LIVING 
HOUSING

Back in the day, one of Montreal’s selling points was the plethora of awesome, affordable abodes throughout the city. In the last few years, of course, the Plateau and other neighbourhoods have seen vacancy rates tumble, leading to significant rent hikes and duke-’em-up battles among desperate apartment seekers. Hence, you will definitely up your chances of snagging a decent place and keeping it if you arm yourself with the free information and advice provided at the following sources.

Concordia Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank Job and apartment listings. Online is best, as it is updated almost every day: http://hojo.csu.qc.ca. Or you can go in person - with valid Concordia ID - to 1455 de Maisonneuve W. #H260 (Hall bldg. mezzanine), 848-7476. Open Mon–Thu, 10am–6pm; Fri 11am–4pm.

McGill Off-Campus Housing Computer housing listings for McGill students with valid student numbers. Listings are only available online and are updated daily: www.mcgill.ca/offcampus. For more housing advice drop by 3641 University (in the basement), Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm, 398-6010.

NDG Info Depot This user-oriented project of the NDG Community Council is an information centre on low-cost housing, welfare and more. 2121 Oxford (at de Maisonneuve), Wed and Fri, 10am–3pm, 483-5346 or www.ndg.montreal.qc.ca/ndgcc/english/nfo_depot_en.html

GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED HOUSING

With thousands of people currently on waiting lists for subsidized housing, this formerly viable option might not be as fruitful as it once was, but everything’s worth a try.

Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal (OMHM) Has about 20,000 subsidized rental units, offered to those below the poverty line. Full-time students are not eligible unless they have children. But remember it can take up to two and half years to get an apartment. 415 St-Antoine W., 872-2104 or www.omhm.qc.ca

Societé d’habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) Owns over 5,000 residential rental units that it rents out at slightly lower than market value. Students are eligible. 425 Sherbrooke E. #1. Open Mon-Fri 8:30-12 and 1-4:30pm. Call 380-7436 or go to www.shdm.qc.ca

CO-OPS

Fédération des coopératives d’habitation de l’Île de Montréal (FÉCHIM) Represents co-op members and provides the master list of the over 365 housing co-ops on the Island of Montreal. They’ll provide this either in person or by mail. By mail, send a cheque or money order for $7 to FÉCHIM, 3155 Hochelaga #202, H1W 1G4. Include your name, address and phone number. You can also call to check the dates for upcoming information sessions, offered in French. Currently most co-ops have waiting lists of more than 100 names. Open Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm, service slow at lunchtime, 843-6929 or visit www.cooperativehabitation.coop

TENANTS’ RIGHTS

Keeping abreast of your rights and obligations is even more advisable in today’s housing crunch. It’s also good to keep in mind that Quebec leases make you and your roommates “jointly and severally responsible” for paying the rent and generally keeping your apartment in the condition you got it. Second, it’s a good idea to get any promises your landlord makes, or other agreements, on paper. There are many salient points to keep in mind, and a number of places to seek advice. Contacting any of the following organizations before creating an open conflict or starting an official process is highly recommended.

Arnold Bennett’s Housing Hotline Bennett’s name has become synonymous with tenants’ rights in Montreal. His Tenants’ Advisory Clinic is every Sat from 11am-1pm at 6462 Sherbrooke W. #2, Sun at 11am–1pm at the downtown YMCA, Rm 516 (1440 Stanley). Hotline is open weekdays from 9am–9pm, call 488-0412 or 990-0190

Régie du logement This is a regional body of the Quebec government that exists to resolve landlord-tenant disputes in a court-like process. It also provides basic information on tenants’ and landlords’ rights and obligations. They’ll give you a general overview of what you can apply for and do, without getting into specifics. They also have a publicly accessible computer database of all previous Régie decisions, which means you can study your landlord before signing or messing with him or her. Re-read your lease and gather all relevant documents before attempting to deal with rental disputes. 5199 Sherbrooke E. #2095, among others, call 873-2245 for addresses and info or go to www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca

Regroupement des comités logements et associations de locataires du Québec An umbrella organization that can inform you of the Comité de logement closest to you. Each Comité offers information and advice on how to deal with housing problems from discrimination, to insects, to unreasonable rent increases. 2000 St-Joseph E. #35. Call 521-7114 to get the local member group closest to you, or visit www.rclalq.qc.ca

Association des locataires de Villeray Open Mon, Wed, Thur, 1:30–4:30pm. 7378 Lajeunesse #213, 270-6703

Comité logement Centre-Sud Open Tues–Thu, 1:30-4:30pm. 1710 Beaudry #2.6, 521-5992

Comité d’action de Parc Extension Open Tues-Fri, 9am–11:30pm and 1:30–4:30pm. 419 St-Roch #9, 278-6028

Comité logement de la Petite Patrie Open Mon–Thu, 9:30am–4:30pm. 6747 St-Denis, 272-9006

Comité logement du Plateau Open Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm and 1:30–5pm. 4450 St-Hubert #328, 527-3495

Comité logement Rosemont Open Mon–Fri, 9:30am–12pm and 1:30-4:30pm. 5350 Lalond #R1045, 597-2581 or http://www.comitelogement.org

POPIR Comité logement de St-Henri Open Mon–Thu, 9am–12pm and 1:30–4:30pm but closed Wed mornings. 4017 Notre-Dame W., 935-4649 or http://www.cooptel.qc.ca/~popir

OTHER HOUSING GROUPS

Project Genesis A community activist group focusing on housing issues, particularly in Côte-des-Neiges. Offers services in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, German, Greek, Italian, Dutch and Yiddish. Open Mon–Tue, 9am–5pm; Thu 9am–7:30pm; Fri 9am–3pm; closed Wed. 4735 Côte-Ste-Catherine (at Victoria), 738-2036

L’OEIL de Côte-des-Neiges Advice on landlord-tenant disputes and issues. Open on a walk-in basis Mon 2-5pm, Wed 9:30am–12pm and 2–5pm, Fri 9:30am–12pm, or call to make an appointment for other times. 3600 Barclay #344 (metro Côte-des-Neiges then take 165 or 535 bus north to Barclay), 738-0101

NDG Community Council Landlord-tenant advice. Open Mon–Fri, 9am–12:30pm and 1:30–5pm. 5964 Notre-Dame-de-Grace, 2nd fl, 484-1471 or www.ndg.montreal.qc.ca

OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

Accès Montréal Storefront bureaucracy! Basically an agency set up by the city to allow Montreal residents to take care of business like paying taxes or tickets without going all the way down to city hall. The telephone information service is 24 hours, and gives the addresses of their 13 offices and info on other available services. On the web, go to www.ville.montreal.qc.ca and click on “Accès Montréal”. The Accès Montréal membership card costs $7 and entitles you to discounts on both city and partner services, from tennis court rental to Centaur theatre tickets. You need to prove you’re a Montreal resident to get one. Call 87ACCES (24/7) or 872-1111, Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

City of Montreal City Services Information about garbage collection, recycling, dangerous materials collection, sidewalk and street repairs, quality of your drinking water and more. Call 872-1111, or 872-3434 (emergency) or go to www.ville.montreal.qc.ca and click on “City Services”

Services-Québec Offers info on Quebec government programs and services. 800 de Maisonneuve E, RC2. Call 644-4545, or for more complete info, check out their Web site at http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/citoyens/

O Canada Toll-free info service offers information and referrals on federal programs and services. Also gives names and office numbers of Government of Canada employees and departments. National Call Center: 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-O-Canada) or check out http://canada.gc.ca

WORKING 

FINDING A JOB

Finding a job can be pretty tough for those who don’t speak French. Jobs in phone sales are popular with students and Montreal has no shortage of telemarketing positions up for grabs. Unfortunately, a lot of them are carefully disguised commission-only sales gigs and the best thing to do might be to hone your French skills and try to avoid them altogether. The best job opportunities will always come through personal contacts, although most newspapers now put their job ads on the Web for all to see and there are of course a bunch of online job sites, which relieve the job searcher of a bit of leg work.

Accès Montréal (see Tenants’ rights)

Canada Employment Centre It’s wise to check in every few days at your local branch. Call 1-800-206-7218 for locations or to speak to someone about employment insurance or a SIN card. Posted listings and computerized job bank machines are available at each of the HRDJB locations. You can also find Job Bank listings on the Web at http://www.jobbank.gc.ca or www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi A free employment and internship service for NDG, Cote-St-Luc, Hampstead or Mtl West residents ages 16–35, including an online job bank and other services. 6370 Sherbrooke W., 482-6665 or www.cje-ndg.com

Concordia Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank (see Housing)

Emploi-Québec Has many listings not on the federal site, as well as employment and training programs that are administered provincially. Call 1-888-EMPLOIS (367-5647) or check out http://emploiquebec.net

French Classes If your schedule allows and you want to hone your français, The Commission Scolaire de Montreal (CSDM) offers cheap conversational French classes (around $45 for a two month course) Consult the list of schools at http://www.csdm.qc.ca/Csdm/fga/default.asp?fga=liste_francisation. The school in the Plateau is located at 4285 Drolet, 596-5800

McGill Career and Placement Service Offers numerous resources, services and programs for McGill students exploring their career options and for those seeking employment (internships, volunteer opportunities, part-time, full-time, & summer jobs). Job listings are only available on their Web site. Free computer use for Internet access and CV creation is available. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, 3600 McTavish #2200. 398-3304 or www.caps.mcgill.ca

Youth Employment Services Started by Alliance Quebec, this group caters specifically to anglophones, usually between 18–35, looking for jobs. Besides the job search, they offer an entrepreneurship program, a career mentorship program, an artists’ program and an introductory business French course. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, 630 René-Lévesque W. #185. Call 878-9788 or visit www.yesmontreal.ca

CV CREATION AND COPY CENTRES

Don’t go a-hunting without a snappy résumé. There are countless options for making copies of your existing CV, but if you need to make one from scratch and don’t have a computer or printer at home, there are a number of options beyond your school’s computer lab.

Atwater Library Provides on-site rental of computers and printers - perfect for putting together your CV. They have 13 Windows XP computers running XP Professional software and with high-speed Internet. Wireless access for laptops with WiFi cards. Prices are $4/hour for non-members, $2/hour for members. Student library membership costs $25 per year. Printing costs 15¢/page for black-and-white and 30¢/page for colour. No time limit but they highly recommend calling to make an appointment and for hours. 1200 Atwater, 935-7344 or www.atwaterlibrary.ca

Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec Although plagued by certain unforeseen design flaws, such as falling ice from its slanted glass, this is one of the finest new additions to the city: a bright and beautiful space with many different areas for reading and studying. While most of the collection is in French, they do have significant English holdings in all areas; they also have many computers, though a free membership and reservation are required to use them and to sign out documents. Also, be sure to check out their large music and film collections. Open Tues-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. 475 de Maisonneuve E. 873-1100 www.banq.qc.ca

Jonathan and Elyce Joy Berman Multimedia Centre At the Jewish Public Library, members presenting a valid library card can surf the net for free and have access to Windows XP software, CD-ROMs and databases. Non-members are welcome to use the Internet, e-mail and Windows XP programs for $2/hour. Other services include scanning, laser printing and computer courses. Closed Saturdays. 5151 Côte Ste-Catherine, 345-2627 ext 3027 or www.jewishpubliclibrary.org

Youth Employment Services (also see Finding a Job) Offers free computer use for job-hunting on the Web and word processing. $5 deposit required. They’ll also translate your CV into French; the charge is $30 for a two-page CV and $20 for a one-page cover letter. $3 administration fee applies. Pay in advance, translation takes about one week

Also try Copies Ressources (3822 St-Laurent, 982-9435). It has everything you need to make a document or CV look great, including Mac services by the hour. They can laserprint from your disk in most formats, and fax out a copy as well. There are also several other good copy centres on St-Laurent between des Pins and Rachel. Copie 2000 provides copy services and computer/Internet use for $6 or less/hr, at 5041 du Parc, 277-2000. Students will be familiar with either Copies Nova (1015 Sherbrooke W., 848-0423) or Copies Concordia (1520 de Maisonneuve W., 931-3063), and Copie Express has several locations around Montreal, including 680 Sherbrooke W., 288-0288; and 945 de Maisonneuve E., 526-0057. Those living further west can also try CORE Business Center at 5764 Monkland, 483-6869

KEEPING A JOB

Centre d’aide aux travailleurs et travailleuses accidenté(e)s de Montréal Lobbies the government for better labour laws and provides aid for injured workers. The Centre also deals directly with the public through education, information sessions and consultations on workplace safety and labour laws. They’ll also help claimants at CSST hearings, distribute newsletters and pamphlets. 2310 Ste-Catherine E, 529-7942

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) The Quebec equivalent of the Workers’ Compensation Board. As the provincial agency mandated to improve health and safety in the workplace, it provides compensation for work accidents and parental-leave benefits, and investigates accidents. English communication is sometimes a problem. 1 Complexe Desjardins, South Tower, 31st fl., 906-3000, www.csst.qc.ca (currently French-only)

Commission des normes du travail Provincial office that ensures employment laws are observed, investigates complaints, and offers employee mediation. Provides information on vacation pay, salaries, and wrongful dismissal. Call 873-7061 or visit www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca

WELFARE/EI

If you are a student and wish to apply for welfare or employment insurance, it’s a good idea to consult with one of the following groups before contacting a government office. Unfortunately, many of the Web sites listed below are in French only.

Association pour la defense des droits sociaux A politically-oriented group that will advise and assist individuals. 1691 Pie-IX Rm. S-02, 523-0707

Bureau des renseignements et plaintes Social-aid info and complaints line run by Quebec’s Ministère de l’emploi et de la solidarité sociale. 1-888-643-4721 or try www.mess.gouv.qc.ca for extensive info offered in both languages.

Centre sociale d’aide aux immigrants Helps immigrants and refugees with welfare, EI and other issues. 4285 de Maisonneuve W., 932-2953

Comité chômage de l’est de Montréal Information on unemployment and welfare laws as well as free legal representation. Open Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm. 1691 Pie-IX #302, 521-3283, www.ccem.ca

Comité chômage de Montréal Publishes a guide to Employment Insurance in English and French. Organized information sessions on employment law available on request. Web site includes a condensed version of their guide including info on student EI regulations. Open Mon–Fri, 9am–4:30pm, 3734 du Parc, 933-5915 (telephone service 1-4:30pm), www.comitechomage.qc.ca

Mile-End Community Mission Welfare rights info, advocacy and referrals. They’ll also help you fill out applications. Call first. 99 Bernard W., 274-3401 or montreal.anglican.org/parish/mile-end

Mouvement action-chômage de Montréal Informs you of your rights while receiving EI benefits. Weekly information meetings. 6839A Drolet #304, 271-4099 or www.macmtl.qc.ca

Welfare Rights Committee Run by and for people who are either on welfare or have been. Info and advocacy services. In Pointe St-Charles at 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-5916

GETTING THERE  

TRANSPORTATION

Montreal is a fairly easy city to navigate, and its extensive public transportation system allows for manageable transit even in the icy depths of winter. There are over 350 kilometres of bike paths crossing the city, and bus, commuter trains and metro lines covering most of the island and beyond.

STM The Société de transport de Montréal, our bus and metro system, now offers a Monday-to-Sunday pass at $19.00. One ticket is $2.75, a strip of six tickets ($11.75) is still the budget option, but if you commute every other day or more, a $65 monthly pass works out cheapest. If you’re under 18 and a student, you can use public transit for about half the regular adult fares if you have the appropriate STM ID. If you’re a full-time student between the ages of 18 and 25 and a Montreal resident, you can take advantage of the Privilège card. Present appropriate proof of residence and student status and pay $9.75 for a photo ID to be eligible for half-price fares (the Privilège card is available year-round at the Berri-UQÀM metro). Card-issuing sessions also take place at various schools every fall; check out www.stm.info/english/info/a-privilege.htm for details. To know when a bus is coming before running out to catch it, dial the number on your bus stop sign. To figure out how to get someplace using only public transport, dial A-U-T-O-B-U-S (288-6287) or visit www.stm.info (the latter definitely being the quicker method).

AMT commuter trains Should ever you need to make it to the extreme edges of the city, from the South Shore to the West Island, or even to Mirabel, the Agence métropolitaine de transport’s commuter trains (trains de banlieue) are a viable option - faster than the bus, though with more limited schedules. Trains link up with the city metro system at various stations depending on the route. Prices vary based on your start and end zones- “intermediate” fares are offered to full-time students 18–21 years of age, and while you can transfer onto the STM system with the right ticket, bus drivers may occasionally look bewildered when you hand them your transfer. Most commuter trains allow bicycles on board, so you can easily escape the city for a bike ride. Check www.amt.qc.ca for details (limited info in English).

ISIC card While you’ll need to get a special student ID to get discounts for STM services (see STM above), an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will help you save money on a huge number of other transportation and travel related services. ISIC is the only internationally accepted student ID card. On a global scale, this means that an ISIC card can let you access roughly 32,000 different discounts and benefits in 106 countries, including discounts on flights, buses, trains and ferries, museums and cultural sites, youth hostels and hotels, and even bars, restaurants and shopping. On a local scale, an ISIC card can save you money when you use Viarail, (see Trains), Avis car rental, or Voyages Campus services, among others. Any full-time student can get the card (which costs around $16, depending on where you get it issued), and if you are not a full-time student, but under 26, you can get the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which offers similar benefits. Go to or your school’s travel office for more details or check out www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm.

BUSES

Bus lines are less expensive than taking a plane or train out of the city, but not necessarily by as much as you might like. Student reductions are available for many return fare tickets (ISIC not required); a round-trip ticket to T.O. normally costs just under $170, but with the standard student discount of 25 per cent, it comes to just under $100. Companion fares and discounts are also available for many trips to the U.S. and Western Canada (it’s always better to book seven days in advance for these). Buses leave from the Station Centrale at 505 de Maisonneuve E., (metro Berri-UQÀM). Call 842-2281 for schedules and prices, or visit www.greyhound.ca or www.coachcanada.com

TRAINS

Via Rail An International Student Identification Card (ISIC) will get you a substantial discount off regular prices for destinations in Canada. Anybody can get 30 per cent off economy fares for a return trip and 20 per cent off a one-way trip if they book at least five days in advance, provided economy seats are still available. If you travel to one destination frequently, you might consider the ‘VIA 6 pak.’ Purchase three round-trip tickets to the same destination upfront and you’ll save around 40 per cent off the full price—a T.O. 6 pak, for instance, will set you back $354 (plus tax) if you have an ISIC card, $462 if you don’t. Gare Centrale, 895 de la Gauchetière W. (metro Bonaventure), 989-2626, www.viarail.ca

PLANES

Trudeau (Dorval) Airport If you are beginning your journey from downtown Montreal, airport shuttle buses cost much less than a taxi, which cost a flat fee of $35 to Dorval. The white Aerobus shuttle leaves every 20 minutes between 7am–2am from Berri-UQÀM (Station Centrale, see Buses) and 10 mins later at 777 de la Gauchetière (394-7200). The trip to Dorval costs $13 one way or $22.75 for the round-trip. If you prefer going cheapskate and have lots of time to spare you can take the 211 or 221 bus lines from Lionel Groulx metro to Dorval station, then transfer to the STM’s airport shuttle for a grand total of one adult bus ticket ($2.75).

AUTOMOBILES

Many car rental agencies require that you have a credit card, be at least 21 (or sometimes 25) years of age, and they might also freeze anywhere from $500–$1,000 on your credit card depending on your age. However, there are a few other options.

Allô Stop A carpool organization that matches riders with drivers at cheap rates. It costs $6 a year to become a member as a rider plus a small variable fee for each trip, which is paid to the driver. Joining as a driver costs $7. The service currently only offers trips within Quebec. They also have a classifieds posting on their Web site where you can check for others looking for long-distance travelling companions and even house-swapping in other cities. Allô Stop assumes no responsibility for contacts made via their classified section. 4317 St-Denis, 985-3032, www.allostop.com

CommunAuto This car-sharing service can help if you’re the type who can’t afford a car, but needs one now and again at lower-than-rental rates. Based in the Plateau, they have about 60 cars to share for errands, day trips or short holidays. A $510 deposit - refundable after one year if you opt out - is the daunting initial expense, but you’re charged just $1.50–$2 per hour for trips within the city (max $18–$24 per day) plus a few cents per kilometre. Gas, insurance and other perks are included. Call 842-4545 or visit www.communauto.com

Craigslist (montreal.craigslist.com) has extensive ridesharing ads, as does eRideshare www.erideshare.com

Drive Away Call three or four days before you want to leave for a distant destination and they just might have someone else’s car for you to drive. The trips are usually one-way and destinations are more often westward. But all you pay is a refundable deposit and gas, which differs depending on the car. Know when you want to go before you call. You must be 21 or older. 345 Victoria, 489-3861

CYCLING

If you have a bike, chances are you’ll find it to be one of the handier modes of transportation in Montreal. For one, it’ll save you bus/metro fare and cut your walking time by hours. Below are some of the places to go for new or used bikes, and you’ll find a few places that do cheap tune-ups and even store your bike for the winter months. Beware that Montreal is notorious for bike thievery, so do everything in your power to protect your wheels.

ABC Cycle and Sports Upscale shop that’s been around since 1932. Pricey, but they do have top-of-the-line equipment. 5584 du Parc (at St-Viateur), 276-1305

Bicycletterie JR Cyclery Friendly service. Offers repairs, parts and accessories. 151 Rachel E., 843-6989

Cycle Pop The people’s bike shop. Buys and sells used bikes. Cheap repairs (maximum $24/hour) and for $39.95 you get a complete tune-up. Also offers bike storage and spinning for $10 a session. 1000 Rachel E. (by Parc Lafontaine), 526-2525

Cycle Technique Prices are competitive at this small shop near Atwater Market, and they teach a range of courses on bike mechanics and repair. Spring tune-ups start at $30. Winter storage is available. 2733 Notre-Dame W., 937-3626

D’un sport à l’autre A Mile-End treasure chest of used sporting goods including bikes, biking gear and accessories. Regular tune-ups are $24.95. 173 Bernard W., 278-1909 McWhinnie Cycle 6010 Sherbrooke W., 481-3113

Monday Night Rides A group of cyclists who meet every week and bike around the city in order to explore Montreal and take back the streets. Join by emailing: mondaynightrides@googlegroups.com

Recycle Bicycle 5501 de Maisonneuve W., 486-2453

Right to Move (La Voie Libre) A working group of Concordia QPIRG, RTM offers bike repair workshops to the general public. Workshops are free, but the organization will gratefully accept donations. Volunteers are on hand to help you fix your bike on the spot. They also recycle bikes. Located at Concordia’s downtown campus, call 999-4885 or 848-7584 (open nights Mon-Fri, 6-9pm) or go to www.rtm-lvl.org

SOS Vélo 2085 Bennett, 251-8803

V-Low Specializes in low-rider bikes and accessories. For those who like being the coolest retro kid on the block. 93 Rachel W., 849-8569

SKATEBOARDS

Skateboards have become a real (if technically illegal) alternative to legging it in this city. And while Montreal has suffered a lacklustre rep when it comes to skatepark facilities, things are starting to come around. The City of Montreal publishes a map of skate parks throughout the city, including basic module stats, available online at: www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/divers/pdf/map-skate-parks.pdf. For serious indoor options, on the South Shore there’s the 26,000-square-foot South Parc (8100 Taschereau, Brossard, (450) 672-4884, www.south-parc.com). Orkus skatepark (4300 Côte-de-Liesse, 789-6758, www.orkus.ca), on the island no less, offers 30,000 square feet of skateboard heaven and boasts the biggest vert ramp in Eastern Canada. Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention both the illegal but much ballyhooed pedestrian walkways at Parc Olympique, which has been a long time favourite location among local skate enthusiasts.

Empire Skateboards, snowboards and related paraphernalia. 365 St-Antoine E., 390-1212

Obsession En Ligne Skate, snow and inline goods from high-end to last year’s deal. 4084 St-Laurent, 282-6353

Temple Skate Supply A Chinatown skater haunt that’s been around a good 20 years. 1007 St-Laurent (2nd floor), 875-8838

Underworld Skateboards, clothing and accessories plus skater DVDs and videos. Two stores in Greater Montreal, or shop online: www.underworld-shop.com. 289 Ste-Catherine E., 284-0667; 10738 Millen, 383-9999

EATING 

MARKETS

Fresh produce is never far off. Four markets in Montreal give farmers a chance to sell their stock - home-grown fruit and vegetables as well as local cheese, meat and fish. The big two are Marché Atwater (138 Atwater; metro Lionel-Groulx) and Marché Jean-Talon (7075 Casgrain; metro Jean-Talon). Other markets are Marché Maisonneuve (4445 Ontario E.; metro Pie-IX) and Marché Saint-Jacques (1125 Ontario E.; metro Berri-UQÀM). Hours are generally Mon–Wed, 8am–6pm, Thu–Fri, 8am–9pm, weekends 8am–5pm, although some farm-stalls may open earlier. The markets are open year round.

HEALTH-FOOD STORES

À Votre Santé As well-stocked as any good grocery, except everything’s organic. 5126 Sherbrooke W., 482-8233

Bio-Terre 201 St-Viateur W., 278-3377

Club Organic Specializes in organically raised vegetables, some meats, and sells bulk foods. 4341 Frontenac, 523-0223

Fleur Sauvage Also has cosmetics, supplements, herbs. 5561 Monkland, 482-5193

Frenco Bulk food with vitamins, herbs and spices and some organic foods. 3985 St-Laurent, 285-1319

Le Frigo Vert A non-profit, organic health-food co-op operated by Concordia University’s student associations boasts the lowest prices on health foods and organic produce in town, plus a study space and resource centre. Open Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm. 2130 Mackay, 848-7586

Health Tree Specializes in vitamins and supplements. 7133 Côte-St-Luc, 484-5031

Rachelle-Béry Organic foods, cosmetics and vitamins. 505 Rachel E., 524-0725; 2510 Beaubien E., 727-2327; 4810 St-Laurent, 849-4118; 1332 Fleury E., 388-5793;

Teva 5143 Décarie, 486-5542

Tiende Santé & Végétarien Small shop on the Plateau devoted to selling high-quality, great tasting vegetarian meat-replacement products. Also tea and tea pots. 279 Duluth E., 876-4481 or www.geocities.com/tiende_sante

ETHNIC FOODS

There’s no sense alternating between Kraft Dinner and burgers all year in a city so abundantly stocked with the foods of the world. And though it would be nice, you can’t possibly eat out every day. Success lies in finding the right ingredients which, in Montreal, simply means knowing which area to shop in.

Chinatown is an obvious place to start when looking for Asian ingredients; there are countless groceries and specialty shops between Viger, St-Denis, René-Lévèsque and St-Urbain. Authentic Japanese products can also be found at Miyamoto (382 Victoria, 481-1952).

If you’re looking for the real Italian thing, then take a trip to Little Italy (St-Laurent just south of Jean-Talon) and the nearby Jean-Talon Market. Many groceries, butchers and cheese shops can be found in the area, with plenty of places to stop for an espresso along the way. Italian grocery Latina in Mile-End (185 St-Viateur W., 273-6561) is a lovely, if high-end, place to shop. The next neighbourhood over, along Jean-Talon west of Parc, is the heart of Little India, and is full of small grocery stores and fine restaurants.

Heading north from Fairmount, the Mile-End district is packed with great restos, cafés, groceries and several infamous bagel shops including Fairmount Bagel (74 Fairmount W., 272-0667) and St-Viateur Bagels (263 St-Viateur W., 276-8044), both open 24 hours. St-Viateur is home to restaurants plus several groceries: Latina (see above), a great little Polish deli called Euro-Deli Batory (115 St-Viateur W., 948-2161), as well as numerous cafés in the five-block stretch between the Main and du Parc. Get your fresh tortillas, nachos and chipotles at Tortilleria Maya (5274 St-Laurent, 495-0606). It makes the neighbourhood a relaxing alternative to the bountiful but crowded strip of St-Laurent between des Pins and Mont-Royal. If you are in that area, stop by La Vieille Europe (3855 St-Laurent, 842-5773) for a lively and affordable delicatessen, cheese shop and specialty store. Another interesting locale is Anatol Spices, a wholesaler that also does retail, and sells over 60 varieties of tea and coffee, 150 herbs, 600 spices, 90 kinds of nuts, alongside rice, pasta, and dried fruits. 6822 St-Laurent, 276-0107.

Other grocery stores include Aliments Exotiques (6695 Victoria, 733-7577) for West Indian products and Marché Adonis (2001 Sauvé W., 382-8606) and Marché Akhavan (6170 Sherbrooke W., 485-4744) for Middle Eastern fare. Don’t try going to either Kosher City (4765 Van Horne, 733-2838) or the Kosher Quality Bakery (5855 Victoria, 731-7883) after sundown on Friday. You can find the world pour emporter at Le Faubourg Ste-Catherine (1616 Ste-Catherine W., 939-3663). P.A. Super Marché (5029 du Parc, 273-8782) sells some organic meat and produce, stays open to 11pm nightly and offers free delivery within the neighbourhood if your grocery load is too heavy to carry. Epicerie Segal will either charm or alarm you with its produce-strewn floors, but the prices here are unbeatable, arguably the lowest in the city, and doubly surprising given its enviable location (4001 St-Laurent).

4 Frères Late-night hunger has met its match: leave the club and head straight here. Open 24 hours at 3701 St-Laurent, 844-1874. Up in Mile-End, the other 4 Frères at 5600 du Parc, 272-5258 is open 8am–11pm every day, though selection is more limited. Neither comes highly recommended for fresh produce (see above sections).

Provigo A late-night grocery to satisfy the most monstrous munchie sufferers. Open 8am–2am daily at 1953 Ste-Catherine W., 932-3756; until midnight at 3421 du Parc, 281-0488. A new mega location on the Plateau is convenient but don’t forget the little guys in the ‘hood, 50 Mont-Royal W., 849-8028, open until 11pm.

RESTOS

Given that these lists are by no means exhaustive, with priority given to restos near student areas, you can always visit our Web site at www.montrealmirror.com and follow the links to look through archived restaurant reviews. Also here’s the link to this year’s Best of Montreal (BOM) issue, where Mirror readers listed their favourites: http://www.montrealmirror.com/2007/053107/bom-07-08.html

CHEAP EATS

Another Montreal blessing is that it’s not hard to get fed for less than a tenner. This, plus the great selection of ethnic restaurants, means even those on a modest budget can afford a good sit-down meal now and again.

For those budgeters who can’t be bothered to cook at all, there are a couple of books to help you out. Simon Dardick and Nancy Marrelli’s book Cheap Thrills, published by Véhicule Press, includes nearly 100 listings of Montreal restos where you can eat for under $15. Also, check out former Mirror resto critic Sarah Musgrave’s book Resto a Go-Go: 180 Cheap and Fun Places to Eat and Drink in Montreal (ECW, 2002). In it find info on meals under $15 and where to booze it up.

Al-Taib Great for Concordia students looking for a quick, cheap hunger fix. 2125 Guy, 931-1999

Amazona Family-style Greek place with great prices and better food. Among the best tzatziki in town. Not to be confused with other Amazonas. 5525 Côte-St-Luc, 484-2612

Amelio’s An institution in the McGill Ghetto for several decades. Their specialties are pizza and pastas served in generous portions and at student-friendly prices. 201 Milton, 845-8396

Basha A Montreal mecca for shawarma, falafel and shish taouk. The best is their flagship location across from the Cinema Banque Scotia, 930 Ste-Catherine W., 866-4272

Binerie Mont-Royal 1940s-style diner where you can eat like a lumberjack. Very small place with cheap, homey, meat-oriented food. 367 Mont-Royal E., 285-9078

Bombay Mahal Delicious, authentic and affordable Indian fare in Montreal’s “Little India,” Parc Extension. 1001 Jean-Talon W., 273-3331

Boulangerie Clarke Excellent and affordable Italian sandwiches and fresh bread. 29 St. Viateur W.

Boustan Notable falafel two steps from Concordia. 2020A Crescent, 843-3576

Breads of India Awesome veggie thali. Student specials. 2027 St-Laurent, 982-3724

Buffet Maharaja Limited vegetarian offerings but everything else: very yummy. Buffet will be budget-friendly if you come with an empty stomach to fill. 1481 René-Lévesque W., 934-0655

Cao Thang Come to this unassuming stop for quick, tasty, filling and super-cheap ($2-$4) Vietnamese banh mi subs. Think baguette gone South East Asian. 1082 St-Laurent (just below René-Levèsque), 392-0097

Casse-Croute du Coin Affectionately known as Moe’s, this spot on de Maisonneuve behind the old Forum is a staple for students looking to get their grease quota between classes or post-party. All day breakfast and the usual fare, open until the wee hours. Not listed, but don’t fear, it ain’t going anywhere.

Chez Gatsé A Tibetan restaurant offering exotic food from the “Roof of the World,” at low-altitude prices. 317 Ontario E., 985-2494

Chilenita Chilean Plateau standard now with three locations catering to both vegetarians and carnivores. Delicious empanadas and burritos. 152 Napoléon, 286-6075; 64 Marie-Anne W.; 982-9212; 5439 St-Laurent, 277-3030.

Cristal no. 1 This Vietnamese diner is often packed with an assortment of local Chinatown residents and visitors. Disarmingly inexpensive, the meal-sized Tonkinoise soups contain all the necessary life-sustaining ingredients. 1068 St-Laurent, 875-4275

Euro-Deli Offers good, quasi-cheap, Italian-style eats for the hipster crowd. Open Mon–Wed 8:30am–midnight, Thu–Fri from 8:30am–2am, Sat 9am–2am, Sun 10am–midnight. 3619 St-Laurent, 843-7853

Le Faubourg Technically speaking it’s a mall, but their international 3rd floor food-court has a few gems, including Bangkok, a Thai delight and Maison du Bédouin, which offers North African food (see Ethnic Foods)

Ganges Arguably the best Indian food in Montreal – at a price that can’t be beat. Well worth a trip to N.D.G. 6079 Sherbrooke W., 488-8850

Jardin du Cari Simple East and West Indian menu is not extensive but offers some delicious bargains. Try the rotis with pumpkin filling. 21 St-Viateur W., 495-0565

Just Noodles Watch your food being prepared at these noodle emporiums. The price is right and the food’s always fresh. 2061 Ste-Catherine W., 989-5826; 3711 St-Laurent, 288-9593; and there’s a similar Mr. Noodles at 355 Bernard W., 274-7452

Kilo A nice place to meet and eat, especially if you like coffee and decadent desserts. 5206 St-Laurent, 277-5039; 1495 Ste-Catherine E., 596-3933

L’Corridor Caribbean classics at reasonable prices are served up in this unique resto-in-a-hallway space. The decor is tropical/modernist and the feel is, oddly enough, homey. 3655 St-Laurent (near Prince-Arthur), 284-0740

Luck Hop Foo Quality Chinese for the right price. Delivery also. 5214 St-Laurent, 948-5503

Ma’s Place Inexpensive, wholesome Caribbean fare. 5889 Sherbrooke W., 487-7488

Supermercado Andes Brush up on your Spanish and order yourself some authentic empanadas and pupusas. A Latino grocery store to boot. 4387 St-Laurent, 848-1078

Maison VIP Great Chinese food for a small small price. Arrive earlier than 11:45pm for a seat. 1077 Clark, 861-1943

Mazurka Like having a home-cooked meal prepared by Polish relatives. This family-run restaurant has been around since the ‘60s. Some vegetarian dishes have been added to the menu. The $7.75 special ($9.25 on weekends) is a real bargain. 64 Prince-Arthur E., 844-3539

La Paryse Enjoy one of the best burgers in town in comfortable neo-retro surroundings. 302 Ontario E., 842-2040

Patati-Patata A healthy casse-croute for the broke; get a burger, fries and salad for $4.25 - veggie, fish and chicken options to boot. Fries are Belgian-style, and their “patatine” is poutine with stir-fried veggies (sounds weird, tastes good). 4177 St-Laurent, 844-0216

Royal Sushi Quality fish rolls on the cheap. 5011 du Parc, 274-5497

Sara Once a dingy little falafel dive in a prime location, it has moved across the street into a Blockbuster-style locale. Still great for post-party munchies; last call here also at 3am. 1 Mont-Royal W., 844-7575

Schwartz’s Legendary for its smoked meat. The tables are crammed together, the waiters are often surly and line-ups are the norm, but regulars will swear it’s all worth it. 3895 St-Laurent, 842-4813

Soup and Noodles A favorite spot for Chinese food, so expect a small horde eager to enjoy the generous portions, low prices and great service if you come during peak feeding hours. 1871 Ste-Catherine W., 933-0531

La Taqueria Mexicaine Quality authentic Mexican food at darn good prices. 4306 St-Laurent, 982-9462

Restaurant Cuisine Bangkok A family-run joint with excellent Thai food and incredibly low prices. Convenient for Con U students – it’s in the Faubourg food court. 1616 Ste-Catherine W., 935-2178

Terrasse Lafeyette Fresh Greek Pitas and a large terrasse. BYOB!! 250 Villeneuve, 288-3915

Wilensky’s Light Lunch Where Mordecai Richler hung out as a kid. This 60-year-old institution is famous for its hand-pumped sodas, rickety wooden stools, and “The Special,” basically salami on a bun. Closes early and is never open on the weekend. 34 Fairmount W., 271-0247

VEGETARIAN RESTOS

Good listings of Montreal vege-head resources are available online at various locations. Try www.montreal.com/tourism/veggie.html.

Aux Vivres Leisurely organic vegan restaurant with specialties like mock bacon, mock lox and home-made chapatis. 4631 St-Laurent, 842-3479

Casa del Popolo This popular bar and venue could just as easily fit into the Cheap Eats category - they offer a tasty if small selection of vegetarian sandwiches ($5), salads plus a soup of the day. A soup/salad/sandwich plate goes for $9. 4873 St-Laurent, 284-3804

Café les Entretiens Located in the eastern Plateau, this small and inviting café has a large menu with a variety of salads and a table d’hôte every day. 1577 Laurier E. (near Papineau), 521-2934

Café Lola Rosa Quality food, reasonable prices, close to McGill and it always smells so good when you walk by. 545 Milton, 287-9337

ChuChai An all-vegetarian Thai restaurant, specializing in fake vege-meats. You won’t believe it’s not chicken. 4088 St-Denis, 843-4194

La faim du monde A super-healthy, mostly vegan power source on the Plateau. Pleasant service and still cheap. 4110 St-Denis (between Duluth and Rachel), 510-0431

Le Cagibi (see Study Friendly Cafés)

Le Commensal A tasty variety of foods, but be aware that you pay for this vegetarian buffet by the gram. 1720 St-Denis, 845-2627; 1204 McGill-College, 871-1480; 5199 Côte-des-Neiges, 733-9755, and others.

Spirite Lounge An entirely vegan resto with extra-terrestrial décor. No longer charging a ‘fine’ for not finishing your food but still offering only one thing on the menu each day. The cost for students, including appetizer, is $13.95, and you’ll be given a personalized portion. Good luck trying not to finish the food on your plate. Reservations highly recommended. 1205 Ontario E., 522-5353

Végé-Deli Sandwiches, salads. 845 Ste-Catherine E. (Place Dupuis), 287-3564

Yuan Similar to ChuChai but even cheaper. Cuisine is “Pan-Asian.” Also has a tea room, a grocery and take out. 400 Sherbrooke E. (at St-Denis), 848-0513

ALL-NIGHT & LATE-NIGHT EATS

Al-Taib Open 24 hours. (See Cheap Eats)

La Banquise Poutine heaven, open 24/7. 994 Rachel E., 525-2415

Casse-Croute du Coin (see Cheap Eats)

Chez Claudette Diner food with vegetarian touches. 24 hours on weekends only. They serve breakfast all day and have a selection of freshly squeezed juice drinks. 351 Laurier E., 279-5173

Euro Deli (see Cheap Eats)

Fameux Viande Fumée et Charcuterie A great diner for late-night cramming; friendly waitresses will hook you up to a coffee IV if you ask nicely. The biggest, baddest poutines, including one that’s piled high with smoked meat. 4500 St-Denis, corner Mont-Royal, open nightly until 4am, 4:30am on weekends, 845-8732

Greenspot Classic casse-croute fare in the liveliest part of St-Henri. Open 5am–midnight Mon–Thu, 24 hours on weekends. 3041 Notre-Dame W., 931-6473

The Main Good smoked meat, blintzes and latkes, or breakfast depending on your mood. Open Sun–Thu 10am–5am, Fri–Sat 10am–5am. 3864 St-Laurent, 843-8126

Picasso Lots of variety and open 24/7. 6810 St-Jacques W., 484-2832

Presse Café (see Cybercafés)

Salonica An all-night casse-croute with a variety of poutines and other decent, debauched fare - their “small” poutine feeds at least two. Delivery until 6am. 5261 St-Denis (one block north of Laurier), 274-9319/274-9310

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

A Montreal tradition, and a great way for students to get their essential vitamins and nutrients for the day at a minimal cost.

Bagel Etc. From the basic to blintzes, this jazzy spot offers up breakfast with style. 4320 St-Laurent, 845-9462

Beauty’s A Jewish-Montreal landmark with a ‘50s diner feel. Offers every breakfast variation. 93 Mont-Royal W., 849-8883

Byblos One does not think Iranian when thinking of brunch—this place will change that. Breakfast until 4pm on weekends; magic egg scrambles served with home-made breads and jams. 1499 Laurier E., 523-9396

La Croissanterie Figaro Classy but casual bistro/diner/resto/café serving fresh croissants and continental breakfasts. 5200 Hutchison, 278-6567

Cosmos Snack Bar A noisy, friendly greasy-spoon specializing in crude but effective mega-calorie breakfasts. 5843 Sherbrooke W., 486-3814

Dusty’s Now bigger but prices still so low you’ll think that you’ve gone back in time. 4510 du Parc, 276-8525

Place Milton Breakfast served until closing time, which is around 3pm every day. Worth waiting in line for. 220 Milton, 285-0011

Resto Café Oxford While the original Oxford is something of a West-end institution, there’s now a second location at Atwater metro. All-day brunch options from French toast to eggs bennie. 5630 Sherbrooke W., 485-5720 (Vendôme); 2170 Ste-Catherine W., 939-1600 (Atwater)

Senzala Weekend brunch Brazilian-style. Often a wait, but where else will you find poached eggs in an avocado? 177 Bernard W., 274-1464

Already mentioned (see above), of the all-day-breakfast-greasy-spoon variety: Casse-Croute du Coin, Fameux, Greenspot, The Main and Picasso.

STUDY-FRIENDLY CAFÉS

Café Santropol Unique setting, ideal for reading, writing term papers or just procrastinating. Filling sandwiches with exotic ingredients, hearty soups and famed selection of house-blended herbal teas. Beautiful garden in back when the weather’s nice. Fifteen per cent of all profits go to charity. Free WiFi. Open 11:30am–midnight, 3990 St-Urbain, 842-3110

Café Vienne Has about 14 other outlets on the island, many within other student areas. This one near Concordia has student specials and a sunny terrasse when the weather permits. 7am–9pm, 8pm on weekends. Free WiFi. 2153 Guy (corner de Maisonneuve), 932-4832

Ciné Express Whether you need coffee around the clock, a place to screen the film you made in school or just somewhere to watch TV between classes, Ciné Express is the place. Frequently hosts art exhibitions and stand-up comedy, and they show a movie every night. They have chess and backgammon boards. Licensed, with student specials. Open until 1am weekdays, 3am weekends. Free WiFi. 1926 Ste-Catherine W. (corner St-Marc), 939-CINE

Java U Montreal chain with nine locations. Laid-back, student-friendly atmosphere with free WiFi access. 1455 Guy, 932-5288; 4914 Sherbrooke W., 482-7077; 5511 Monkland, 369-1688; 4065 Saint-Denis, 844-0500, and others

Open Da Night This laid-back neighbourhood hangout is now something of a Mile-End institution. Open 7am–midnight seven days a week. Don’t be confused by the “Café Olimpico” sign, you’re at the right place. 124 St-Viateur W., 495-0746

Le Cagibi The casual and unpretentious Pharmacie Esperanza reopened earlier this year under a new name. All coffees and teas here are fair trade, and they serve excellent vegetarian food. At night it turns into a bar and venue. Bright and quiet for daytime studying. 5490 St-Laurent (corner St-Viateur), 509-1199

Second Cup A bezillion locations, all offer free wireless Internet (Rogers). There’s one with 24-hr service in the McGill Ghetto that has lots of terrasse space. 3498 du Parc (corner Milton), 288-2903

Tim Hortons With locations next to both Concordia and McGill, a handy 24-hr place to cram throughout the night. 2081 Guy, 935-1942; 674 Sherbrooke W., 286-0404

CYBERCAFÉS

A.L. Van Houtte $3.44 (tax incl) for half an hour or $5.14 (tax incl) for an hour. Definitely proche for UdM students. Free Eye-In WiFi at all locations. 165 St-Paul W., 288-9387, and others

Café Planète A cozy Plateau cybercafé with nice espresso and terminals. 11 cents/min or $6/hr. WiFi access with a $3 fee. 163 Mont-Royal E., 844-2233

Netopia 24/7 in the Quartier Latin. $5/hr or $2.50 for a half an hour. 1737 St-Denis, 286-5446

Presse Café Computers with Internet access for $5/hr or $2.50 for a half an hour. Free Eye-In WiFi access. Open 24 hours. 1001 de Maisonneuve W., 844-8751; 1750 St-Denis, 847-1389; 1263 Ste-Catherine E., 528-9530, and others

WIFI HOT SPOTS

WiFi hot spots (public areas where wireless Internet access is available) paired with your WiFi carded laptop equals instant flexibility to do that Web research assignment for class where and when you want. Hot spots in Montreal continue to crop up all over the place, so now you can grab some fresh air in the park, sip a double latte at a local café, or hit the books at the library all while connected. Some locations will charge you, some offer free access with a purchase (the case with most cafés and eateries), and, happily, an increasing number are all-around free, thanks largely in part to the initiative of Ile Sans Fil, a non-profit org promoting free public Internet access in our fine city. Check out www.ilesansfil.org/tiki-index.php or www.wifihotspotlist.com/browse/ca/2000272/1803884 for more listings.

A.L. Van Houtte (see Cybercafés)

Arts Café 201 Fairmount, 274-0919

Atomic Café 3606 Ontario E., 525-9601

Atwater Library 1200 Atwater, 935-7344

Bar St-Sulpice 1680 St-Denis, 844-9458

Bibliothèque National (475 de Maisonneuve E.)

Boodha Bar 1401 MacKay, 842-5571

Cabot Square Corner Atwater and Tupper, in front of the Children’s Hospital

Café Blue Monday 4424 Wellington, 762-4335

Café Café 3685 St-Laurent, 284-9579

Café Chaos 2035 St-Denis, 844-1301

Café Dépôt 1490 Maisonneuve W., 931-1570; and many others

Café Lutopik 552 Ste-Catherine E., 844-1139

Café Santropol 3990 St-Urbain, 842-3110

Café Tribune 1567 St-Denis, 840-0915

Café Vienne (see Study-friendly cafés)

Ciné Express (see Study-friendly cafés)

Eaton’s Centre Right above McGill metro

Faubourg Internet Centre 1616 St. Catherine W. #2130

Foufounes électriques 87 Ste-Catherine E., 844-5539

Gay Village Beaudry, Papineau metros

Java U (see Study-friendly cafés)

Jean-Talon Market Jean-Talon metro

Le Cagibi (see Study-friendly cafés)

Montreal Café 1546 Laurier E., 890-1728

PIZZÉDÉLIC 3467 St-Laurent, 845-0404

Parc Émilie-Gamelin Covers the park also known as “Berri park” (Berri metro)

Presse Café (see Cybercafés)

Be sure to take advantage of the numerous independent stores and bizarre shops – Montreal has a specialty shop for everything from futons to chain mail.

SHOPPING 

LOW-BUDGET WARES

In addition to a slew of second-hand resources, Montreal has a ton of outlets and liquidation centres for everything from clothes to curtains to sofabeds that feature merchandise from big retail stores going for considerably lower prices. Consult Sandra Phillips’ Smart Shopping Montreal (pb; $18.95), now also on the web at www.smartshoppingmontreal.com for more listings.

CLOTHES

Avenue du Mont-Royal The blocks on this street between St-Laurent and St-Denis are lined with second-hand stores. Stock varies wildly, so it’s hard to recommend one shop over another. As the strip’s popularity has risen over the years, so have the prices.

Brador Sports Designer brand outwear (skiwear, t-necks, underwear, helmets, etc.) at 40%-75% off. 9600 Meilleur, 9th fl, 381-8076

Chabanel Street Just north of the Metropolitain between St-Laurent and du Parc is shmataland. Montreal still has a large textile industry, most of which is located in this district. Here you’ll find factory outlets that sell to the public directly, but only on Saturday mornings.

Eva B Both new and used, offers a great selection of leather and women’s clothing, much of which is made on-site. For the theatrically minded, they also rent costumes at reasonable rates. 2013 St-Laurent (at Ontario), 849-8246

Friperie St-Laurent Second-hand clothing boutique with great ‘40s ties and other treats. 3976 St-Laurent, 842-3893

Fripe-Prix Renaissance This smaller, lesser-known discount chain is actually cheaper than Village des Valeurs, with a $1–$10 price range tax included. At the branch on the Main, there’s the bonus of a used book, record and computer basement. Various locations including 7250 St-Laurent, (corner Jean-Talon), 276-3626

General 54 Newer sibling of Local 23, full of really fun vintage. Also holds vernissages. 54 St-Viateur W. 271-2129

Jeans Jeans Jeans The name says it all. Prices start at $15, a slew of brand names. Free hemming or altering on the spot. 5525 de Gaspé, 279-3303

Le Château Warehouse All the stuff you saw in the regular outlets that didn’t sell. And they slash their prices. 5255 Jean-Talon W., 341-5301

Local 23 It’s a friperie with a unique concept: part affordable vintage, part boutique featuring items from local designer Jennifer Glasgow. 23 Bernard W., 270-9333

Salvation Army A wicked array of clothes at insanely low prices. Also sells used furniture and household goods. Get everything you need, and the cash goes to a good cause. 1620 Notre Dame W, 935-7425; 6180 Côte-des-Neiges, 344-9646; 5762 Sherbrooke W., 488-8714; 3444 Ontario E., 529-4025

Taz Basement Dare to descend and you will find liquidation-priced Parasuco, Pepe, Phat Farm, Puma, and many more urban wear brands that don’t start with a P. 9120 du Parc, 389-7381

Village des Valeurs An institution for Montrealers on a budget, there are five locations in the greater Montreal area and stock is not limited to clothing. Try to head over early—things are picked over by the end of the day. 4906 Jean-Talon W. (metro Namur), 739-1962; 6779 Jean-Talon E. (metro Langelier to connecting Northbound bus), 254-0433; 2033 Pie-IX, 528-8604; 5630 Henri-Bourassa (corner Lacordaire), 327-7447

FURNITURE/HOUSEWARES

City of Montreal Public Auctions Call for the schedules and details. 969 Louvain E., 872-5232. On the web: go to www.ville.montreal.qc.ca, click on “City Services”, then on “Public Auctions” in the “Practical Information” panel on right

Le Coffre aux Trésors du Châinon Secondhand furniture and household items. 4375 St-Laurent, 843-4354

Duvet Ungava Good selection and prices for futons and duvets. 10 des Pins W., ground floor, 287-9276

Eco-logic Highly affordable second-hand appliances and furnishings. 5024 Angers, 219-3254

Futon d’Or Futons galore. 3855 St-Denis, 499-0438

Grand Appliances Good prices and service for major appliances – you pay 10% above cost, including delivery. TV repair service also available. 6244 Sherbrooke W., 486-1135

Ikea Hard to get to without a car (if you’re going by bus it’s a good idea to call their switchboard for detailed directions before setting out). The usual do-it-yourself furniture fare at moderate prices awaits. 9191 Cavendish (off the Metropolitain), 738-2167

Meubles Linton Unassuming storefront, but inside you’ll find North American made furniture at 35% cheaper than the suggested retail price. 653 Ogilvy, 272-1944

Salvation Army (see Clothes)

BOOKS

Argo Eclectic Independent west-downtown fixture specializing in new literature and scholarly books. Special orders available. 1915 Ste-Catherine W., 931-3442

Artexte Art library with focus on Canadian contemporary arts. 460 Ste-Catherine W. #508, 874-0049

Cheap Thrills (See CDs/Records)

Diamond Bookstore Second-hand literature and remaindered best-sellers.. 5035 Sherbrooke W., 481-3000

L’Échange Books (mostly French) bought and sold, as well as music and comics. 713 Mont-Royal E., 523-6389 or 3694 St-Denis, 849-1913

Librairie Astro Used books, comics (new and used), trading cards, videos and CDs. 1844 Ste-Catherine W., 932-1139

Librairie Italiana Italian books, magazines, video rentals and records. 6792 St-Laurent, 277-2955

Librairie Las Americas Spanish books. 10 St-Norbert (off St-Laurent just below Sherbrooke), 844-5994

Librairie Michel Fortin Specializes in language books, but also serves as a general bookstore. 3714 St-Denis, 849-5719

Librairie du Moyen-Orient Specializes in books from the Arab world. 877 Décarie, 744-4886

Librairie Ulysse Excellent selection of travel books, guides and maps. 560 President Kennedy, 843-7222 and 4176 St-Denis, 843-9447

McGill Bookstore A comprehensive selection with a cybercafé upstairs. Closed Sundays. 3420 McTavish, 398-7444

Mélange Magique Metaphysical, holistic and occult books. They also carry incense and crystals. 1928 Ste-Catherine W., 938-1458 or visit www.themagicalblend.com

Nicholas Hoare Highbrow champions of bookstore feng shui. Also sell CDs. Ogilvy basement, 1307 Ste-Catherine W., 499-2005; 1366 Greene Ave., 933-4201

Odyssey Buys and sells used and rare English-language books, especially art, literature and history, plus used classical and jazz records. 1439 Stanley, 844-4843

Paragraphe Good selection of new books, including a great children’s section; if it’s not in stock, they’ll order it for you. Attached to a Second Cup. 2220 McGill-College, 845-5811

Renaud Bray With locations all over the city, this mainly franco bookstore (with a limited English section) also carries mags and music. 4380 St-Denis, 844-2587; 5117 Parc, 276-7651, as well as in the Complexe Desjardins at 150 Ste-Catherine W., 288-4844

S.W. Welch Used and rare books bought and sold; good prices offered for used books, but can be picky about what they take. 225 St. Viateur W., 848-9358

The Word Buys and sells second-hand art, philosophy and literature books, and has most of last year’s McGill textbooks. There’s also a wall of classic must-reads for only a dollar, and a comprehensive supply of locally published zines and literary mags. 469 Milton, 845-5640

MAGAZINES/NEWSPAPERS

Maison de la presse internationale A great selection of up-to-date newspapers and magazines from around the world. 1166 Ste-Catherine W.; 5149 Cote-des-Neiges; and others

Medi@phile Independent newsstand

with excellent selection of international newspapers and magazines, as well as gifts, greeting cards and cigars. Will do special orders. 1901 Ste-Catherine W., 939-3676

Metropolitan News Agency The place is tucked away, the shop is small and messy, but they have just about any newspaper and lots of foreign-language magazines. 1109 Cypress (south of Ste-Catherine between Peel and Stanley), 866-9227

Multimags Magazines and newspapers from all over the globe. All over Montreal including 1570 de Maisonneuve W., 370 Laurier W., 652 Ste-Catherine W., 2085 Ste-Catherine W., 3552 St-Laurent and 825 Mont-Royal E

Point Vert Strong on artsy mags, design & music. May have titles the others don’t. 4040 St-Laurent, 982-9195

CDs/RECORDS

Archambault A huge selection of CDs, from classical, jazz and world to francophone, rock and pop. 500 Ste-Catherine E., 849-6201; 175 Ste-Catherine W., 281-0367 or www.archambault.ca

Atom Heart Mostly CDs with focus on imports and independents. 364B, Sherbrooke E., 843-8484

Beatnick Used CDs covering pretty much all genres and sub-genres out there. 3770 St-Denis, 842-0664

CDément Mostly used, and some new rare stuff. Good prices. 388 Ste-Catherine W., 866-7616 or www.cdement.com/index_magasin.html

CD Plus Second-hand CDs. 5128 du Parc, 273-1088

Cheap Thrills New and used CDs and vinyl, as well as used books. 2044 Metcalfe, 844-8988.

DNA Records Specialists in electro, drum & bass, hip hop and house. 3828 St-Laurent, 288-9362

L’Échange (see Books)

HMV You’ll have to forge past the Top-40 display units at the front to get to the CDs, but the selection is good for all tastes. Many locations including 1020 Ste-Catherine W., 875-0765

Inbeat Records The focus here is on vinyl and CD comps from around the world. 3814 St-Laurent, 499-2063

Marché du disque Cheap vinyl, and a great selection of CDs from soundtracks to rockabilly to exotica. 793 Mont-Royal E., 526-3575

L’Oblique A hub for musicians and scenesters looking to upgrade their collection with new, used and rare discs. 4333 Rivard, 499-1323

Pauls Boutique Large Collection of used vinyl. 112 Mont-Royal E. 284-7773

Phantasmagoria Alternative, classical and jazz specialist, with some hidden treasures. 4914 Sherbrooke W, 488-2004.

Primitive Second-hand CDs, tapes and records. Great prices. 3828 St-Denis, 845-6017

INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT

Archambault The one stop for all the classical music you could ever want to have on paper. Instruments too, including pianos. 500 Ste-Catherine E., 849-6201

Drum Bazar As the name implies, they’ve everything for your kit and/or hippie jam. Excellent service. 8782 St-Laurent (near Cremazie), 276-DRUM

Italmelodie Sales, leasing, service, trade-ins and lessons. Large selection of instruments and sound systems. 274 Jean-Talon E., 273-3224 or www.italmelodie.com

MOOG Audio Rent or buy all manner of sound equipment, DJ/VJ gear and keyboards at 3828 St-Laurent, 284-7434, or shop online at www.moogaudio.com.

Steve’s Music Guitars, drums, keyboards, rock songbooks and rental sound equipment. 51 St-Antoine W., 878-2216

HEAD SHOPS

If Mom and Dad were standing around teary-eyed while you packed and you didn’t have the heart to take your bong out of its hiding place, then it’s essential to know where you can pick up the second most important back-to-school supply going. Here are a few establishments where no one will ever remember your name.

Boutique Rock 5522 Sherbrooke St. W., 481-6227

High Times III 1208A Ste-Catherine E., 529-5666

Je l’ai Recently ravaged by fire, this plateau fixture will be open again by November or December. 159 Duluth E., 284-5393

Labyrinthe 486 Ste. Catherine W., 861-3697

Psychonaut 154 Prince Arthur E., 844-8998

TIME OUT  

BARS AND CLUBS

It’s simply impossible to give a short guide to drinking in this town. There are far too many options, from watering holes to do-it-up afterhours clubs. The three major areas to check out are the St-Laurent strip, the St-Denis strip and downtown along Ste-Catherine from Atwater right on east into the Village (and many of the streets in between). Don’t limit your knowledge to pub crawls because they can’t possibly hit all the prime spots. The Mirror provides a rundown of venues in the music listings section each week. You can also go to http://www.montrealmirror.com/2007/053107/bom-07-04.html to check out how real live Montrealers rated the best aspects of our steamy city’s nightlife in this year’s Best of Montreal (BOM) issue.

REPERTORY CINEMAS

Cinéma Impérial A beautifully-restored cinema now pretty much exclusively used for the World Film Festival. 1432 de Bleury, 848-0300

Cinémathèque québécoise Originally fashioned after the Cinémathèque française in Paris, our version screens an eclectic mix of rare foreign and documentary films, animation, mini-retrospectives and classic québécois TV. The annual membership card is $125 for students and gives you 50 per cent off on a Boîte Noire membership (see Video Stores), as well as other discount benefits. Admission for most screenings is $6 for students, cine-carte for $50 allows you 10 screenings over the year. Also has exhibits. 335 de Maisonneuve E., 842-9768 or www.cinematheque.qc.ca

Dollar Cinema The $2 tix and inexpensive concession stand goodies, as well as the old-style screening rooms, make this second-run cinema well worth the extra travel time. 6900 Decarie (in the Decarie Square Mall south of the Hippodrome, metro Namur), 739-0536 or www.dollarcinema.ca

Ex-Centris Three cinemas offering the old, the new and the foreign. It also houses the Cinéma Parallèle, which moved from its intimate space up the street. Students pay $7. A Ticketciné is $40 for admission to six movies. 3536 St-Laurent, 847-2206 or www.ex-centris.com

Goethe-Institut Promoting German culture for more than 30 years. Classics from German cinema, retros on directors and avant-garde premieres grace the screen. They also have an extensive library, offer German language courses and hold special exhibits. 418 Sherbrooke E., 499-0159 or www.goethe.de/ins/ca/mon/enindex.htm

IMAX The six-storey screen located in the Montreal Science Centre at the Old Port shows short and pricey films made to show off IMAX technology while educating its audience about nature, the planet and humankind. 333 de la Commune W., 496-4629. The Cinema Banque Scotia screens IMAX films and some Hollywood movies specially adapted for IMAX technology. 977 Ste-Catherine W., 842-3828

NFB If it’s an NFB doc, drama or animated short you need look no further. The Robothèque offers you on-site access to the entire NFB catalogue (over 7,800 titles). Student rates are $2/hour or $3.50 for two hours. Most NFB films are also available to rent at $3/night. With a free NFB Film Club membership you can download over 600 films to watch on your computer, receive discount offers on DVDs and VHS, and get invited to master classes and premieres. 1564 St-Denis, 496-6887 or http://www.nfb.ca/cinerobotheque/

VIDEO STORES

Blockbuster Convenience is its strong suit, with many locations and multiple copies of new releases. 4501 St-Denis, 982-9363; 3745 St-Dominique (at des Pins), 285-8868; 1132 Ontario E., 598-5838; 5655 du Parc (near Bernard), 279-3522; 2110 Ste-Catherine W., 932-0063 and many, many more

Boîte Noire The most complete selection of auteur films in the city, shelved by director. Many hard-to-find indie films and international selections. Great choice of experimental cinema, documentaries, animation and TV shows, which are always free with regular films. Rentals cost $5.50 per day, 3 for 2 special always on. A $9.95 student membership is worth it, and you’ll get a complementary 960-page Video Guide. Three locations: 4450 St-Denis #201, 287-1249; 380 Laurier Ave. W., 277-6979; and 42 McGill, 844-8727 Also: www.boitenoire.com

Le Club International This Village video store is a living room away from home, with couches, coffee and candies galore. 1150 Ste-Catherine E., 598-7527 and others

Movieland Doesn’t specialize in any one genre, but solid in most departments. Specials vary depending on each location. 1972 Ste-Catherine W., 937-1231; 4154A Ste-Catherine W., 933-2384; 3575 du Parc (in La Cité), 843-5206

Sukubus A selection of hard-to-find videos and DVDs sit on a shelf near a broad poster selection and various other collectibles at this shop in Verdun. Their repertoire concentrates on sci-fi, horror, Hong Kong and some Bollywood. 3629 Wellington (LaSalle metro), 765-3131 or see for yourself at www.sukubus.com

SuperClub Vidéotron Not too drab a selection for a chain outlet, and films are categorized by director, decade and country. Notable sections include queer, horror & exploitation. Also has games & DVDs. 1330 Mont-Royal E., 596-2606; 5253 du Parc, 276-7303; 6116 Sherbrooke W., 489-7222 and others

POOL HALLS

Bacci More geared to scenesters than serious pool players. Open until 3am. 4205 St-Denis, 844-3929

Rack ‘n’ Roll Formerly the Club de Billiard du Québec, this Mont-Royal haunt recently sacrificed some old-style pool hall charm for a mega sound system and modern decor. They have 24 tables, at $9.95/hour or $6.45/hour from 10am–8pm. Open 10–3am. 551 Mont-Royal E., 525-5091

Metropool Very cheap depending on when you go. Home to many serious-minded players. Student special on Sun-Wed after 5pm: $3/hour if you buy two drinks. 32 tables, a full bar and a “private room.” 1197 St-Laurent, 392-1458; 862A Ste-Catherine E., 392-1458

Sharx Underneath the Faubourg. Upscale steel and concrete joint, with lots of bar space, kitchen and 36 tables, but waiting is not uncommon. $10/hour for two players. Also houses 10 swanky Cosmo bowling lanes. 1606 Ste-Catherine W., 934-3105

BOWLING AND GO CARTS

Circuit 500 Located in the East End, it’s the largest in-door go cart track in Canada. 5592 Hochelaga, 254-4244

Laurentian Lanes Has two locations: 4400 Jean-Talon E. (729-2829, formerly Boulevard Lanes) is best reached by car, and offers 54 10-pin lanes and 18 duck-pin alleys; 222 Montée de Liesse (341-4525). Pricing and hours vary.

Le Forum Neighbourhood place with fun graphics to indicate strikes and spares, a loud beep when you step over the line and mysteriously greasy balls. Bring a towel. 920 St-Zotique E., (near St-Hubert) 274-0797

Rose Bowl Has 72 lanes split democratically between 10-pin and duck-pin. Open from 8am-3am, seven days a week. 6510 St-Jacques (at Cavendish),482-7200

Salon de Quilles International On the outer reaches of Mile-End. Employees occasionally blare Top 40 music. 26 computerized lanes, specials before 6pm. Open until midnight on weekends. 6590 du Parc, 276-7222

Sharx (see Pool Halls)

SERVICES

LAUNDRY

Brainwash Café Watch free DVDs while you wait for your clothes to dry, enjoy a chess tournament on Wed and Sat, or bring your laptop and take advantage of the free WiFi. Drop off your dry cleaning while you’re at it and have a coffee all at the same time. Open until midnight every night. 3565 Lorne Ave., 282-3344

Buanderette Villeneuve Rarely overcrowded thanks to the number of washers they have. $1.50 per load for self-serve and kept very clean. Will do your washing for you for a $6.50 service charge per load (keep in mind you probably sneak in more per load than they will). Also a dry-cleaning service. Open 8am–8pm. 28 Villeneuve W., 845-5620

Buanderie du Parc Flat rate for washing, drying and folding: $8.50 per load. Also provides self-service machines. 3486 du Parc, 844-4648

Buanderie du Village Clean place, washers and dryers are $1.75 a cycle. 1499 Amherst, 526-4084

Buanderie Net-Net Will wash, dry and fold your laundry (usually with a 24-hour turnaround) at a rate of $0.89 per pound. A normal load ends up costing $8. A pick-up and delivery service is also available. 310 Duluth E., 844-8511

Buanderie St-Viateur The endless stream of resident kitties is a draw for cat lovers, but consider this a caveat to allergy sufferers - fur abounds, though folding table and machine surfaces are kept clean. Best to avoid on weekends, when it’s often overcrowded. Open to 8pm daily. 104 St-Viateur W.

Lavorama Charges $1 per pound of clothes washed, dried, folded, and wrapped. 5872 Sherbrooke W., 489-7701

Nettoyeur Daoust Nice clean launderette at the back for the lower-St-Laurent set. They’ll wash and fold for $6.50 a load. 3654 St-Denis, 844-4763, with other locations around the city.

PHYSICAL FITNESS FACILITIES

Montreal’s all over the idea that regular and diverse physical exertion keeps its beautiful citizens smiling. The Accès Montréal card (see Tenants’ Rights) gives you discounts on the use of public tennis courts, skating rinks, swimming pools and the like. Call the general Montreal info line at 872-2237 or visit http://ville.montreal.qc.ca, click on “Living in Montreal” and then “Sports and Recreation” on the left to find out more about Montreal’s indoor and outdoor pools and how to get swimming lessons, the over 350 kilometres of cycling and inline skating trails, the public greenspaces and beaches (yes, where you can swim!), the soccer and baseball fields and tennis courts, and much much more. The Web site is still only partially available in English.

Route Verte A generous autumn in Montreal will let you cycle into November—so you still have plenty of time to discover our portion of the amazing Route Verte, which spans 3600 kilometres of the province (350 in the city alone) and is North America’s largest bikeway network. Besides passing through the Old Port and Lachine Canal, there are paths to literally take you around the island and off, from downtown to Dorval, Laval to Longueil, Cap-St-Jacques to Rivière-des-Prairies. For a map call Vélo-Québec at 521-VELO (8356) or visit www.velo.qc.ca

The Atrium Formerly the Bell Amphitheatre, this nifty 10,000 square foot indoor skating rink is where to take your out-of-town relatives to knock their shoes off, literally. Open everyday and all year-round, for $4.50 you get to skate at the ground level of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Montreal, surrounded by restaurants and cafés where you can mosey over for the requisite après-skate hot chocolate. Changing rooms, skate sharpening, and equipment rental are all available – skate rental will set you back $5. DJ Nites every Friday and Saturday (fall to spring) and Dance & Skating every Saturday offer the truly unique experience of being in a club-on-ice, as the rink morphs into a huge iced dance floor complete with lights and sounds. Schedule varies, so call 395-0555 or check out www.le1000.com before you go. At 1000 de la Gauchetière W., directly above Bonaventure metro.

Winter sports Packing that bikini away once the weather chills and worrying about fitting into it next year need not be an issue in this city. In Montreal, it’s never too early to start thinking about winter sports. The city has over 100 outdoor ice rinks, seven alpine skiing centres, 66 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 13 tobogganing hills (including the favourite slope at Parc and Mont-Royal) and seven snowshoeing courses. Ski lessons in alpine, cross-country and snowboarding are available from L’École de ski de Montréal. 872-2237 the number to call to find out about these resources.

Energie Cardio Largest network of fitness centres in the province, with more than 75 centres and 135,000 members. Great group classes, welcoming environment. Some locations include 1260 Crescent St., #100 (Downtown), 878-3626; Ste-Catherine W., #210 (the Forum), 939-1234; 6610 Sherbrooke W. (N.D.G.), 487-2332; 2175 Mont-Royal E. (Plateau), 596-2967; 3841 Wellington (Verdun), 769-5863; and a women-only centre at 7275 Sherbrooke E. #2227, 493-6464. On the Web: http://www.energiecardio.com

Nautilus Plus Quality equipment, specialized trainers, a wealth of fitness programs and flexible payment plans make this a great gym to work out at. People 25 and under are eligible for the discounted Extreme package. 1231 Ste-Catherine W., 843-5993; 55 Mont-Royal W., 905-5905, and others. Or check out www.nautilusplus.com.

YMCA has many locations around town for students on the move. Purchasing a student membership to the Y can cost from $26.95 to $34.95 per month, depending on how swanky your local facility is. There is normally a one-time joining fee, around $30. Proof of full-time student status is required. Membership benefits include all activities and facilities at all Y locations - like squash and racquetball courts, badminton and basketball, aerobics and swimming. Some have salt-water pools, and all have weight-training and multi-purpose gyms at your disposal. They also offer daily free swimming periods for the general public. The newly revamped downtown branch offers a range of high-end equipment, programs and services along with “significant discounts” for the financially challenged. Call individual locations for equipment and facilities offered or head to www.ymcamontreal.qc.ca. 1440 Stanley (Downtown), 849-8393; 200 René-Lévesque W. (Complexe Guy-Favreau), 845-4277; 5550 du Parc, 271-9622; 4585 Sherbrooke W. (Westmount), 931-8046; 4335 Hampton (N.D.G.), 486-7315

Women’s Y Non-competitive, energizing atmosphere for women focused on total body care. Female staff. Rates are $26/month, $10 day passes or 6-day pass booklets for $54. 1355 René-Lévesque W., 866-9941 or www.ydesfemmesmtl.org

PET CARE

Animalerie Little Bear Specialty shop for cats and dogs, boasts a wide selection of both food and accessories. Free delivery to students. 4205 Ste-Catherine W., 935-3425 or www.littlebear.ca

Bec et Museau Pet food and supplies at competitive prices. Free delivery and very friendly staff. 129 Mont-Royal W., 849-2608

Berger Blanc Acts as the pound service for various boroughs, houses dangerous dogs, euthanizes. Worth calling if your furry companion’s gone astray (Web site posts some photos of retrieved pets), but if you are able, going to see for yourself is most recommended. Headquartered at 9825 Henri-Bourassa E., Rivière-des-Prairies, 494-2002, www.bergerblanc.com

Vétérinaire Côte-St-Luc By-appointment-only animal hospital, but has a 24-hour emergency service. 7930 Bailey, 489-6845

Clinique Vétérinaire de St-Louis High-level professionalism side by side with friendly, personal service. 3928 St-Hubert, 282-1161

Domesti-Serve Offers dog walking, pet care or housesitting services as well as other home-related services, such as house-cleaning. Call 426-7277

Mondou Low prices for bulk cat and dog food. 90 Jean-Talon E., 271-5503; 4310 de la Roche, 521-9491, and other locations.

Mobile Veterinary Clinic Will make house calls. 389-1462

SPCA 24-hour emergency service and adoption. Large selection of animals, shots included. Adoption service open from seven days a week (Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm), minimal costs, donations appreciated. 5215 Jean-Talon W., 735-2711 or www.spcamontreal.com

Vacation Watch Bonded pet care and plant watering while you’re on vacation. 489-7777

HEALTHCARE 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Gas leaks If you think there might be a gas leak in your residence, call 598-3111

Quebec Poison Control Centre Information and help concerning any type of poisoning, 1-800-463-5060

Referral Centre of Greater Montreal Help with questions about health, addiction, social services and welfare, 527-1375

Suicide Action Montreal (see Support Lines & Groups) 723-4000

CLSCs

If you’re not a student or don’t want to rely on Student Health Services (an option for students registered at any university, check your student handbook), CLSCs are government-run community health clinics that provide a range of services to Quebec medicare card-holders. CLSC hours are generally 8am–8pm; the times to drop in unannounced are listed below. But it is always wise to call first to confirm; some CLSCs close their doors once their maximum daily quota of patients has been reached – even if it’s only 2pm. Also, certain CLSCs insist you be a resident of their area before offering services.

And finally, all CLSCs are currently involved in a process of internal restructuring, not to be completed before mid-fall—this could mean that the addresses and phone numbers below will be defunct in a few months. What all this means is that it is very wise if not essential to call ahead before you drop in.

CLSC Des Faubourgs 1pm–4pm, 1705 de la Visitation, 1250 Sanguinet and 2260 Parthenais, all at 527-2361. CLSC Côte-des-Neiges Mon-Fri 12:30pm-8pm, 5700 Côte-des-Neiges and 1271 Van Horne, 731-8531 for both. CLSC Parc-Extension 469 Jean-Talon W. They open Mon-Fri at 8am but once they meet their quota, they will close. Either be one of the first people there at 8am or call first: 273-9591. CLSC Plateau Mont-Royal Mon–Fri 8am–8pm to see a nurse, or make an appointment to see a doctor. 4689 Papineau, 521-7663. CLSC St-Henri To see a nurse: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm. To see a doctor without appointment: Mon–Fri 1pm–5pm (if you arrive after 3pm you may be refused if there is a line-up), 3833 Notre-Dame W., 933-7541. CLSC St-Louis-du-Parc To see a nurse without appointment: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 8am–4pm. To see a doctor without appointment: Mon–Fri 9–11:30am. 155 St-Joseph E., 286-9657. CLSC Métro To see a nurse without appointment: Mon–Fri 8am–6pm. To see a doctor without appointment: 8am–1pm. 1801 de Maisonneuve W., 934-0354. CLSC NDG/Montreal West You must see a nurse before a doctor if you don’t have an appointment. 2525 Cavendish, 485-1670. CLSC Verdun/Côte St-Paul 400 de l’Eglise, 766-0546. Call first. CLSC La Petite-Patrie Always call first. 6520 de St-Vallier, 273-4508. This is a partial list; check the phone book or for other locations.

The Vendôme Emergency Clinic Privately owned but their services are free to medicare card holders. The waiting times can be shorter than at CLSCs, and the service is good. They reserve the right to refuse seeing you if there is a line-up and you must arrive before closing time. Mon–Thurs 9am–8pm, Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm. 5175 de Maisonneuve W. #100 (right across from metro Vendôme) 484-4711

DENTISTRY CLINICS

Côte-des-Neiges Dental Clinic They prefer you to call first, but you can drop in Wed and Fri 8am–6pm. 3550 Côte-des-Neiges #350, 935-5145

Jewish General Hospital Mon–Fri, 8:30am–12pm and 1pm–4:15pm. 5750 Côte-des-Neiges (east entrance) 340-7910

McGill Faculty Practice Clinic To make an appointment call 934-1934 (ext. 48440). The emergency walk-in clinic is open Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm. For after-hours emergencies call 934-8075 (patients only). 1650 Cedar

McGill University Student Dental Clinic At the Montreal General Hospital. Reasonable rates for supervised student dentistry, by application only. 934-8021

PREGNANCY & PARENTING

Birthright Pro-life pregnancy and parenting counselling. 4100 St-Antoine W., 937-9324

Centre conseil grossesse Pregnancy counselling. 7394 19E Avenue, 593-1720

Centre des femmes de Montréal A drop-in centre; free clothes and food for women with families in need. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-4781

Elizabeth House A rehabilitation centre for pregnant teens and young mothers in difficulty. Preparation for independent living or returning home. 2131 Marlowe, 482-2488

Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances 110 Ste-Thérèse #405, 866-3721

Grossesse-secours Hotline provides information about pregnancy (health, prenatal etc.) and contraception. Baby toys and clothing available. Pregnancy tests for $3. If you need to talk, a volunteer will be made available to you. It’s pro-woman, not pro-life or pro-choice. 79 Beaubien E., 271-0554 or visit www.grossesse-secours.org

Head & Hands Come in between 4pm–4:30pm on Tues or Thurs to sign up. They start seeing patients at 5pm. They provide excellent abortion consultation. Doctors are friendly and sincere. 5833 Sherbrooke St. W., 481-0277 or www.headandhands.ca

Head & Hands-Young Parents’ Program Baby clothing, furniture exchange for under-24 mums and dads. From 1:00pm–4:30pm on Fridays there’s a drop-in period (childcare is provided) and registration for Wednesday activities. 5775 St-Jacques (corner Melrose), 482-7910 or http://www.headandhands.ca/ypp.php

Union for gender empowerment McGill club that provides a pro-woman, queer- and trans-positive space. Various birth control available at cost (e.g., condoms are 5 for $1). Pills not available since they’re not licensed. Safer sex products and alternative menstrual products are also available. Referrals, library and files on women’s groups all over Canada. On the fourth floor of the Shatner Building, 3480 McTavish, 398-6823.

Montreal Diet Dispensary Provides nutritional counselling and distributes vitamins, one litre of milk and an egg a day to pregnant women. Call for an appointment, but priority goes to women with pregnancies at risk and with low income. 2182 Lincoln, 937-5375

Montreal General Hospital Family Planning 934-8076

Morgentaler Clinic Call for appointments. The clinic is located at 30 St-Joseph E. #710, 844-4844. For fees and further information: www.montrealmorgentaler.ca

Mouvement retrouvailles Help in finding biological parents. 660 Villeray, 278-1744 or visit www.mouvement-retrouvailles.qc.ca

St. Columba House Lunch program for families with pre-school-age children, welfare rights, nursery school, clothing room, food distribution once a month. Homework help for kids and more. 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-6202

STDs/HIV/AIDS

AIDS Community Care Montreal One-on-one buddy system for support, self-help groups for people with HIV/AIDS and their family and friends. Education and prevention activities are provided. 2075 Plessis, 527-0928. On the web: www.accmontreal.org

Centre d’action SIDA Montréal Support for women and children with AIDS including home or hospital visits, child care, crisis funds, workshops, information sessions, addiction and legal counselling and social activities for members. 1750 St-André, 3rd floor, 495-0990

Centre SIDA secours Info on housing and resources for people with HIV/AIDS. 3702 Ste-Famille, 842-4439

Clinique de l’alternative Confidential HIV testing by appointment, medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS, referrals. Also pregnancy tests (no follow-up), abortions and STD tests. Different times for different services, call first. 2034 St-Hubert, 281-9848

Clinique l’actuel Specializes in all STDs. Counselling available, referrals to other groups. Confidential testing for HIV by appointment. Medical treatment and follow-up after diagnosis. 1001 de Maisonneuve E. #1130, 524-1001

Clinique médicale Mont-Carmel Anonymous testing for HIV. Medical treatment by doctors for people with AIDS. Referrals. By appointment. 933 René-Lévesque E., 282-9197

Coalition des organismes communautaires québécois de lutte contre le SIDA Quebec-wide coalition of AIDS-related groups. They can refer you to the AIDS group nearest you. 1 Sherbrooke E., 844-2477 or www.cocqsida.com

GAP-V.I.E.S. Public awareness, info line and listening service, resources and support for people with AIDS, their partners and families. 7355 St-Michel #300, 722-5655

Jewish General Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic Walk-in clinic in mornings for all STDs. Gives confidential HIV tests, counselling for HIV/AIDS, teaches medical treatment to home-care patients for self-administration. They try to have STD test results within 48 hours. Mon–Fri, 9am–11:30am. No appointment or referral necessary. 3755 Côte-Ste-Catherine, Pavilion G, Room 148, 340-8222 ext. 8230

Maison Dehon Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. 2830 Gouin E., 384-0450

Maison d’Hérelle Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. 3738 St-Hubert, 844-4874

Montreal Chest Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic Resource centre for scientific publications about HIV/AIDS. Deals with AIDS-specific symptoms in out-patient clinic. Referrals for support groups and home care. 3650 St-Urbain #803, 843-2090

Montreal General Hospital Immune Deficiency Treatment Centre Latest available clinical trials in HIV treatment. Up-to-date diagnostic and treatment methods, daily out-patient care for people with HIV/AIDS. 1650 Cedar #A5-123, 934-8070

SIDA Centre-Ville Call 847-0644 Mon-Fri, 10am-noon for information or to make an appointment. 1705 rue de la Visitation

Also call your university’s Student Health Services for information and counseling concerning STDs or HIV/AIDS.

GETTING HELP 

LEGAL

Concordia Legal Information Service Law students, supervised by a lawyer, providing free legal information to Concordia students, staff, faculty, and alumni only. Call to get an appointment, no legal information given over the phone. 7141 Sherbrooke W., AD-131, 848-2424 ext. 4960. On the Web: http://supportservices.concordia.ca/legalinformationservices

Head & Hands Lawyer available to advise members of the general public. $20 suggested donation, but pay as you can. Under 25s must call to make an appointment. 5833 Sherbrooke St. W., 481-0277 or 481-3643. On the Web: www.headandhands.ca/legalservices.htm

Inform’Elle Telephone information concerning family law, services of mediation, divorce and alimony. 3757 Mackay, Saint Hubert, (450) 443-8221 or www.informelle.osbl.ca

Legal Aid Free legal counsel and representation for criminal, youth and some civil cases for individuals on welfare or with low incomes. Also low-cost legal services for those less needy but who still qualify due to the nature of their circumstances. 425 de Maisonneuve W. #600, 864-2111 or www.ccjm.qc.ca

McGill Legal Information Clinic Law students will provide free legal information to the general public, including referrals to legal aid or low-cost lawyers. 3480 McTavish (Shatner Building), 398-6792 or http://mlic.mcgill.ca/MLIC.html

DISCRIMINATION

Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse The Quebec Human Rights Commission. To report incidents of discrimination or sexual harassment. 873-5146 or www.cdpdj.qc.ca

Groupe d’aide et d’information sur le harcèlement sexuel au travail The only one of its kind in Quebec. Free support to men and women who have been victims of sexual harassment at work. Will file complaints in your name with the Quebec Human Rights Commission, keep you company if it goes to criminal court, help with EI problems. 2231 Belanger, 526-0789 or www.gaihst.qc.ca

Ligue des droits et libertés Very helpful non-affiliated advocate of human rights. Strengths are First Nations’ rights and racism, social justice, international law and immigration. 65 Castelnau W. #301, 849-7717 or visit www.liguedesdroits.ca

SUPPORT LINES & GROUPS

Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI) Grassroots organization offers support for people with mental illnesses and their families and promotes understanding in the greater community. 5253 Décarie #200, 486-1448 or www.amiquebec.org

Auberge Transition Shelter for women and children who are victims of conjugal abuse. Up to six-week stays. Counselling, child-care and follow-up services. 24-hour crisis centre. 481-0495

Centre pour victimes d’aggression sexuelle de Montréal Bilingual, 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. Call 934-4504

CHOC Centre for violent men. Provides sensitization and group therapy with the aim of stopping all forms of conjugal violence. 25 Lévesque E, Laval (450) 975-2462

Corporation de développement communautaire du Centre-Sud de Montréal (formerly Alerte Centre-Sud) The CDC is a coalition of different social support groups. 1710 Beaudry, 521-0467

Déprimés anonymes Telephone help line for people suffering from depression. 278-2130

Face à Face Listening and referral service. Also has a welfare bank for the homeless and self-help classes. Anonymous, no appointment necessary. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. 1650 de Maisonneuve W., 5th fl, 934-4546

Jeunesse j’écoute/Kids’ Help Phone 24-hour national bilingual counselling and information service. Confidential and free, age 20 and younger. Referral service for those over 20. 1-800-668-6868 or www.kidshelpphone.ca

Parents Line An intervention service for parents having trouble dealing with children 20 and under and still living at home. They can also refer you to support groups in your area. 24 hours, seven days a week. 288-5555

Missing Children’s Network They’ll help you find kids who have run away or disappeared. 376 Victoria, 843-4333 or www.missingchildren.ca

My Brother’s Keeper Across-the-board consultation in many fields, such as education, jobs and human relations. 855-1927

Option A help service for violent partners (both men and women). Provides counselling; first step is group counselling, then possibly couple or family therapy. 1150 St-Joseph E., 527-1657

Suicide Action Montreal Hotline for suicide intervention, referrals and support group for those who have lost someone to suicide. Usually bilingual. 723-4000 or www.suicideactionmontreal.qc.ca

Tel-Aide Confidential, anonymous listening service. Staffed by volunteers, so if there’s no one there who speaks English, they will refer you to the next shift or try to find someone to help you. 935-1101 or www.telaide.org

Tel-Jeunes Hotline for under-20 year-olds. Professional counsellors. Open 24 hours, www.teljeunes.com. 288-2266

ADDICTION

The Anchorage The staff is trained in addiction intervention therapy and psychology, and accompany their patients throughout their time at the Anchorage. Help with re-integration into society. 880 Guy, 932-2214 x236 or 932-8488

Alcoholics Anonymous 3920 Rachel E., 376-9230 or www.alcoholicsanonymousmontreal.com

Centre Dollard-Cormier Rehab for drug, alcohol and medication addictions. 950 Louvain E., 385-0046 or www.centredollardcormier.qc.ca

Cocaine Anonymous Support groups for friends and family of people addicted to behaviour-altering substances. Meetings seven days a week. 1945 Papineau, 527-9999 or http://www.ca.org/

Douglas Hospital Eating Disorder Program In- and out-patient services for people over 18 who have an eating disorder. Referrals necessary. There is a waiting time. 6605 Lasalle Blvd., 761-6131 ext. 2895

Gamblers’ Anonymous Listening service as well as referrals. 484-6666

Gambling Help 24/7 help and referral line operated by the Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montreal, 527-0140 or www.jeu-aidereference.qc.ca

Narcotics Anonymous A fellowship of men and women helping each other stay clean. For info on meetings, committees and other services call 249-0555. On the Web: www.eana-mtl.org

Nicotine Anonymous A support group for people who want to quit using tobacco and nicotine. Weekly meetings. 849-0131

Overeaters Anonymous Helps those with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating). Call for the resource person nearest you. 488-1812

Le Portage Offers treatment to addicted adolescents and pregnant women. Has a mother-and-child program, a daycare centre, a rehab centre, also residential care. 1640 St-Antoine W., 939-0202

Sexolique Anonymes 12-step recovery program from the effects of sexaholism. 600 Laurier, 254-8181

Urgence Toxico Information and assistance services for persons with harmful addictions run by the Centre Dollard-Cormier. 288-1515

SELF-DEFENCE FOR WOMEN

ACTION Operated by the Montreal Assault Prevention Centre. Travelling women’s self-defence course based on wendo, 10-20 hours. Taught by women instructors. Call 284-1212 or visit www.cpamapc.org/en/action

Centre des femmes de Montréal Open Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm. Courses with an emphasis on verbal as well as physical skills. They also offer assertiveness training in English and French. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-4781

White Tiger Assault Prevention Offers women’s safety workshops teaching physical and non-physical self-defence techniques. Call 685-8888 or go to www.fearlesstiger.com

FOOD BANKS

Accueil Bonneau Food and clothes. Food: Mon–Fri, 9:30am–11:15am, 2pm–3:15pm. Sat 9:30am–11:00am, and sandwiches offered after a mass on Sunday. Clothes are available for people with social assistance cards. 427 de la Commune E., 845-3906 or www.accueilbonneau.com

Garde-Manger pour tous Primarily a food bank for those in need but also a telephone referral service. Mon–Fri, 9am–4:30pm. 755 des Seigneurs, 931-8830 or www.garde-manger.qc.ca

Mile-End Community Mission (see Welfare/EI)

NDG Food Depot Food and a referral and information service. Mon 5pm–7pm, Wed & Fri 11am–2pm. 2121 Oxford, 483-4680

Old Brewery Mission Supper from 5pm–5:30pm from the 15th of the month and on Sundays. Walk in anytime from 6:30pm–9pm. 915 Clark, 866-6591 or www.oldbrewerymission.ca

Share the Warmth to those in need Mondays and Thursdays, 1-3pm. 625 Fortune, Pointe St-Charles, 933-5599

Sun Youth Food and clothes, as well as many social services. Mon–Fri, 8am–12pm/1:30pm-4pm. 4251 St-Urbain, 842-6822 or www.sunyouthorg.com

L’Abri d’espoir Women’s shelter run by the Salvation Army implements a three-phase program aimed at reintegration. Admissions 24/7. 2000 Notre-Dame W., 934-5615

Booth Centre A residence and hostel for homeless men run by the Salvation Army for over 40 years. 880 Guy, 932-2214

L’Issue Shelter for men (18+) who have had problems with the law. Residents pay a small percentage of their salary if accepted. 1819 Rosemont, 270-6633

Logifem Shelter for women in difficulty. Counselling and accompaniment. 939-3172

Maison Flora Tristan Shelter for immigrant women who are victims of conjugal and familial violence, with or without children. Children can stay with their mother. 939-3463

Maison du père Shelter for homeless men 25+. Group and individual therapy. Social reintegration and food. Clothing distributed. 550 René-Lévesque E., 845-0168

Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (See native community below)

Passages A shelter for women aged 16-22. 24-hour emergency shelter; specializes in education, employment and personal counselling. 875-8119

Secours aux femmes Shelter for immigrant women. Services in many languages. Up to 45-night stay but they won’t throw you out onto the street if you have nowhere to go. 593-6353

West Island Women’s Shelter For victims of conjugal violence. Child-care and follow-up programs. 620-4845

COMMUNITIES 

BLACK

Black Coalition of Quebec Offer an after-school program, anti-drug program, representation in immigration cases, French courses, education and support. 5201 Décarie, 489-3830 or www.blackcoalitionquebec.org

Black Theatre Workshop 3680 Jeanne-Mance, 932-1104 x225 or www.blacktheatreworkshop.ca

Centre international de documentation et d’information haïtienne, caribbienne et afro-canadienne Library and documentation centre. Small fee. 430 Ste-Hélène, 845-0880

Jamaica Association Community services. 4065 Jean-Talon W., 737-8229

Montreal Association of Black Business Persons and Professionals 6767 Côte-des-Neiges, 486-8030 or www.mabbp.org

Women on the Rise Offers support group for mothers with children aged 0 – 5 yrs. 5775 St-Jacques, 485-7814

HANDICAPPED

AlterGo Association régionale de loisir pour personnes handicapées Fighting to make Montreal more accessible. 525 Dominion #340. 933-2739 x223 or www.altergo.net

Ex aequo Disabled rights group. 3680 Jeanne-Mance #328, 288-3852 or www.exaequo.net

Hand in Hand A group for English-speaking intellectually challenged adults, promoting literacy and other life skills. Run through the St. Columba House Community Centre. 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-6202

Montreal Association for the Blind (MAB) Helps the visually impaired. Provides training in Braille, computers, typing, writing skills, etc. Also provides employment program. 7000 Sherbrooke W., 489-8201 or www.mab.ca/new

Montreal Association for the Intellectually Handicapped 633 Crémazie E., 381-2307 or www.amdi.info

STM Wheelchair Transport Door to door transportation for disabled persons that operates on a reservations basis. Must first submit the official Paratransit Admission Request Form to be eligible, which you can download from the STM’s Website at www.stm.info/English/t-adapte/a-index.htm or obtain by contacting Customer Service at 280-8211.

LGBTQ

AlterHéros A bilingual portal site for queer Quebec youth: www.alterheros.com/english/

Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition (CRHC) National organization devoted to health and wellness issues of the LGBT community. 1-800-955-5129 or www.rainbowhealth.ca

Diffusions Gaies et Lesbiennes du Québec Organizes Image&Nation annual gay and lesbian film festival, they’re located at 4067 St-Laurent #404, 285-4467 or www.image-nation.org

Équipe Montréal Umbrella group for 19 different gay and lesbian sports associations featuring over 1000 members. 990-1998 or www.equipe-montreal.com

Fugues Free French publication for the gay community. Guide to gay establishments. Offices at 1212 St-Hubert, 848-1854 or fugues.vortex.qc.ca

Gay/Lesbian AA 3920 Rachel E., 376-9230

The Gay and Lesbian Centre Assists in community development work in the gay community, and gives references to those who need info. Also has a documentation centre. For info, call 528-8424 or visit www.ccglm.org

Gai-écoute Info and counselling, provides referrals in the gay community. Open Mon–Fri 8am– 3am; Sat–Sun 11am – 3am. 866-0103. Also www.gai-ecoute.qc.ca

Gayline Same as above, but in English. 7 days, 7pm–11pm, 866-5090 or www.gayline.qc.ca

GLAM Social and activist group for Asians in the LGBT community. Info: www.glamontreal.org

Queer McGill A social and political information and support service for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender students, and their friends. They also offer a confidential listening service called Queerline (398-6822). 3480 McTavish #432, 398-2106 or www.queermcgill.ca

Project 10 For people 14–25 who are in the process of coming out, have come out or are just questioning. Offers discussion groups, one-on-one counselling, a referral line, info on AIDS and STDs. All services are bilingual, free and confidential. Mon–Fri noon–6pm. 6 Weredale Park, 989-4585

Raging Trannies A trans/gender queer group of mostly McGill and Concordia students interested in raising awareness of trans issues on campuses and in Montreal in general. People can join by emailing the listserv: montreal-raging-trannies@googlegroups.com

Tip of the Tongue Regular social gatherings for lesbians and bisexual women in their 20s & 30s. Call 680-6241 or 683-1497

JEWISH

Canadian Jewish Congress 1590 Dr. Penfield, 931-7531 or www.cjc.ca

Canadian Jewish News Major newspaper with a focus on Jewish issues and events. 6900 Décarie, 735-2612 or www.cjnews.com

Federation CJA The central fundraising, allocating, coordinating and planning body of the Jewish community. This umbrella group provides services in health, welfare, education, recreation and culture through 20 member groups. 5151 Côte-Ste-Catherine (1 Cummings Square) 735-3541 or www.federationcja.org

Jewish Community Council 6825 Décarie, 739-6363 or www.jewishcommunitycouncil.org

Jewish Public Library 5151 Côte-Ste-Catherine (1 Cummings Square) 345-2627 or www.jewishpubliclibrary.org

Rodal’s Hebrew Book Store & Gift Shop 4689 Van Horne, 733-1876

Saidye Bronfman Centre Theatre, youth institute, art programs and an art gallery. 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine, 739-2301; box office, 739-7944 or www.saidyebronfman.org

MUSLIM

MSA Conc ordia 1455 de Maisonneuve W., 848-7410 or http://msa.concordia.ca

MSA McGill 3480 McTavish #430, 398-3001 x09849 or http://msamcgill.com

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM ) Represents over 40 Muslim institutions in the Montreal region. 748-8427 or www.muslimcouncil.org

Online Islamic Community of Montreal http://www.montrealmuslims.ca/

NATIVE

Centre for Native Education Concordia facility offering support services and resources to native students. Also has a documentation centre. Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm, 848-2424, ext. 7327 or http://supportservices.concordia.ca/nativecentre

Intercultural Institute of Montreal Public education on First Nations and multiculturalism. Publishes the journal INTERculture twice a year. 4730 Papineau, 288-7229 or www.iim.qc.ca

Native Friendship Centre Info, referrals, counselling, communal meals. Rec room, library, food and clothing depot, job bank, visits to patients in hospital. 2001 St-Laurent, 499-1854

Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec Provides native court workers, will find lawyers for anyone going to court, helps with information on legal procedures. Prison liaison program for federal inmates. (418) 847-2094 or www.spaq.qc.ca

Native Women’s Shelter Shelter for native women and children in difficulty (alcohol, conjugal violence, homeless, etc.). Daily workshops on all kinds of subjects. 933-4688 or www.nwsm.info

Quebec Native Women’s Association Provincial organization with a special focus on family violence and daycare services for the native community around Montreal. (450) 632-0088

WOMEN

Auberge Shalom Crisis intervention centre for all women in abusive situations. 731-0833

Be Aware Support Line Support for women dealing with conjugal violence. Lines are open M-F, 10am-3pm, 489-1110. Or visit www.womenaware.ca

Centre des femmes de Montréal Psychological and social services, various courses, resource and referral centre. Legal-aid clinic, free clothes and emergency food. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-4781 or www.centredesfemmesdemtl.org

Centre des femmes du Plateau Mont-Royal Classes for women in various areas; programming changes every six months but the standards include creative sewing, relaxation, yoga and self-defence. Documentation and resource centre, collective action, provides space for women’s groups and activities. 1022 St-Joseph E., 527-2295 or www.cfemmesplateau.qc.ca

Chez Doris Assistance for women. Clothing available; breakfast and lunch served on-site. 1430 Chomedey, 937-2341

Co-op Olier Will help find lodging for women. Monthly clothing bazaar. Also runs a family summer camp for low-income families and a children’s clothing exchange. 4510 d’Iberville., 525-1829

2110 Centre for Gender Advocacy (formerly Dragonroot) Free, confidential peer counselling for those suffering from gender oppression. 2110 Mackay, 848-2424, ext. 7431 (info) or ext. 7880 (counselling).

Elle Corazon A welcoming space that presents activities relating to politics, health, art and feminism. Bazaars, art shows and yoga classes. 176 Bernard W., 273-3933 or http://ellecorazon.org/ellecorazon

Info femmes Workshops, daycare and more. 2185 des Ormeaux, 355-4529, www.info-femmes.com

Women’s Aid Help centre and shelter for victims of conjugal violence. 270-8291

Women’s Y Athletic programs, hotel, residence, daycare and tons more. 1355 René-Lévesque W., 866-9941 or www.ydesfemmesmtl.org

OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CULTURAL CENTRES

Action réfugiés Montréal 1410 Guy, 935-7799

Association latino-américaine de Côte-des-Neiges Information and referral centre for Latin Americans. 5307 Côte-des-Neiges, 737-3642

Canadian Palestinian Foundation Social and cultural organization, lobbying, social action, works with refugees. 5135 Notre-Dame W. 956-1685

Centre communautaire arménien Organizes several Armenian community activities. 3401 Olivar-Asselin, 331-4880

Centre communautaire des femmes sud-asiatique 1035 Rachel E., 3rd floor, 528-8812

Centro Leonardo da Vinci Offering a wide array of services and activities to Montreal’s substantial Italian community and beyond, this mega-complex has a daycare, a youth centre, a theatre and an honest-to-goodness bocciadromo to play that old-world fave, bocce. 8370 Lacordaire. 955-8370 or www.centreleonardodavinci.com

Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal Their primary goal is to facilitate integration. They also offer cultural, community and social services. 987 Coté, 4th fl., 861-5244 or www.famillechinoise.qc.ca

Communauté vietnamienne Social and cultural services. 6655 Côte-des-Neiges, 340-9630

Corporacion culturelle latino-americain de l’amitié Classes, translations, a women’s discussion group and a food service. 1600 de l’Eglise, Ville St-Laurent, 748-0796

Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations Houses many services and organizations. 6420 Victoria, 341-2122

Hellenic Community of Montreal Runs cultural events and provides social and legal counselling. Services, support groups and referrals for families and individuals with problems. Several offices around the city, head office is at 5777 Wilderton, 738-2421

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Offers language courses and has an extensive library in Japanese, English and French. 8155 Rousselot, 728-1996

Mile-End Community Bread Oven This group is currently involved in trying to save the Mile End Bread Oven, part of the long tradition of outdoor bread ovens in Quebec, from city development. Since May 2007, they have been hosting regular, free pizza parties made possible by donations, and they hold regular public firings for community meals. For information, email mileendbreadoven@googlegroups.com

Special thanks to Jeffrey Malecki who updated this year’s guide. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Survival Guide listings, sometimes little accidents happen. Please submit corrections, by email or mail, to Letters to the Editor, Montreal Mirror, 465 McGill, 3rd Floor, Montreal H2Y 4B4. Corrections will appear in the September 21 issue.