Pointe-Nord: Waterfront lifestyle minutes from city

The bright lights and city skyline often make us forget that Montreal is in fact an island. Aside from the very suburban West Island and north shores, there aren’t too many spots in the city to enjoy the magnificent views of the Saint Lawrence River.

Looking to spend more time by the water? Come by Pointe-Nord, an up-and-coming neighbourhood on the northern tip of Nuns' Island, just minutes away from the downtown core. The area is well known as the home of the large Bell Complex, but one visit will be enough to convince you that it’s so much more.

A vibrant community

The neighbourhood’s only developer, Proment, had a specific vision when they began working in the area a few years back – to develop a waterfront neighbourhood with a strong close-knit community lifestyle.

Pointe-Nord offers picturesque views of the waterfront on three sides, with views of the breathtaking Montreal skyline. There are bike paths along the waterfront that lead to the southern part of Nuns' Island, and to the main streets of Montreal – the Atwater Market is a 15-minute ride away.

Pointe-Nord is being developed in such a way that the focus will really be on the community – it will have heart. There is currently one main street, with only the best in Montreal’s small businesses setting up shop. In other areas, commercial space is sold to the highest bidder, but in Pointe-Nord, the neighbourhood is being carefully curated to house only Montreal’s finest local businesses (sorry, no Starbucks), such as Mamie Clafoutis, a local café serving some of the finest croissants in town. “We like to be in areas where the same faces come and say hello,” says Joseph Sabater, Mamie Clafoutis’ co-owner. An “épicerie fine” and a yoga studio are set to open later this year.

Green neighbourhood

Pointe-Nord's LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Neighbourhood Development) Gold certification makes it one of the only “green” neighbourhoods in Canada. This means that the sustainability, respect for the environment and quality of life were considered in the planning. In fact, you’ll find green spaces by the water, many pedestrian and bicycle paths, and easy access to Bixi, Communauto and public transportation. There are also plans for a commuter train stop that would lead into the city.

The master plan

Because only one builder developed the area, there has been an obvious master plan from day one. The neighbourhood's residents know where new buildings are set rise, unlike many other areas in Montreal. Often, when one highrise condo building goes up, another goes up right next door, obstructing the views of the first building. In Pointe-Nord, homebuyers know where new buildings will surface and they will know which views will eventually be obstructed and which ones are protected.

The area is being conceived for the young, as well as the young-at-heart – the first-time homebuyers as well as the active retirees looking to downsize. The cost of living in the area is affordable, especially considering all of the benefits. Visit the area for yourself, rent a paddleboard off the Esplanade de la Pointe-Rotonde, or sip on a cocktail on the waterfront patio of Brasserie Les Enfants Terribles and you’ll be convinced of the welcoming vibes.

Evolo S has projects in these neighbourhoods too:

Verdun
Nuns' Island