The name probably originated from the geolingustic division of the island into French and English, with francophones typically inhabiting the eastern portion of the island and anglophones typically inhabiting the western half. While this division does not necessarily apply today, anglophones still make up the majority of the West Island population.
The West Island is sometimes derogatorily referred to as the "Waste Island," because urban Montrealers tend to see it as a suburban wasteland, devoid of cultural attractions, and most of its residents go to downtown Montreal for such activities. This was used as an argument for amalgamation, as West Islanders enjoyed lower taxes than the old city of Montreal, but still used its theatres, concert halls, and museums. With amalgamation, tax rates have been harmonized across the island.
The region is home to the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (formerly Montreal-Dorval), John Abbott College, and the Macdonald Campus of McGill University.