December 2014 - Ville de Montréal Ouest

Alexandru Sorin:
Montreal West Viewspaper
December 2014, Vol. 42, No. 9
by Maureen Hastie
My friend and I were welcomed into the
dojo by the head coach and owner of the
Académie de Karaté Alexandru Sorin. With
a flash of his engaging smile, Alexandru
ushered us in to the newly refurbished space,
which opened on October 4. The main entrance to the dojo is from 10 Milner Street.
Originally from Bucharest Romania,
Alexandru started karate at the age of 12,
after having experienced bullying at school.
As a child, he lacked self-confidence and
had poor posture. When his friend’s sister,
Nicoleta, bullied him, he hit a low point.
His older brother encouraged him and offered to pay for his karate lessons if he
could meet this challenge: do the splits.
After a couple of tries, Alexandru told his
brother, “It is not possible.” His brother
replied, “That’s it? You give up so easily?”
This sparked his determination and three
weeks later, Alexandru was able to do the
splits and his brother paid for his first karate
lessons. As his self-confidence soared and
his posture and physical fitness improved,
his life as a victim ended. He began training
anywhere he could – at home, in parks, at
the dojo. A “dojo” is the Japanese term to
describe a place to train in the martial arts.
Growing up in communist Romania,
Alexandru’s parents worked long hours but
had limited resources. Karate competitions
allowed him to begin traveling and to see a
Pasteizza:
continued on page 12
photo: Maureen Hastie
Teaching discipline, respect and
confidence through karate
How Subas and Shan came together
by Maurice Krystal
photo: Maurice Krystal
Though Subas Sivakolunthu and Shan Rajathurai only recently teamed up to open a new restaurant on Westminster, their
history goes back a long way. They both grew up in Batticaloa, one
of the eastern provinces in Sri Lanka and they both attended the
same secondary school, St. Michael’s College, founded by the
French Jesuits. In university Subas studied commerce and finance
and Shan studied civil engineering.
Because of the long civil war in the country, they both decided
to immigrate to Canada, Subas coming to Montreal in 1999 and
Shan to Toronto the following year. Subas came to Montreal because Shanty, an older sister, lived here, and Shan went to Toronto
because of his uncle Thava, who was a real estate agent there.
Subas realized when he arrived in Canada that he needed to
continued on page 12
I ND EX
Art etc .............................. 5
Community Centre ........ 17
CRA .............................. 13
Environmentally yours .... 7
Guides .............................. 11
Horticultural Society .......... 4
Les amis de Meadowbrook 13
Libraries...................... 15, 16
News from the pews .. 14-15
Réunion du Conseil ...... 19
Rotary .............................. 6
Schools ........................ 8-9
Scouts............................ 10
Town Council Report ........ 18
2
10 Westminster North
Montreal West, Quebec
H4X 1Y9
The Informer’s role is to provide
MoWesters with information about
their Town and its citizens in order to
foster the small-town, close-knit atmosphere that makes Montreal
West a special place in which to live.
ISSN: 084741X
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jeannette Brooker - Chair
Rick Lavell - Treasurer
Jane Williams
Heather Baylis
Véronique Belzil-Boucher
René Boucher
Lise McVey
Jeanne Ragbir - Secretary
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Heather Baylis
489-7022
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Julia Ross
julia@ross.cd
AD MANAGER
Heather Baylis,
489-7022
montrealwestinformer@gmail.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Rhonda Schwartz 482-0227
RATES
Camera-ready art:
1/6 page – $45
1/12 page – $25
Professional card:
$125/year
Classifieds:
25-50 words – $10
25 words or less – $6
TASK FORCE
René Boucher
Maryl Murphy
Jeanne Ragbir
Rose Marie Smith
Lydia Shuster
Randi Weitzner
and those we omitted inadvertently
The Informer Is published nine times
a year (usually) on the last weekend
of the month except June, July and
December. Out-of-town subscriptions: $15 per year. Typesetting by
Informer staff, printing by King
Press. Extra copies available at
Town Hall and both libraries.
Funded, in part, by the Town of
Montreal West. Articles are printed
in French or English, as submitted.
NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE
January 14
The posters: inspired by another town’s honouring
veterans and a doctor with an historical bent!
The idea started after seeing a
piece on the CTV National News
about a similar initiative in a
town in New Brunswick. Soon
after our Remembrance Day was
upon us and I was struck, as always, by the procession down
Westminster. Rain or shine, our
community never forgets and remembers from whence it came.
The next day, a friend was
moving into a retirement community. Knowing my historical
bent, he gave me the logbook of
his brother-in-law who perished
in WWII. Francis Bernard
Croke attended Loyola High
School and grew up on Percival. I immediately rushed to the
Cenotaph to see if his name was
there. Holding his logbook in
my hands and then seeing his
name amongst the 49 others,
sent shivers down my spine and
thus the project was started.
I approached a friend, a professor of military history at the
Royal Military College in
Kingston, who suggested a few
websites. Hours of internet research followed, leading to
monthly visits to library and
Archives Canada to consult
service records, museum visits
and multiple books.
Although it was personal initiative, it was my hope that it
would become a “town” project
and they – we – would take collective ownership.
I approached Mayor Masella
who was immediately supportive
and suggested I consult Town Historian, David Watson. David is a
true Town treasure who has a
wealth of information about the
Town and its residents. He provided me the history of the Cenotaph (the first was not in its current
location) and he has binders of information about our veterans.
He suggested an Informer article and as a result, a number of
families came forward with photos and stories. The contact with
the families (Merlin McRae,
Deborah Marcogliese, Anne
Williams, Barbara Malcolmson-Baily) has been the most
gratifying aspect of the project.
They were so grateful that the
Town was making sure their
families were not forgotten.
Father Pratt of St. Philip’s
Church provided the history of
the church, the memorial
stained glass windows and the
memorial to the altar servers.
Members of the United and
Presbyterian churches were
very generous with their time
and information.
A number of meetings with
the Mayor followed and he re-
Exerpts from notes to Dr. Drummond
“We were there, laying the wreath as usual. It
was a great day with lots in attendance. We drove
up and down the streets of MW to see how many
signs there were and stopped at each and read
them. It was fabulous. I didn’t know that there
were three on Strathearn. I hope that next year
there will be more.”
Merlin McRae
“Anne and I drove to Wolseley Avenue after
church yesterday to see the photo poster of her
Uncle Jack. It was a tad bit emotional and quite
heartwarming and I commend you for all the
work that you did.
I took some photos of the poster and Anne’s former house and they were sent (along with Saturday’s
Gazette article) to Anne’s sister on the Isle of Wight,
her brother in Ontario and the five great nieces and
nephews in Ontario, Quebec and England.”
Barry Williams
Some contributors:
Merlin McRae, Deborah Marcogliese,
Anne Williams, Barbara Malcolmson-Baily
iterated Council’s support. In
October, he consulted a number
of printing companies who produced mock-ups. Council opted
for the one that was displayed.
I personally called or visited
the owners of the houses where
I knew the veterans lived. Almost everyone thought it was
wonderful way to honor the
fallen. I do have to apologize,
however. A number of residents
were promised lawn signs that
did not materialize because of
last minute technical difficulties. For that, I am sorry.
It was my hope that we can
develop a website by next year,
so that people can access the 50
stories in their entirety.
As I said, I really want the
Town to take ownership of the
project for next year. Do you we
want different signage? Some
have suggested a memorial
“garden” of posters around the
Cenotaph. What do the citizens
want? Perhaps a committee
would be a good idea? The
daughter of one of the men expressed a willingness to participate. How about the First
World War dead? Is anybody
willing to take that on?
Robert Drummond
DrRobDrummond@hotmail.com
3
Honouring recently fallen soldiers
On Monday, October 20 when Antoinette Mercurio of Voyages Calèche heard that Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, had been
run over in a parking lot in Saint-Jean, she was heartbroken because
he was purposely targeted because he wore the Canadian military
uniform.
Then on Wednesday, things got worse: Cpl Nathan Cirillo was
shot in the back while standing as an honor guard at the National
War Memorial
Antoinette was again heartbroken and by that evening, she knew
she had to do something and did: she created a memorial for both
soldiers on Facebook.
Antoinette obtained photos and frames and books for people to
inscribe their condolences to the families. Over 200 people (including one ex-military who stood guard) came out to the Montreal
cenotaph to show support; afterwards they went to Notre Dame
Cemetery and laid the flowers in the Veterans’ section.
Antoinette said, “This was an opportunity to let the families
know we care, we are with you; but also to show that a direct attack
on our freedom and our way of life will not be tolerated.”
To be remembered...
A few weeks back, I was sitting on the couch, alone, writing
my Common App personal essay
(for the fourth time) when I
heard a knock at the door. Outside stood a middle aged man
with a sign balanced in his arm
and a large hammer in the other.
He was here to “put up the sign,”
I overheard. I was, at that time,
unaware of the small project my
town had recently undertaken, to
be revealed to you shortly. I later
walked outside to inspect the
sign that was now planted on my
lawn and found the following:
Unbeknownst to me, my
town had made a small project
of identifying all the buildings
once homes to soldiers lost to
both world wars.
In my personal case, the walls
I now live in had once been
residence to an artillery soldier
by the name of Cpt. Forrest
Walker Wiggins. From the
short obituary written about him
in the Montreal Gazette in 1941,
we know that he attended what
is now Royal West Academy
and went on to become a three
season athlete at McGill. Inspired by his family before him,
he dreamed of becoming a serviceman one day and was
granted this wish in 1935. He
was among the first waves of
soldiers deployed by the Canadian Forces, arriving in England
on Christmas day of 1940. He
was killed merely three months
later, the cause of his death lost
to the ages. He was 28 years old.
When you walk down Westminster Avenue, there isn’t too
much that might draw your attention at first. However, once
you notice the first of the signs
tied to lamp posts, it truly serves
to identify the way a community
might appear following war.
Every second lamp post bears a
sign dedicated to a single fallen
soldier from within my community, and this spans for at least
three blocks. Name after name,
address after address, the number of young men lost from a
single community that seems
minuscule even today only goes
to show the magnitude of the
loss experienced by any small
community.
It’s stated over and over
again: “These men had hopes,
dreams, futures.”
The magnitude of this statement is often lost over time and
repetition. Allow me to provide
some form of insight:
At the age of 17 and 18,
many if not most of us here are
still trying to figure out what to
do with ourselves. We look forward to and await in agony what
has been described as the best
part of our lives, supposedly yet
to come. Its likely most of us
haven’t even considered the
possibility of not living long
enough to reach that point.
This was a reality that these
soldiers named each year at our
assemblies not only considered,
but also accepted. These young
men were volunteers, aware that
the consequences of war would
likely lead to a dramatic change
in lifestyle following the war, or
perhaps none at all. Many did
this around the same time they
would have been doing exactly
what we will be doing in one
year’s time: going off to university. Except, rather than pack up
their belongings and move into
freshman housing complexes or
fraternities, together, they got
on ships and sailed far away to
fight on hostile shores. They put
their current lives and futures on
hold, perhaps forever, for belief
that they were needed.
You may ask yourself, as I
did, as to what could possibly
drive so many young individuals all too similar to ourselves to
be so selfless. Looking around
within my own world, it just
doesn’t seem likely that in
today’s day and age, we might
demonstrate the same pride and
altruistic values for sake of
one’s people and homeland.
Perhaps this sense of community and commitment to one’s
country was lost to the sands of
time, maybe with the growth of
our population, or simply because selflessness is now “outdated.” However, I still have
faith that these values are still
instilled somewhere, perhaps
hidden deep within us all, and
that maybe every year, for just
one day, we can contemplate
these acts of selflessness committed long before our time.
Perhaps we might think on and
realize the things that prompt
such courage and generosity,
that we might remember these
things and incorporate them into
our own lives in honour of those
who fell while demonstrating
these characteristics.
THE MOST THAT MAN CAN GIVE
LIFE ITSELF FOR GOD, FOR KING
AND COUNTRY, FOR LOVED ONES
HOME AND EMPIRE, FOR THE
SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND
THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
(Westminster Abbey)
I don’t often feel inspired to
write about depressing things,
or elicit guilt or sorrow from
those who might actually take
the time to read what I write. On
the contrary, I simply wish to
convey the message that even
though these rituals might seem
repetitive and growingly insignificant after following them
on a yearly basis, including pinning red flowers to our clothing
and lowering flags, in fact, the
reason we still practise them is
with the purpose of remembering the extent of sacrifice made
by those who likely didn’t understand how significant their
actions were.
Thanks for reading.
Tom Malcolm
Ballantyne North
4
66th Garbage Bowl
football game
We’re looking for players (and spectators!) to continue a great MoWest New
Year’s Day tradition: the Garbage Bowl
football game. Every January 1 – playing in
every type of weather – the Southern
Bombers (in green long johns) clash with
the Northern Combines (in red long johns)
for gridiron bragging rights.
The longest running Bowl game played
exclusively on New Year’s Day (it’s true!)
has been sponsored by the Montreal Westward Rotary Club since the 1950 inaugural
game. The game gets its name two ways:
the touchdown extra point is made by
tossing the football into a garbage can and
fund-raising money is also collected in
garbage cans. Proceeds this year will go to
the MoWest Children’s Library.
The game is one hand touch football, so
it’s open to both genders and ages 13 plus.
We’ve had father-son combos but are still
waiting for mother-daughter! Each half of
the game is 20 minutes plus ten plays. Players should show up at the Davies Park
chalet at 1 pm.
It's a great way to greet the New Year
and your neighbours. Game starts at 2 pm
at Davies Park; bring your resolution spirit!
A splendid time is guaranteed for all ... that
dress warm.
For more info, please email garbagebowl@hotmail.com.
Informerly yours
Congratulations!
If you’ve been wondering when Marian
Scully and her husband Dave Mitchell had
their baby, The Informer finally (and, as
usual belatedly) has the news! She’s a beautiful, little girl named Maëlle who was born
on November 4 last year. Sincere congratulations to the little family.
The Horticultural Society will welcome,
once again, Dawn Smith and Bob Flynn
from Smith Bros. Florists in St. Lambert for
the December meeting on December 16.
Dawn and Bob will demonstrate the art of
flower arranging, with the focus on Christmas arrangements. Their constant banter is
a great source of entertainment. Questions
are welcome and generously dealt with. The
arrangements will be raffled at the end of
the evening and refreshments will be
served. Come early for a good seat and to
purchase raffle tickets.
Presentation takes place Tuesday, December 16, 7:30 pm at the Town Hall. Admission for non-members is $5.
Pushing the envelope at the Town Hall
Town artists have pushed their personal creative limits to put together an exhibit of
imaginative and expressive art works. The fall edition of the Artists’ Showcase, entitled
Pushing the Envelope, went on view later than usual because of renovations to the building,
but there is still plenty of time to see it. This show will continue at the Town Hall until
mid-January.
The theme of the winter showcase will be Canadian Spirit, and one work of art from
the show could be chosen for a T-shirt or poster for the Town’s 2015 Canada Day celebrations. The theme can be interpreted in many ways, and can involve a variety of media including painting, drawing, collage, photography, fabric and pottery. Participation is open
to all artists, amateur and professional, who live in the Town.
All works on paper, fabric or canvas must be ready for hanging in the downstairs music
room or upstairs meeting room and three-dimensional pieces, such as jewellery, must fit
in the front hall cabinet. To find out more, or to get an application form, go to the Montreal
West website under “culture,” or pick one up at the Town Hall office. For more details,
contact Tammy Loftus, of the Town’s Recreation and Cultural Services, 484-1610.
73 WESTMINSTER N.
MONTREAL WEST
H4X 1Y8
486-4411
Local potter Sheila Caplan invites you
to visit her open studio on Sunday, December 7, from noon - 5 pm, at 188 Sheraton
Drive. See the process as well as the finished product!
There will be many functional and decorative stoneware items available for your
holiday gift giving.
December meeting
from David Roy
DR. SUSAN MCDONALD
Dentist • Dentiste
Holiday gift giving
Groupe Sutton
Centre-Ouest Inc.
514-575-2419
mwilson@sutton.com
Mary Wilson
Courtier immobilier résidentiel
Membership for 2015
It is not necessary to be a gardener in
order to belong to the Horticultural Society.
One can simply soak up the warm summer
vibe at our meetings during our cold winter
months. This is a small club with laid-back,
friendly members. Membership includes interesting monthly presentations as a well as
a spring garden tour.
Fees for 2015 are $20 and can be paid at
the December or January meeting or to
Philippa Vikander, 3445 Trenholme Ave.
To arrange a gift membership, please call
Philippa at 489-3293. Meetings take place
the third Monday of the month (with some
exceptions) and are held at the Town Hall.
The Garden at night
2015 gets off to a wonderful start with a
presentation by Linda Rutenberg, known
for her photography of the garden at night,
gorgeous time exposures taken at night with
the common flashlight as her only light
source. Her topic in January is “Return from
Eden”. She will present her extraordinary
slides with commentary on where, what,
when, and how. What better way to spend a
chilly January evening.
This presentation is on Monday, January
19, 7:30 pm at the Town Hall. Admission
for non-members is $5.
A New Year’s
resolution?
5
Want to do some volunteer work, but
don’t want to be “tied” to it for ever? Well,
how about being a Meals-on-Wheels shopper? Shoppers usually commit to shopping
for every Tuesday OR every Friday in a
given month. Just four times! If you would
rather not commit to a particular day or
days, you might want to sign up as a standby shopper. You decide on the menu from
an array of delicious recipes for main
courses and desserts and, then, do the shopping! Takes only an hour or two.
Interested? Please call Andrea MacDonald at 486-8832.
Meals are delivered to approximately 24
seniors in Montreal West and surrounding
area. These delicious and nutritious meals
are much appreciated by the seniors.
Help make a difference!
On November 22-23 MoWesters came to the Town
Hall to enjoy their yearly ART etc. show. Running for the
29th year, it has become one of the Town’s favourite holiday traditions. Over 30 exhibitors, chosen by the jury back
in February, put their art on display – jewelry, pottery,
stained glass, fine art, quilts and jams and jellies.
Top left, Shirley Kieran (quilts and
fabric works), one of the organizers
of the event, is demonstrating her
quilted growth charts. Above, Debera Temperton (Studio Debera on
Westminster) is showing her collection of Christmas stained glass.
Folkart Wood Carver (top right) is a
returning exhibitor, while Yulia and
Elena (Yunik Design, middle right)
are here for the first time. On the
bottom right, Elizabeth Ulin is
showing her holiday-theme pottery.
NDG Food Depot on CBC
You can drop by the NDG Food
Depot and see it in action on Friday,
December 5 from 5:30 am until 6:30
pm when CBC Montreal radio shows,
Daybreak, Noon news, Home Run and
TV news shows will broadcast from
the Depot. We encourage everyone to
come in, share some food and coffee,
check out the action and perhaps make
a donation.
CBC has chosen the Depot as its
Christmas Sing-In Charity partner.
They have also been collaborating with
us since the summer to raise awareness
of hunger and poverty in our community. For more info, call the Depot at
483-4680.
Fundraiser for Curzon
Creative Preschool
You are warmly invited to join us for
Curzon’s fundraising soirée! Come for
tempting appetizers and live music by Peter
Grant; stay for silent and live auctions that
will benefit Curzon Creative Preschool.
The soirée will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 7-10 pm in MW United Church.
In addition to dozens of silent auction
items donated by local businesses and Curzon parents, there will be an exciting live
auction with vacation rentals and other
goodies. Do some shopping for the holidays
while enjoying an evening with friends!
Tickets are $5 and may be purchased in
advance (contact Caroline Phaneuf: curzonauction@gmail.com) or at the door.
6
Rotary Club
Rimma Beyl and Roman Sigal: Comfort Keepers
Rimma and Roman came
separately to Montreal 20 years
ago. They met here and got
married. They have two children Daisy and David and started
their company Comfort Keepers over five
years ago. Rimma said she usually talks
about the services Comfort Keepers offers.
The demand has increased as the population
ages and she was interested in why people
want to stay at home.
They started their company because of
the amount of responsibility that came their
way from aging family members who
needed their help with getting to their medical appointments and even helping translating for the ones that had a hard time
understanding what was being said.
Many people have no experience in
health care or caring for the elderly and give
up the job because it is not as easy as it
seems. The number of interventions is increasing every year and sometimes it is hard
to find a care giver who speaks the client’s
language. Rimma stated that the three main
reasons that the elderly want to remain in
their home: independence, dignity and financial ability.
Rimma gave many examples of her
clients and said many are afraid to lose their
dignity and the respect of the family is integral to being human.
Rimma said many workers enjoy spending time with their clients. She said she
learned a lot from one of her first clients
who was with them for three years before
he died at 97. He really lived life to the end
and he taught her so much.
She said today children become their
parents’ parents. She cautioned us about
huge moves without the consent of the
aged person as they have detrimental effects
on them and can lead to worsening health
conditions. She also said that family dynamics can change quickly depending on
the circumstances.
along the lines of “Now Turbo Tax takes
care of many things”.
Celebrating 75 years of
Rotary in our community
Our Rotary club will be celebrating 75
years of community service in 2015. We are
putting together a 2015 calendar to be sent
to all MoWest residents along with Western
NDG to be sent out in December. We have
space available for business card ads. The
majority of the proceeds raised will go to the
Children’s library and the NDG Food Bank.
If you would be interested in supporting this
venture please contact me at doug@westendpiano.com for more information.
Coming Rotary events
December
Do not rely on the government to take
care of us when we get older. Home care is
there to provide support and take the pressure off the family. Even one hour a day can
be a lot of help. Home care can be tailored
to one’s budget. She said it was a matter of
chemistry for finding the right caregiver.
Correction – Fred Headon
article November 2014
In the November 2014 edition on page
5. In that story it says: “Fred pointed out
that the biggest book he had in law school
was the Income Tax Act. Now Turbo Tax
takes care of everything.” The reference to
Turbo Tax is to demonstrate that there are
new ways of doing things, but also insist
they leave room for professional advice
when needed. What was meant was more
Individual
4 Stephen McNeilly - Introduction and
Montclair Residence
11 NDG Food Depot – Cooking classes
sponsored by Montreal Westward
Rotary
13 Rotary Foundation Grants Seminar for
Montreal Rotarians at Community Centre, 9 am to noon
19 Christmas party
January
8 RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership
Award
23 75th anniversary party (chartered January 25, 1940) Our special guest will be
MP Marc Garneau
29 Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia –
Father Vazken
Our club meets for lunch at noon every
Thursday at the Town Hall. We often have
very interesting guest speakers. Come
check us out some time. For further information please contact Doug Yeats at
doug@westendpiano.com.
Stephen Coull B. Comm.
coaching
Courtier en Assurances de Dommages
Broker in Damage Insurance
68 Westminster Ave. N.
in all
academic
areas
Canadian
History
Study
French
Skills
Mathematics
Science
English
Homework
Program
Exams are around the corner.
Step up to PDec . . . the smart way to prepare!
Consultants: Birdie Goodman and Elaine Wisenthal-Milech
#$#$" "$' $"#$'
'! #%$$#& $" www.pdec.ca
514-481-1134
www.rccoull.com
ANITA CONIDARIS
Consultation in
Decorating
and the ideal colour
palette for your home
Design d’intérieur
44 Easton Ave.
Montreal West
485-4639
7
Environmentally yours
Good news and bad news for
Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook
We’ll start with
the good news!
Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook
threw a hugely successful
fundraising dance at Royal West
Academy on October 17, celebrating the
25th anniversary of the environmental
group’s preserving Meadowbrook land from
development. Les Amis and student volunteers welcomed over 200 friends for an
evening of disco and rock, helped by an outstanding DJ, cheerfully efficient bar staff and
door prizes donated by merchants and supporters. Thanks to everyone who volunteered
and attended this amazing event.
And now the not-so-good news.
As you undoubtedly know, Les Amis has
worked tirelessly to keep Meadowbrook
free of condos in an effort to eventually turn
the land into a public park—the only sizable
one that would exist in Montreal’s South
West territory. However, less than a month
after the fundraiser, the threat of development raised its ugly head again. Montreal’s
Executive Committee’s chief of parks and
green spaces, Réal Ménard, recently told
members of Les Amis that the landowner
should be allowed to build high density
residences on the property. And this is coming from the Montreal politician in charge
of parks and green spaces! Ménard appears
to be taking this position despite the agreement by the past two city administrations
that there would be no development on
Meadowbrook.
There are other troubling turn-arounds
too. It was thought that Meadowbrook
would be safe from development because
it’s surrounded by railway lines. And after
the Lac Mégantic disaster, the agglomeration council voted unanimously to incorporate railway setback guidelines into the
urban plan. These guidelines essentially
preclude any new housing developments
near railway lines transporting dangerous
materials, and that protected Meadowbrook. However, somehow the draft plan to
be voted on shortly omits these safety
measures. It appears they have been
dropped from the plan! In addition, the
draft plan preserves the current zoning for
the Lachine portion of Meadowbrook
which allows for potential development.
So, what’s going on?
For years now Les Amis has been holding rallies, writing briefs, meeting with
politicians, publishing letters and presenting
to the City of Montreal all the reasons to
keep developers from building on the land.
And just a few months ago it seemed everyone at all levels of government was finally
on the same page. It was understood that
building on Meadowbrook would destroy
the green spaces necessary to shelter noise,
filter air impurities and support animal habitats. It would also put residents at risk from
train disasters and degrade existing communities. But now it seems that the entire body
of good environmental sense must be reintroduced to the current city administration.
So you can see, while 25 years of hard
work is indeed something to celebrate, Les
Amis du Parc Meadowbrook still has a lot of
work to do, and they need your support. Please
find out how you can help by emailing them
at sos.meadowbrook@gmail.com today!
Elizabeth Ulin
Councillor, Recreation, Culture and Environment
BUDNING PHARMACY
PHARMACY
BUDNING
BIGENOUGH
ENOUGHTO
TOSERVE
SERVEYOU
YOU-BIG
SMALL ENOUGH
ENOUGH TO
TO KNOW
KKNOWYOU
YOU
SMALL
40 WESTMINSTER
NORTH
40
WESTMINSTER
NORTH
MONTREAL
WEST
MONTREAL WEST
(514) 481-5665
481-5665
(514)
www.groupeproxim.ca
www.groupeproxima.ca
MON TO
to FRI:
MON
FRI:8:30
8:30am
am- -6:00
6:00pm
pm
SATURDAY:
9:00
am
5:00
pm
SATURDAY: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
PRESCRIPTION SERVICES
-- PRESCRIPTION
SERVICES
-- FREE
DELIVERY
FREE DELIVERY
- PHOTO PROCESSING
- PHOTO PROCESSING
- GREETING CARDS & STAMPS
*- GREETING
NEW PET HEALTH
*
CARDS SECTION
& STAMPS
-SIGN
NEWUP
PET
HEALTH
SECTION
FOR
OUR E-NEWSLETTER:
Budningsubscribe@gmail.com
Real estate broker - Courtier immobilier
cgardnerimagine@gmail.com
(514) 793-5608
Why choose just anyone,
when you can move with
THE MOVER INC
Since 1932
"THE RIGHT MOVE
AT THE RIGHT PRICE"
When personal service seems like history, you’ll
be pleased with Meldrum’s genuine concern.
We’ll make a helpful house call
...right away.
• CANADA • UNITED STATES
• STORAGE • LOCAL • OVERSEAS
Proud member of
481-1122
6645 SHERBROOKE ST. W.
Pour terminer l’année en beauté, voici
les magnifiques poèmes et reportages des
journalistes.
École Des-Amis-du-Monde
L’automne
Le vent qui souffle
Le cœur qui bat
Les feuilles qui tombent
Avec ça notre vie est là
Dans le jardin,
Les lapins qui mangent
Les loups qui crient
Avec ça les animaux sont là
Les plantes qui poussent
Des fleurs secrètes
Des légumes pour nous
Tous dans le monde qui tourne
Comme un tournesol
Aux couleurs de l’automne
Lama Aziz
Décembre
Décembre arrive
À novembre de finir
Noël s’en vient
Et en dessous du sapin
Se trouvent des cadeaux
Des petits mots
Et du chocolat chaud
Ensemble nous regardons la neige
Qui tombe sur notre peau beige
On construit des igloos
À tantôt, petit loup!
Gabrielle Murray et
Kristina Collette-Mvie
Pour une école encore meilleure!
Au conseil d’élèves, nous prenons les
idées de tous les élèves de l’école. Nous discutons pour décider si les idées sont bonnes
Des jeunes créatifs et engagés
et pour trouver comment nous pouvons les
réaliser.
Cette année, il y a aussi le groupe des jeunes leaders. Ce sont des élèves qui étaient
président ou représentant de leur classe l’année dernière mais qui ne le sont pas cette
année. Ils peuvent continuer à travailler pour
notre école dans d’autres projets.
Cette année, grâce à notre engagement,
nous allons essayer de rendre notre école
extraordinaire pour tous les élèves! Nous
vous renseignerons davantage sur nos projets dans les prochains numéros.
Maël Richard (4e année)
Beaucoup de beaux livres
Notre chroniqueuse littéraire vous suggère
des livres que les très jeunes lecteurs adorent.
Le livre « Madame Pourquoi » est très
Honesty
Integrity
Hardworking
Enthusiastic
Please entrust me with the purchase / sale of your property
photo: l’oeuvre d'un journaliste photographe
8
drôle parce que Madame Pourquoi pose
beaucoup de questions.
Le livre « Madame Oui » est très drôle
parce que Madame Oui dit toujours « Oui ».
Le livre « Madame En retard » est très
drôle parce que Madame En retard est toujours en retard, et à la fin du livre… elle
n’est plus en retard!
Nikol Yagdanov (4e année)
Une ferme dans notre cour d’école…
Le 14 octobre, nous avons eu la Fromagerie Chaput dans notre merveilleuse
cour d’école. Dans cette petite ferme, il y
avait quelques cochons, une vache, une
chèvre, un poney qui s’appelle Poutine, un
coq, une poule et deux lapins. Ce sont
seulement ces animaux qui sont venus à l’école, mais à la ferme, il y a de nombreux
autres animaux. Cette visite est une expérience inoubliable!!!
Teanna Eboigodin (5e année)
La Fromagerie Chaput existe depuis 15
ans. La plus vieille vache de la ferme a 12
ans. Le fermier, monsieur Jean, aime les
poneys. Des élèves nous ont dit quel est leur
animal préféré. Noa: poney et vache, Lily:
lapin, Joël: poney, Pouya: renard, Nima:
chèvre, Anthony: cheval, Oleks: chèvre,
Dolores: cochon, David: poulet, Daniel:
chèvre noire, Martin: veau.
Lily Abedi et Noa Mellul (6e année)
Comme tous les jeunes méritent de consommer des aliments sains, nous avons organisé la vente de 4 sortes de fromages
différents. Cette levée de fonds va nous
aider à acheter de nouveaux livres pour
notre bibliothèque. Merci à tous de nous
avoir encouragés!
Tinaig Nijke (5e année)
Elizabeth Ballantyne School
Royal West Academy
9
Semaine nationale de prévention
de la toxicomanie
Du 17 au 21 novembre
Alcool, drogues, jeux de hasard et d’argent
Young writers at EBS
Congratulations to EBS alumni! Elizabeth Ballantyne School
was presented with an Award of Excellence for the 2014 National
Creative Writing Competition hosted by the Poetry Institute of
Canada for age groups 5-11 and 12-18. Two students in particular,
Max Wu-Blouin and Aleksi Kemppi, were given special mention.
Wonderful news!
Apple picking excursion
All the cycle 1 students went apple picking on October 9. The
following day, Ms. Holly’s room 1 class decided to use the apples
they picked to bake an apple cake. Each student had a job to do and
they all worked together in a beautiful display of collaboration. The
cake turned out to be moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and
all over delicious. They loved it!
Nouvelles des élèves du cycle 2
Les élèves du cycle 2 à étaient très occupés dans les deux premiers mois d’école. Premièrement, on a commencé le 5 au quotidien (Daily 5) mais, en ce moment, on a seulement réussi à faire 2
au quotidien (lecture à soi et lecture avec un ami). On a encore
plusieurs stations à apprendre (jouer avec
les mots, jeux à l’ordinateur, écriture) avant
de travailler d’une manière autonome. On
va continuer avec le 5 au quotidien jusqu’à
la fin de l’année.
Ensuite, on a joué des jeux en groupe
pour encourager l’expression orale. En plus,
on a écrit des phrases et on a créé des histoires pour l’Halloween. Les élèves devaient simplement faire attention à respecter
la structure de phrase (déterminant, nom
commun, verbe, adjectif) apprise en classe.
Récemment les élèves ont fait des
présentations orales en classe. Chaque élève
pouvaient choisir le style de sa présentation
(power point, affiche, show and tell, etc.) et
devait la préparer à la maison pour ensuite
la présenter à ses camarades. Toutes les
présentations étaient formidables.
Merci.
Mme Chrisanthi et les élèves du cycle 2
(3e et 4e années)
Différents kiosques de
prévention ont été installés à
l’Académie Royal West.
Le 19 novembre de 12 h 20 à
13 h 30, l’agent sociocommunautaire Vincent De Angelis et
l’agent de concertation Ouest
André Belotte ont fait un
kiosque afin de sensibiliser les
étudiants en matière de prévention de la toxicomanie. Cette
campagne vise la sensibilisation
au développement des compétences comme clé du succès
pour rester en contrôle.
Nous avons donné aux
élèves des cahiers d’écriture
avec toutes les ressources et le
message suivant : « Reste en
contrôle. T’as ce qu’il faut ! »
Tu as des questions sur la
consommation d’alcool ou
d’autres drogues ou sur les jeux
de hasard et d’argent ?
Tu es préoccupé par ta consommation ou celle d’un ami ?
Appelle : Tel-jeunes
1-800-263-2266 ou
teljeunes.com
Drogue : aide et référence
1-800-265-2626
ou 514-527-2626 (Montréal)
Jeu : aide et référence
1-800-461-0140
ou 514-527-0140
Pour le bien-être de nos jeunes et adolescents, restons informés et parlons-en !
parlonsdrogue.com/.
Agent sociocommunautaire
Marie Christine Nobert
« Top Net! »
Le poste de quartier 9 est fier d’offrir une pièce de théâtre afin
de sensibiliser les étudiants âgés de 13 à 16 ans au phénomène de
la cyber intimidation afin de prévenir ce phénomène grandissant.
Le 1 er décembre, des élèves des écoles secondaires
Académie Royal West, Bialik et Maimonide assisteront à la
pièce de théâtre à l’auditorium du centre pour adultes Marymount. La pièce s’intitule « Top Net! : Les attaques virtuelles
blessent dans le monde réel ».
Les étudiants apprendront par la pièce l’utilisation responsable
des médias sociaux et la question du respect sera aussi discutée.
Nous croyons qu’il est très important de discuter avec vos adolescents de cette question. Nous vous dirigeons aussi au site internet
du SPVM pour plus de renseignements sur le sujet. Nous offrons
de nouvelles vidéos à : spvm.qc.ca/fr/Fiches/Details/Intimidation.
Wishing you
a very Merry
Christmas,
a Happy
Hanukkah
and a
prosperous
New Year
from your MoWest
flower shop
10
MW Scout Group
Beavers
Our Beaver Colony has been growing, but there is
always room for more friends!
Boys and girls in grades K-1-2
are welcome to try out a meeting at 6 pm on Tuesday nights
in the Edinburgh school gym.
Please let us know if you would
like to visit, call 483-1152.
In November, we discussed
Remembrance Day, made poppies and took part in the MoWest
parade. At the next meeting, we
had a pretend campfire indoors
where we familiarized our smallest members of Scouting with
what to pack for camp and what
we do at a real campfire: skits,
songs, jokes, cheers and of
course s’mores – yum!
We also enjoyed visits from
three of our friends: nurse Joan
Foster who uses fun and games
to teach first aid for a variety of
emergency scenarios and Lucio
and his seeing-eye dog Obie.
We end the fall session in midDecember with a bowling party
and the leaders are already planning lots of fun things to do for
January such as a Beaver Buggy
Rally and a swim say.
from Jessica Lonardi
(Tic Tac)
Scouts
Our new first year Pioneer
Scouts were keen to go to Arbraska Rigaud the weekend of
November 2. As the last weekend of the season we had great
weather. The weather was mild
and no one needed the soft landing of leaves, thanks to great
harnesses.
While some were timid
about their first time trying ziplines and aerial courses in the
trees, everyone was an expert
by the time we left.
www.mwsg.ca
Fall camp 2014
This year’s fall camp theme
was chosen by the kids to be
“Boot Camp” and with the
number of first-year Scouts outnumbering the older Scouts, this
seemed appropriate. It had been
a couple of years that all the
Scouts have wanted to earn their
Scout permits for certain tools.
The Venturers joined the Scouts
for the weekend and while the
needle dropped, everybody kept
warm and had fun.
Many of the third- and
fourth-year Scouts are working
toward their Chief Scout Award,
for which they are required to
do at least 30 hours of leadership, inside and outside of
Scouting activities. So, Scouts
shared their skills and knowledge with their newer fellow
Scouts and were tasked with
teaching different skills for the
many different permits that each
Visit us on the web
http://www.bonder.com/
LIBRAIRIE BONDER INC.
BONDER BOOKSTORE
INC.
52 Westminster Avenue N.
DR. HEATHER FOX B.S ., D.D.S.
Dentist
C
16 Westminster N. #315
Tel: 487-4577
Fax: 487-8376
Montreal West, Quebec
H4X 1Z2
Tel: (514) 484-7131
Fax: (514) 484-3745
E-mail: bonder@bonder.com
CALL FOR ANY BOOK IN PRINT
Scout can earn: namely the Fire
and Match Permit, the Stove
and Lantern Permit, the Axe
and Saw Permit and the Knife
Permit. Many earned their permits and improved their skills
over the weekend.
The Chief Scout Award is the
top award any Scout can earn and
requires completing all the basic
program material as well as a
broad assortment of badges as
well as certifications, such as first
aid, and planning and organizing
their own challenging program,
and then evaluating it as they
complete it. It’s a big year for
kids who already have a lot going
on. Good luck to all of you!
Venturers/Rovers
We have two Venturer/Rover
groups (14 -18). The younger set
spent a Saturday hiking Mount St.
Hilaire and joined our Scouts in
November for a camping weekend at Lake Lovering. The older
group put their size and muscles
to work, doing their good deed:
helping to clean up and prepare
the Tamaracouta Scout Reserve
for winter. Since some of the
older youth are now 18, they were
able to assist at our annual blood
donor clinic (community service)
and a few were actually first time
donors – well done guys!
Venturer/Rovers is not a
weekly commitment, in fact,
activities are planned as a group
based on their busy schedules.
To join, contact Rusty at
jwiersma@scouts.ca.
Alexandre Kelemen, B.A. Econ.
Financial Security Advisor
1800 McGill College, Suite 1100
Office: 514-931-4242 ext. 2323
Cell: 514-572-9470
alexandre.Kelemen@f55f.com
A division of London Life Insurance Company
Jocelyne Dorion
Psychologue clinicienne
Clinical Psychologist
101 Ballantyne Sud / 514-663-6457
jo.dorion@videotron.ca
11
Guiding
Winter is almost upon us.
The girls have had an exciting
start to their year so far. We
have welcomed Guider Beverly Brown to the 110th Guide
unit. She is the third new Guider to join the
Guide unit within the past year. The girls are
having great fun with all these new women
leading the way.
At the end of October, the Guides organized and hosted a Halloween party for the
Brownies and the Sparks. They had refreshments, face painting and games. A great time
was had by all!
Remembrance Day ceremony
A long standing tradition in MoWest is for
the girls to learn about Guiding’s military connection as well as Canada’s proud military
history prior to Remembrance Day. This helps
the girls understand why it is important to go
to the Remembrance Day ceremony... and it
is not just so they can carry a flag! Every year,
the girls make cards or write on postcards with
special messages for our Veterans. A Guider
then delivers the cards to Ste. Anne’s Hospital.
The Veterans are always very appreciative!
The Sparks have wrapped up their Exploring and Experimenting badge. To mention a
few things they have done, they wandered
through the “wilds” of the MW Church halls
with their binoculars finding different animal
tracks. They have also had fun experimenting
with colour chromatography. The Sparks have
also held a second mini-enrollment ceremony.
It is never too late to join in on our fun!
The Brownies have been busy learning
about healthy, active lifestyles. You may have
noticed a group of them skating at Legion rink
or playing Capture the Flag. A sleepover is in
the works for these young ladies.
The Guides, besides organizing parties,
have played the game of life with a different
twist. (They did not use the traditional game
board!!) The also had an invited guest to teach
the girls about skin care.
Any spare change for a good cause?
With the holidays around the corner, the
Sparks and Brownies will be joining together
for their annual project to support Meals-onWheels. They will be collecting any spare
change to then go out and purchase turkeys
for the Meals-on-Wheels volunteers to cook
for those who are housebound in our community. Anyone in the community wishing to
help us out can either give their spare change
to a Guider or bring it by the MW United
Church on a Wednesday between 5 and 6:30,
and we will happily contribute it to the cause.
from Christine Downey
Donna Nicholson
481-3406
At our November
meeting, the members
of HMS Victory Chapter IODE wrapped 50
gifts for women and
children who are or who
have been at Auberge
Transition. These were items that had been
left in my front porch, or given in other
ways, such as jewellery, business class toiletry bags from airlines new clothing,
young children’s toys and more. At their
early December holiday party, former residents are invited.
Wool and knitting needles and sewing
materials continue to be delivered to Chez
Doris, but unfortunately at this point there
is no more wool! Several deliveries have
been made this year, but now will wait until
people have some more spare or leftover
wool bits or pieces to leave in the front
porch at 131 Wolseley Avenue North and I
would be happy to pass them on. If you
leave a name, I would love to thank you for
the donations, as well as for the travel toiletries that accumulate there.
Ruth Darling would like to express her
gratitude for the community outreach of
neighbours on Wolseley Avenue North following her recent accident. So many people
pitched in to help to make sure that she was
well looked after.
from Janet King
Dr. Mark Santaguida, O.D.
docteur en optométrie / optometrist
• examen de la vue
• lunettes
• verres de contact
• consultation laser
• eye exams
• glasses
• contact lenses
• laser consultation
514 481-4791
43a av. Westminster Ave. N. Mtl West,QC H4X 1Y8
35 years ++
Let my Experience Work for You
Serving the Montreal West area
in the buying and selling of homes.
For an informal rendez-vous,
please call.
481-3406
12
Alexandru Sorin
continued from page 1
allowed him to begin traveling and to see a
bit of the world. At the World Championship in 2000, Alexandru met the Canadian team for the first time and admired
their red and white jackets. He began to
dream of one day representing Canada.
Karate has been the golden thread tying
in many aspects of his life. While traveling
by train with his team mates, he met his future wife Gabriela. In 2007, Alexandru
and Gabriela immigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal. In 2008, Alexandru represented Canada in the World Wado Ryu
Karate Championships and won a gold
medal. In 2011, he was the only karate athlete from Quebec representing Canada at
the Panamerican Games and he won a
bronze medal. In 2012 Alexandru was declared the Athlete of the year in Canada for
karate due to his national and international
results.
With a laugh, Alexandru described his
most memorable competition. It was without a doubt the 2011 Canadian competition.
His first daughter, Tiffany, was born at 4
am and, despite being physically tired, he
was able to compete that day and he won all
his events! With the arrival of a second
daughter, Nicole, in 2014, Alexandru decided to retire from the traveling life of
competitions and stay close to home.
Last year, during a trip to Romania, he
visited with Nicoleta, the girl who had
picked on him, (now a friend) and he
thanked her for her part in teaching him not
to be a victim. He has re-framed his unfortunate experience with bullying and, having
overcome it, he wants to help others. In
2014, Alexandru was invited by the Institut
national du sport du Québec to do motivational speaking in high schools. He shares
his inspirational story of how karate turned
his life around and helped him to develop
self-confidence. The most important lessons
he has learned from karate are: discipline,
respect and confidence. He has also learned
how to achieve balance in his busy life.
This past summer, Alexandru received a
special present on his birthday – being
named one of the coaches of the Québec
karate team.
Avanti West End
Domestic Help,
Experienced Nurses,
Babysitters,
Cleaning Ladies and
Companions
514-482-3631
Karate classes available here
The three dan black belt instructor now
offers karate classes in Montreal West for
ages 5-8 and 9+, two evenings per week and
on Sundays. The students learn basic to advanced techniques in kicking, sweeping and
punching. Kickboxing classes are offered
for age 14 and older. Protective gear is supplied. The classes are bilingual (EnglishFrench) and the students will also learn
some Japanese terms used in karate. As they
pass their belt exams, students are encouraged to develop a personal leadership project that will have an impact on their
community. With guidance from the dojo
teachers, the students can carry the philosophy of karate into the world.
For more information, please call: 4884596.
Maureen Hastie is a participant in the library’s creative writing group.
Pasteizza
continued from page 1
study the language. He registered in a language school and supported himself working part time in a restaurant. He started at
the bottom in the kitchen, preparing the food
for the cooks and worked his way up. Until
2012 Subas worked mainly making pizzas
in a well-known restaurant in NDG. For the
next two years he honed his cooking skills
by working the morning shift at Place Tevere in Dorval as the assistant chef and in
the evenings at Le Cartier, in Laval as the
pizza specialist.
Shan also did not make use of his university studies, ending up as a sales rep in
Sri Lanka for a soft drink company. In
Toronto he studied travel and tourism, but
always worked in restaurants, such as Al
Frisco’s and Alis Fazoli’s in downtown
Toronto. The two classmates visited each
other a few times a year and in 2010 Shan
and his family moved to Montreal and for
the past four years he worked as the sous
chef at Baton Rouge.
Both families live in Laval. Subas’ wife,
named Suba, is a student learning French
and they have three children. Shan’s wife is
Deepa, and she is also a student learning
French and they have two children. Subas
and Shan are trying to learn French as well
and they hope customers will be patient
with them. They have made sure to hire
bilingual staff. They are waiting for a new
large pizza oven, (which should be installed
by the time this goes to press) so they can
offer free pizza deliveries in the MoWest,
NDG, VSP, CSL area.
Having worked in neighbouring NDG,
Subas was familiar with MoWest and described the residents as friendly and appreciative of fine food. Also the previous
proprietor of the New Moon restaurant (at
this same location) was also a Sri Lankan
and they knew the place was available. After
years of working for others, the two school
chums jumped at the chance to work for
themselves. They also inherited the liquor licence that has to be renewed each year.
While the restaurant serves basically
Italian dishes, such as pizza and pasta, there
are some Greek salads and souvlaki dishes
and even a few Chinese items. And if one is
curious, even if it’s not on the menu, if Sri
Lankan cuisine interests you, Subas and
Shan will happily oblige.
Pasteizza
45 Westminster N.
481-7731
Pasteizza.com
Hours:
10-10, Sunday-Thursday
10-11, Friday-Saturday
13
Learn to skate
Program co-ordinator Mackenzie Bullett
and her team show these newest skaters how
to make snow with their skates and get up off
the ice in less than 5 seconds. The winter session runs from January 7-March 28.
Meadowbrook conservation evolves into
Meadowbrook Park creation
There was a hugely
successful dance at
Royal West Academy
on October 17, but it
wasn’t a student
dance. In fact, with
the exception of student volunteers in animal costumes, most guests
were over 40. The disco-rock gala was held
by the environmental group Les Amis du
Parc Meadowbrook and hosted by Royal
West to celebrate the Les Amis’ 25th anniversary keeping the Meadowbrook land
green and condo-free.
For years, Les Amis has held rallies, written briefs, produced flyers, met with politicians, attended conferences, hired landscape
architects to create the vision of a public
park, published letters, recruited support
from every environmental organization on
the island and presented to the City of Montreal all the reasons to keep developers from
building on the land. Building on Meadowbrook would destroy animal habitats, destroy the green spaces necessary to shelter
noise, filter air impurities and space for exercise and recreation, as well as put residents at risk from train disasters and
degrade existing communities.
Les Amis welcomed over 200 people to
celebrate these accomplishments and to hear
what requires their ongoing help. The group
is actively campaigning for the space to be
turned into a public park, the only one that
would exist on that scale in Montreal’s south
west territory. Though the Montreal city and
agglomeration councils voted unanimously
to include railway setback guidelines into
the upcoming urban plan, the draft says
nothing about these safety measures. The
Lachine portion of Meadowbrook remains
zoned for potential development, and the
Montreal city administration is talking again
about allowing development. Meadowbrook
is not yet safe and certainly not yet a public
park for everyone to use.
Even though there is a lot of work ahead,
October 17 was a time to celebrate the huge
amount of work invested to date. And what
a celebration it was. Excellent DJ, disco
lights, charming bartenders, circulating animals and dancing, dancing, dancing.
Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook still has
a lot of work to do, and it needs your support. Please take a moment to find out how
you can help by emailing them at sos.meadowbrook@gmail.com.
Gym-Tastic!
Morgan Pudwell and her team of instructors have the kids going through equipment circuits, balancing on beams, hanging
from rings and learning their gymstop.
Session: January 13-March 26
Ages: 3½ - 5 years old
When: Tuesdays or Thursdays, 5:45-6:30
Ages: 6-7 years old
When: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30
Cost : $120/$140 (NR)
Introduction to judo
With the first bow, black belt sensei,
Steve Morissette had the room of participants anxiously awaiting instructions. The
first class introduced balance, holds and
how to respect your opponent.
Cost:
$70/$90 (NR)
Session:
January 7-March 19
Location: Elizabeth Ballantyne School
Ages: 5-7: Wednesdays, 5:45-6:30 pm
Ages 8-12: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Indoor soccer
Greg Macgregor and his team keep
everyone moving with drills, skills, and
games.
Session:
January 5-March 18
Location: Royal West Academy gym
Cost:
$100/$120 (NR)
Ages 5 & 6: Mondays, 6-7 pm
U8 Boys: Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm
U10-12 Girls: Tuesdays, time TBD
U10-12 Boys: Thursdays, time TBD
Hiring
The CRA is looking for instructors,
coaches and monitors, ages 16+, for various
programs. If you are interested please
contact the CRA office by email at
infocra@mtlwestcra.ca.
Happy holidays from the CRA!
14
MW Presbyterian
As I sit here trying to get my thoughts in
order and waiting for the first “dusting” of
snow, I realize that uppermost in most of our
minds are the tragic events that took place
in the past month and that Remembrance
Day has become even more meaningful.
Sue Alladin placed MWPC’s wreath at the
Cenotaph on Sunday, November 9.
Baptisms
The sacrament of baptism was administered to the following children: Madison,
daughter of Trevor Williams and Jennifer
Neill, on October 12; Kelsey-Elvin and
Minelle, children of Nelson Ntumbah and
Mirabelle Bih, on October 19; Fortune,
son of Richmond Betngi Bassong and
Linda Ekwe, on November 9.
Looking back
Our fall card party was a great success.
Thanks to all of you who helped make it so.
We celebrated the 123rd anniversary of
MWPC on the weekend of October 25/26.
Many thanks to the Alladin family who
provided and served a delicious dinner and
to Ben Kwong, organist, and company for
the delightful dinner-time music. We welcomed Rev. Dr. Dale Woods to the pulpit
on Sunday morning. Dr. Woods is the Principal of Presbyterian College in Montreal.
Looking ahead
White gift Sunday: November 30,
10:30 am
Christmas communion: December 14,
10:30 am
Christmas Eve service and pageant:
December 24, 5 pm
An evening of christmas music will take
place at on Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm.
News from the Pews
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students
and seniors, free for children under 10
years. Available at 484-7913 or at the door.
Win a turkey
The winning four tickets will be drawn
on white gift Sunday. Tickets are $10 or 3
for $25 and are available from members or
the church office: 484-7913.
Gospel service
Our annual Nelson Mandela/Martin
Luther King gospel service will be held on
Sunday, January 25 at 4: pm. Dinner will
follow at 6 pm. Tickets for dinner are $10;
children under 12 year are free and will be
available in the new year.
Ongoing
Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 7
pm in the church parlour (160 Ballantyne
N. entrance).
Weekly Sunday service and Sunday
school at 10:30 am. A social hour follows.
All are welcome – let us be your church
home.
St. Philip’s
Thank you to all who came out and supported our Christmas bazaar. It was a great
day, and a good time was had by all. Those
who were looking for baked goods after
worship on Sunday morning were disappointed, as the bake table completely sold
out before the bazaar closed.
December is always very busy, as we
prepare for the holidays. To help people
relax and take the focus off the material side
of the holiday celebrations, our Tuesday
evening service during December uses
music from the Taïzé community, darkness,
candles and icons to create a time and space
for meditation. Join us Tuesday evenings at
7:30; use the office door on Connaught.
The annual Festival of Nine Lessons and
Carols with St. Philip’s choir, under the direction of Peter Butler, will take place on
Sunday, December 14 at 5 pm, followed by
a reception in Memorial Hall.
On Christmas Eve, we will continue the
pattern of previous years. At 5 pm is our
Children’s service, an interactive service in
which the children tell the Christmas story
and place the figures in the crèche, with familiar carols. The traditional festival Holy
Eucharist will take place at 11 pm. We also
offer a Christmas day communion with carols at 10 am.
Sunday school continues every Sunday
at 10 am, except for December 21 when the
children will join in the worship in church.
New children are always welcome.
from Janet Dimock
MW United
...the brick one
Advent advances…
hope you’re hungry….
Into it already, December 7 is the Sunday school pageant during our 10 am service. Always charming to see how the story
gets told by the children, never too rehearsed to spoil those spontaneous moments. Worthwhile for everyone. Plus it is
followed by hot dogs for all!
The choir presents its version of lessons
and carols December 14 at 10 am. Some
new, some old, some hauntingly beautiful…
(Shhhh… and while the parents are mesmerized by the choir, the Sunday school
15
News from the Pews
does this neat thing called the Santa shop
where kids can choose a gift for their folks
and wrap it up to go under the tree at home.
But don’t tell the Moms and Dads, okay?)
And that marks the end of Sunday school
and nursery service for now.
December 21 is a worship service in
which we include extra hymns and carols,
maybe not all verses, but it is a chance to
sing more of your favorites.
Christmas Eve has two offerings: the
family friendly service at 5:30 and the communion service at 10:30.
Christmas Eve afternoon also has the
kitchens busy preparing non-perishables for
the Christmas dinners that are to be delivered Christmas morning. The many volunteers are organized by Joan and Bill Foster
to see that well over 200 turkey dinners with
trimmings are delivered to those who are
housebound in our vicinity. What a tradition
it has become for so many of us within the
community.
And when all that is done, Sunday, December 28 is a low Sunday service, a gentle
service around the tree and nativity scene,
welcoming all who wish to gather there.
2015: ready or not….
Some of us are still digesting Christmas,
but here we are in a New Year. Always
much to treasure after a full December, as
well as things that draw us forward. The
Sunday school and nursery service resume
on January 11. And if you are still wanting
a time to take stock, reflect, look forward,
try coming to the Labyrinth Walk, Tuesday,
January 27 between 7 and 9 pm. Socks or
slippers please, but all are welcome.
On behalf of Rev. Janet Bisset and the
congregation, we wish you warm holidays
and good memory-making.
from Susan Upham
FAMILY LAW
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
EN DROIT DE
LA FAMILL E
AVOCATS
AV
OC A T S
MÉDIATEURS
MÉDIA
TE U R S
COACHS
CO
A CH S
ATTORNEYS
MEDIA
TORS
MEDIATORS
CO
A CHE S
COACHES
mceavocats.com
tel. 514.866.4666
fax 514.866.4667
St. Ignatius
During this holiday season, St. Ignatius
of Loyola parish has a number of activities
to help you get into the Christmas spirit. We
have a Children’s Christmas party on Sunday, December 7 at noon in the parish hall.
This is an opportunity to bring the family
out to a fun afternoon that includes a visit
from Santa. Please bring an unwrapped gift
(under $15) for a child, which will be donated to underprivileged children. Please
contact Muriel Brennan for more information at 482-9346.
We also have two Christmas concerts
happening at the parish; on December 7 at
4 pm there will be a concert featuring the
youth orchestra L’Orchestre symphonique
de Terrebonne, the Voice Male choir and the
acclaimed Cantiamo choir. Tickets are $20
for adults and $15 for students. A portion of
the proceeds will go to help support the
NDG Food Depot. Tickets are available at
the parish office: 481-7768.
Our annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols will be on Sunday, December 21 at 7 pm. This has proven to be a
wonderful opportunity to find some respite
from the busyness of holiday preparations
and spend an enjoyable evening filled with
the holiness and joy of the Christmas season. This event is free of charge, but a
freewill offering will be taken up.
Please consider joining us in celebrating
the Feast of the Nativity; on Christmas Eve
we will have a family Mass at 4:30 pm, as
well as Mass at 7 and 10 pm. On Christmas
morning we will have Mass at 10 am.
Visit our website at st-ignatius.ca/blog
for more information about all these events.
Wishing you a very blessed Christmas
and a New Year filled with joy.
from Fr. Michael Leclerc
Hours / Horaire
Starting September 2
Monday - Thursday / lundi - jeudi :
9 h 00 - 12 h 00; 13 h 30 - 18 h 00
Friday / vendredi :
9 h 00 - 12 h 00; 13 h 30 - 17 h 00
Saturday / samedi : 13 h 00 - 16 h 00
Please note that the library will be closed
for from December 24-January 5.
Brr! It’s the season to cuddle up with a
new book, so come on into the library and
join one of our great programs!
Registration opens on January 5 for our
popular Story Sparklers, Tales for Tots,
Mother Goose, and Lego Club programs.
Lego Club: ages 5-12. Two separate sessions offered, Mondays or Thursdays ($10
for a 4-week session)
The following programs are free with a
Friends of the Library membership.
Mother Goose: ages 0-12 months, Mondays, 9:30-10 am
Tales for Tots: ages 12-24 months, Mondays, 10:30-11 am
Story Sparklers: ages 3-6, Wednesdays,
3:45-4:
Please call or email the library for more
information and to register.
Come and join us for some holiday stories on Saturday, December 13 from 12:151 pm. This holiday-themed program will
include stories, a craft and a small snack.
Please call ahead to register your 3- to
6-year-old at a cost of $3 a child. Spaces are
limited.
RICK
LAVELL
ISABELLE
PAPINEAU
DAVID
DOUBT
FOR THE BEST SERVICE IN TOWN • POUR LE MEILLEUR SERVICE EN VILLE
curtaincall.montreal@gmail.com
Real Estate Brokers • Groupe Sutton Centre Ouest • Courtiers immobiliers
514 483-5800 • www.rickandisabelle.com
16
MON - THU
10 am - noon
2 pm - 4 pm
7 pm - 9 pm
45 Westminster South
481-7441
New Books
Summer Employment
You may submit a cover letter and résumé
at the John A. Simms Community Centre,
8 Westminster Ave S. Fax: 485-8596 or
via email ckearney@montreal-west.ca to
the attention of Christopher Kearney.
• Aquatic Supervisors
• Day Camp Coordinator
Fiction
Amis, Martin
The Zone of Interest
Crummey, Michael
Sweetland
Cumming, Charles
A Colder War
Grisham, John
Gray Mountain
McCullough, Colleen
Bittersweet
Picoult, Jodi
Leaving Time
Smiley, Jane
Some Luck
Mysteries
Harvey, John
Darkness, Darkness
Indridason, Arnaldur
Reykjavik Nights
McCall Smith, A.
The Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café
Mosley, Walter
Rose Gold
Robinson, Peter
Abattoir Blues
Non-fiction
• Pool Manager
• Assistant Pool Managers
• Head Swim Team Coach
• Pool Office Manager
• Camp Office Manager
• Day Camp Coordinator
• Day Camp Section Heads
• Operations Coordinator
• Special Events Coordinator
• Training Coordinator
Dunham, Lena
Not That Kind of Girl
Garten, Ina
Make It Ahead
Hadfield, Chris
You Are Here
Isaacson, Walter
The Innovators
Klein, Naomi
This Changes Everything
Ottolenghi, Yotam
Plenty More
• Pool Lifeguards
(May 30-September 4)
• Wading Pool Attendants
(June-August 7)
Newsroom Season 2
Mad Men Season 7 Part 1
Miranda Series 1
Homeland Season 3
The Trip, Boardwalk Empire Season 4
• Day Camp Counsellors
• Community Centre Counsellors
(full and part time)
• Pool Gate Attendants
DVDs
Dr. Michael J. Wexel
Chiropractor
Low Back Pain
Muscle Pain
Numbness & Tingling
Nutritional Counseling
CSST & SAAQ
Neck Pain
Headaches & Migraines
Stiffness
Sports Related Injuries
Wellness & Preventative Care
773-7246
18 Westminster N., Suite 110
Call For An Appointment Today So You Can Feel Better Tomorrow.
Pickup hockey and free
skate holiday schedule
Tuesday, December 23
Free skate: 3:30-4:50 pm
Novice/Atom: 5-6:20 pm
Pee Wee/Bantam: 6:30-7:50 pm
Midget & up: 8-9:20 pm
Sunday, December 28
Free skate: 11 am-noon
Novice/Atom: noon-1:20 pm
Pee Wee/Bantam: 1:30-2:50 pm
Midget & up: 3-4:20 pm
Free skate: 4:30-6 pm
Monday, December 29
Free skate: 11 am-noon
Novice/Atom: noon-1:20 pm
Pee Wee/Bantam: 1:30-2:50 pm
Midget & up: 3-4:20 pm
Free skate: 4:30-6 pm
Tuesday, December 30
Free skate: 11 am-noon
Novice/Atom: noon-1:20 pm
Pee Wee/Bantam: 1:30-2:50 pm
Midget & up: 3-4:20 pm
Free skate: 4:30-6 pm
Tuesday, December 31
Free skate: 10 am-11 am
Novice/Atom: 11 am-noon
Pee Wee/Bantam: noon-1 pm
Midget & up: 1-2 pm
Free skate: 2-3 pm
Friday, January 2
Free skate: 11 am-noon
Novice/Atom: noon-1:20 pm
Pee Wee/Bantam: 1:30-2:50 pm
Midget & up: 3-4:20 pm
Free skate: 4:30-6 pm
Foot clinics
December 10 and 17,
January 14 and 28
$40 for the first visit and
$35 for subsequent visits
by appointment only
484-6186
MW
50+
Club
December
2 Movie matinée: Heaven is for
4
10
11
12
16
Real
Holiday tea party
Theatre trip: Lights, Camera,
Christmas! (Presented by the
Upper Canada Playhouse)
Speaker Frederic Hore on
ethereal world of Antarctica
Christmas dinner: performance
by The Swindlers
Bridge, new players are
welcome!
January
8 Soup’s on: Sign X: Communication in New France. Speaker:
Bruno Stenson
20 Vintage tea party
27 Bridge, new players are
welcome!
29 Movie matinée: Hundred Foot
Journey
Call for more info:
Marian Scully at 484-1610.
JANE F. LEE, B.Sc., D.D.S.
Chirurgien Dentiste - Dental Surgeon
63 WESTMINSTER N
MONTREAL WEST
H4X 1Y8
369-0255
17
Community Centre
Recreation Programs for winter
Parents & Tots
Baby Boogie
20 15
Wednesday, 10:15-11 am
Music and Movement
Wednesday, 9:30-10:15 am
6-18 months and 18-36 months
Community Centre
Songs with fine and gross motor activities using various instruments.
Starts January 7 for 12 weeks. Cost: R:
$100/NR: $110.
Parents and Tots
Tuesday and/or Thursday, 9:30-11 am
1- to 3-year-olds. Davies Park Chalet.
Socialize and play. Activities include
games, crafts and songs.
Starts January 7 for 12 weeks. Cost: R:
$100 /$180 NR: $110/$190.
Gentle Yoga for Parents & Tots
Saturdays, 1-2 pm, Town Hall
1 to 4-year-olds. Starts January 10 for 12
weeks Cost: R: $97/NR: $112.
Essentrics for Parents & Tots
Monday 10 -11 am, Town Hall.
1 to 4-year-olds. Starts January 5 for 12
weeks Cost: R: $97/NR: $112.
Tiny Tots with Miss Morgan
A preschool program which includes art,
drama, park outings, story time and more!
Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon. Community
Centre. 2- to 4-year-olds. Starts January 5 for
12 weeks. Option from 1 to 5 days a week,
optional lunch program is also available.
Youth
Chess with Steve
Friday, 4-5:30 pm, 5 years and up. Community Centre. Starts January 9 for 12
weeks Cost: R: $80/NR: $95.
Zumba
10 years and up. Tuesday, 5- 6 pm. Town
Hall. Starts January 6 for 12 weeks. Cost:
R: $75/NR: $85.
Red Cross Babysitting
11 years and up. Saturday, 9:30 am-4
pm. Community Centre. Starts January 24
or February 21. Cost: R: $60/NR: $65.
March Break Madness
5 to 12 years old. Monday, March 2 to
Friday, March 6. Prices and details available soon; check our website for updates.
Adult activities
Begin the week of January 5. Limited
space in some class; register now!
Total Barre, TRX Suspension Training,
Dance fitness, drum session and Jump
Fit
Stability ball, stretching (morning and
evening)
Gentle Yoga, Yoga for stiff men, Yogalates with Joanne
Vinyasa Yoga, Essentrics, Zumba with
Gilda, 65+ fitness
Get Fit Program, Health and Wellness
For more information, please call the
Community Centre at 484-6186 or visit our
website: montreal-west.ca.
18
by Carol Foster
Mayor Masella began the
meeting with his annual report on
th Town’s financial position. The
the
highlights included the fact that the 2013
budget year ended with an $867,000 surplus and the current year’s budget is expected to end with a slight surplus.
Investment in the Town’s infrastructure, assisted by a government grant, will continue
to be the primary objective of the budget for
2015. The complete report will be published in The Suburban.
The Public Works item on the agenda included news that, beginning in 2015, recycling and compost will be picked up on
Tuesday and regular garbage will be picked
up on Friday. This rescheduling will hopefully eliminate the confusion that now exists in who picks up what.
Several bylaws are in the process of
being amended, including the ones concerning nuisance, noise and public security, the
demolition of immovables and the site-planning and architectural integration program.
Councillor Tasker-Brown began her report with some good news followed by
some bad news. While there have been
fewer car break-ins compared to last year,
reports of break and entries have increased.
Residents are cautioned to leave outdoor
lights on at night where possible. TaskerBrown also mentioned that tickets issued by
police for moving violations in the Town
Dr. Michael J. Wexel
Chiropractor / Chiropracticien
Tel: 773-7246
E-mail: drmjwexel@videotron.ca
18 Westminster N., Suite 110
Montreal West, QC H4X 1Y8
Town Council Meeting: October
have doubled, so residents should be
warned. Parking permit renewal letters are
going out shortly. Snow removal contractors
must also renew their permits and stickers
for each of their vehicles will be required for
identification by the PSOs. The redesign of
Davies Park and the plans for a dog run area
are moving ahead with a goal for completion by St. Jean Baptiste Day. Until then, the
present rules for exercising dogs apply.
All recreation activities are now fully
registered, according to Councillor Ulin.
Coming events will include Halloween on
Ice starring Justin Masella (who will be
dressed as a snowman says his father), followed by the Pumpkin Parade. New playground equipment has been installed in
three parks, the air in the arena has passed
tests for over a year now and a beautiful
new floor has been installed in the second
storey of the Town Hall.
Councillor Feeney announced work is
proceeding on the preparation of the 2015
budget to be presented in December and
noted that the Town’s primary expense continues to be work on the infrastructure. In response to a recent front-page story in The
Suburban which reported a resident’s contention that the high taxes in the Town were
impinging upon house sales, Councillor
Feeney attempted to clarify the situation
once again, as she had done in great detail
in her October Council Communique in The
Informer. In conclusion, she pointed out that
while taxes in the Town are high, recent increases have been kept extremely low. The
infrastructure, having been long neglected,
continues to desperately need expensive
work. At the same time, the services the
Town offers make it a very desirable place
to live. Long term planning, which is now
under way, offers the best solution for controlling what is possible to be controlled.
Public Works continues routine maintenance and will be preparing for the inevitable onset of winter weather,
Councillor Torres reported.
Question period
What action can the Town take to eliminate a residential eyesore on Wolseley was
the first issue raised as question period
began. The Mayor’s response was that the
resident must first be issued a ticket and,
upon noncompliance, the matter has to go
to court. The Town can then step in, clean
up the property and add the cost to the
homeowners’ tax bill.
How will the prohibited noise level in the
amended bylaw be determined was the next
question. By consulting standards set in other
municipalities and adopting figures used by
the Town of Mount Royal was the answer.
Is there a solution to the dangers presented by the traffic at the Strathearn and
Milner intersection, which is directly in
front of a daycare building? This question
was asked by some parent representatives
as well as the daycare owner. Tasker-Brown
explained the Town has a traffic-calming
policy and the problem should be referred
to the Traffic and Safety Committee. In addition, the Mayor suggested the building’s
landlord should be involved in possible creative methods of adding protection in front
of the building. Several suggestions echoed
similar ones brought up at the September
Council meeting regarding both police
helping to direct traffic at the train crossing
and reducing garbage pickup days.
One resident described the very frustrating
process of trying to get information from the
Town regarding reimbursement for the treatment of ash trees on private property. The
Mayor agreed the communication should be
improved, but offered the reassurance that he
had just signed her cheque.
While a variety of concerns were raised,
one vigorous and lengthy discussion dominated question period. A resident at 138
Ballantyne North stated that both the demolition and the reconstruction of the building at 137 Westminster North was raising
questions that he was having great difficulty
getting answers to.
When the dust and debris from the demolition was annoying some Ballantyne
neighbours, the Town did not respond to
their concerns or suggestions. In addition,
the height of the construction on the third
level does not conform to the Town’s bylaws
and is “changing the landscape of our lives”
according to this speaker. Further frustrations ensued when their requests for access
to the building’s plans and project reports
were denied because this information was
deemed to be “not in the public domain.”
The Mayor responded that the Town is
not trying to hide anything and that it has
arranged for an independent party to assess
compliance with the bylaws. If the building
does not conform to the approved plans, it
will have to be modified. At the same time,
he explained that this project has brought to
light some difficulties in the present bylaws,
which are now in the process of being
worked on.
The last speaker was also from Ballantyne North and offered comments rather than
questions. He felt Councillor Feeney’s explanation of the tax situation in the Town
was well articulated and set the record
straight. He added that, in his opinion, although the construction at 137 Westminster
North was the neighbour’s problem and not
the Town’s, he also felt the concerned resident’s family’s quality of life is being affected and the Town should have taken that
into consideration when approving the plans.
The meeting was then adjourned.
par Carol Foster
traduction par René Boucher
Le maire Masella a ouvert la
sséance avec son rapport annuel sur
la situation financière de la Ville. Les
points saillants incluaient le fait que l’exercice budgétaire 2013 s’était terminé avec un
surplus de 687 000 $ et l'on s’attend à un
léger surplus en fin du budget actuel. L’investissement dans les infrastructures de la
ville, appuyé de subsides gouvernementaux,
continuera à titre d’objectif primaire du
budget 2015. Le rapport complet sera publié
dans The Suburban.
L’article des Travaux publics à l’ordre du
jour comportait l’annonce qu’à compter de
2015, le recyclage et le compostage seront
ramassés le mardi et les ordures le vendredi.
Ce réaménagement d’horaire éliminera, espère-t-on, la confusion qui règne actuellement quant à qui collecte quoi. Plusieurs
règlements sont en processus d’amendement, dont ceux concernant les nuisances,
le bruit et la sécurité publique, la démolition
d’immeubles et le plan d'implantation et
d'intégration architecturale.
La conseillère Tasker-Brown a entamé
son rapport par de bonnes nouvelles, suivies
de moins bonnes. Il y a eu moins de vols
dans des véhicules que l’an dernier, mais les
rapports de vols par effraction ont augmenté. Elle incite les résidents à garder l’éclairage extérieur allumé la nuit, lorsque
possible. Elle a aussi mentionné que les
constats pour contravention à la circulation
émis par les policiers dans la ville ont doublé. Les résidents en sont avertis. Les lettres
pour le renouvellement des permis de stationnement seront expédiées sous peu. Les
entrepreneurs en déneigement doivent aussi
renouveler leurs permis et un autocollant est
requis pour chacun de leurs véhicules à des
fins d’identification par les ASP. Le réaménagement du parc Davies et les plans pour
le parc canin vont de l’avant et l’on vise la
Fête nationale comme date d’achèvement.
D’ici là, les règles actuelles s’appliquent
pour l’exercice des chiens.
Les inscriptions pour les activités de
loisirs sont maintenant complétées, selon la
conseillère Ulin. À venir, l’Halloween sur
glace mettant en vedette Justin Masella
(déguisé en bonhomme de neige selon son
père) suivi du défilé des citrouilles. Trois
parcs ont reçu de nouveaux équipements de
jeu, l’air de l’aréna a passé tous les tests
depuis maintenant plus d’un an et les visiteurs foulent maintenant un beau nouveau
plancher à l’étage de l’hôtel de ville.
La conseillère Feeney a fait part des
travaux de préparation du budget 2015
qu’elle doit déposer en décembre et a
souligné que les infrastructures constituent
toujours la principale dépense de la Ville. En
réaction à la une récente du Suburban qui rap-
Réunion du Conseil : octobre
portait l’assertion d’un résident voulant que
les taxes élevées affectent négativement les
ventes de maisons dans la ville, la conseillère
a tenté de clarifier la situation de nouveau,
comme elle l’avait fait dans son Communiqué
du Conseil d’octobre dans The Informer. En
conclusion, elle a fait remarquer que bien que
les taxes municipales soient élevées, on a
gardé les augmentations récentes à un niveau
extrêmement bas. Les infrastructures, longtemps négligées, ont encore besoin de travaux
très onéreux. Parallèlement, les services
qu’offre la Ville en font un milieu de vie de
choix. La planification à long terme présentement en cours offre la meilleure solution
pour contrôler ce qui est contrôlable.
La conseillère Torres a rapporté que les
Travaux publics poursuivaient leur entretien
routinier et se prépareront à l’inévitable
début de l’hiver.
Période de questions
La première intervention demandait
quelle action la Ville peut entreprendre pour
remédier à la vue désolante que présente
une résidence sur Wolseley. Le maire a
répondu que le citoyen doit d’abord recevoir un constat d’infraction et, s’il
n’obtempère pas, le litige se transporte alors
devant les tribunaux. La Ville peut ensuite
intervenir, nettoyer la propriété et ajouter le
coût au compte de taxes du propriétaire.
La question suivante demandait comment le niveau de bruit prohibé par le règlement amendé sera déterminé. En réponse,
on a indiqué avoir consulté les normes
établies dans d’autres municipalités et
qu’on adopterait les chiffres utilisés par la
ville de Mont-Royal.
Y a-t-il une solution aux dangers que
présente la circulation à l’intersection Strathearn et Milner, directement face à l’édifice
abritant un service de garde? La question
émanait de parents et de la propriétaire de
la garderie. Mme Tasker-Brown a expliqué
que la Ville avait une politique d’apaisement de la circulation et que le problème
devait être soumis au Comité de circulation
et de sécurité. Le maire a ensuite suggéré
que le propriétaire de l’édifice participe à la
recherche de méthodes créatives pour l’ajout de protection à l’avant de la bâtisse.
De nombreuses suggestions ont fait écho
à celles soulevées lors de la réunion du Conseil de septembre concernant l’utilisation du
policier pour diriger la circulation au passage à niveau et la réduction des jours de
collecte des ordures.
Une résidente a décrit la très frustrante
procédure pour obtenir des renseignements
de la Ville concernant le remboursement du
traitement des frênes de propriété privée. Le
maire a admis le besoin d’améliorer les
communications et a offert l’assurance qu’il
venait tout juste de signer son chèque.
19
Une palette de questions a été soulevée,
mais une longue et vigoureuse discussion a
dominé la période de questions. Un résident
du 138 Ballantyne Nord a affirmé que la démolition et la reconstruction du 137 Westminster Nord suscitaient des questions pour
lesquelles il éprouvait de grandes difficultés
à obtenir des réponses.
Alors que la poussière et les débris de
démolition gênaient certains voisins sur
Ballantyne, la Ville n’a pas réagi à leurs
préoccupations ou suggestions. De plus, la
hauteur du troisième niveau de la construction ne respecte pas les règlements de la
Ville et « modifie le paysage de nos vies »
aux dires de l’intervenant. D’autres mécontentements ont suivi lorsque leurs demandes
d’accès aux plans de la bâtisse et aux rapports de projet ont essuyé des refus parce
que ces renseignements étaient jugés « hors
du domaine public. »
Le maire a répondu que la Ville ne tente
pas de cacher quoi que ce soit et que des
arrangements ont été pris avec une tierce partie pour évaluer la conformité avec les règlements. Si l’édifice ne respecte pas les plans
approuvés, il devra être modifié. Il a par
ailleurs expliqué que ce projet a fait ressortir
des difficultés dans les règlements actuels et
le processus d’amendement est enclenché.
Le dernier intervenant était aussi de Ballantyne Nord et il a formulé des commentaires plutôt que des questions. Il était
d’opinion que les explications de la conseillère Feeney quant aux taxes étaient bien exprimées et avaient remis les pendules à
l’heure. Il ajouta qu’à son avis, bien que la
construction au 137 Westminster Nord était
le problème du voisin plutôt que de la Ville,
il croyait aussi que la qualité de vie de la
famille du résident concerné est affectée et
que la Ville aurait dû en tenir compte lors
de l’approbation des plans.
La séance a ensuite été levée.
Theopiste (Theo)
Hondzoglou
bur.: (514) 483-5800
fax: (514) 483-2699
mobile: (514) 898-3821
hondzoglout@sutton.com
Groupe Sutton – Centre-Ouest Inc.
5800, avenue Monkland
Montreal, QC, H4A 1G1
20
C O M IN G E VE NT S
Please call the editor: Heather at 489-7022
e-mail: montrealwestinformer@gmail.com
Next deadline: January 14
NOVEMBER
Sat 29 Community Food Drive. St. Philip’s. Food may also be dropped off at
the church office Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and noon.
DECEMBER
Tue 2 Royal West Academy’s Bardolators present The Merchant of Venice
in the school auditorium. Continues on December 3, 4 at 7 pm. Tickets:
$10 for adults; $7, seniors and $5, students; available at the door.
Dinner theatre: Friday, December 5. Dinner at 6 pm, performance at
7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance by calling
489-8454 (S. Westlake).
Advent Taïzé service (every Tuesday through December 23).
St. Philip’s. 7:30 pm.
Fri
5 CBC Radio at NDG Food Depot. Drop in from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Please see page 5.
Sat
6 Curzon Creative Preschool auction. MW United. Tickets: $5; please
contact curzonauction@gmail.com. 7-10 pm.
Sun 7 Sunday school pageant. MW United. 10 am.
Children’s Christmas party. Parish hall. St. Ignatius. Please see page
15. Noon.
Christmas concerts. St. Ignatius. Please see page 15. 4 pm.
Wed 10 Luncheon bridge. Curling Club. Cost: $7 for club members; $9 for
non-members. Space is limited, so please call Joslyn Schultz at 4872427 to reserve your table. All welcome. 12:30 pm.
Sat 13 An evening of Christmas music. MW Presbyterian. Tickets: $20 for
adults; $15 for students and seniors; children under 10 years: free.
Available at the door. Info: 484-7913. 7 pm.
Sun 14 Breakfast with Santa. Town Hall. Starting at 8 am.
Choir presentation: Christmas in words and music. MW United. 10 am.
Christmas communion. MW Presbyterian. 10:30 am.
Lessons and Carols. St. Philip’s. 5 pm.
Tue 16 Horticultural Society presents Dawn Smith demonstrating Christmas
floral arranging. Everyone welcome, non-members, $5. Town Hall. 7:30 pm.
Sun 21 Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols. St. Ignatius. 7 pm.
Wed 24 Family Mass. St. Ignatius. 4:30 pm. Also Masses at 7 and 10 pm.
Christmas Eve service and pageant. MW Presbyterian. 5 pm.
Children’s Christmas Eve worship. St. Philip’s. 5 pm.
Family Christmas Eve service. MW United. 5:30 pm.
Christmas Eve communion service. MW United. 10:30 pm.
Festival Holy Eucharist (Midnight Mass). St. Philip’s.11 pm.
Thu 25 Christmas Day Eucharist. St. Philip’s.10 am.
Christmas Mass. St. Ignatius. 10 am.
JANUARY
Thu 1 66th annual Garbage Bowl football game. Southern Bombers vs
Northern Combines in MW’s version of the Polar Bear Swim. Email
garbagebowl2015@hotmail.com for more info. Davies Park. 2 pm.
Mon 19 Horticultural Society presents Linda Rutenberg with lush garden
photos. Everyone welcome, non-members, $5. Town Hall. 7:30 pm.
Wed 21 Coffee with the Mayor.Town Hall. 7:30 am.
Sun 25 Nelson Mandela/Martin Luther King gospel service. MW Presbyterian. Dinner tickets: $10. Children under 12 years: free. Available in
advance at 484-7913. 4: pm. Dinner at 6 pm.
Tue 27 Evening Labyrinth Walk. Wadsworth Hall. MW United. 7-9 pm.
Classifieds
NEED A TUTOR? McGill University science student, with extensive tutoring experience, is
available to tutor math and sciences at all levels. Please contact
Oliver
for
more
information: 402-6318.
SKI AND SNOWBOARD TUNING:
Get ready to hit the slopes by
getting your equipment tuned.
Over 20 years of ski and board
tuning experience. Hand
sharpen and wax for $25. Drop
off and pick up available.
MoWestTuning@gmail.com.
BEAUTIFUL 5 1/2 apartment in
Montreal West, just renovated.
Restored hardwood floors, new
kitchen and bathroom,new ceramic tiles, inside garage space.
Great area to live. Please call
Sophia Souranis for more information 622-2682.
Breakfast
with Santa
Sunday, December 14
Town Hall
8 am-noon
All proceeds go to the CRA
programs.
Includes: visit with Santa,
breakfast, arts and crafts, face
painting, Captain Catalyst
(9-11 am), sleigh rides (8:30
am-noon), Panadream Theatre
(10:30 am).
Tickets
In advance: family: $40,
adult: $13, child: $10. At the
door: family: $50, adult: $15,
child: $12. Under 2: free. child:
2-12, adult 13+.
Reservations for breakfast at
8 am, 9 am, 10 am or 11 am.
Tickets available at the Community Centre. No refunds.
Info: 484-6186.