Cecil P. Newman
MontréalIntroduction
This is a neighbourhood in La Salle in Montreal's lower southwest region. The area used to be fairly industrial, but the industries along the canal have long packed up. The area is predominantly residential and commercial. Bordered by the St. Lawrence River to the west and Rue Lapierre to the east, it has Lachine Canal to the north and touches the Aqueduct to the south.
Lifestyle
Cecil P. Newman starts at the last stop on one of the city’s metro lines, making much of the neighbourhood just outside of the metro zone. Because of this, it’s missing that strong presence of university students along with the trendy cafés and shops. While this might not be the most scenic neighbourhood, it's nevertheless very inexpensive, fairly quiet, only a short commute to downtown for workers.
The Vibe
Cecil P. Newman feels different from most of the nearby neighbourhoods, and more like a nicer and quieter Montreal North or Saint-Léonard. This calm neighbourhood has much more of an urban - rather than suburban - vibe, all the while being an area that still caters to many different families.
Meet the Neighbours
Due to the low cost of property, most of the inhabitants of this area are families of middle to lower income. It's a fairly mixed neighbourhood, with people of all ages calling it home. There a strong presence of Caribbean and Punjabi families, along with long-time Italian residents in this neighbourhood.
In the Area
You can reach both the canal and aqueduct in the area for some scenic bike paths and foot trails. The massive Carrefour Angrignon shopping mall also sits at the west edge of the neighbourhood. Inside the neighbourhood, there are most of the amenities you will need, but few green spaces apart from the massive Angrignon Park.
12 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Cecil P. Newman is a neighbourhood where it helps to have a car. There are some great bus routes here, but they mostly serve to get passengers to the massive Angrignon station and bus terminal to go downtown or into nearby neighbourhoods. Moving around within this neighbourhood without wheels can feel like a slow trek.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Sometimes it can feel bland and grey along the main stretches. Apart from Angrignon Park and the station, there aren't a lot of sights or attractions within the neighbourhood. There are few other parks or exciting pieces of architecture to catch the eye. The residential parts are markedly nicer than the commercial strips though.
Dollars & Sense
Newman Boulevard acts as the main commercial artery for the neighbourhood, so you'll be able to do most of your shopping along there. You'll spot a lot of family restaurants and buffets, large grocery stores, fashion outlets and car dealerships along the stretch. For more expensive shopping, there's Carrefour Angrignon.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Manzo Pizzeria
This long-standing, unassuming pizzeria has a reputation far and wide for being one of the best spots for pizza and subs in the city (including a few news outlets who named it best in town).
more infoParc Angrignon
Massive city park just a few steps from the metro station, it's a great place to gather family and friends for a picnic or go for a walk through the trails. Gorgeous during all seasons.
more infoEggsquis
It might be part of a small chain of restaurants around Quebec and Ontario, but Eggsquis is still the best place in the neihgbourhood to go for a family brunch.
more infoResto Café Bocci
An Italian restaurant and coffee lounge, specializing in subs, pastas and seafood, the food is great and the place is always filled with locals and regulars. There's a fair-sized patio for and large dining hall.
more infoLa Griglia d'Oro
Known for being a steakhouse, this Italian restaurant also dishes out seafood and pasta dishes made with specialty house sauces. They also have a small selection of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes on their menu.
more infoLa Campagnola
Fairly pricey but consistently excellent, La Campagnola is a long-standing family-owned Italian restaurant. Though this is decidedly fine cuisine, their dishes have a hint of home cooking in them. Be sure to reserve in advance and BYOB.
more info