Summary:

Outremont is a federal electoral district in Canada, located in the heart of Montreal. The district is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, and prominent Jewish community. The area comprises diverse neighborhoods, such as Outremont, Mile End, and part of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension. Outremont is one of the smallest electoral districts in Montreal, but it is full of life, culture, and history.

Population centres:

Outremont is a diverse district that comprises several neighborhoods. Some of the significant population centers include Outremont, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, and prominent Jewish community. Mile End is an artistic and trendy neighborhood, famous for its music venues, art galleries, independent boutiques, and cafes. Part of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension is also included in this district, which is a multiethnic and multicultural neighborhood that offers a wide range of culinary and artistic experiences.

Issues and events:

Between 2019 and 2022, several issues and events shaped the district's local community, including housing affordability, bike infrastructure, and community safety. Outremont has a reputation for being an affluent neighborhood, and housing affordability has been a challenging issue for many residents. In 2019, the district opened a new bike lane on Bernard Avenue, which was a contentious issue among local residents. Several community safety initiatives were launched to increase police presence and reduce crime in the neighborhood.

Economy:

The district's economy is primarily driven by retail, hospitality, and professional services. The area has several small businesses, restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops along the main commercial streets of Avenue du Parc and Bernard Avenue. The major employers in the district include the Jewish General Hospital, which is a leading healthcare facility in Montreal, and the Université de Montréal, which is one of Canada's top research universities. In 2020, Montreal's economy was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many small businesses in Outremont had to close their doors due to the economic downturn.

Important landmarks:

The district is home to several important landmarks, including the Outremont Theatre, which is a historic cinema that hosts many cultural events and festivals. Laurier Park is a beautiful green space that offers playgrounds, sports fields, and trails for jogging and cycling. The Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges is one of the largest cemeteries in Canada and is the final resting place of many famous Quebecers, including Maurice Richard and Claude Ryan.

Arts and culture:

Outremont is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The district is home to several cultural institutions, including the Outremont Cultural Centre, which hosts many music concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. The district is also home to the Mile End Poets’ Festival, which celebrates the work of poetry writers from around the world. The Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, one of Quebec's biggest music and dance festivals, is held in the nearby town of Saint-Sauveur.

Electoral issues:

During the 2021 federal election, the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic was a major issue for the district's residents. Many small businesses collapsed during the lockdown, and the government implemented several measures to support them, such as wage subsidies and rent relief. Healthcare, education, and affordable housing were also important issues in the election.

Community organizations:

Outremont is home to many community organizations that work towards the betterment of the district's residents. The Outremont Community Centre provides a range of activities and services for children, families, and seniors. The Mile End Cookbook Library collects and shares cookbooks, provides culinary education and hosts events for the community. The Conseil des arts de Montréal, helps over 250 subsidies and awards evolve, all of which promote and support Montreal’s creativity through the arts. Parkhaven Community Center is a non-profit organization that provides support to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. St. Viateur Bagel Shop has been a staple of the Mile End community for over 60 years.

Multicultural groups:

Outremont has a significant Jewish population that has contributed to the district's cultural landscape. The district also has many other cultural groups such as Greek and Hispanic, that add great diversity to the area. The multiethnic and multicultural neighborhoods of Mile End and Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension also offer a great assortment of cuisine, arts and cultures.

Overall, Outremont is an exciting district that offers a diverse range of cultural and artistic experiences. From its beautiful parks to its historic landmarks and vibrant community organizations, Outremont is a district that fosters community engagement, cultural exchange, and progressive social policies.