Westmount

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Westmount is a small, wealthy city on the Island of Montreal, surrounded by Montreal in southern Quebec, Canada. It has about 19,600 residents and covers roughly 4 square kilometers, making it one of the island’s most densely populated areas. Westmount is officially bilingual and uses services in both English and French.

Government and status
Westmount is an independent city since 2006, after separating from Montreal. It is still part of the Montreal Agglomeration for regional services like police and transit. The city is governed by a mayor and eight district councillors. As of 2025, the mayor is Michael Stern.

What you’ll find in Westmount
- Parks and recreation: Westmount Park, King George Park (also called Murray Hill Park), Summit Woods, and Westmount Summit. The Westmount Arena and a swimming pool are nearby, and the Summit Circle area provides a big green space for residents.
- Libraries and culture: Westmount Public Library and Victoria Hall are community anchors. Hurtubise House is the oldest standing house in Westmount.
- Shopping and architecture: The city has several small commercial districts along Sherbrooke Street, Victoria Avenue, Saint Catherine Street near Place Alexis Nihon, Greene Avenue, and De Maisonneuve Boulevard near Atwater.
- Landmarks: Place Alexis Nihon and the Westmount Square complex, designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, are notable features of the city.

History in brief
The area was long inhabited by Indigenous peoples. In the 17th century it had several names, including La Petite Montagne and Côte-Saint-Antoine. The Village of Côte Saint-Antoine formed in 1874, later becoming Westmount in 1895 because of its location on the southwest slope of Mount Royal and a growing English-speaking community. In the 20th century it became a wealthy residential enclave. In 2002 Westmount briefly merged with Montreal, but it re-established itself as an independent city on January 1, 2006.

Education and schools
Westmount hosts two English-language CEGEPs: Dawson College and Marianopolis College. Public schools are run by EMSB, including Westmount High School, Westmount Park School, and Roslyn Elementary. Private schools include St. George’s School of Montreal, Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School, The Study, Villa Sainte-Marcelline, and Selwyn House. The Montreal Hoshuko School previously held classes in Westmount.

Notable people
Westmount has been the birthplace or home of many notable people, including Leonard Cohen, Sam Roberts, Caroline Rhea, and Eugenie Bouchard. The city has also appeared as a setting in several novels.