Interesting set of responses showing how many approaches are possible
depending on locale, stock of bees, management.

Regarding the first question, there are not many "scholarly"
references having to do with whole colony overwintering.  A lot of
that work was done in the 50s and 60s.  More recently, studies have
centered on individual bee physiology and health.  As you can see from
the responses, there are many practices and experience out there among
beekeepers that have tried many different things.  The most experience
in overwintering is probably found in the prairie provinces of Canada.

Is it possible to overwinter in singles in a Montreal-like climate?
Yes, if you have colonies of the right population with bees low in
varroa and nosema, feed them well prior to winter, and can get to them
early enough in the spring to manage and feed if needed.  As others
have pointed out, recommendations for overwintering larger colonies in
doubles or triples certainly are more standard and probably safer.  A
colony may not end up consuming all the 50-90 lbs of stored honey in
boxes through the dead of winter, but if you provide them with less,
the winters are harsh and you cannot get to the colonies in time for
the early buildup they may run out of stores.  If you have just a few
colonies and enough stores, why run the risk?

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