MikeCohen.ca

Meet and Greet at the Equinoxe: Hydro-Québec connection finally in place

It has been less than a year now since The Equinoxe high rise rental apartment building first welcomed tenants. Most of them moved in during the month of July, with  the remainder in October.

With Philippe Mourani.

Recently a new manager, Isabelle Fregeau, was hired.  I have sat down with her, developers André and Carole Doudak and senior executive Philippe Mourani. When construction was first announced more than two years ago I established an ad hoc committee with representatives from the neighbouring condominiums. It took time but we resolved a lot of issues as phase one of the project proceeded.

There are 170 units in Phase 1. Excavation is well underway for Phase 2, which will have 116 units (larger ones than in the initial phase).

One very serious problem which finally seems to have been addressed is the noise from the Equinoxe generator. SInce the building opened,  it did not have a complete Hydro connection. As a result, the colder it got outside the louder the generator noise rose. This made life miserable for some residents of the Rothchild I and at the Equinoxe itself. I want to thank our Co-City Manager Jonathan Shecter  who worked diligently with Hydro to ensure that their final hookup of the Equinoxe was moved way up on the schedule. Work was completed on April 14 and with the warm weather upon us, we hope this will no longer be an issue. However, as some residents have rightly pointed  out this will kick in if there is a power outage so we will ask them to still undertake the necessary baffling measures.

Meeting resident Stephen Wise and his dog Cooper.

I dropped by the Equinoxe for a meet and greet last week. Most of the residents I spoke to seemed  pleased with the  building. The pool is now operational. There was a security guard on duty. In the very large and beautiful common room, there were  a few different games of cards  going on. Is it perfect? Not yet of course, but as Mr. Mourani shared with me they have another building to populate by the summer of 2020 so they very much want to make sure all the kinks are worked out.

Some residents  spoke  to me about speeding cars on Marc Chagall. While we have put flashing lights at the crosswalk  at the curve closer to the Marquise,  Michael Rosman commented:  "It is a good start to a serious problem. Unfortunately the sign and flashing lights cannot be well seen by speeding cars on both curves until they are on top of the flashing light and signs. Something is yet needed, in my opinion, to slow the cars and trucks, before reaching the curve with the crosswalk. Something like a speed bump before the curve with the crosswalk, on both sides or an occasional police car might assist."

The Equinoxe pool.

 

I will have more updates on the Equinoxe as Phase 2 construction proceeds.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet and Greet at 6700 The Avenue

The rental apartment building located at 6700 The Avenue, across from the side entrance to Quartier Cavendish, is under new ownership.

Mecya Realties, which owns the Cavendish Club and eight other properties, has taken over the 90 unit property from the BSR Group.  Tenants began moving in more than a year and a half ago so I have met many of them. I recently dropped by for a meet and greet with residents, sitting down first with Mecya Director of Operations Emil Badea. “We are very excited to be the new owners,” said Emil.

Meeting with some of the residents.

There is a lot of work to do to bring this building up to speed. Emil said plans call for making all of the necessary renovations by the end of the summer. This means fixing the driveway and the handicapped accessible  ramp, the driveway towards the garage and the  back area. Residents of Park Place, who saw their backyard fences come down during construction, will be relieved to know that Mecya will conduct those repairs as well. A common party and card room will be available for use once the emergency rear exit stairway is put into place. The workout room will get a proper heating system.à

Emil noted that  there is a doorman on site 24/7,  as well as a permanent  maintenance man. There is a  nice pool is and an on-site hair salon. Zoning does allow for commerce on the ground floor, but Emil says there are no prospective tenants at the present time.

Meeting with young Aaron Rasekhi.

The residents I met with seemed very content with the new management.  I even had a nice chat  with 14 year old Aaron Rasekhi, who came down to meet me.  For many of the tenants this is their first time living in a rental. The crossing area to Quartier Cavendish was identified as dangerous, with speeding cars. I assured everyone that our Traffic Committee has designated this area for action in the coming weeks.

Efforts made to resolve parking disturbances at the Meadows by JPPS-Bialik parents

Today  I met with JPPS-Bialik Co-Heads of School Avi Satov and Marnie Stein and President Lee Wise, along with Mark Sidloi and Regine Banon from the Meadows Condominium executive.

During the 13 years I have been on council, we deal with different issues regarding JPPS-Bialik parents blocking access to driveways and more recently parking their vehicles during pickup time in the private Meadows parking lot on Kildare Road.

The JPPS-Bialik team have always done their best to work with us and I must emphasize that the perpetrators are a small minority of parents.

With the Passover Break now underway, the JPPS-Bialik administration will communicate with parents again upon the school’s return and repeat the ground rules. I will be speaking with our Public Safety Department and VCOPs to see if  they can help.  Avi and Marnie themselves will try and police the lot.

With the arrival of JPPS to the building a few years ago, there are now 600 students in that building so traffic has naturally increased.

“The school recognizes that this is a real and pressing issue and in no way condones the disrespectful behaviour that was displayed,”   reads a statement from Avi and Marnie.  “Clear instructions to refrain from parking at the Meadows have gone out to our parent body several times this school year, from both our principals' desks and our parent Safety and Security committee.”­­­­

In response to recent confrontation between some illegally parted parents and Meadows residents,  another strong email was sent by the school administration. “We certainly understand and share your frustration,” they added.  

 We will stay on top of this issue.

Hydro-Québec to undertake electrical system upgrade in 2023 affecting CSL

Hydro-Québec, the Ville de Montréal, the boroughs concerned, as well as the municipalities of Montreal West, Côte Saint-Luc and Town of Mount Royal will work together to support greenery and active transportation initiatives in the transmission line right-of-way between the Aqueduc substation and Saraguay substation. This collaboration is part of a plan to upgrade the transmission system between LaSalle and Saint-Laurent. A green corridor may include a bike bath, pedestrian link, landscaping and recreational facilities.

The project provides for rebuilding the 120-kV Aqueduc-Saraguay overhead transmission line at 315 kV over a span of 18 km between LaSalle and Saint-Laurent ; converting three 120-kV substations to 315 kV—Rockfield substation (in Lachine), Hampstead substation (in Côte Saint-Luc) and Laurent substation (in Saint-Laurent).

In the coming weeks, Hydro-Québec will determine the details of the collaboration with each of its municipal partners. The public will be invited to take part in various information and consultation sessions over the next few months. Cooperation among the partners will promote biodiversity, connectivity and sustainable mobility, and improve community life for residents.

The Aqueduc-Saraguay project is estimated at over $500 million. The project involves replacing aging equipment, maintaining the system's reliability, meeting future electricity needs and supporting Montréal's economic development.

The project is in its initial stages, and the current plan is to build the transmission line in the existing right-of-way. However, the line route may be optimized at a later stage of the project to mitigate its impacts according to technical, economic, environmental and social criteria. The line and three substations will be commissioned progressively from 2023 to 2026.

"Our city is pleased to work proactively in collaboration with Hydro-Québec to optimize the project and enhancing the reliability of the electricity system," said Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein. "The addition of greening initiatives is certainly one of our priorities. I have also asked Hydro-Québec to create a joint working committee to address the concerns of our residents. We are pleased that Hydro-Québec has agreed to this committee so that they will address our input and concerns. "

Info: www.hydroquebec.com/aqueduc-saraguay/en

 

My report from the 2019 National Animal Welfare Conference in Montreal: City and Province Absent!

The 2019 National Animal Welfare Conference (NAWC), an annual professional development and community-building event, was held at the Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal April 14-16. As the Côte Saint-Luc city councillor responsible for Animal Protection, I was pleased to attend this conference.  I did so a few years ago in Vancouver. To be in a room with more than 400 animal lovers from across the country is empowering to say the least.

I really enjoyed this conference.

My biggest disappointment? Neither the City of Montreal nor any other municipality in the province was represented at the conference. How was this possible? Ditto for our new CAQ government, which is too busy focusing on religious symbols. The fact that our province gives animal protection minimal importance by tossing it into the Ministry of Agriculture says it all. This is the biggest and best-attended animal welfare conference in Canada.

The year 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the humane movement in Canada and this country’s first SPCA: our Montreal SPCA. I was pleased to meet with Montreal SPCA Executive Director Elise Desaulniers and Director of Animal Advocacy Sophie Gaillard, as well as a number of other Montreal  animal advocates. It is too bad the conference did not organize any regional caucuses so we could get to know some of the people who do the same work in the province.

There were  more  than 70 conference sessions and activities, world-class speakers, daily networking opportunities, lightning sessions for quick takeaways, amazing exhibitors and prizes, shelter tours of  the Montreal SPCA, a brand-new delegate recharge station for fun and networking, and chances to converse and collaborate with thought leaders to gain insights into emerging animal welfare trends.  

This dog named Ophelia was registered for the conference. I kid you not!

 This two-day event takes place in a different major Canadian city each year and includes presentations, workshops, keynote addresses and panel discussions on new animal welfare initiatives, emerging animal welfare research, best practices in animal sheltering, leadership practices in an animal welfare context, animal welfare community engagement, advocacy and stakeholder relations techniques. This year there was more content on animal sheltering, humane education and leadership best practices than ever before.

The event welcomes students in any discipline, veterinarians and vet techs, academics, researchers and scientists, animal enforcement personnel, animal care professionals who work with companion animals, farm animals or wildlife, staff from humane societies, SPCAs and animal rescues, animal welfare advocates, policy experts, humane education professionals and members of the general public who want to advance their work for animals.

Jackson was on another "Galaxy."

I must say that the opening keynote speaker, Jackson Galaxy, was a major disappointment. The well-known “cat daddy,” and TV show host for Animal  Planet took to the stage for less than a half hour and was completely  uninspiring. He responded to pre-written questions and offered me absolutely nothing new. With that in mind I won’t waste any more space on him.

The Montreal SPCA’s Fight Against Breed-Specific Legislation

Sophie Gaillard gave an excellent presentation on a compelling subject. In June 2016, a Montreal woman was tragically mauled and killed by a dog identified in the media as a “pit bull.”  Shortly thereafter, then Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced his intention to ban “pit bulls” and did in fact adopt breed-specific legislation (BSL) a few months later. The following year, the Quebec government followed suit and introduced a bill aiming to implement province-wide BSL, which would have sentenced tens of thousands of adoptable shelter dogs to death. Fortunately, thanks to efforts led by the Montreal SPCA, including a high-profile lawsuit challenging BSL, Coderre’s municipal bylaw was ultimately repealed, and the provincial bill defeated. This talk will provide an inside look into the Montreal SPCA’s successful fight against BSL. Sophie explained why and how BSL was adopted in Montreal and nearly adopted province-wide, what legal, political and communications strategies were used by the Montreal SPCA to successfully fight BSL at both levels of government and what lessons were learned along the way.

With Sophie Gaillard.

Sophie joined the Montreal SPCA in 2013, after having graduated from McGill University’s Faculty of Law and articling at the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions office in Montreal. In her role as director of animal advocacy, she supervises the SPCA’s inspectors, as well as acting as a liaison with prosecutors and other law enforcement. Me. Gaillard also works on initiatives to strengthen animal protection legislation at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. She is namely one of the instigators of the Animals Are Not Things manifesto, which led to the adoption of a new disposition in the Civil Code of Quebec recognizing animals as sentient beings.

Ending Declawing in North America: Past, Present, and Future

This interactive lecture, which was followed by Q&A period, examined the current state of the practice of declawing in Canada and the US, including some of the key issues, trends and challenges associated with professional and public education. The session concluded by looking at future possibilities for continuing education for the veterinary profession and the public. The speakers offered tools and scripts for motivating veterinary teams to stop offering "partial digital amputation" (as the CVMA describes declawing) and offer suggestions for using the right words and arguments to convince clients and veterinary teams that declawing is not the best solution.

Key learning included  what is declawing, and what are the known physical and behavioral complications of the procedure, including how to recognize subtle, and less subtle, signs of pain in the short and long term,  what is the current position of the CVMA, AVMA and other veterinary organizations on declawing (partial digital amputation),why declawing does not prevent or reduce abandonment, relinquishment and euthanasia, and how humane organizations are leading grass-roots efforts to discourage and end declawing, recent decisions in Canada to stop declawing for ethical reasons, and the progress of legislative and other efforts in the US to end declawing, how declawing has been shown, in recent studies, to cause behavioral problems in cats, and why human medical authorities say declawing is not an effective means of protecting human health and finally what are the reasons motivating veterinary teams to offer this procedure now, and what can be done to motivate teams to stop practicing it and client to stop requesting?

THE RISE OF THE ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL: Supporting Growth and Change in the Animal Welfare Sector

Animal welfare is a complex, multi-faceted and evolving field. Even though it is one of the oldest social institutions in our country, the sector’s drive for professionalization has never been higher than it is today. Professionalization is the social process by which a group of workers transforms itself into an occupation of the highest integrity and competence. The natural trend in all professions is toward greater specialization and recognition, but in animal welfare, the career path is not always clear, it can be challenging to enter the field and, while we apply standards for others, we don’t have industry wide standards for ourselves. This plenary explored concepts of professionalization both for individuals and for organizations in the animal welfare sector. The panel of experts discussed the path to an animal welfare profession and the role of codes of conduct or ethics, education and training, standards and accreditation and certificates and certifications.

An award-winning executive leader in animal welfare, conservation and education. Humane Canada CEO Barbara Cartwright headed the panel. She is one dynamic lady with a terrific stage presence. Her work has spanned five continents and 25 years.  .

Cat Behaviour: What People Don't Know, But Should

 I really enjoyed this session in which well-known cat educator Daniel Filion (L’Éduchateur), covered two interesting subjects. He gave tips and tricks on how to deal with fearful cats but also demystified and offered some explanations on their behavior in general. If cats are the most popular domestic animal sin the world, why are we so oblivious to their behaviors and needs? Even professionals and people dealing with cats everyday will often, involuntarily, contribute to all the myths surrounding them. Why don’t we know? What should we know? What should we stop saying?  Filion, who resides in Laval, offered some explanations that helped us better understand our cat’s behavior and raised their value.

Key learnings included how to modify cat behavior. There were some tips of how to deal with fearful cats. He then asked the question:   why is the most popular domestic animal the one we know the least?   Finally, he focused on how to raise knowledge about cats’ needs and behaviors and therefore raise their "value."

EduCATor is recognized as the most important feline behavior company in Canada and in Europe. For the past 12 years, Filion (pictured here) has been seen as an author and TV and radio commentator, but it's through his famous conferences, combining humor and popularization, that he has built his reputation. His firm does more than 350 private consultations per year and holds the most important Facebook page on feline behavior throughout all French speaking countries where they answer, free of charge, more than 5,000 messages per year to help cat owners. Cat EduCATor is referred by more than 100 veterinary clinics and, through its shelter aid program, also volunteers to help shelters. Cat EduCATor's mission is to decrease the number of cats abandoned and euthanized because of something lile simple urine on the carpet problem. 

Filion told us how he trained his cat Wookie to go for a walk with a leash. He asked questions like whether cats are territorial (he said no) and if the colour of a cat changes their behavior (only for Garfield). He told us that cats are the most popular house pet the world. And he gave us a trick of how to teach your cat to give a high five.

No Place Like Home: Intake Diversion Works

Karen Reichheld, Manager, Animal Care and Adoptions, Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, gave one of the lightning sessions (15 minutes long). All too often, cats are surrendered to shelters because their owners are no longer able to care for them for a variety of reasons. However, there are instances where cats in safe and loving homes      have very treatable conditions and yet for whom treatment by a community veterinarian is not affordable for the pet family. The No Place like Home program at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA treats cats at risk of surrender on an ambulatory basis where the best option for the cats is to live out their lives with their owners – healthy, safe and wanted – in their own homes. The Forever Home Fund was generously seeded by a donor family who continue to fund the program directly. Reichheld listed a range of ambulatory conditions treated to date in the program. She provided three case scenarios and outcomes. Their program is not advertised.  She shared stories of cats which were going to get euthanized and because of the anonymous donor their lives were saved.

Planning an Easy and Effective Event with Limited Resources

Leah Johnson and Maja Krol from the Calgary Humane Society asked the question: Have you ever wanted to plan a simple yet effective fundraising event, but you lack the time and resources? The Calgary Humane Society has developed a simple, effective and donor-centric fundraising event that is sure to leave you with money in your pocket and time on your hands.   During this presentation everyone received a blueprint to build an event with the potential to grow exponentially year after year while engaging your supporters. We were told how to host a fundraiser with little to no resources, engage your donors in a new and innovative way and provided with keys to successful fundraising. This one should have been much longer.

Raising Super Cats: The Importance of Kitten Socialization

 
Bravo to Rebecca Lohnes, MS CDBC, ACCBC, Behaviour and Training Manager, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester. She was a fantastic speaker, with great slides and videos.  By providing proper socialization to the kittens in your care, you will create well-adjusted feline citizens who are less likely to be rehomed later in life. She discussed the science behind socialization, different types of socialization and how to accomplish them in your shelter or foster home, how to engage in low-stress handling and cooperative care, and even some basic manners training! She also talked about the special needs of fearful or unsocialized kittens, singletons and bottle babies. Our CSL Cats Committee is very big on socialization. Lohnes has been the Behaviour and Training Manager at Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, since 2011. She believes in using positive reinforcement and force-free methods to enhance the human-animal bond. She has degrees from Yale University (BSc 2005) and Cornell University (MSc 2010) and she is certified through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Youth, Animals, Action! The Power of Kids and Teens Today

Colleen Ovenden and Emelie Luciani are the co-directors of, ENGAGE: Animal Welfare Education. I am proud to be working with them at the English Montreal School Board.  Running an animal welfare education program for youth in a shelter is often thought of as an investment in the future of animal welfare. It is perhaps because of this focus on youth programming’s distant benefits that animal welfare education is not treated as a priority in many shelters, as other priorities are often more pressing.

Colleen Ovenden and Emelie Luciani

This presentation demonstrated how kids and teens in fact have the power to affect real change – today, in the present. The two speakers argued that youth can play a part in advancing animal welfare not only in the future, but right now. The effects and possibilities of kids and teens getting involved in animal shelters was demonstrated through an exploration of the Montreal SPCA’s youth program; the only shelter in Quebec to offer animal welfare education. Three youth who are using their experiences at the Montreal SPCA as a springboard for further action   shared what they are doing to improve not only the welfare of animals, but the community as a whole.  

The speakers emphasized the importance of youth programming in animal shelters both in the short-term and long-term, how youth are a necessity to advancing animal welfare – not just for the next generation but for right now and the power of youth to affect change.

Ovenden   was previously the Director of Education and Community Outreach at the Montreal SPCA. She holds an MA in Cultural Studies and a PhD (ABD) in Communication Studies. Luciani worked as the Animal Welfare Educator at the Montreal SPCA. She was also the organization’s Adoption and Foster Program Coordinator with more than seven years of experience. Her involvement in animal welfare education integrates her two passions: animals and working with youth. She holds a BA in Sociology.

I am happy I attended this conference. The 2020 edition will be in Victoria, BC.

Important traffic calming measures will proceed this spring

We have some updated traffic calming news.

The traffic calming plan in 2019 is focused on making the Kildare corridor a safer street for pedestrians. The funds will be spent on the following categories:

 Pedestrian counts on Kildare

 Sidewalk bump‐outs on Kildare as well as Clanranald

 Flashing signage on Kildare, Guelph, Cavendish

 Line painting on Kildare

 Standardized signage and bollards at various locations

 Speed bumps at various locations

 StreetLight Data

 

Pedestrian and vehicular counts are planned at two intersections: Sir Walter Scott/Kildare and Westminster/Kildare. In the case of the former, this will give us some valuable information in terms of the traffic flow at particular hours. It is something that was requested at a special focus group meeting I held on the subject in January.

Flashing stop signs will be added along the Kildare corridor to warn drivers and provide additional protection for pedestrians. These are planned at two intersections: Sir Walter Scott  and Kildare and Caldwell and Kildare.  

Additional line paint will be added on the Kildare corridor with more durability to improve visibility year‐round and warn drivers. This will be planned at one intersections as a trial: Sir Walter Scott and Kildare.

We will be converting some speed cushions to permanent humps: Engineering has determined locations in which seasonal speed cushions will be converted to permanent asphalt humps. They are planned at four  locations: Rembrandt,  McAlear, Eldridge and  Melling.

There will also be action taken on the Avenue and the crosswalk between the new rental apartment building and the entrance to Quartier Cavendish. Too many cars are speeding in this area and we worry that a serious accident can occur. Many of the residents of the apartment building are seniors. We will take a fresh look at the parking to remove any blind spots.

As you can see a lot of attention   has been paid towards District 2. I thank the Traffic Committee, chaired by Councillor David Torjdman, for their due diligence on these matters.

Time for dog owners to renew licenses -special evening set aside

All dog owners must ensure that their dog has an annual license, payable by May 1 each year. The annual license fee for each dog that is neutered or spayed is $20. The annual license fee for each dog that is not neutered or spayed is $30.

You must make this payment in person at City Hall.  Normally this option is only available during daytime hours. However, after having received a few phone calls from people whose work schedules will not allow this we have decided to remain open for one night only: Thursday, April 25 until 7:30 pm.

For those people who cannot make  this date due to the Jewish holiday or who wish  to pay via another method, I am excited to announce that our Finance Department is prepared to pilot eTransfers. You can pay for your dog or cat license via the email address of finance@cotesaintluc.org.

The resident will have to send us an email with the required information (name, address, dog/cat name, age, color, neutered or not, etc.), then they will be given the confirmation to proceed with the e-Transfer. We will send the receipt and tag in the mail

Please take note of this.

It is very important to have your dog licensed for identification purposes and  heaven forbid if  they get lost.

 

 

Coalition of elected officials at all levels join to oppose Bill 21/Coalition d’élus de tous les paliers de gouvernement contre le projet de loi 21

 A coalition of mayors, city councillors, school board commissioners, and representatives at the provincial and federal level announced today their intention to oppose Bill 21, An Act respecting the laicity of the State, which was recently tabled by the Quebec government.

The coalition of elected officials announced the Rally for Religious Freedom will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2019, from 11:30am to 1 pm in front of the Bernard Lang Civic Centre at 5801 Cavendish Blvd. in Côte Saint-Luc. The public is invited to attend to show their opposition to Bill 21.

Quotes

“Yes, ensuring the neutrality of the state is vitally important. That ensures the equality of all but this awful bill will do exactly the opposite. It will tell some Quebecers that they are not as equal as others. What a terrible message! This bill is unfair, it is unworthy of the Quebec that I love and is effectively illegal when applied to the Quebec and Canadian Charters of Rights. Together, we will use all means legitimately available to oppose it.”

- David Birnbaum, Member of Parliament for D’Arcy-McGee and Official Opposition Critic for Indigenous Affairs

“We intend to work together across jurisdictions to oppose Bill 21. The proposed law discriminates against a number of those people we represent and seeks to treat those who wear a cross, kippa, hijab or turban as second class citizens.”

- Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament for Mount Royal

“We intend to speak out and defend a value we hold dear–that of ensuring all Quebecers can excel in the professions of their choice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.”

- Mitchell Brownstein, Mayor of the City of Côte Saint-Luc

“Bill 21 violates both the Quebec and Canadian Charters of Rights and Freedoms as well as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have a moral obligation to fight this law in every way we can. It discriminates against religious people and limits their job opportunities."

- Dr. William Steinberg, Mayor of the Town of Hampstead

“Bill 21 will institutionalize discrimination for certain jobs in the public service making Quebec the only jurisdiction in North America where candidates who might be entirely qualified, indeed the best candidate, will be barred on the basis of their deeply held religious believes. Quebec's civil service already lacks diversity and the message this Bill sends is that minorities are unwelcome. It flies in the face of the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and what most Quebecers believe that we are a welcoming society where people can be proud of their descent and heritage while being proud of being Quebecers. Clearly this Bill targets Jews, Sikhs and Muslims and as more Quebecers realize it, support for this odious legislation will collapse.”

- Marvin Rotrand, Councillor for Snowdon district of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (Montreal)

“We must speak out against this legislation together. We stood united against the former PQ government’s Charter of Values in 2014 and I am comforted to see we will do so again. What the government is asking us to do goes against all of the values we teach our children.”

- Angela Mancini, Chair of the English Montreal School Board

Quick facts

• The Quebec government tabled Bill 21 in the National Assembly on March 28, 2019

• The bill is available to read at http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/travaux-parlementaires/projets-loi/projet-loi-21-42-1.html

• A coalition of elected officials spoke out against the proposed Bill 60 (Charter of Values) tabled by the Parti Québécois government in 2013.

• A rally in support of religious freedom was held on Monday, December 2, 2013 in Côte Saint-Luc (view at https://youtu.be/hskyILOfDzs)

 

Une coalition formée de maires, de conseillers municipaux, de commissaires d’école et de représentants de différents organismes provinciaux et fédéraux a annoncé aujourd’hui son intention de s’opposer au projet de loi 21, la Loi sur la laïcité de l’État déposée récemment par le gouvernement du Québec.

La coalition d’élus a fait savoir que le Rallye pour la liberté religieuse se tiendra le dimanche 14 avril 2019, de 11 h 30 à 13 h, devant le Centre municipal Bernard Lang au 5801, boulevard Cavendish à Côte Saint-Luc. La population est invitée à participer pour manifester son opposition au projet de loi 21.

Citations

« Oui, il est essentiel de garantir la neutralité de l’État afin d’assurer l’égalité entre tous, mais cet inquiétant projet de loi fera exactement le contraire. Il indiquera à certains Québécois qu’ils ne sont pas aussi égaux que d’autres. Quel horrible message !  Ce projet de loi est injuste, il est indigne du Québec que j’aime. En fait, il est illégal selon les chartes québécoise et canadienne des droits et libertés. Ensemble, nous utiliserons tous les moyens légitimes à notre disposition pour nous y opposer. »

- David Birnbaum, membre de l’Assemblée nationale pour D’Arcy-McGee et Porte-parole de l’opposition officielle en matière d’affaires autochtones

« Nous avons l’intention de travailler ensemble avec les divers paliers de gouvernement pour nous opposer au projet de loi 21. La loi proposée est discriminatoire envers un certain nombre de personnes que nous représentons et elle a pour effet de traiter ceux qui portent une croix, une kippa, un hijab ou un turban comme des citoyens de deuxième classe. »

- Anthony Housefather, député de Mont-Royal à la Chambre des Communes

« Nous avons l’intention de nous faire entendre et de défendre une valeur qui nous tient à cœur : faire en sorte que tous les Québécois puissent exceller dans les professions de leur choix, peu importe leurs croyances religieuses. »

- Mitchell Brownstein, maire de la Ville de Côte Saint-Luc

« Le projet de loi  21 viole à la fois la charte québécoise et la charte canadienne des droits et libertés, ainsi que la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies. Nous avons l’obligation morale de combattre cette loi par tous les moyens dont nous disposons. Elle est discriminatoire envers les personnes ayant des croyances religieuses et elle limite leurs possibilités d’emploi. »

- Dr William Steinberg, maire de la Ville de Hampstead

« Le projet de loi  21 institutionnalisera la discrimination pour certains emplois dans la fonction publique, faisant du Québec la seule juridiction en Amérique du Nord où des candidats parfaitement qualifiés, voire les meilleurs, seront exclus en raison de leurs convictions religieuses profondes. La fonction publique québécoise manque déjà de diversité et le message de ce projet de loi est que les minorités ne sont pas les bienvenues. Cela va à l’encontre de la Charte des droits et libertés de la personne du Québec et de ce que la plupart des Québécois estiment être une société accueillante où les gens peuvent être fiers de leur descendance et de leur patrimoine tout en étant fiers d’être Québécois. Il est clair que ce projet de loi cible les juifs, les sikhs et les musulmans et à mesure que les Québécois en prendront conscience, l’appui à cette loi odieuse s’effondrera. »

- Marvin Rotrand, conseiller du district Snowdon de Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (Montréal)

« Nous devons nous prononcer contre ce projet de loi ensemble. Nous nous sommes unis contre la Charte des valeurs de l’ancien gouvernement du PQ en 2014 et je suis rassurée de voir que nous le referons. Ce que le gouvernement nous demande de faire va à l’encontre de toutes les valeurs que nous enseignons à nos enfants. »

- Angela Mancini, présidente de la Commission scolaire English-Montréal

Faits en bref

• Le gouvernement du Québec a déposé le projet de loi 21 à l’Assemblée nationale le 28 mars 2019.
• Le projet de loi est disponible à http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/travaux-parlementaires/projets-loi/projet-loi-21-42-1.html
• Une coalition d’élus avait pris position contre le projet de loi 60 (Charte des valeurs) déposé par le gouvernement du Parti Québécois en 2013.
• Un rassemblement pour la liberté de religion avait eu lieu le lundi 2 décembre 2013 à Côte Saint-Luc (voir https://youtu.be/hskyILOfDzs)

First ever kosher Tim Hortons to open in Côte Saint-Luc

Huge news from the City of Côte Saint-Luc and our Aquatic and Community Centre

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and council will formally announce today that the first ever all kosher Tim Hortons will open at the ACC. It will be part of a brand new structure built right next to the ACC and connected via a passageway.

A look at what the new Tim Hortons in Côte Saint-Luc will look like.

Negotiations  between Mayor Brownstein, our senior staff and Tim Hortons officials have been going on for more than a year. The mayor brought Councillors Sidney Benizri  and David Tordjman on board, members of the  Montreal Vaad Hair (MK), Rabbi Reuben J. Poupko,  Israel Consul General  David Levy and former Montrealer turned Israeli Sylvan Adams.  As a result of these discussions, Adams will secure the franchise rights for Tim Hortons to make its debut in Israel.

“Côte Saint-Luc will be the test case for Israel,” said Mayor Brownstein.

“Finally,” said Rabbi Poupko, “I will be able to experience the taste of  timbits.”

Consul General Levy made the connection with Mr. Adams, who made Aliya to Israel a few years ago but remains very much connected  to his hometown. Not only does Mr. Adams want to have a series of kosher Tim Hortons franchises in Israel, but he intends to have food court versions open up at Montreal Jewish day school cafeterias.

The ACC is already a popular destination for hundreds of people each day. The present-day snack bar will close and in the summer season Tim Hortons will setup a satellite site at the pool. “We also hope to do the same thing at the arena,” said Mayor Brownstein. “With the first ever kosher Tim Hortons, the ACC area will become a destination locale for all of the Jewish community in Greater Montreal.”

With a school across the street and new high rise buildings under construction, the timing is perfect for such a move.

Rabbi Saul Emmanuel, executive director of the Vaad, called this a great moment in Canadian Jewish history.

Former Parks and Recreation Department stalwart Harold Cammy, a diehard McDonald's customer, has agreed to come out of retirement to manage the operation.

As for Councillor Mike Cohen, he wished everyone a Happy April Fool’s Day. But the more I think of it, would this not be a great idea?

 

 

City and Condo Association work closely to prepare for Rembrandt Ave. garage work

For the  last  several months, our Urban Development, Public Works and  Public Safety Departments, have been working diligently with the administrators of the Condo Elysée on Rembrandt Avenue and how to assist them while major garage work occurs over the next four months.

Garage work on Rembrandt will last four months

 

The Elysée   data base of 84 cars license plate numbers have been submitted to Public Security. Residents in the immediate area can expect to see a lot of cars on the street. Those residing in the other condos  would be well  advised to use their own garages all of the time, even if they are only going in and out for a few minutes.

Public Safety has been very helpful in collecting vehicle information. Public Works will ensure that the recycling bins are attended to. A big thanks as well to Spyro Yotis, our traffic engineer.

Work like this on a street with many condo buildings can be disruptive. The administration of the Elysée has been very well organized. Hats off to Agneta Hollander and  Steve Acre in particular.

Unique new kosher donut shop to open at Quartier Cavendish

There is good news to announce from Quartier Cavendish. A new kosher donut store called Sfingy’s will be open in early May in the old mmmuffins spot and owners Marvin Fuks and his wife Maya Lallouz are hoping for the same customer reaction that Krispy Kreme created when it set up shop a number of years ago at Marche Central.

The Fuks family,

“People will see the donuts being made right in front of them and like Krispy Kreme if there is a lineup we will hand out samples,” Fuks told me.

I met with Michael Wolfe, the president of Mandevco Properties which owns and manages the Quartier and on-site manager Jeff Goodman. They were very excited to tell me that Sfingy’s has signed a five year lease.

Fuks most recently worked as the manager of Ernie and Ellie’s at Decarie Square, now closed. His wife  is a physio therapist by profession at the Jewish General Hospital. “This project of the donut shop started as her idea,” he said.  “Maya has a big sweet tooth, she would see on social media her friends posting all kinds of interesting non-kosher desserts and donuts, and she would always complain that we do not have anything like that in the kosher world in Montreal. Being that I am a chef, I decided to start experimenting with different recipes to find a delicious one. After five months of experimenting at home and countless trials of donuts, I developed a recipe that is delicious, kosher, pareve, and moist!! My wife and I are very excited to have the community try our donuts.”

The name “Sfingy’s” derives from the Moroccan donut Sfinge, but with an Ashkenazi twist. Hence, Sfingy’s. “We will be making mini Sfinge in a ball form, mini gourmet donuts with out of this world toppings, smoothies, cookies, muffins, coffee, and much more,” Fuks explained.  “I will always be trying to develop new recipes for new products to launch in the store. Our customers will be able to choose from many different toppings and sauces to put on top of the Sfingy’s. In the beginning, we will be offering fried donuts and Sfingy’s, but I am working on a baked version, as well as a gluten free and vegan option.”

Fuks said that the donut shop will have tables and chairs available for  customers to sit and enjoy their delicious treats with a hot or cold beverage.

“We will be offering different services to our customers, such as, customized donuts and other products for private events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthday parties and more,”  he said.  “We are very excited to be part of the MK family and looking forward to serving our community with delicious treats.

Sfingy’s is already on Facebook and Instagram.

Police Station 9 taking aim at cars that run stop signs on Kildare Road

It has been, sadly, a regular occurrence for years: motorists running stop signs on Kildare Road, between Marc Chagall and Rembrandt.

I see it when  I am driving myself  and whenever I walk the area. Perpetrators are most likely residents of District 2. Occasionally cars from Police Station 9 set up speed traps and try and nab the offenders. Such was the case today  as a patrol car sat at the corner of Merrimac and Kildare, Parents from JPPS and Bialik doing pickup and drop off tend to be the guilty parties as  well in some cases.

A police car looks for violators at Merrmac and Kildare.

 

On Kildare there are stop signs going west at the corners of Merrimac,  SIr Walter Scott and since last September, on Rembrandt. Vehicles typically make what I used to call "Chicago" stops. They slow down, but keep on going. A lot of research was done before adding the  stop sign on Sir Walter Scott a few years ago and most recently on Rembrandt, We are trying to keep the area safe. For some people,  the  only way this sinks in is if they get an expensive traffic ticket. The police will be setting up shop there more often so please  try and put your foot on the  breaks more consistently.

Remembering a very special pharmacist: RIP Arnie Smith

When I was very young and growing up at our Wentworth Avenue home the name "Arnie Smith" enjoyed legendary status.

Arnie was my dad's pharmacist. Originally, he worked out of a small storefront on Côte Saint-Luc Road near Randall and later took over the Pharmaprix at Cavendish Mall (now Quartier Cavendish). To my dad, Arnie was like a doctor. No matter what ailment hit a member of our family, dad would say, "We better go see Arnie Smith."

Arnie Smith

I can remember dad walking down the aisle at the Pharmaprix and asking Arnie to examine his eye. And he did.

Last year Arnie and his wife Frances became constituents of mine when they moved into a condo on Marc Chagall Avenue. Arnie was so happy with his new home. Sadly, he did not get to enjoy it for very long. He passed away on  Saturday, March 9.

Even well after Arnie sold the pharmacy, he was still very active behind the counter and up and down the aisles. My dad passed away just over six years ago and until his final days he always put his faith in the Smith team.  David Banon and his wife Sarah Ettedgui are the present-day owners of the  Pharmaprix at Cavendish (as well as Caldwell) and they indeed carry on the same special relationship with clients Arnie did.

Arnie sat near me at Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation in Côte Saint-Luc during the  high holidays and he was always eager to know what was new in our community.

"I go back with Arnie 62 years. ago when we were both working at Phillips Drug Store in Park Ex.," said his former colleague Simon Shatzky. "Arnie was just not a pharmacist, but he was a human being in every respect.He did not have a bad bone in his body.He was a kind, generous, understanding, sympathetic and patient person." 

Added Hampstead Town Councillor Harvey Shaffer: "He was a gentleman and mensch in regards very sense of those words. He was kind and considerate, always willing to do whatever he could to help his numerous customers.Arnold was the pharmacist of pharmacists. He always went the extra mile."  

Rhona Elias said she and her husband George go back with Smith for more than 40 years.  "He was always available to answer any question and  never too busy to stop what he was doing to give you his attention. A true mensch; always so warm and  kind." 

Educator Dr. Shimshon Hamerman commented: "What a sad day to learn that a sweet, gentle and kind man has left us. Arnold was an institution in Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead. He was the go to person at Randall Pharmacy when someone could not get to see a doctor. He helped and healed hundreds of people. Always a kind word; always a smile; always polite--that was Arnie."

CSL Men's Club president and retired pharmacist Mannie Young remarked: "I have lost my mentor, my teacher, my friend. Arnie was the pharmacist who taught me the art of listening to the customer's needs above all else. We go back to Randall Pharmacy. He was a true mensch, always ready to go above and beyond to satisfy. I will truly miss him. " 

Fred Goltz, who runs the excellent toy store at Quartier Cavendish, said Smith was his first employer when he was just a kid at Pharmaprix. "Over the years we built up a relationship and even became neighbours up in St Agathe," he noted. " I will so miss my friendly talks with him, be it up north or as he did his walking through the Mall."

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., Montreal, will be on Tuesday, March 12 at 1 p.m. Burial at the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation Cemetery, Tifereth Jerusalem Section, de la Savane. Shiva at his home from 2 to 4 and  7  to 9 p.m. daily. Donations in Arnie’s memory may be made to the Scleroderma Research Fund c/o the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can all help in the search for Jesse Galganov: Fundraising Bazaar set for March 17

On September 24, 2017, 22-year-old Côte Saint-Luc resident Jesse Galganov left home for an eight-month backpacking trip through South America and Southeast Asia.  He was last seen on October 1, 2017 in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains of Northern Peru, in Huascarán National Park.  

Alisa and her son Jesse.

Jesse’s mother Alisa Clamen has left no stone unturned in an effort to find him, notably engaging a prominent Israeli search and rescue company called Magnus International. Their search and investigation is ongoing and Alisa has full confidence that they will succeed in locating him. However, the costs related to the search have already exceeded $2 million.  

As part of fundraising efforts to support the search,  Alisa and her co-chair Jen Gian are organizing A Bazaar for Jesse, a multi-faceted fundraising initiative: garage sale, bake sale, sale of new items, raffle, auction and community event. It will take place on Sunday, March 17 (9 am to 4 pm) at the Lawrence Bergman Chalet at Trudeau Park in Côte Saint-Luc. All funds will go directly to the Jesse Galganov Fund at the Missing Children’s Network.

Some of the high end items available for sale will be   headphones, televisions, fur coats and many gift cards for dinners (Montreal and Toronto) and gyms,   paintings., Tumi luggage, Swarovski Jewelry, Juliet et chocolat gift baskets  and much more.

Alisa notes that her committee is already in receipt of donations of many goods and services from many generous individuals and businesses. Donations of garage sale items can be dropped off at the Chalet on Friday, March 15 from Noon to 3 pm and Saturday, March 16 from 9 am to Noon  and from 7 pm t o 10 pm.  For more information email helpusfindjesse@gmail.com. 

This Sunday, March   10,  Alisa  will be a guest on CJAD'S Life  Unrehearsed with hosts Matt Del  Vecchio and Corrie Sirota  at 4:30 pm. Matt and Corrie  are both very caring and passionate individuals so Alisa is in good hands to continue telling her story.  You are being encouraged to like the show's Facebook page  here so you can  also have access to a  Facebook Live feed,

Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and our  entire council encourage  everyone to  visit the  Bazaar and help in any way we can. 

There is an event page for  the Bazaar you can access here.

See this video by Alisa as to what is available at the Bazaar.

 

Here is Mayor Brownstein's extended interview with Alisa.

 

 

Mayor of Gaza-border town shares stories about missile attacks at CSL talk

On the  final swing of a  cross-Canada tour for the Jewish National Fund,  the Mayor of a small  Israeli town only one kilometer from the Gaza Strip spoke at the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem Congregation in Côte Saint-Luc.

 

Sidney Benizri, myself, Anthony Housefather, Mayor Brownstein, Mayor Davidi,  David Birnbaum, Dida Berku, David Tordjman and  Dorel Abramovitz.

 

Alon Davidi, the Mayor of Sderot, has been travelling across the country with his Director of Resource Development  Dorel Abramovitz in order to share the town’s story, as well as to raise money for a Zoo-therapy centre for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  victims. I was among the members of city council, along with Mayor Mitchell Brownstein,  D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA  David Birnbaum, Mount Royal Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather, Israel Consul General David Levy and other dignitaries at a cocktail with the Mayor. This was followed by a talk open to the public.

Mayor Davidi and his wife Nurit  have seven children. Born in Be'er Sheva, he studied at the Benny Wolfson Yeshiva in the city and later at the Karnei Shomron hesder yeshiva. BA in Education and MA in Administration and Public Policy. He arrived in Sderot 22 years ago. He taught for two years at the local high school and managed the hesder yeshiva in Sderot, served as advisor to the Minister of Housing Effie Eitam and founded the "Headquarters for the Security of Sderot,"which worked hard to restore security to the residents of Sderot. He was elected to the city council in 2008 and since 2013 serves as mayor of Sderot.  

JNF  Montreal Executive Director Galith Levy presents a Habs shirt to the mayor.

Over the years Sderot has been pounded by missile attacks fired from Gaza. A town of  28,000 people against a Hamas-controlled terrorist territory which is home to 1.7  million. It is hard to believe that despite this danger and the necessity to consistently hide in bomb shelters, people keep flocking to live there.  The Mayor estimated  that by 2025 he expects  the population to swell past 50,000.

The incidents of PTSD in  Sderot are alarming – 80 percent of kids are victims. The Mayor spoke about one of his children and how the attacks  affected her. It was the animal assisted therapy program which finally broke her out of her shell. The new Resilience Centre they are building will cost $1.5 million. When they  arrived in Canada  they were $465,000 short of their goal. Donations via JNF Canada are being solicited.

“It’s very tough,”  the Mayor said. “Hamas wants to destroy not only Sderot, but all Israel.”

A captain in the IDF, the Mayor expressed the community’s gratitude to Israel’s military for protecting the city. “We continually visited soldiers and gave them food, clothing, everything,” he declared.

There is presently only one Reslience Centre in Sderot  and it does not have the capacity to serve all the children that need treatment. “It’s not enough, it’s never enough,” said Abramovitz. “The city of Sderot is working alongside JNF to create another Resilience Center that can serve the entire Gaza envelope."

Much of the development that has taken place in Sderot over the past 15 years has been in spite of the efforts of Hamas to tear down their city and force the people out. "I think the fact that our city is growing and thriving is a counter to their attacks,” said Abramovitz.

Bravo to JNF for organizing the tour. It is too bad more Montrealers did not attend this interesting talk.

New safety measure implemented on Marc Chagall Avenue

Concern has been rising over the last couple of years regarding speeding cars on Marc Chagall Avenue. We did place seasonal speed bumps closer to Kildare Road, which helped.  Seasonal planters were eliminated for now because of the many  trucks that use the street for construction and snow dump work.

In recent months I have heard from some new residents of the Equinoxe  building who enjoy walking to the  library. But they raised concern over crossing at the turn between the Marquise and Bellagio condos and that blind curve. I brought this issue to the Traffic  Committee. As an initial measure,we now have a "Lentement" sign near the Marquise and buttons on both sides of the street where  the crosswalk is situated. The buttons signal flashing lights which are meant to warn vehicles to slow down.

I saw the procedure in action today. The problem is a lot of people are not yet aware of it. We will try to spread the word and hopes  this improves security. We  have also asked  police to keep an eye on the stretch,

The crosswalk, warning sign, button and flashing light.

 

 

Type 1 Diabetes Day: Activities and conferences planned for kids, parents and guardians at Moskovitch Arena March 8

Côte Saint-Luc resident Michaella Etienne, the president of the  Association of Parents of Children with Diabetes, has organized an event called Icebreaker. It will take place  during March Break on Friday, March 8 from 10 am to 1  pm,  at Samuel Moskovitch Arena  and feature  free activities such as skating, yoga with Audi Gozlan and dancing with the Tyler Anne School of Dance.

Renowned endocrinologist and researcher Dr.Rémi Rabasat-Lhoret will be giving a conference and answering questions. Also speaking will be members of  theType 1 Better team, nurse Sarah Haag, clinical dietician Amélie Roy-Fleming  and  endocrinologist Dr. Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret. UFC fighter Alex Garcia will  be a special guest.

 

Ms. Etienne notes that children with Type 1 Diabetes are insulin dependent, requiring either multiple daily injections or insulin pumps. Type 1 diabetes is a life threatening chronic disease with risks of acute and chronic complications. Children can’t have a break or a day off.  In addition, children face endless stigma  and discrimination which can be compromising for their self-esteem, moral and even their self-treatment care. 

The event’s objectives are to encourage children to engage in physical activity, offer peer support (children often do not know other type 1 children and feel marginalized), reward their efforts, build their community and motivate them to pursue a “normal” childhood despite their disease. Parents and guardians with Type 1 diabetes are also welcome with their children to build a strong and supportive community. 

The City of Côte Saint-Luc has joined the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Omnipod, Dexcom, Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care and Better.

For more information contact Michaella at 514.531.4402 or at  michaella.etienne@gmail.com,

Another successful Winter Carnival

It was nice to see young children like this having so much fun.

Ever since I was a little boy growing up in Côte Saint-Luc I have looked forward to our winter carnival. As a father, I got to experience it from a parental perspective when my daughter was young. Today, it still is a lot of fun and for the 2019 edition the weather was pretty good considering what we have become accustomed to these last few months.

Adrian Mercellus and Camrynn Platt receive their awards.

All of the action took place at Trudeau Park. There was the traditional   pancake breakfast sponsored by McDonald’s franchisee Pierre Brunet at the Lawrence Bergman Chalet, horse drawn carriage rides, taffy on snow, face painting, ice sculpture activities, public skating, hockey games, a figure-skating exhibition, and more. Throughout the Carnival, we accepted  donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Including proceeds from the tournament, we raised $8,000 this year.

The $8,000 cheque is presented.

Councillors David Tordjman and Mitchell Kujavsky co-chaired Winter Carnival festivities this year. Along with Councillor Ruth Kovac, who oversees the Parks and Recreation portfolio, Liberal Member of Parliament for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather and Elisabeth Prass (representing D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum), I took part in an awards ceremony for the Côte Saint-Luc Figure Skating Club.

McDonald's executive Mitchell Libenstein oversees the pancake preparation.

Congratulations to our Parks and Recreation staff for another great job! It was so enjoyable seeing all of the families with young children enjoy themselves so much.

The pony rides.

The snow queens.

Fun and games.

Taffy on the snow.

A makeshift slide was very popular.

 

Police Commander calls for calm in the wake of Cavendish stabbing incident

Since last week's stabbing incident at the Quartier Cavendish Cineplex Odeon Theatre, I have received many calls from frightened constituents.  A couple were reportedly  watching a movie when the wife asked a man behind her to stop smoking cannabis. He allegedly lunged towards her with a knife. The husband stepped in front and was stabbed in the leg.

Five men were stopped by police in the parking lot, but released.

Commander Oliveira

"Our Sergeant on the scene interviewed them and they were not at all connected to the incident," Commander Luis Oliveira told me. "There was no evidence to bring any of them in."

The Commander said none of the men smelled from cannabis either. "We have all of the information on each one of them in the event we need to communicate with them," he said.

According to the Commander this was an isolated incident and people do not need to panic. In the meantime officers from Police Station 9 have been doing foot patrols in the Quartier all  week and they will continue to do so. The socio community agents are meeting with the cinema management to establish proper procedures  for what to do when people light up, get into fights, etc.  As our City Manager Tanya Abramovitch righly told members of council today, "We at the city have the reflex to call  Public Security and/or the police, but they do not. Had such a procedure been in place, this likely would not have escalated in the way it did. The fact that what they were smoking was cannabis is not really relevant. They could have been smoking a cigarette and the same thing would have happened. "

I, like many people, often go to this theatre. It is absolutely necessary for one staff member to routinely go in and out of each room to see if anyone is acting inappropriately and to take the proper action. How many times have any of us turned around in a movie theatre and, for instance, asked someone to be quiet. As the Commander told me, the perpetrator "was clearly someone  high on dope,"

Côte Saint-Luc has the the second lowest crime rate on the island . The Commander said we can all can consider ourselves residing in a  a "safe" city.

 

Let's Chat Facebook page transforms into West End Politics

Almost two years ago, before the 2017 Côte Saint-Luc municipal elections got into  full gear, a new Facebook page called Let’s Chat was created by local activist and businesswoman Marissa Sidel. It attracted a lot of attention, with residents airing their gripes and candidates chiming in. Some others  pages  like   Côte Saint-Luc Families and CSL Unsensored also materialized.

Marissa Sidel

Upon the election of the new council, Our Public Affairs and Communications Director Darryl Levine launched CSL Ideas. We already had a general city Facebook page with general updates and information.

After the election Let’s Chat  CSL expanded to become Let’s Chat CSL, Hampstead Montreal West 2.0. Then last week the page was taken down by Facebook. Initially Marissa tried  to revive it as Let’s Chat 3.0. It seems the  page got caught up in a spam folder algorithm and the name needed to be changed.

Marissa has now introduced West End Politics, aiming  for a broader audience and mandate. “This group is meant for discussion surrounding local issues in the West End,” she notes. “The West End constitutes CSL, NDG, Hampstead, Montreal West and TMR. All issues are welcome to be discussed. The purpose of this group is to be a citizen led conversation about anything that affects the West End. The group is for the people and by the people."

Working  alongside Marissa is her brother and business partner Noah, a former journalist, communications professional, political candidate and most recently an active voice for the Edinburgh Elementary School community in Montreal West. What’s refreshing about this page is the fact it will not just focus on municipal issues in CSL, Hampstead and Montreal West, but we will hear about the provincial and federal level and yes the school boards.

"There’s a lot we can do as a group of people. I’m a little tired of the  'we have no lights on Cavendish and Kildare' posts."

I have been active on Facebook for years, with personal and political pages. In addition, I am an administrator or moderator for the English Montreal School Board, the CSL Trap Neuter Return program, CSL Central Bark, Montreal Food Scene and Carré Union. 

Anthony Housefather

Besides  members of our city council, Liberal Member of Parliament for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather and D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum are frequent posters to these local pages.

Housefather is thriving in his role as our representative in Ottawa and this week he posted a video of his impressive  back and forth with the Bloc , who have proposed a bill that would give English-speaking Quebecers in the federal civil service fewer rights to work in their language than any other civil servant in Canada. “In this video my vision of Canada comes out loudly and clearly in both official languages,” Anthony stated on his Facebook page. You can see it here is you have access to Facebook.

With a federal election set for October, West End politics will no doubt be occupied with that topic.

 

 

 

Felling of Trees behind the Library commences

The City of Côte Saint-Luc must fell approximately 250 trees in the wooded area behind Ashkelon Gardens in District 2. The work began on January 28. It  is expected to end by February 20, 2019.

The ash trees must be felled because they have been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Although these trees are still standing, they are unstable and must be felled for the safety the population.

During the work, residents in the area will hear the sounds of trucks, chainsaws, and wood chippers. The workday will run from approximately 8am to 5pm. No work will be done on weekends.

Much of the chipped wood will remain in the woodland area. Wood that cannot be chipped will be temporarily placed at Veterans Park and will be collected from that area in February 2019. Part of the parking lot behind the Bernard Lang Civic Centre will be used to chip wood.

Starting in May 2019, the city will clear 21,000 buckthorn from the area, which is necessary to give new trees a chance to thrive. In early fall, 750 new trees will be planted, as will bushes and grasses. The trees are indigenous to the area and were selected because tend to grow quickly. They include the following varieties: Silver Maple, Eastern Cottonwood Poplar, Northern White, Cedar, Common Hackberry, American Linden/Basswood, Eastern Hemlock, Bur Oak, Shagbark, Hickory and Bitternut Hickory. The city will also be planting approximately 500 shrubs, which include the following six varieties: Alder, Willow, Elderberry, Dogwood and Honeysuckle.

 

We sent out t calls to property owners near the library for something I held two public information meetings about.

 

Here is what the message said: 

 

We’re calling to let you know that work has started to fell 250 sick trees in the forested area behind Ashkelon Garden. The work is expected to end by February 20. During the work, residents in the area will hear the sounds of trucks, chainsaws, and wood chippers. The workday will run from approximately 8am to 5pm. No work will be done on weekends. The ash trees must be felled because they have been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Although these trees are still standing, they are unstable and must be felled for the safety the population. View the announcement on CoteSaintLuc.org for more information about the project, including which types of trees will be planted.

 

Nous vous appelons pour vous informer que des travaux d’abatage de 250 arbres ont débuté dans la zone boisée derrière le jardin Ashkelon. Les travaux se poursuivront jusqu’au 20 février. Pendant les travaux, les résidants du secteur entendront les bruits des camions, des tronçonneuses et des déchiqueteuses à bois. Les travaux seront effectués exclusivement du lundi au vendredi entre environ 8h et 17h. Les frênes doivent être abattus parce qu'ils ont été infectés par l'agrile du frêne. Bien que ces arbres soient encore debout, ils sont instables et doivent être abattus pour assurer la sécurité de la population.

Pour en savoir plus sur cette annonce, y compris le genre d’arbres qui seront plantés, consultez CoteSaintLuc.org.

 

Noise from the Equinoxe generator

Last week the owners of the Equinoxe built a noise reducing enclosure aimed at  reduce the noise when their generator is needed. This generator continues to cause sleepless nights for residents of the Rothchild I whose  units face this area.

I thank our Urban Development Manager Jeff Davey for working overtime on this dossier. This latest effort does not appear to have resolved  the situation.

I dropped by the area myself.

Click here or below to see my short video.

Update. Here is the noise from Monday night.

 

 

 

Remembering Cody Vigderhous

A few weeks ago Cody, the beloved dog of Car Vigderhous and family was brutally run over by a car. This was pure and simply a hit and run. With the support of Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Public Works Director Beatrice Newman instructed her team  to install a wreath on a pole at the median of Cavendish Blvd near Fleet and Merton where Cody was killed.It is facing the northbound traffic close to the traffic lights so that it can be seen by those who are slowing down. Thanks to Public Safety Director Jordy Reichson for his coordination role.

The wreath

 

"We understand how traumatic this event must have been for the whole family and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to Cody's family for their loss," said Ms. Newman.

Commented Cheryl Roth Vigderhous:" I also hope that in the short time it's there it will serve as a reminder that speed can kill, and to slow down for the safety of all our residents, on two legs and four."

 

Cody

 

Excavation work begins on second Equinoxe Tower but ventilation system noise is unacceptable

Excavation work has begun for the second tower of the Equinoxe highrise apartment complex.  Phase 1 is fully complete and occupied.

Permitted construction hours are 7 am to 7 pm   weekdays. Unlike Phase 1, no  work will be permitted on weekends. Our Public Security will do regular inspections to ensure these hours are being respected.

The construction site for Phase 2 of the Equinoxe.

Residents of the Rothchild I Condominium  on Mackle Road whose units face the Equinoxe have had to endure unacceptable noise from a large generator. I went there last night and recorded  the noise myself. Click here. It sounds like a loud moving truck parked just outside your bedroom window.

 

The developers are still waiting their permanent power supply for the first building and have been using their generator all winter, which is becoming a nuisance for the neighbourhood. Today, our senior management were tasked to communicating with Hydro Quebec officials to expedite this work. We cannor order that the ventilation system  be shut off, because as the temperature dips even lower, they need the supplemental power to provide heat to the Equinoxe residents. We will be asking them to build a “baffling” box around it on the Rothchild side immediately while we sort out the Hydro problem. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and I are committed to getting a resolution to this serious problem as soon as possible.

We are also working with the developers on where the construction vehicles will park so please stay tuned for more information on that.

There are a lot of things to work out and I want to assure residents that our staff is working diligently on this file. The Mayor will also resume his monthly meetings with the developer and a committee of residents of the neighbouring condos.

It is estimated that work will continue for as long as 18 months until this project concludes.

UPDATE: Thanks to our Urban Development Department. The Equinoxe  has modified its internal power distribution priorities, so, according to them, the generator should not be on at all outside peak hours going forward.  In the event it does go on, it would only be in times of extreme cold outdoor temperatures and during hours where there is extremely high strain on the power grid (early morning and/or evening - at times when many people are cooking, showering, doing laundry, etc. at the same time). In other words, there is a chance it goes on, but only for short periods during the day and never in the middle of the night. They were on site January 16 evaluating an appropriate temporary screen for the Rothchild side of the generator. Public Security will do inspections overnight

Le bruit inacceptable

Les travaux d'excavation de la deuxième tour de l'immeuble d'appartements Equinoxe ont commencé.  Les heures de construction permises sont de 7 h à 19 h en semaine. Contrairement à la phase 1, aucun travail ne sera permis les fins de semaine. Notre Sécurité publique fera des inspections régulières pour s'assurer que ces heures sont respectées.
Le site de construction de la phase 2 de l'Equinoxe : les résidents de la copropriété Rothchild I sur Mackle Road, dont les unités font face à l'Equinoxe, ont dû supporter le bruit inacceptable d'un gros générateur. J'y suis allé hier soir et j'ai enregistré le bruit moi-même. Cliquez ici.

Les promoteurs attendent toujours leur alimentation électrique permanente pour le premier bâtiment et ont utilisé leur génératrice tout l'hiver, ce qui devient une nuisance pour le quartier. Aujourd'hui, notre haute direction a été chargée de communiquer avec les représentants d'Hydro-Québec afin d'accélérer ce travail. Nous pouvons ordonner l'arrêt du système de ventilation, car à mesure que la température descend encore plus bas, ils ont besoin de l'énergie supplémentaire pour fournir de la chaleur aux résidents d'Equinoxe.

Nous leur demanderons de construire une boîte "déconcertante" autour du côté de Rothchild immédiatement pendant que nous réglerons le problème de l'électricité. Le maire Mitchell Brownstein et moi nous sommes engagés à trouver une solution à ce grave problème le plus rapidement possible et nous travaillons également avec les promoteurs sur les endroits où les véhicules de construction seront stationnés, alors restez à l'écoute pour en savoir plus à ce sujet. Le maire reprendra également ses rencontres mensuelles avec le promoteur et un comité de résidants des condos avoisinants et on estime que les travaux se poursuivront pendant 18 mois jusqu'à la fin de ce projet.

Traduit avec www.DeepL.com/Translator

 

 

First focus group on Rembrandt/Kildare Road stop sign attracts different viewpoints

Last September we added a new stop sign at the corner of Rembrandt Avenue and Kildare Road. We did so to address the concerns of Rembrandt residents who have often been stranded at their stop sign often endlessly.

Due to the high volume of cars turning onto Kildare eastbound from Cavendish, we want to avoid a potential back-up onto Cavendish as a consequence of cars stopping at Rembrandt. In addition, Ministry of Transport requirements for adding a stop sign on this approach are not met.

Soon after the 2017 election I asked our Traffic Committee staffed by two engineers and chaired by Councillor David Tordjman, also an engineer, to study the request put forward by Rembrandt    residents for a stop sign.

It was agreed that we would review this measure within the first year of implementation. Thus far residents of Rembrandt are quite pleased.  The response is mixed from those on other streets.

At the table as we discuss the issues.

In order to get a better handle on how people feel I called a focus group meeting at City Hall on January 7. Councillor Tordjman was present. We had representation from all five condo high rise building on Rembrandt as well as people residing on Kildare Road, Merrimac, Ilan Ramon, Sir Walter Scott and Marc Chagall.

“The solution implemented simply doesn’t fit the problem,” commented Mark Sadegursky, a resident of Ilan Ramon for the last 15 years who, among other things, recommends Rembrandt and Merrimac be turned  into a one way street.

We have recently added a standard illustration on Rembrandt which informs the people leaving the street that there is only a stop on the right side of the intersection. 

“I've spent time at the intersection since the additions and I have seen the pros and cons,” reports our traffic engineer, Spyro Yotis. “Cars from Rembrandt are not waiting as long to get onto Kildare, but there was indeed a danger. Since we added the illustration cars seemed to have gotten used to the configuration.”

Mark Sidloi, the president of the Meadows Condominium on Merrimac and Kildare, feels the stop sign is a fair measure.” It's not a huge inconvenience, certainly not over and above the traffic that is on that corridor on some days during the time prior to the stop,” he said. “And it can be a lifesaver to the people on Rembrandt.”

Jason Ullman of Marc Chagall believes it has created gridlock for motorists such as himself when they leave for work during the busy JPPS-Bialik drop off period. Among things he suggested was for the extended sidewalk on Kildare Road to  be modified and three-lane traffic   introduced, remove one of the other stop signs on Kildare (at Merrimac or Sir Walter Scott) and to make Rembrandt/Merrimac a one way.

David Tordjman responds to questions.

Councillor Tordjman explained the process we have followed thus far. He recognized that there been a traffic flow issue at certain times in the morning and promised that Kildare Road (between Marc Chagall and Cavendish) will be part of a closer analysis which will include all of the stop signs presently in place. Phil Troy, who lives on Kildare Road, strongly urged our Urban Development team to undertake some simulations. 

Martin Bogante said that he has resided on Marc Chagall for 18 years. “This stop sign has, for the first time, enabled me to make a left turn without taking my life into my own hands,” he said. “There is a big difference between inconvenience and safety."

Ilan Ramon resident Howard Liebman said in an email: “We simply can’t regulate every hundred meters of road surface with bumps, bollards, stops and other measures. Safety is paramount and we need to teach driving skills and courtesy at the provincial level.”

Finally some residents cited that the Montreal Transit Commission (MTC) bus stop at Rembrandt and Kildare represents a danger and they suggested it be moved or eliminated.  It just so happened that one member of our group that night works at the MTC and he has already connected us with someone who can look into the issue.

I was glad to have Gregory Libman as part of our group. A bright young CEGEP student who drives to school each weekday morning, he provided a valuable youth perspective.

I must mention that with excavation work about to begin on the second Equinoxe highrise on Marc Chagall, there will be many more trucks coming down Kildare over the next 18 months or so. This would certainly impact the accuracy of any simulations.

This was a good exercise and provided us with some valuable input for future deliberations.