Dollard-Des Ormeaux, QC
Originally a bedroom community for Montreal, today Dollard-Des Ormeaux is a city in its own right and is the second most populated city on the island. Dollard, as it is simply called by many, used to be a small town of less than 1,000 people, but today it is a thriving city that is home to over 50,000 residents. It is a lovely suburban city that sits between the Prairies River and the Trans-Canada Highway to the west of Montreal. Dollard-Des Ormeaux is known for its green spaces and recreational facilities, making it a charming place to call home.
When reading about living in the city, any Dollard-Des Ormeaux local will say that the Sunnybrooke neighbourhood is the most popular area to live in. It is also one of the most expensive areas of the city due to its location, as the city’s only commuter train station is right at the edge of it. From here, trains and buses connect Dollard-Des Ormeaux to Montreal. There are also buses that serve the city, running along main arteries. A few of these buses pass through the city centre, which is the area around the notable Centennial Park.
Dollard-Des Ormeaux is a predominately English speaking city, which is great when it comes to schooling. Still, there are a few Francophone schools in Dollard-Des Ormeaux, as well as three private schools. But all-in-all, most residents do speak English, so it is a great place in Quebec to settle if this is your mother tongue. Another great thing about Dollard-Des Ormeaux is its parks, which offers a wide range of recreational activities throughout all seasons of the year. Of these, Centennial Park is of course the largest and has the most to do, although Janiszewski Park, Westminster Park and Sunnybrook Park are also good.
Living in Dollard-Des Ormeaux can be quite rewarding, especially for families. It is not really a singles city, as there is not much in terms of nightlife, but its close access to Montreal makes it great for parents that want a quieter lifestyle and commute to the larger city for work. There is also a lot to do in the city, with a Dollard-Des Ormeaux city guide listing things like ice skating, swimming, cross-country skiing, basketball and hockey as a few things that can be enjoyed on time off. Dollard-Des Ormeaux also has an art gallery - the Dollard Art Centre – a large cultural centre and a library that also acts as a community centre.