Villeray Real Estate

Villeray is a large urban neighborhood centrally located in the heart of the Island of Montreal. The borough boasts over a hundred multicultural communities and has developed into a thriving residential enclave since its origins as one of Montreal's oldest districts.

History

Villeray was named after Louis Rouer de Villeray (1628-1700), an esteemed member of the French Military. The abundance of streams and ponds made its land amenable to cultivation. At the turn of the century, the territory consisted of vast farmland surrounded by stone quarries that provided material for the construction of many of the city's major landmarks.

The initial inhabitants were mostly stone masons, farmers, and small business owners but the town experienced a boom early in the twentieth century with the arrival of a tramway that allowed workers to live further away from their workplaces.

Geography

Villeray is part of the borough Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension situated in the north-central part of the Island of Montreal. The district is bounded by Jean-Talon to the South, Crémazie to the North, d’Iberville to the East, and the Canadian Pacific Railway to the West.

Demographics

In 1905, the town of Villeray was annexed by Montreal along with its 800 residents. Today, with a population of over 145,000, Villeray is among the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Montreal with 65% of residents coming from 75 different ethnic backgrounds.

Cityscape

Originally, Villeray's houses were wooden with sheds and stables out back. Following World War II, the streets filled with rows of duplex and triplexes with their distinctive spiraling, wrought-iron staircases that have become characteristic features of residential Montreal. Several major streets run through the neighborhood like Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Saint-Denis Street, and Jean-Talon Street providing numerous restaurants, cafés, and great shopping.

Highlights

The original Jarry Farm remains a vast open, green-space today. The large urban park is named Jarry Park in honor of City Councilor Raoul Jarry (1885-1930). Facilities include softball, cricket and soccer fields, a skate park, tennis and basketball courts, a public pool, and an artificial lake. Here you can see the "Children's Peace" monument of violent toys fused together or take a stroll for a beautiful view of Mount Royal.

Jarry Park Stadium, now Uniprix Stadium, served as the original home to the Montreal Expos, Canada's first Major League baseball franchise from 1969 to 1976, and now plays host to many popular sporting and cultural events like the US Tennis Open.

Transportation

Villeray is located just south of the Metropolitan Autoroute which allows for easy access to all major thoroughfares. Metro access includes Jean-Talon Station, De Castelnau, Fabre and D’Iberville (blue line), Jarry and Crémazie (orange line).

Schools

Villeray is home to the headquarters for internationally acclaimed Cirque de Soleil, as well as several renowned circus schools including The National Circus School.

Services

The cultural diversity of its local communities provides a wide variety of ethnic delicacies at shops with Italian, Lebanese, Latin American, Haitian, Vietnamese foods, and much more. The popular Jean-Talon Market is an outdoor market open year-round where you can find a wide selection of local produce, flowers, and fine herbs.