Westmount’s 150th anniversary
2024 holds special significance for Westmount as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of our beloved City.
“On December 9, 1873, a proclamation issued by René Edouard Caron, Lieutenant- Governor of Quebec, announced that from January 1 of the following year a new territorial and civic entity, to be named the “Village of Nôtre Dame de Grâce,” would be established to the west of the City of Montreal. This new unit, detached from the municipality and parish of Montreal, measuring roughly 5,000 acres, was carved out of the sprawling territories known as St. Henri des Tanneries. It was bounded to the east by the City of Montreal and part of the property of the “Gentlemen of St. Sulpice;” to the north by the municipality of Côte des Neiges; to the west by the municipality of St. Laurent and Lachine; and to the south by little Lac St. Pierre, also known as Lac à loutre.”
(Gubbay, Aline: A View of Their Own, Price-Patterson Ltd., 1998)
The parish area that became the Village of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce in 1874 was renamed Village of Côte-Saint-Antoine in 1890, Town of Côte-Saint-Antoine shortly afterwards, then City of Westmount in 1895.
Come and join the festivities this year as we honour Westmount’s vibrant culture, close-knit community, breathtaking surroundings, artistic gatherings, and lively sports events. Get ready for a lineup of thrilling events and activities crafted for every Westmount resident!
Upcoming events
Thursday, September 19, 2 p.m. at Victoria Hall
“Westmount’s Hidden History: 19th and 20th centuries”
The City of Westmount is rich in history and in order to kick off the fall/spooky season, we will examine Westmount’s hidden history.
This seemingly quiet, quaint and affluent City holds secrets that have been buried for far too long. It is time that we bring them to light. Ghost stories, bizarre crimes, hidden secrets, and séance meetings are among the themes that will be discussed in this lecture.
Register on Eventbrite
View the information on past lectures in the Past Events section below.
Wednesday, October 9, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Victoria Hall
The Westmount 150th Anniversary Committee invites you to celebrate the rich history of the City as we honour the remarkable people and iconic places that have shaped this vibrant community.
Be a part of this festive occasion as we commemorate our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a bright future. Guests will be entertained by the exceptional performance of Gregory Charles and his band. Gregory is a classically trained virtuoso pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, TV host, and radio host. His dynamic performance will wow the audience as he mashes together music from the past centuries, a wonderful opportunity to make people sing, dance, and laugh!
Enjoy an elegant cocktail reception and a selection of beer, wine, and Prosecco.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets available on Eventbrite
Past events
Thursday, February 22, 6:30 PM at Victoria Hall
The City of Westmount is commemorating its 150th anniversary and kicking off a full year of celebration and excitement! Featuring circus artist Sarah Louis-Jean, violinist Eric Speed and iconic musical comedy duo, Bowser & Blue. Music, appetizers, cash bar, and surprises. Each guest will receive two free 150th signature cocktails or mocktails.
- 6:30 p.m.: reception and cocktail
- 7:30 p.m : circus performance
- 8 p.m.: Bowser and Blue
First lecture: Thursday, March 7, 2 p.m. at Victoria Hall
“Westmount’s Little Orphan”
This lecture is a case study of a young girl named Rachel Paquin who lived in Westmount with her mother. Rachel was orphaned in 1923 after the death of her mother Dalvina Lefebvre who worked in Westmount. The City took it upon itself to apply to the Quebec Government so that it could provide for Rachel until she reached adulthood. The events that transpired in the following years after she was orphaned, gives us a unique and rare glimpse into the social makeup of a City, a Religious Institution and the Quebec Government.
Second lecture: Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m. at Victoria Hall
“We take care of our own.” Westmount, a socially distinct microcosm, 1920-1970.
Historically, Westmount has stood out among other municipalities in the Province of Quebec. We will examine what makes the City of Westmount so socially different from other cities. This unique social identity is the result of local government’s involvement in the daily lives of its citizens as well as the active participation of the citizens in the social, economic and cultural development of their city. The relationship between the City’s administrators and its citizens was crucial in the emergence of this unique social identity.
Upcoming lectures to be announced
Saturday, June 15, 1 to 4 pm at the municipal parking lot on Avenue Greene below Rue Sherbrooke
Come celebrate Westmount’s 150 with your neighbours as artist Adam Vieira (Station 16 Gallery) puts up a commemorative anniversary mural! Enjoy free refreshments, a live DJ, and entertainment. Cash bar.
Families welcome!