Montreal Young People

How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?

Major department stores and large retail chains offer facilities for parents to change and feed their infants. Washroom facilities include a table for changing and, on occasion, chairs for feeding. Feeding rooms are designated places that offer a more intimate place for parents to feed and change their infants. Some feeding rooms offer soft music, rocking chairs, informative brochures and even a lactation consultant!

Shopping malls and some stores provide free strollers for you to use while shopping. This is a great service to take advantage of, especially if your toddler gets tired or if you simply forgot to bring a stroller. The City of Montreal takes pride in offering superb parks and recreational services. Maintenance of the parks is funded by the Provincial Government and paid through local taxpayers at City level.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?

Here are four excellent places to look:

  • Montreal Yellow pages phone book

  • Word of mouth - recommendations from friends and co-workers

  • Classified advertisements in local newspapers

  • Government publications of child care providers in your ward /community

 

Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.

There aren't any issues that are out of the ordinary. Basically, you can't go wrong with exercising caution around traffic and just being aware of what children are up to.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?

Popular excursions include:

  • LA RONDE amusement park, which offers rides for the whole family

  • GRANBY ZOO, which features exotic animals as well as water slides and a theme park

  • PLANETARIUM, for amateur astronomers or just those who want to know more about the stars.

  • THE JUST FOR LAUGHS MUSEUM, a fascinating museum with interactive exhibits

  • BOTANICAL GARDEN, INSECTARIUM, BIODOME, great places to see live exotic plants, insects, birds, penguins and more

  • PARC SAFARI AFRICAIN, where you can see African plain animals in a natural exterior surrounding only during summertime.

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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?

Kids in Montreal do basically the same things as kids in other cities, including hanging out with their friends, getting involved in sports and the arts, going to the movies, babysitting and more . An extremely popular local pastime is amateur ice hockey…a great way to meet other kids!
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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?

The legal drinking age is 18. Young adults must show proof of age at places that serve alcohol. There are however, some night bars/ clubs that allow teenagers under the legal drinking age on designated nights called 'all ages.' These events give teenagers a non-alcoholic place to hang out, listen to music and dance.

Cigarettes are not sold to minors under 18 years of age and gambling is prohibited for those under the age of 18. The government has drug, alcohol, gambling, smoking and gang awareness programs available for teenagers - as well as informational brochures available for parent.
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?

Schools in and around Montreal provide extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, chess club, band club, yearbook committee, debate club, athletic council, student council, drama club, fundraising committee and numerous sporting clubs, just to name a few. These activities are funded by taxpayers' dollars, and as such, most require no additional costs. However, some school clubs require parents to pay the cost of the uniforms or necessary materials.
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I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?

Montreal's sense of joie de vivre is even evident in children as there are so many cultures, food, entertainment, people, languages and events surrounding them in Montreal. So basically, if you immerse your children in some of the organizations, extra-curricular activities, festivals and events available to them, they will surely learn about Montreal's local culture(s).
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.