On May 18, 2026, the western branch of the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) enters service with its Anse-à-l’Orme terminus. Six new stations connect Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue to Central Station in under 40 minutes. For West Island real estate, this opening marks a structural turning point — here is the station-by-station analysis.
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1. The 6 stations of the western branch
- Île-Bigras — northern tip of the island, quiet residential area
- Roxboro-Pierrefonds — direct downtown connection
- Sunnybrooke — Dollard-des-Ormeaux area
- Pointe-Claire — commercial and residential hub
- Kirkland — family-friendly neighborhood
- Anse-à-l’Orme — terminus, access to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
The full trip to Central Station takes about 38 minutes, versus 60 to 90 minutes by car at peak hours via Highway 40. This compression of commute time is what transforms the real estate equation.
2. What REM Brossard taught us (July 2023)
The REM Brossard branch opened in July 2023. Within 18 months, sales recorded by QPAAB and comparable_sales data show an average 8 to 14% increase within a 1 km radius of stations — meaning 2 to 3 times more than the rest of the South Shore market.
+12%
Condos <1km from station
+8%
Houses <1km from station
+4%
Rest of South Shore market
3. Which West Island neighborhoods gain the most?
Our analysis crosses pre-REM QPAAB medians with distance to new stations. Three profiles emerge:
- Pierrefonds-Roxboro — single-family median $540K (March 2026). Expected effect: +12 to +15% over 18 months. Undervalued neighborhood until now.
- Kirkland — median $720K. Expected effect: +8 to +10%. Family market already active, more moderate but sustained rise.
- Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue — median $640K. Expected effect: +6 to +9%. Part of the premium is already priced in.
4. Buy before or after May 18?
Most of the appreciation concentrates in the 12 months following inauguration, not before. In short: sellers who already raised prices 6 months ago could be disappointed if buyers wait for the opening to confirm real value. Buying in May-June 2026 remains the optimal window, especially for Pierrefonds-Est which has not yet integrated the premium.
5. Effect on the rental market
REM Brossard increased rents nearby by 6 to 9% over the 12 months post-opening. For West Island plex investors, this branch represents a concrete opportunity: long-term appreciation + market rent growth. Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Dollard-des-Ormeaux are the most-watched zones.
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