Buying a House in Baie-d'Urfe

Geography

Baie-d'Urfe is an affluent town located on southwest end of the Island of Montreal in an area referred to as the West Island. Mainly a residential suburb, Baie-d'Urfe is considered one of the most desirable suburban regions in all of the province of Quebec. It is populated predominantly by wealthy families. It is bordered by the boroughs of Beaconsfield, Kirkland, and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, and as of 2006 had a population of just under 4,000.

Municipal 

Though it is small in area, claiming less than 7 square kilometers of space, Baie-d'Urfe has six city councilors and one mayor. Baie-d'Urfe's current mayor is Maria Tutino. The councilors are divided into committees that manage the welfare of the town. These committees cover a range of concerns and town necessities, including finance and administration, parks and recreations, public works, public security, youth, environment, and quality of life.

History 

The town was founded in 1685 through the Sulpician parish Saint-Louis-du-Bout-de-l'Ile, and was managed by Francois-Saturnin Lascaris d'Urfe. The municipality is named in his honor. He served as pastor to the fledgling community, and helped cultivate the expansion of trade and establishment of community on the southwestern banks of the river. The proximity to water has played an important role in the development of the town's character, and it is a popular location for boating enthusiasts throughout the Island of Montreal.

In 1911, the town was officially established and registered with the government. In 2002 during the city-wide merger of regions, the town was incorporated with its eastern neighbor, Beaconsfield, to make the combined borough of Beaconsfield-Baie-d'Urfe. However, in 2006 the government of Baie-d'Urfe succeeded from the merged borough and reformed as an individual town.

Economy and Demographics 

Baie-d'Urfe boasts one of the highest average household incomes in Canada, with the mean income for a family surveyed at $194,335. Its traditional competitors for the highest income usually include the cities of Hampstead and Quebec. The natural beauty, large land lots, grand homes, and pastoral look has made it one of the most socially exclusive and wealthy areas to live around Montreal. The residents are predominantly English speakers, with native French speakers making up only 20% of the town's population. Baie-d'Urfe is considered a "bedroom community" due to the high number of residences and significant lack of businesses.

Sports and Activities  

The town is well known for the many private clubs it has, including a curling club, boat club, aquatic club, and tennis club. The Baie-d'Urfe Yacht Club, founded in 1959, is famous for its sailing and social events. It is located in Bertold Park and features a manmade harbor and carries on the tradition of hosting and organizing the Ishkoodah, the local regatta that has been raced since 1897.