Beaconsfield, Quebec
Beaconsfield is a suburb on the Island of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Incorporated in 1910, named in honour of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and close confidant of Queen Victoria, the city's historical roots go back as far as 1698. It is part of the Greater Montreal region locally referred to as the West Island. It is a prestigious residential community located on the north shore of Lac Saint-Louis, bordered on the west by Baie-D'Urfé, north by Kirkland and east by Pointe-Claire. Beaconsfield, in its current form, was developed as a cottage community by affluent Montreal residents. Over the decades, the city has transformed from summer homes, to year-round residents, and has flourished.
The population of Beaconsfield, as of the Canada 2016 Census, is 19,324. While the population is predominantly anglophone, 77% of residents speak both official languages of Canada. Most residents live in single-family homes, though there are residents of townhouses and apartment buildings.
As part of the 2002–2006 municipal reorganization of Montreal Beaconsfield and neighbouring Baie-D'Urfé became the borough of Beaconsfield–Baie-D'Urfé and were merged into the city of Montreal. After a change of government, and the 2004 referendum, both Baie-D'Urfé and Beaconsfield voted to de-merge from Montreal. On January 1, 2006, they were reconstituted as independent municipalities. They still remain part of the urban agglomeration of Montreal.
Government
The current mayor of Beaconsfield is Georges Bourelle. The city is currently served by six councillors:- Dominique Godin
- Karen Messier
- Robert Mercuri
- David Newell
- Roger Moss
- Al Gardner
Demographics
Language | Knowledge of official languages | First official language spoken | Mother tongue | Language spoken most often at home |
English | 19.96% | 68.29% | 53.09% | 68.19% |
French | 2.25% | 25.45% | 23.30% | 18.75% |
English and French | 77.11% | 5.59% | 2.14% | 2.01% |
Non official language | 0.70% | 0.65% | 19.83% | 8.37% |
English and non-official language | 0.83% | 1.80% | ||
French and non-official language | 0.31% | 0.20% | ||
English, French and non-official language | 0.47% | 0.65% |
Sports & Recreation
Beaconsfield has quality facilities in order to meet the needs of its population. Many of Beaconsfield's social, cultural and athletic programs are made possible by a long-standing tradition of responsible government and citizen involvement.- , an indoor recreation complex, with a full-sized ice rink, semi-olympic pool, gymnasium and youth centre. It is home to the Beaconsfield Bluefins, a competitive swim club that has trained athletes from beginner to national competition levels. It is also home to the Lakeshore Panthers, a Quebec minor hockey league, and the .
- Two private yacht clubs on municipal land: Beaconsfield Yacht Club and .
- A number of neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, and playing fields, including numerous soccer fields, outdoor ice rinks, and baseball fields. Beaconsfield is part of the Lakeshore league, which has sports teams that include hockey, baseball, soccer, football, and tennis.
- which is a member of the Fédération de Rugby du Québec.
- 4 Community pools that offer swim lessons and public swimming.
- West Island Heritage Bicycle Trail
- Elm Ave Bike Path
- Skate Park located at the Beaconsfield Recreation Centre
Parks and Open Spaceshttps://www.beaconsfield.ca/fr/vivre-a-beaconsfield/parcs-et-terrains-de-jeux
- Angell Woods; dog friendly
- Christmas Park; Basball, Tennis, and Basketball during the summer and a hockey rink in the winter
- Windermere park; Soccer, Baseball, Tennis and Basketball during the summer and a skating rink in the winter
- Centennial Beach; dog friendly
- Saint James Park
- Drummond
- City Lane Park
Local Landmarks
- , a commercial development in the heart of Beaconsfield which began in 1925 with the opening of a general store by Sidney Cunningham, the first president of the Beaconsfield Citizen's Association. Home to local bakeries, pubs, and shops.
- The historic cultural centre, , where exhibitions and concerts take place.
- , with an extensive digital and print collection and excellent reference services. Established in 1951, the library was housed in a broom closet and bookmobile. Only in 1968 did it move to its present location thanks to the financial aid of City Council.
- Heroes Park, honouring those who served
Education
Francophone
The Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys operates Francophone public schools in Beaconsfield.Francophone primary schools:
- École primaire Beaconsfield
- École primaire Saint-Rémi
- École primaire et secondaire John F. Kennedy
Anglophone
Anglophone vocational Education:
Anglophone adult Education:
Anglophone secondary schools:
Anglophone primary schools:
- Beacon Hill Elementary School
- Christmas Park Elementary School
- St. Edmund Elementary School
- Sherbrooke Academy Junior & Senior Schools
- Clearpoint Elementary School in Pointe-Claire serves some portions
Local Businesses
- Centre commercial Beaconsfield
- Plaza Beaconsfield
- Beaurepaire Village
- Plaza Elm
Places of Worship
- Beaconsfield United Church, located on 202 Woodside Road
- St. Edmund of Canterbury Church, Roman Catholic parish located on 105 Boulevard founded 1956
- Beaurepaire United Church, located on 25 Fieldfare Avenue founded 1924
Transportation
Notable residents
- Madeline-Ann Aksich, philanthropist and Order of Canada recipient
Crime
- April 1995, Frank Toope, a retired Anglican minister, and his wife Jocelyn were bludgeoned to death during a botched robbery by three youths — aged 13, 14 and 15. All three youths have since reoffended as adults.
- May 2001, Margareth and Ed Fertuck were axed to death by their schizophrenic son, Geoff Fertuck, who committed suicide by jumping in front of a train.
- September 2001, John Bauer shot and killed his wife Helen, their three sons, Jonathan, Wesley and Justin, father-in-law Elmer Carroll and business partner Lucio Beccherini, over a three-day span before taking his own life after setting his house on fire. Their home was located on a street bordering Beaconsfield and Kirkland.
- October 2006, psychologist Dragolub Tzokovitch shot and killed his wife Mila Voynova, and two daughters, Iva and Alice, before taking his own life.