A Côte Saint-Luc District 2 Town Hall meeting will take place on Monday, June 5 (7:30 p.m.) at City Hall (5801 Cavendish Boulevard). For the first time ever, the topic of the extension of Cavendish Boulevard will be discussed in this format.

I created the District meeting concept when I was first elected in the fall of 2005 as a way to maintain closer relations with constituents and talk mainly about issues related to the surrounding neighbourhood. Since then two other councillors have followed suit.

The special guest speaker will be noted traffic expert Rick Leckner, who has been pushing for the Cavendish extension back to his days as the helicopter traffic reporter for CJAD form 1969 to 2000. While he established a very successful corporate communications firm, Maison Brison, in 1983 he continues to be sought out by media for his insights into traffic coordination. In 2011 he was named to Transport Québec’s comité technique sur la mobilité des biens et des personnes, and has continued to work with officials in an attempt to mitigate traffic congestion. Mayor Mitchell Brownstein will provide an update on the Cavendish extension, which is more of a reality now than ever before with all three levels of government behind the project. Elisabeth Prass, from the office of D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum, will do the same.

“In politics, nothing is ever a sure thing, but this looks very promising,” said Mayor Brownstein. “We have active support from Mayor Denis Coderre in Montreal including the project being listed in the three-year capital expenditures budget and reserves being placed on plots of land needed for the eventual extension as well as $222,000 being presently spent by the agglomeration of Montreal for the studies on the overpass/underpass route..

“We also have local MNA David Birnbaum and MP Anthony Housefather working behind the scenes in Quebec City and Ottawa to secure the necessary funding, mayors from neighbouring communities all in support, and buy-in from Canadian Pacific, and Canadian National who own the land through which the road extension must pass.”

Lt. Frederick Jennings from Police Station 9 will be on hand to respond to inquiries related to public safety in the community. Also to be discussed that evening will be the new traffic light configuration at Cavendish and Kildare, the new Elie Wiesel Park, construction on Marc Chagall Avenue, the resurfacing of the City Hall/Library parking lot and other items of interest.

For more information, call (514) 485-6945 or email [email protected]

District 2 encompasses Merrimac, Rembrandt., Kildare (between Marc Chagall and Honoré Balzac), Sir Walter Scott, Ilan Ramon, Marc Chagall, Mackle (between Cavendish and Brandeis), Quartier Cavendish Mall, Cavendish (Manoir Montefiore, Manoir Camelia, L’Excelsior, new Town Houses), Jubilee, Park Place, Honoré-de-Balzac.

 

Here is a heads to some residents of Districts 2 and  8.

 

Short-term pain, for long-term gain. That is how I described the work that was carried out on Kildare Road during the month of July and completed in early August. Congratulations to everyone involved, specifically the city’s engineering department and the companies hired to carry out the work.

Two winters ago we had several water main breaks on Kildare Road. While the problems were repaired, it was clear we needed a more comprehensive solution. I gained the city council’s support to have this job moved up in the schedule at a cost of $426,000. Now that the work is completed the pipes shouldn't need to be repaired or replaced for approximately 50 years.

There have been some bonuses added to this project. An additional $26,000 was secured to finally fix the stretch of pavement from Rembrandt to Cavendish. How many motorists justifiably complained about the bumpy road? Well, it is just perfect now.

We were also able to respond to the request from nearby residents to install a crosswalk and two stop signs at the corner of Kildare and Sir Walter Scott. I wish to thank Councillor Glenn J. Nashen, Mayor Anthony Housefather and Traffic Engineer Charles Senekal for their unconditional support on this matter. Charles, in fact, took part in two walkabouts with myself and residents of Ilan Ramon Crescent. Hats off to residents Lorne Lieberman and Boris Myschkowski who worked with me to keep this option open. This is a wonderful plus in the area of traffic safety in District 2.

I have been receiving a lot of warm comments from residents. Here is what Phil Matlin, a resident of Rembrandt Avenue and a new blogger (check out http://perfectmagic.wordpress.com/) had to say.

"A little note to tell you that I think the job done recently on Kildare should be used as an example to all cities, towns, boroughs, especially the City Of Montreal on how to plan and coordinate projects such as these. This major work was done with almost no inconvenience to the residents, at least on the Rembrandt side where I live. Personally, I suffered absolutely no inconvenience. You, the council, mayor, engineering department and whom ever else was involved, deserve our highest praise, thanks and kudos for a job well done."

The City of Côte Saint-Luc is investing $426,000 to replace the underground aqueduct on Kildare Road. between Rembrandt Ave. and Merrimac Road and to repave that stretch of  the street. The work has begun and will  last until approximately August 15, 2010.   A formal letter will be sent to all affected residents shortly.

Pipe replacement and road reconstruction

Normally, Côte Saint-Luc would reline the pipes to prevent leaks, which is a less invasive procedure. However, the state of the pipes under Kildare Rd. requires them to be replaced, which is why we need to open up the road surface. While this will cause traffic on this stretch of road to be disrupted, the work is necessary. Once the work is complete, the pipes should not need to be repaired or replaced for approximately 50 years.  At the same time we will also be reconstructing the road once the pipes have been replaced. The road surface has been damaged due to prior water breaks and while it has been patched the time has come for proper resurfacing.

Water

A temporary above-ground water network has been nstalled to provide water as well as to offer fire protection to buildings and townhouses along Kildare Rd. A specialized firm, Canbec, has been hired to carry out the repairs, and our own Engineering Department will supervise and confirm the quality of the work. Please note that that an employee from Canbec and/or its sub-contractor Colmatec, duly authorized by the city, may have to visit your building or townhouse to check your water connection. Canbec will also distribute additional information directly to  your home.

If you have questions or comments about these repairs, you may call the following numbers:

• Weekdays between 7am and 4pm: Côte Saint-Luc Engineering Department, 514-485-6800 ext. 1501, or [email protected], for general inquiries.
• After hours (emergencies): Côte Saint-Luc Public Security Department: 514-485-6960.
• At any time (day or night): Colmatec, 450-973-3366 or 514-712-1640.
• Côte Saint-Luc information line regarding water work: 514-485-6800 ext. 5500.

Today, June 28, there were two water breaks on Kildare Rd. which forced  water to be shut off. Fortunately the damage was repaired quickly. Those affected are recommended to boil their drinking water for 48 hours. Stay tuned to www.cotesaintluc.org for more details.

At the May 10 Côte Saint-Luc City Council meeting the contract to sleeve the aqueduct on Kildare road, between Rembrandt and Merrimac, was awarded to  Les Entreprises Canbec Construction Inc. and authorizes payment of an amount not to exceed $322,191.00 plus applicable taxes.

In the winter of 2009 we had several water main breaks on this stretch. Our engineering division did a terrific job  containing the problem. We were not able to complete the necessary work last summer, which involves a complete pipe replacement. Fortunately we had a mild  winter and no incidents. Because of the heavy traffic flow  involving Bialik High School we decided to wait until next July when classes are out to do the project. We will use part of August as well, if necessary. A exit and entrance plan for motorists in the immediate area will be forthcoming.

When the construction on Kildare Road takes place, we also hope to implement some traffic safety measures near the Sir Walter Scott/Kildare corner. Several suggestions were made when I took a walkabout with residents and traffic engineer Charles Senekal last year.

Today I was proud to be in attendance at a press conference at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall where city council's wish to build an intergenerational/aquatic centre became a reality thanks to an investment of $11.5 million from the federal and provincial governments. We will make up the remainder of the cost.

Provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs Lauren Lessard made his first visit to our community. He was accompanied by D'Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman. Senator Judith Seidman represented the federal government. Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather gave Mr. Bergman a lot of credit for pursuing this file. Councillors Allan J. Levine and Ruth Kovac were also on hand. Ms. Kovac will co-chair the new project with Councillor Mitchell Brownstein. Below is a group photo after the announcement and the full press release.

 

Senator Judith Seidman, acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today joined Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, and Lawrence S. Bergman, Member of the National Assembly for D’Arcy-McGee and Chair of the Government Caucus, in announcing that the City of Côte Saint Luc will receive $11,571,880 in joint government financial assistance under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec for the construction of an intergenerational/aquatic centre.　

The project involves the construction of an intergenerational/aquatic centre covering a total gross area of about 5,456 square metres in the City of Côte-Saint-Luc. This new complex will comprise a 25-metre swimming pool, a wading pool, an indoor terrace adjacent to the aquatic pools, portable bleachers for about 200 people, multifunctional community halls, a physical fitness room and dance and warm up studios.　

The new complex will bring sport and recreational facilities under one roof and boast modern equipment tailored to contemporary indoor leisure and fitness activities as well as suite of activities for persons aged 55 and over. Students from nearby schools and residents from surrounding cities and boroughs will also be able to benefit from the activities and services on offer at the new centre.　

"Côte-Saint-Luc’s construction of a new intergenerational/aquatic centre will serve the interests of its residents and businesses. In supporting this project, we are seeing to it that the population enjoys the high quality of life for which our country is famous. Indeed, the Government of Canada is committed to equipping every community with modern facilities and equipment to ensure citizens’ health and safety. The renewal of public infrastructure is part of a broad action plan that will enable us to thrive and prosper in a healthy environment," stated Senator Judith Seidman.　

"By participating in this project, the Government of Quebec is moving forward to ensure the province’s municipalities have infrastructure that meets their unique realities while fostering sustainable development. By injecting new capital into the Quebec Infrastructure Plan, our government is looking to accelerate the execution of numerous infrastructure projects throughout the province, like this one in Côte Saint Luc, in an effort to improve Quebecers’ well-being, create jobs and promote a high-performance economy. In this way, we are leaving the municipality a legacy of quality infrastructure with which to face the challenges of the future," said Minister Laurent Lessard.　

"Côte-Saint-Luc is the Island of Montréal’s third largest city and its population is growing faster than that of Quebec as a whole. It is important that the City have all the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of its increasing number of residents," added MNA Lawrence S. Bergman.　

Completion of this project will necessitate an overall eligible investment of $17,357,821. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $5,785,940 toward the work, for a total of $11,571,880 in combined government funding, while the City of Côte Saint Luc will assume the remaining third, or $5,785,941, of the project’s costs.　

The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative aimed at funding infrastructure projects in communities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. These communities are thus able to use this assistance to improve infrastructure that is in major need of revitalization, including water treatment plants, water supply systems and cultural and sports centres.　

For provinces, like Quebec, that have committed all of their funding under the Communities Component, the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides for up to $500 million in additional funding for projects that will be completed by March 31, 2011.　

In Quebec, a joint federal-provincial contribution of $232 million will be used to fund 106 infrastructure projects.　

The contribution from the Government of Canada has been awarded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. To learn more about this plan, visit　

www.actionplan.gc.ca.　

For further information on the Government of Quebec’s Quebec Infrastructure Plan, see　www.infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.　

Aussi disponible en français :　www.dec-ced.gc.ca.　

The reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks and the pavement on Sir Walter Scott Avenue has begun at a cost of more than $200,000.  Work will last until at least September 17.  This will greatly benefit the residents of the five apartment buildings on the street and, of course, Ilan Ramon Crescent residents who travel on Sir Walter Scott every day.

The long awaited repaving of the street and sidewalks of Sir Walter Scott Avenue was approved last week by city council. For 2009 council allocated $1.2 million for work on four streets and accompanying sidewalks, with most of the funds going towards Cavendish Boulevard. But with the support of Mayor Anthony Housefather I was able to get Sir Walter Scott on the list at a cost of $201,692.35. We expect work to occur in October. Sir Walter Scott is the home to five apartment buildings. In addition, it is the entrance point to Ilan Ramon Crescent. The street and sidewalks are in urgent need of repair.

City council has adopted its Capital Works Budget for 2009 and I am very pleased to report that Sir Walter Scott  Avenue is scheduled for a long awaited and badly needed repaving job. Both the street and sidewalks will be given a facelift, hopefully by early fall to the tune of about $457,600.

Sir Walter Scott is home to five apartment buildings. That adds up to a lot of vehicles travelling back and forth. Add in the residential street of Ilan Ramon and it just gets busier.

Since January 15, 2009 there has been four breaks of the aqueduct on Kildare Road, between Rembrandt and Merrimac. In conversations with the mayor and our department of Public Works, I insisted that something be done to rectify the situation. At the February 9, 2009 council meeting I moved a resolution which modifies the work schedule as per our infrastructure program for this year and now includes the replacement of 200 meters of eight inch pipe at a cost of $240,000. In order to get this on the "urgency list" we had to postpone planned work on Merton Road, between Borden and Pinedale. I would like to thank the mayor and council for supporting this initiative. Residents of Rembrandt and Ilan Ramon in particular have been greatly inconvenienced by these breaks, not to mention all motorists travelling down Kildare Road. This work will likely be done in the spring when the weather is more appropriate.