Forum

Montreal - Quebec - Canada

Moving to Montreal - Quebec - Canada

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. Desi Community

• Indian (Punjabi, Tamil, Gujarati, and Bengali communities).
• Pakistani and Bangladeshi populations.
• Sri Lankan and Nepalese communities are also present but smaller.

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2. Areas with Significant South Asian Populations

• Côte-des-Neiges: Predominantly Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi residents.
• LaSalle: Growing South Asian community with Indian and Sri Lankan populations.
• Saint-Laurent: Mix of South Asian families, including Indian and Pakistani.
• Pierrefonds-Roxboro: Home to many South Asian families.

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3. South Asian Main Market Areas

• Jean-Talon Market: Features some South Asian vendors for spices and produce.
• Côte-des-Neiges Commercial Area: Shops catering to the Desi community.

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4. South Asian Grocery Stores

• Marche Kohinoor (Côte-des-Neiges): Indian and Pakistani groceries.
• Marche Punjab (LaSalle): Specializes in Indian and Punjabi items.
• Kim Phat (Saint-Laurent): Offers a variety of South Asian products.
• Marche Ravi (Pierrefonds): Focused on Indian and Bangladeshi foods.

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5. Transportation

• Public Transport:
  • Operated by STM, includes buses, metro, and commuter trains.
  • Presto cards available for easy payment.
• Accessibility: Well-connected neighborhoods like Côte-des-Neiges and LaSalle offer easy transit access to markets, schools, and temples.

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6. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Hindu Mandir (LaSalle): Popular among the Indian community.
  • ISKCON Montreal (Plateau Mont-Royal): Cultural and spiritual center.

• Gurdwaras:

  • Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar (LaSalle): Major Sikh temple.
  • Gurdwara Sahib Quebec (Brossard): Serves the greater Montreal Sikh community.

• Mosques:

  • Baitul Mukarram Mosque (Côte-des-Neiges): Bangladeshi-focused mosque.
  • Islamic Community Center of Brossard (Brossard): Pakistani and Indian attendees.

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7. Cost of Living

• Housing:
  • Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 1,200–1,800 per month (varies by area).
• Groceries: South Asian stores generally offer affordable spices, grains, and vegetables.
• Transportation: Monthly STM pass costs approximately CAD 94 for adults.

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8. Best Public Schools in South Asian Areas

Elementary Schools:

• École Saint-Pascal-Baylon (Côte-des-Neiges): Diverse student population.
• École des Decouvreurs (LaSalle): Popular among South Asian families.

Middle Schools:

• Royal Vale School (Côte-des-Neiges): Offers both English and French programs.
• LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School (LaSalle): Welcomes multicultural students.

High Schools:

• Saint-Laurent High School (Saint-Laurent): Offers academic and extracurricular excellence.
• Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School (Pierrefonds): Known for inclusivity and diversity.