The Town of Hampstead is one of the most desirable residential communities on the Island of Montreal located fifteen minutes from downtown. The town has managed to maintain its reputation as an exclusive suburban neighborhood as was the intention of its founders.
History
Founded in 1914 by a group of successful businessmen, the Town of Hampstead was designed based on the popular early 19th century development model of the "Garden City". The concept aimed at establishing an idyllic suburb community with individual homes surrounded by ample green space.
As Hampstead's name suggests, the original planners of the Town were greatly influenced by developments in Hampstead Village, a garden city in the northern section of London, England.
Geography
Hampstead borders the City of Côte St. Luc, Notre-Dame-de-Grace, and the City of Montreal. Much of the territory was once occupied by a 112-acre private golf course.
Demographics
With a total population of roughly 7,000, approximately 85% of Hampstead’s residents are Jewish and almost 90% use English as their preferred language.
Cityscape
Hampstead features homes with distinct character built according to strict architectural standards. The city is almost exclusively composed of single-family residences, with the exception of several apartment buildings along Cote-St-Luc Road.
The roads were designed with curves to slow traffic and to create an interesting and intimate landscape. Homes were assigned relatively large lots to allow space for trees and shrubbery. There are no retail shops within municipal boundaries.
Highlights
At the beginning of each summer is Hampstead Day, which features a small carnival and fireworks.
Transportation
Two major thoroughfares exist in Hampstead, Queen Mary Road and Fleet Road which was adapted to facilitate automobile traffic with synchronized traffic lights. Hampstead is accessible by bus and the nearby Snowdon Metro Station.
Schools
There is only one school in the city, the Hampstead Elementary School, which is public.
Services
Local residents enjoy a public pool complex at Hampstead Park, which also includes 10 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, baseball fields, beach volleyball court, and a play area for children.
Links
www.montreal-west.ca
Town of Montreal West, Quebec Official site
