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Living in Westmount: Everything You Need to Know!

Written by Lily Squires

Whether you’re looking for a community with a rich history, a home to start a family, or a place close to downtown, Westmount is perfect for you. With the wide variety of schools, playgrounds, restaurants, local shops and more, there’s something for everyone here.

History of Westmount

In 1878, a retired Hudson’s Bay Company employee named Malcolm Groat built his homestead on one of the river lots granted to the HBC in a deal with the Dominion of Canada. This land (after a portion was sold in 1906) was annexed by the City of Edmonton in 1910 and is now known as the Westmount community. Westmount’s proximity to downtown and the extension of a streetcar in 1910 (and the commercial space built along 124th St that came with it) boosted its early development. During the earlier days of Edmonton, Westmount emerged as a popular residential area, with many of its homes being built before the 1950s. Despite this, the development of apartment buildings within Westmount spiked in the 1960s, which now account for many of the houses in the community. Due to the city’s and community’s conservation efforts, many of Westmount’s early homes still stand today within the Westmount Architectural Heritage Area (WAHA). Westmount has a rich history and bright future, from the more modern apartments to the early historical homes. 

Local Food Favourites

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Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, some baked goods, a good cup of coffee or a juicy burger, Westmount has it all down on 124th street, and if not right on 124th, then just a hop, skip, and jump away!

Zwick’s Pretzels

In the mood for a salty snack? There’s no place better than Zwick’s Pretzels on 108 Avenue. With their amazing pretzels, sandwiches, and even better prices, Zwick’s is great for a new take on a beloved classic. 

Location: 12415 107 Ave NW

Northern Chicken

On the hunt for a fun meal that the whole family will love? Then look no further than Northern Chicken, a Westmount staple. From their classic bone-in fried chicken to Dorito Mac ’n cheese, everything at Northern Chicken is sure to put a smile on your face. 

Location: 10704 124 St NW

Credo Coffee

Are you in the mood for an excellent cup of coffee or a delicious tea latte? You’ll find it all at Credo Coffee, one of the best cafes in the neighbourhood! It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favourite beverage. 

Location: 10134 104 St NW

Duchess Bake Shop

A community classic since it opened in 2009, Duchess Bake Shop is regarded as one of the best bakeries in the city. From their flakey pastries, delectable cakes and delicious cookies, the Duchess is the perfect place to grab a fun treat. And yes, their macarons are as good as they look!

Location: 10718 124 St NW

Tiramisu Bistro

Well known around the city for its spaghetti cones and delicious Italian food, Tiramisu is a favourite of many Westmount locals. Whether you’re stopping in for a scoop of gelato or a good meal or want to browse their selection of local wares and baked goods, Tiramisu is the perfect spot for a family lunch or meet-up with friends. 

Location: 10750 124 St NW

124 Street Grand Market

For a taste of even more local snacks, check out the 124 Street Grand Market on any Thursday or Sunday throughout the summer. Along with fantastic food trucks, you’ll be able to find local crafts, produce and various other homemade goodies. 

Location: 12310 108 Ave NW

Night Life

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If you’re looking for a night on the town or you want to go for dinner and drinks with some friends, look no further for your new favourite spot than in Westmount!

Arcadia Brewing Co.

Arcadia is a popular local brewing company focusing on building community and providing a place to meet new friends and create new memories. It’s also a great place to watch the Oilers game! For more information about their company or their beer, click here

Location: 10712 120 St NW

The Roxy Theatre

After burning down in 2015, the Roxy Theatre reopened its doors in 2022 and is once again home to stunning displays of local art, events, and film. To check up on the latest shows or book tickets, click here

Location: 10708 124 St NW

Three Vikings

Three Vikings, a neighbourhood staple, is a family-owned and family-friendly pub on 124th street that serves only the best local food and craft beer, focusing on British and Danish specialties. 

Location: 10713 124 St NW

Irrational Brewing Company

Irrational Brewing is another hot spot to grab a pint on 124 Street. With a wide selection of unique beers, Irrational has quickly become a Westmount treasure.

Location: 109, 10643 124 St NW

Local Schools + Childcare

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Whether your family is raising young children or teens, Westmount has many great schools to consider.

Elementary

According to Westlglen’s website, it is a public elementary school where educators are “committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and challenging learning environment in which all students experience academic, athletic, and artistic success and personal growth.” They pride themselves on offering Middle Years IB to grade 6 students and their notable Dance and Drama programming. 

Junior High

Westmount Junior High was built in the early 1900s and is one of Edmonton’s oldest remaining schools. Nowadays, their hardworking staff, who “work with each learner to foster their individual success in all subject areas,” are committed to teaching grades 7-9.  

High School

Ross Sheppard High School was established in 1957 and has taught generations of Edmontonians. According to the Edmonton Public Schools website, “The Ross Sheppard School community is built upon four key pillars: Academics, Athletics, Fine Arts, and Service.” Teaching grades 10-12, Ross Sheppard is a pillar of Westmount’s learning environment. With an excellent principal and staff, Ross Sheppard stands as one of the best high schools in the city.

Private School 

Progressive Academy is an independent private school which teaches grades K-12. According to their website, they are “committed to maintaining a caring and creative environment” and “emphasize balanced growth – intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially” for each student. 

Childcare

If your children are too young to send off to school, Westmount’s preschools and daycares are here to help!

With four locations across Edmonton, the Edmonton Educational Daycare Group cares for about 400 children ages 0-12. According to their website, they remain “committed to a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment through which children may develop socially and emotionally.” To learn more or enroll your child, click here

Founded over 25 years ago, Discovery Time Preschool is a non-profit program of the Westmount Community League. They practice learning through play philosophy and have children engage in activities that enhance their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development. For more information, click here

YMCA has many child Care locations across Alberta, including one in Westmount, by Westglen Elementary school. For more information on YMCA and their programs, click here

Honourable Mention: Westmount Community League

Westmount community league is a volunteer organization that brings neighbours together; between hosting events and providing access to their community space, you can rest assured there is always something going on!

The WCL community rink consists of an open rink meant for casual skating and a boarded rink perfect for games of hockey and other winter sports. For further information on rules, skate tags and schedules, click here

The Westmount fitness club is truly unique and provides community members with various programs and classes, as well as volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a basketball court, a cardio room and more. For more information on the facilities, click here

There are several parks and playgrounds throughout Westmount, a list of which can be found here. If we were asked to choose a favourite, we’d say nothing beats the heat like a day of fun at the splash park on 109 Ave.

Looking to move?

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Westmount is a beautiful place to call home for many reasons, some of which we’ve outlined here. If you’re looking to move or want to explore real estate here, you can reach out to us below. Our team would love to help you find a home in one of our very favourite neighbourhoods in the city!

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