Nestled on the western tip of the Island of Montreal, Senneville, Quebec, is an affluent suburban village that boasts a rich history and a plethora of attractions. Known as the wealthiest town in the West Island, Senneville has been a favored location for the country houses of wealthy Montrealers. Today, it offers a variety of attractions, including golf clubs, a yacht club, and an organic demonstration farm, La Ferme du Fort Senneville.
Senneville, Quebec, is situated entirely over dolomite, a type of bedrock. Despite the monotony of this bedrock, the municipality is home to a diverse range of soils. Clay is common near the northeastern corner and part of the western shores, while sand dominates many inland areas. The northern margin's near-shore areas feature extensive areas of glacial till, forming a calcareous well-drained loam. The loamy slopes overlooking the Lake of Two Mountains provide fertile soils and good drainage, making them ideal for fruit trees and tender plants.
Senneville's strategic location at the far western end of Montreal Island led to the construction of a stockade fort in 1671. In 1679, Jacques Le Ber, a fur trader from Montreal, bought the Boisbriand Fief and renamed it Senneville after his hometown in France. Le Ber established a fur trading post and built a stone windmill at the fort in 1686, which became a focal point for settlers.
The fort and windmill were destroyed by the Iroquois in 1691, but a new stone fort was built in 1702–1703. This fort lasted until 1776 when it was destroyed during the American Revolutionary War. The Village Municipality of Senneville was established on January 12, 1895, and it became part of the borough of Pierrefonds-Senneville in 2002. However, after a 2004 referendum, Senneville was re-constituted as an independent village municipality on January 1, 2006.
Senneville, Quebec, has been officially recognized as a bilingual municipality since November 2, 2005. According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Senneville had a population of 951 living in 352 of its 377 total private dwellings. This represents a 3.3% increase from its 2016 population of 921. With a land area of 7.45 km2 (2.88 sq mi), Senneville had a population density of 127.7/km2 (330.6/sq mi) in 2021.
The historic core of Senneville, Quebec, was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002. Although the ruins of Fort Senneville are on private land and not accessible to the public, the village is home to the Morgan Arboretum. Founded in 1953 and managed by Macdonald College, this important bird sanctuary is open to the public year-round, offering a glimpse into the area's natural beauty.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Senneville, Quebec, offers a unique blend of history, affluence, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate.
