public transit?
The opening of the Lachine Canal also encouraged trade, bringing industries to its banks and stimulating regional economic development. Source
History
Verdun has a rich and complex history, dating back to French colonization in the 17th century. In 1671, Zacharie Dupuy, known as Sieur de Verdun and originally from Saverdun, a small town in France, was granted 320 acres at the foot of the Lachine Rapids. He named the area after… guess which one? Île-des-Sœurs, for its part, takes its name from the nuns of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame, who owned it for more than two and a half centuries. Isle Saint-Paul was its first name.
In the years and centuries that followed, Verdun underwent major transformations, evolving from an agricultural territory to an industrial center, and then to an urban, residential and modern living environment. Incorporated in 1876, Verdun became a town in 1907, then a city in 1912. A new stage in its evolution came in 2002, when the municipality was annexed to the group of 19 boroughs that today make up the City of Montreal.
Socio-economic development
The rise of industrialization in the late 19th century radically altered the economic and social life of Montreal’s southwestern region. The establishment of factories in the metallurgy, textile and shoe industries attracted a large workforce to the region. Verdun thus benefited from several waves of workers from other regions, as well as immigrants from many other countries, contributing to its cultural diversity. In the 1930s, with some 60,000 inhabitants, it was the third most populous city in Quebec.
However, in the 1970s, most Quebec regions were faced with factory closures, resulting in job losses and major financial difficulties. Many residents left the Quebec metropolis for the suburbs, which offered modern homes and shopping centers centralizing products and services.
Fortunately, municipal authorities and socio-economic organizations have been able to adapt. How have they done so? By successfully developing other economic sectors such as services, tourism and culture, and by focusing their efforts on sustainable development, urban renewal and heritage preservation, the borough of Verdun has undergone significant revitalization at the dawn of the 21st century.
Since 1980, the conversion of industrial districts into higher-quality residential areas has contributed to the region’s renewed vitality. This transformation has been accompanied by numerous local socio-cultural and commercial initiatives, which in turn have helped to strengthen the community’s social fabric and cultivate a sense of belonging. At the same time, the range of leisure activities and quality venues for physical activity in the borough has multiplied. As a result, it has become an attractive place to live for single people, couples and families alike. These combined aspects testify to Verdun’s positive evolution as a dynamic and inclusive place to live.
Oh, get ready, because Verdun will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025.
Neighborhoods
Wellington-De l'Église
Do you love nature, culture and entertainment? Then you should consider the Wellington-De l’Église neighborhood as an interesting residential option. It’s a charming, dynamic and lively corner of town that colors the daily lives of residents and visitors alike. It takes its name from rue Wellington, the main commercial thoroughfare, and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs (1914), a historic monument and emblematic landmark of the borough.
With the arrival of new industries in the latter years of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood attracted many French-speaking working-class families, then immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Take Lachine’s Dominion Bridge, which at its peak employed nearly 8,000 people to forge metal. The industrial district that grew up around this economic powerhouse was alive with the 30,000 workers who found a livelihood there.
With the economic decline of the 1970s, the district also faced challenges such as a shortage of affordable housing and the protection of its industrial heritage. Since 1980, initiatives have been put forward to repair streets, create green spaces and enhance the social, cultural and industrial heritage. Since the 2000s, strong real estate pressure has led to gentrification, attracting affluent households, renovating old properties or opting for new residential projects. These issues and alternative solutions are the subject of discussions between municipal authorities, businesses and community organizations.
Rue Wellington offers a host of shops and services, while numerous sports and cultural activities are offered by the community and municipal sectors. Its natural setting is exceptional, with the presence of the river, riverside parks and green spaces for leisure activities, including an urban beach. The district’s nightlife is also vibrant, with a variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs and theaters offering enriching experiences. With its cultural heritage, innovative projects and easy access to Greater Montreal, thanks to three metro stations and the new Île-des-Sœurs REM station, Wellington-De l’Église has become a sought-after area for local and regional tourism, and for living. Yes, it’s a great place to live!
Desmarchais-Crawford
If you’re looking for a quiet, friendly place to live in Montreal, the Desmarchais-Crawford sector, once known as the Westmount of Verdun, could be for you. It’s named after the two families who shaped its evolution: the Desmarchais, who were among the first landowners in the 17th century, and the Crawfords, who were the area’s real estate developers in the early 20th century.
The neighborhood grew rapidly in the 1930s and 1940s, with the construction of many single-family homes for working-class families and World War I veterans. Most of the houses are red brick, often in the English cottage or neo-colonial style, surrounded by large mature trees and lush green parks. The area also features apartment buildings (duplexes and fourplexes) and local shops.
A major player in local and regional development, as well as in Quebec’s medical, social and cultural history, is located here in Desmarchais-Crawford. It’s the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. Founded in 1881 to house the Verdun Protestant Hospital for the Insane, the estate includes several historic buildings, including the Dewart Pavilion, the oldest hospital building still standing in Montreal, as well as protected green spaces, such as the Angrignon Park woodland and the Douglas-Bouchard Marsh.
The range of services and public amenities is more than satisfactory. Schools, libraries, community centers and shops are all close at hand. It also benefits from privileged access to the St. Lawrence River, with its landscaped banks offering a bike path, walking trails and water sports activities, as well as spaces for relaxing with family or friends. You can even swim in the river from two floating docks, or in the outdoor pool of the Natatorium, a swimming palace inaugurated in 1940. Yes, Desmarchais-Crawford is a great place to live!
Aerial view of the L'Île-des-Sœurs district. In the upper right-hand corner, part of the other two Verdun districts can be seen. Source: Verdun Borough.
Île-des-Sœurs
Discovered by Samuel de Champlain in 1603, Nuns’ Island was fully acquired in 1769 by the sisters of the Congrégation Notre-Dame, who operated it until 1956. With a farm and convent built in 1788 for the spiritual retreat and education of young girls, the island was only accessible by boat in summer and autumn, and by ice bridge in winter around 1859. Annexed to Verdun in 1957, Nuns’ Island’s urban development was propelled by the opening of the Champlain Bridge (1962) and the Bonaventure Expressway (1967). Today, this modern oasis is home to luxurious residential neighborhoods, serene green spaces and a thriving community life. Close to downtown and the business district, it attracts families, professionals and nature lovers with its prestigious residences, varied shops and quality services.
Covering an area of 3.74 km², L’Île-des-Sœurs is a veritable haven of greenery, with over 20 parks and green spaces, the majority of which are riverside. The parks offer a variety of sports, cultural and recreational facilities, from playgrounds for different age groups to community gardens, bird sanctuaries and dog parks, bike paths and hiking trails.
The island has a CLSC de Verdun point of service, its own library, a tennis club (other courts are part of rental real estate projects), a golf club, an outdoor pool and the Centre communautaire Elgar. The latter offers cultural programming including shows, entertainment and exhibitions, as well as room rentals for receptions, children’s parties or business meetings. If you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, the Strom Spa Nordique is the place for you. If you love water sports, you’ll be delighted to discover NAVI Espace Nautique en Ville.
Quality green spaces and natural environments demand responsibility and protective action. In this district, as in the rest of the borough, there is a clear desire to preserve the island’s natural environment while promoting its urban development. In all projects, biologists and local organizations are consulted to preserve green spaces and wildlife, create user-friendly residential areas, promote sustainable transport and integrate commercial and recreational spaces. Even some real estate developers have had to redo their homework in order to comply with the borough’s Plan d’urbanisme 2000. The result has been green green spaces, an eco-friendly golf club, eco-friendly residences and even real estate projects designed in accordance with environmental certifications such as LEED to reduce their impact on the environment. Yes, it’s great to live on the former Île Saint-Paul!
Verdun Borough in figures
- Population: 72,820, 7,126 inhabitants per km², 4.1% of the total population of the city of Montreal, 5th among boroughs for population size.
- Average age: 41.4 versus 38.6 for the city of Montreal.
- Surface area : 9,83 km².
- Person per household: 51% families with children, 2 persons per household on average.
- Renters : 63%.
- Owners : 37%.
- Immigration: 75% non-immigrant population, 25% immigrant population.
- Languages spoken: 64% French, 32% English and 14% other languages.
- People with college or university diplomas in the 25-64 age group: 59%.
- Percentage of residents who prefer public transit on a daily basis: 44%.
- More than 35,000 people have jobs.
- The self-employed account for 12% of the working population aged 15 and over.
- Home is the workplace of 6.1% of the working population.
- 1 house of culture
- 2 libraries
- 1 auditorium
- 11 outdoor rinks
- 1 city beach
- 4 outdoor pools and paddling pools
- 16 water features
- 2 community centers
- 3 community gardens
- 26 tennis courts
- 45 parks and squares
- 36 km of bicycle paths
- 1 skateboard park
- 2 beach volleyball courts
- 2 cross-country ski trails
- 1 outdoor dance floor
- 1 museum and archaeological site
- 3 subway stations
What are the commercial streets in the borough of Verdun?
Verdun is a Montreal borough worth discovering. While some streets evoke serenity with their verdant surroundings, others vibrate with activity. Verdun’s shopping streets are hubs of activity. They’re not just shopping areas, they’re also places where residents gather to socialize, eat together and relax. These thoroughfares regularly come alive with events such as public markets, sidewalk sales, music festivals and other festivities. These gatherings strengthen community ties and energize the borough, attracting residents and visitors alike. All in all, Verdun’s shopping streets are economic engines, generating innovation, jobs and investment.
What's more, the street is pedestrianized until September 8. Source
Wellington Street
Nicknamed “the Well”, this street linking downtown Verdun to Old Montreal runs for 6 kilometers, beginning at boulevard LaSalle just west of avenue Woodland. The main shopping area in Verdun stretches for 1.3 km, with over 250 businesses under the leadership of Promenade Wellington. Here you’ll find major chain stores, specialty boutiques, delicatessens, hair salons, bookstores, art galleries and, of course, cool cafés, restaurants and bars. “A merry mix of cool and uncool, expensive and cheap, new and old, chic and pic-pic shops,” Jacques Nantel, retail expert at HEC Montréal, humorously sums up (Entrevue La Presse+, October 26, 2016).
Rue Wellington is also the site of many cultural events, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival in Verdun, the Cabane Panache et Bois rond event, the Crème Bouboule dance evenings and the Fête nationale du Québec. Oh yes! in 2022, according to a survey of 20,000 urban experts conducted by Time Out magazine, Wellington Street is the world’s coolest street!
Golf Ile-des-Sœurs Source
Place du commerce/Chemin du golf
Welcome to L’Île-des-Sœurs, home to two emblematic commercial arteries: Place du Commerce and Chemin du Golf. Place du Commerce is the historic heart of L’Île-des-Sœurs, a veritable hub of activity featuring business offices, professional services and brand-name stores, mainly grocery supermarkets, pharmacies and more. Le Chemin du Golf, for its part, awaits you for a special experience. Bordering the L’Île-des-Sœurs golf course, this newer avenue is synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Chemin du Golf is also famous for its sumptuous residences offering breathtaking views of the river and the city. Place du Commerce and Chemin du Golf are two complementary spaces that reflect the diversity and richness of the island. Whether you’re looking for convenience or indulgence, originality or relaxation, you’ll find something to marvel at on these two commercial arteries. On L’Île-des-Sœurs, as in the other neighborhoods of the Verdun Borough, we buy local!
Matías Garabedian's photography reveals the architectural and historical beauty of the Centre hospitalier de Verdun, located on boulevard Lasalle. Source
Boulevard LaSalle
Running alongside the St. Lawrence River, it is one of Verdun’s main east-west arteries. It offers picturesque views of the river and is bordered by numerous parks and green spaces, bike paths, and sports and cultural facilities. All along this boulevard, you’ll find single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and multiplexes, as well as condos and lofts. On the west side, many properties offer breathtaking views of the river and its rapids. On the east side, local businesses such as restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, pharmacies, boutiques and professional services can be found, especially in the Wellington-De L’Église district.
Church Street
It crosses the Wellington-De L’Église district from north to south. Its central location is home to many businesses, services and institutions. These include the CLSC de Verdun, Église Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs and, at the end of the street to the south, the Auditorium de Verdun. Rue de l’Église is also lined with several residences, some of which are heritage homes.
Verdun Street
It’s a street full of life, charm and diversity. It runs parallel to rue Wellington and crosses a good part of the borough, from rue Atwater to rue Godin, near the Quai de la tortue park. It’s lined with shops to suit all tastes and budgets, from the big names to pretty local boutiques. Borough Hall is one of the busiest establishments on the street. With houses and apartment buildings, the eastern part of Rue de Verdun is more residential.
Bannantyne Street
Parallel to boulevard LaSalle, this is another major east-west artery in the borough. It is home to many shops, services and institutions, including the Clinique médicale du Sud-Ouest and the Jacqueline-De Repentigny library. Rue Bannantyne is also known for its architectural heritage, which bears witness to the neighborhood’s evolution over the decades. Victorian houses, religious buildings, schools, parks and historic monuments are all to be found here.
Here are our suggestions for things to do when you visit one of these streets:
- Store in local boutiques.
- Enjoy a variety of cuisine.
- Take the time to read your e-mails over a cup of coffee, herbal tea or juice.
- Relax in or near local parks.
- Attend local events.
- Discover local architecture.
- Meet the locals, because one of the best things about the borough’s streets is their friendly atmosphere and sense of community. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with local residents and shopkeepers to discover their passion for their neighborhood.
For its amenities and services to the public
In Montreal, most neighborhoods offer a multitude of quality services, and the borough of Verdun is no exception. It’s packed with grocery stores, pharmacies, various professional clinics, restaurants, bars and boutiques, all located on lively, bustling commercial thoroughfares or on quieter, adjacent streets. Thanks to public transit, major arteries and highways, residents have easy access to everything Montreal and surrounding cities have to offer, including downtown. In Verdun, the private sector also contributes (e.g., the L’Île-des-Sœurs golf club).
Whether you arrive by bike, metro or car, you’ll find a little paradise of relaxation. Imagine taking a dip in the water, sliding down the slides or gently swaying in a hammock. It’s a welcoming space for all, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic St. Lawrence River. Come and discover it between June 10 and September 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and best of all, admission is free for everyone!
For the education sector
The borough is home to several primary and secondary schools. The Centre de services scolaires Marguerite-Bourgeoys administers eight French-language public elementary schools and École secondaire Monseigneur-Richard. The Commission scolaire Lester-B.-Pearson administers the two English-language public elementary school and the Beurling Academy. Three centers offer vocational training. Verdun has no CEGEP or university on its territory.
One family's comment on the Maison de la culture de Verdun: "A performance venue that's adapted to its neighborhood and environment. The programming is always daring, and provides a springboard for young talent. There's also a good selection of shows for younger audiences to awaken their senses. I have to say I appreciate the effort that goes into showcasing all types of circus. My 6-year-old son fell in love with Afrique en cirque, where he and his friend danced on stage. More than a showroom, it's a memory box that beats to the rhythm of his neighborhood's heart. I wish I'd had that when I was a kid. "Kent... (Google review). Source
For the cultural sector
If you’re looking for cultural activities in the borough of Verdun, you won’t be disappointed. It’s brimming with venues and events that showcase the diversity and creativity of socio-cultural organizations, artists and residents. Whether you’re a fan of art, music, theater or cinema, you’re bound to find something to your liking. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying culture in Verdun:
- Visit Verdun’s Maison de la culture.
- Attend the Quai 5160 ciné-club.
- Attend a concert at the Verdun Auditorium.
- Discover the Théâtre Paradoxe, whose cultural events are presented in a former church.
- Invite your little ones to the Festival Marionnettes Plein la rue (Wellington).
Verdun Beach Restaurant. Source
For its restaurants, bars and cafés
The district boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and bars offering a range of food and drink to suit all tastes.
- Meilleurs Restaurants à Verdun sur TripAdvisor.
- THE BEST 10 Restaurants near Verdun sur Yelp.
- Best Verdun, Montreal Restaurants updated August 2023 sur RestoMontreal.
- Les meilleures adresses de Verdun : Nos suggestions sur Tastet.
- Notre guide gastronomique de Verdun par Tourisme Montréal.
- The Best Restaurants Verdun Has on Offer Right Now sur TimeOut.
- Verdun, Montréal | 49 restaurants sur OpenTable.
- 21 adresses qui prouvent que Verdun « is the place to be » sur Silo57.
- 10 bonnes adresses de L’Île-des-Sœurs – Journal de Montréal.
For the community
The importance of community life in the Verdun Borough is considerable.It plays an essential role in the well-being and development of individuals and the community. It meets the needs of residents, strengthens social cohesion and helps make Verdun a pleasant place to live. Here are the areas in which staff and volunteers are active:
- Support for vulnerable populations.
- Strengthening social cohesion.
- Education and awareness.
- Defending human and social rights.
- Local economic development.
- Preserving culture and heritage.
- Promoting health and well-being.
- Food and food banks.
For a stable and profitable investment
First of all, real estate is an investment renowned for its medium- to long-term stability. Historically, property values rise, offering capital appreciation. For an individual, a couple or a young family, acquiring a property is an opportunity to be at home, in every sense of the word, and to build a lasting legacy, laying the foundations for true financial independence. For landlords, it’s a way to enjoy regular rental income, benefit from added value and make their property investment venture profitable.
Choose Verdun
The decision to buy property in the borough of Verdun between 2019 and 2022 has paid off handsomely. With increasing demand for housing and property in Montreal, Verdun has become a popular area for real estate investment, for residents and investors alike.
According to data from the Greater Montreal Real Estate Board and Centris, the median price of single-family homes in Verdun rose by 23% between 2019 and 2020, from $492,000 to $605,000. In July 2023, it stood at $866,000, an increase of 76%. Quite an interesting return, isn’t it? But be careful! While the rise in prices has been quite dynamic since 2020, the main objective is to benefit from steady growth in the value of your property. And real estate has been delivering on this promise for decades. Whatever the city or neighborhood. For non-speculators, for residents, that’s the game plan. And so much the better, if prices sometimes explode and you’re the seller!
Median price
Single-family homes
Source : Centris
Update : February 2024
Median price
Condominium
Source : Centris
Update : February 2024
Although no one can guarantee the return on a property, investing in real estate in Verdun in 2023/2024 could be the most important decision of your life. The borough is booming, it’s conveniently located and it’s a great place to live! Let’s list these advantages in more detail:
- Property diversity: Verdun offers a variety of properties, from traditional single-family homes to modern condos. This enables a variety of residents, from young families to professionals, to find a home or property to suit their needs.
- Accessibility: The borough of Verdun is well served by public transit, notably by the green line of the Montreal metro, and today with the new Île-des-Sœurs station of the REM. Access to autoroutes 15 and Bonaventure will take motorists almost anywhere. This makes the neighborhood attractive to those who work downtown or in the surrounding areas and wish to live in a distinct environment.
- Proximity to the river: The proximity of the St. Lawrence River offers Verdun residents many recreational opportunities, such as strolling along the shore or taking part in water sports.
- Revitalization: Numerous revitalization projects have been undertaken in Verdun, making the district even more attractive to residents and investors.
L'Île-des-Sœurs
For its part, Nuns’ Island represents a special case, thanks to its recent and luxurious properties. With its ongoing development, strategic location not far from downtown Montreal, green spaces and island tranquility, it presents considerable real estate potential for investors and resident owners alike. What’s more, with major infrastructure projects scheduled for completion in 2025, the island continues to attract an affluent population seeking a peaceful, urban lifestyle.
Living in Montreal: Nun’s Island
In Verdun, my real estate agency is Realta!
There are many reasons to want to live in Verdun. Whether you’re looking to sell your property or find the perfect house or condo to buy, the opportunities are numerous.
Whether you’re buying or selling, take advantage of our real estate expertise to help you market your property successfully, or buy with peace of mind.
Meet the members of the REALTA team, real estate broker Verdun.
Information sources and useful links
- Site internet de l’Arrondissement de Verdun
- Page Facebook de l’Arrondissement de Verdun
- Page Youtube de l’Arrondissement de Verdun
- Verdun – Wikipédia
- Centris Verdun/Île-des-Sœurs
- Programme d’appui à l’acquisition résidentielle
- Carte de l’Arrondissement de Verdun
- L’Île-des-Sœurs un développement harmonieux – BANQ
- Maison de l’environnement
- Liste des organismes communautaires de Verdun – arrondissement.com
- Quai 5160- Maison de la Culture de Verdun
- Les berges de Verdun – Facebook
- Plage urbaine de Verdun
- Piste de danse de l’îlot John-Gallagher
- Verdun et le sud-ouest : où aller manger, s’amuser et magasiner
- La Promenade Wellington, le cœur de Verdun – Journal Métro
- Vision du quartier Centre-ville 2018-2022 – Promenade Wellington
- C’est officiel : La rue Wellington à Montréal a été déclarée la plus branchée au monde – Time Out Montréal
- Ruelle verte Argyle-Melrose – Des Argoulets – Facebook
- Verdun au fil de l’eau – Promenades de Jade
- Pont de L’Île-des-Sœurs
- 200 ans du canal de Lachine en photos – Avenue.ca
- Les ponts Darwin : une réalisation unique au monde
- Secteur Bonaventure – une des principales portes d’entrée de Montréal
- Les cinq leçons de Verdun – La Presse
- Strøm Spa nordique Île-des-Sœurs
- Parc des Rapides
- NAVI Espace Nautique en Ville