Outremont

Outremont put transmission lines underground along its shopping streets and routed them through lanes elsewhere to clear the street landscape. The municipality also planted trees in rows along its streets. Housing developed unevenly: in 1905, rows of triplexes accommodated working-class tenants in the north, while houses in the south still stood amid fields. Parc Outremont followed in 1912, with its pavilion added in 1925.

On Bernard, where shops and homes meet, Théâtre Outremont opened on October 4, 1929. René Charbonneau designed the building and Emmanuel Briffa created its interior decoration. The almost white facade carries fluted pilasters, decorative friezes and Art Deco medallions. Inside, false windows and large painted landscapes occupy the upper walls above a more restrained lower section. Architects Beaupré and Michaud supervised restoration from 1999 to 2001, and the building reopened as a performance venue. The theatre opened for the Confederation Amusements chain, behind a street facade built from almost white artificial stone.

Key places

• Outremont Park : park dating to 1912 with a pavilion added in 1925.
• Outremont Theatre : designed by René Charbonneau, with decoration by Emmanuel Briffa.
• Bernard Avenue : theatre’s commercial and residential street.