Take part in the 3rd edition of the neighbourhood discovery tours - Find the home and living environment of your dreams

MONTREAL, March 7, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ville de Montréal invites future homeowners to take part in the 3rd edition of the neighbourhood discovery tours. These tours will highlight a wide range of affordable homes, exciting neighbourhood lifestyles and heritage treasures in eight Montréal neighbourhoods: Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Mercier, Montréal-Nord, Parc-Extension and Villeray, Vieux-Lachine and 32^e Avenue, Vieux-Saint-Laurent and Bois-Franc, Ville-Émard and Côte-Saint-Paul, Wellington-de-l'Église and Desmarchais-Crawford.

This free activity will be held on Sundays, March 18 and 25, 2012, as part of the 16th edition of the Open house weekends in Montréal. Local real estate experts, city representatives and history buffs will take visitors on a guided bus tour of these eight neighbourhoods. These guides will highlight each area's specific features and attractions and answer questions regarding various city-sponsored housing programs. Come and find the home of your dreams!

Ahuntsic-Cartierville (Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Discover a trendy living environment in a country-like setting in the northern sector of the Island of Montréal. The neighbourhood stretches for 13 kilometres along the shoreline of Rivière des Prairies and features green spaces. It offers good mass transit with three Métro stations and four commuter train stations. There are 26 kilometres of bicycle paths now open to cyclists and 26 kilometres under development, as well as commercial and institutional areas. Departures from the Henri-Bourassa Métro station. Free parking at the Ahuntsic arena, at 10560, rue Saint-Hubert.

Mercier (Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Discover the Champlain Village and Promenade Bellerive heritage areas, the historic old Guybourg and Longue-Pointe neighbourhoods, beautiful parks near the St. Lawrence River, including the parc de la Promenade-Bellerive offering breathtaking views of the river as well as commercial establishments in Mercier, not to mention many schools and affordable new housing developments. Departures from the borough hall, at 6854, rue Sherbrooke Est, just east of the Langelier Métro station. Parking available on nearby streets.

Montréal-Nord (Montréal-Nord borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Montréal-Nord borough offers remarkable views of the Rivière des Prairies. The borough features an urban environment with exceptional green spaces, sports and cultural facilities and quiet neighbourhoods. Departures from the borough hall on rue Charleroi, perpendicular to boulevard Pie-IX. Free parking.

Parc-Extension and Villeray (Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough)
Two departures on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Yours to discover: diversity in Parc-Extension, at the Jean-Talon Market, or take the whole family to Parc Jarry. Also of interest are the Notre-Dame-du-Saint-Rosaire Church, rue Villeray and its boutiques, De Castelneau and Henri-Julien streets, a popular meeting place, and more. On Sunday, March 18, departures will be from the borough hall, at 405, avenue Ogilvy, near the Parc Métro station. On Sunday, March 25, departures will be from the Stade Uniprix parking lot, at 285, rue Faillon Ouest, near the De Castelneau Métro station. Free parking.

Vieux-Lachine and 32^e Avenue (Lachine borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Discover Lac Saint-Louis, the waterfront, public market, rich history and heritage sites, including the Fur Trade Museum at Lachine National Historic Site, Saints-Anges Gardiens Church, Collège Sainte-Anne, and more. Departures from the Lachine public market, at 1875, rue Notre-Dame. Take the No. 195 bus at the Angrignon Métro station. Free parking.

Vieux-Saint-Laurent and Bois-Franc (Saint-Laurent borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saint-Laurent offers a choice living environment for families, with approximately 50 parks and green spaces, major projects, quaint neighbourhoods bordered by lush vegetation and superior cultural, sports and recreational facilities and activities. Discover various residential areas, a list of services, history and rich cultural heritage. Departures from the borough hall, at 777, boulevard Marcel-Laurin, near the du Collège Métro station. Free parking.

Ville-Émard and Côte-Saint-Paul (Sud-Ouest borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Ville-Émard and Côte-Saint-Paul are two residential neighbourhoods with many bell-towers and featuring parks, including parc Angrignon with its rural look. The Lachine Canal and Aqueduct Canal bicycle paths are quite popular with cycling enthusiasts. A number of businesses, boutiques and restaurants create a lively atmosphere along boulevard Monk. Departures from the Jolicoeur Métro station. Parking available on neighbourhood streets.

Wellington-de-l'Église and Desmarchais-Crawford (Verdun borough)
Two guided tours on both March 18 and 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. With 15 kilometres of accessible shoreline, Verdun is bordered by the St. Lawrence River and Aqueduct Canal. There is a large selection of cultural and community activities, charming neighbourhood boutiques and fine restaurants, especially along Wellington. Departures from the Verdun borough hall, near the Verdun Métro station. Free parking.

Register now at: habitermontreal.com/decouverte.

16th edition of Open house weekends in Montréal
In addition to the neighbourhood discovery tours, you will not want to miss the 16th edition of Open house weekends in Montréal on March 17, 18, 24 and 25. This special activity hosted by the private sector will highlight approximately 80 new residential projects, several of which are designed with families in mind, as well as decorated model units. To consult the map, list of projects as well as prices, please log on to: monhabitationneuve.com.

Source: 
Ville de Montréal

Information:
François Goneau
Division des affaires publiques
514 868-5859