WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

November 25-26, 2008 We are Westmount Vol. 2 No. 11c Don’t Miss It Meet the Candidates Westmounters leave giant eco-footprint at Victoria Hall Despite the city of Westmount having Thursday, Nov. 27 been in the forefront of recycling and en- Horsing around at Westmount Park See Comin’ Up on p. 13 for details. vironmental initiatives for years, the aver- age Westmounter consumes a lot more of Inside the Earth’s resources than the average Canadian, according to a preliminary cal- culation of Westmount’s environmental footprint. The results were revealed November 16 at the last of three city “visioning” work- shops on sustainability at Victoria Hall. With 40 people in attendance, city sus- tainability coordinator Joshua Wolfe quoted hot-off-the-press findings from a McGill University student research project that suggest that Westmount wears a sig- nificantly larger “shoe” than the rest of . According to the students’ research, people in Westmount consume an esti- mated 8.58 hectares per person. This Charlie Horse, the mascot of the Calgary Grey Cup committee, entertained over 350 ecstatic students preliminary report indicates that the West- at Westmount Park School as part of week-long festivities celebrating the 96th Grey Cup football Profile Nicholas Hoare p. 15 mount footprint is well above the Cana- game. The committee is made up of over 60 members who paid their own way to to bring Election Interviews by Kristin McNeill some western hospitality to celebrants. The school was entertained by clowns, a country band, dian average of 7.6 but less than the western princesses, a native maiden and others. The committee also contributed a $1,700 cheque to Jacques Chagnon (Liberal) p. 11 average in the US (9.4, according to Patrick Daoust (Green) p. 12 the school to buy computer equipment. The final score was Montreal Alouettes 14, Calgary Global Footprint Net- Stampeders 22. Photo: Robert J. Galbraith On the Shelves p. 14 work). continued on p. 6 Westmount’s fire prevention office moving to LaSalle CTR BKR De Vries to in staff shuffle Over 33 years of

By Laureen Sweeney day,” said De Vries, who has also been su- experience in real pervising fire prevention in NDG, Côte Fire Prevention Chief Daniel De Vries des Neiges and Outremont. estate to help you has taken up new responsibilities in north- As part of Montreal’s rotation of per- east Montreal after spending almost all of sonnel, Sylvain Jalbert comes from sell your house. his 13-year career in Westmount. -Maisonneuve to replace De VIVIAN & BRIAN GRANT His transfer is part of many changes in Vries and head up the new office in 592-4636 • 249-1500 the island-wide fire department that will LaSalle. In the meantime, however, he will DANIELLE BOULAY see the current divisional prevention office work out of Verdun, while also supervis- Affiliated Real Estate Agent “Working hard to exceed leave Westmount’s Stanton St. station in ing fire prevention in the Verdun and 514-915-5025 your expectations.” January for LaSalle. Southwest boroughs of GROUPE SUTTON CENTRE-OUEST INC. “I hope to be back in Westmount some Montreal. continued on p. 6

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Winter is coming! Arena/pool update Provincial election has delayed funding application

By Mayor Karin Marks • The city has been in constant contact with provincial government officials, In council’s ongoing both in person and by phone, in order commitment to pro- to support its application for govern- vide residents with ment funding for the project. The cur- timely information re- rent provincial election campaign has garding the arena/pool significantly slowed the review of renewal project, we are grant applications. providing updates on • New background information, includ- the most recent news ing interesting fact sheets on the cur- and developments re- rent arena/pool facility and its use, as garding project planning initiatives. well as an in-depth history of organ- • The boreholes and test pits have en- ized sports in Westmount, will soon abled Lemay and Associates to get a be made available on the city’s web- thorough understanding of the exist- site. One more sign of colder weather to come: the seasonal poles that separate Westmount’s de Maisonneuve ing soil conditions. Conceptual design • The 2009 Sports Facility Membership bike path from the road have been removed. In addition, the section between Greene and Atwater has work is well underway and cost esti- Cards will go on sale on December 1 been opened to parking (See letter to the editor, p. 5). mates are now being developed. at the arena offices and at Victoria •The design team and the steering Hall. committee continue to work with For information on these or related Electronic Independents available Lemay and Associates on the develop- issues, please refer to our website at Enjoy the Indie at supper time on Tuesdays! Sign up by writing us: ment of a preliminary design pro- www.westmount.org or contact Brigitte [email protected]. posal. Stock at 514.989.5371. 4 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008

children)! ones, reduce storm water, release oxygen 66. Use white vinegar as a household in to the air, sequester ozone, create a habi- Evergreen ideas, Part II cleaner for windows and floors. tat for bees, and reduce the cost of insula- 67. Green roofs have many benefits. tion by 10 to 15 percent. Many who attended the Healthy City gift wrap. Reuse everything. They last three times longer than regular Project’s “Live Smart, Live Green” exhibi- 47. Don’t waste food, eat it! tion on October 25 wrote green sugges- 48. Don’t buy fancy lights. tions on the Ideas Wall. For the first half 49. Reuse greeting cards: cut off the of the community’s recommendations, picture side and use it as a gift tag. Letters to the editor please consult the November 11 issue of 50. On a shed, if there is no eave- the Independent (p.4) available online at strough, you can still capture enough rain- pected to the bill for leisure activities www.westmountindependent.com. water with a bucket or two to water your Arena project questions already provided, more efficiently, by the Here is the second half: indoor plants. They love it. I wish to comment on the letter from J. private sector? How did “arena renewal” 31. Drive a smaller car. 51. Have a mini-bus shuttle around D. Miller (“Westmount needs first-class fa- morph into a mega sports complex? 32. Put compost into the of Westmount to Greene Ave. and Victoria cilities”) in the November 11 edition of the The city has no-one to blame but itself Westmount Park. Ave. (even just one or two days per week). Independent (p. 8), in which he deplores, if the project has run into criticism. By its 33. Make the use of 100-percent recy- 52. Tram or “Electric Shuttle” on St. among other things, the tendency of spe- intransigence it has permitted no other clable, biodegradable bags mandatory for Catherine and close those streets to cars. cial-interest groups to affect the outcome site but the current one to be considered. dog leavings. 53. Bring your own plate, fork and cup of city projects, specifically the efforts of By all means let’s give hockey players good 34. Buy organic food. to potluck suppers instead of using plas- Gary Ikeman to compel the city council to surfaces and facilities, but in the context 35. Buy a gas-friendly car. tic. rethink its plans on arena renewal. of what is appropriate, affordable, neces- 36. Get rid of toilet seat covers. 54. Play less video games. He chastises those who opposed the sary and respectful of the nature and scale 37. Bring your own Tupperware/Rub- 55. Walk everywhere: this is West- covering of Westmount Park with fake of the . bermaid container. Brown-bag your lunch. mount! grass as being negative, compared to post- The arena threatens to be a hugely ex- 38. Ride a bike! Even in the rain. 56. Baking soda mixed with water, as a ings on the Westmount website running pensive undertaking, in the order of $25 39. Have an Earth Hour once every paste, is an excellent degreaser. It is better three to one in month. than other options and is odorless. favour. The prob- 40. Invest in a two-button toilet. 57. Outlaw leaf blowers: pollution, lem with this com- 41. Make stores keep excess packaging. noise, disturbance, dust, hearing loss. parison is that Remove it and leave it with the cashier. 58. Have garbage bins at all bus stops. there were no post- 42. Do not use Perlite in your garden. It 59. Have a lot of recycling possibilities ings on the web- never degrades. to remind people and make it easy for site that could be 43. Demand that the McGill Superhos- them. viewed by the pub- pital be carbon-neutral. 60. More carpooling. lic. The mayor re- 44. Reduce outside lighting on resi- 61. Walk more than you drive. peatedly refused to dences. 62. Turn off lights when not in room. reveal any infor- 45. Think of an induction hob for the 63. Use Rubbermaids for lunch. mation about feed- kitchen. [It can generate] 40 percent sav- 64. If you can see well in the dark, don’t back to the city ings on electricity. turn on the lights in the first place. other than to inti- 46. 3Rs: Regift this Christmas. Refuse 65. Stop sidewalk cycling (except for mate that name- less millions had West side of arena. informed her that they were in favour! Op- Weekly until December 17 position to fake grass, on the other hand, million, according to the city. Why not a WESTMOUNT Next issue: December 3 was open, democratic and widespread. $15-million arena? How was the figure de- Presstime: Monday before, at 10:30 am Mr. Miller makes the point, and it is a termined, since not a single page of a Westmount (H3Y and H3Z): valid one, that the quality of community cost/benefit analysis or even projected INDEPENDENT 10,000 copies by Canada Post services and facilities are directly related to usage figures have been provided, despite 1,000 copies distributed to over quality of life. This is precisely the mes- repeated requests to the Sports and Recre- We are Westmount. 40 waiting-room drops sage that I believe Mr. Ikeman is trying to ation department. This does not even take convey. Pretty well no-one disputes the fact into account the increase in yearly operat- Most frequently restocked drop sites: Lobby of 310 Victoria Ave.; Sherbrooke St. exit to Metro grocery store at Victoria that hockey players deserve good facilities ing budgets due to new personnel and Ave. and Sherbrooke St. and that the arena needs improvement. services if all the anticipated frills are real- Drop notice: Snow conditions may delay us getting around to all of our drop sites on Tuesday of publication week. However, the site for the arena happens ized. Whatever the snow conditions, we still aim to reach our “most reliable” drops (Metro on Victoria, and 310 Victoria lobby) on Tuesdays. to be right in the middle of a densely-pop- How is this project to be financed? The ulated residential area. Based on a very city has assumed that federal and provin- Editor & Publisher: Advertising sales: brief consultation and “wish-list,” a con- cial government funds will be available to David Price 514.935.4537 Annika Melanson tract was awarded to a firm to come up cover a large percentage of the project’s Editorial coordinator: 514.223.3567 with a structure that encompasses not only cost. When asked what contingency plans Kristin McNeill 514.223.3578 two NHL-size rinks, but space for ancillary had been prepared in the event that alter- [email protected] Published by: services such as weight rooms, gyms, a native funding had to be found, the mayor Chief reporter: Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. teen centre, training rooms, a pro-shop, a responded that as far as financing goes, Laureen Sweeney 310 Victoria Ave., Suite 105 pool, food services and . the city is currently looking at the develop- [email protected] Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Fax: 514.935.9241 All these are very laudable but com- ment of a preliminary plan. Shouldn’t that Layout: Studio Melrose/Ted Sancton pletely inappropriate in a limited setting part have come first? and anyway much of this is already avail- By all means let’s have good sports fa- Letters & Comments: We welcome your letters, but reserve the right to choose and edit them. able at the Y, a five-minute walk away. Mu- cilities but let them be appropriate and af- Please email any letter and comments to [email protected]. nicipally-financed arenas and sports fields fordable. And please stop Every letter of support helps us with advertisers! are one thing. Why should taxpayers be ex- trying to sell us on the continued on p. 5 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 5 Letters continued... continued from p. 4 of skating instruction for kids per week! idea that there is a link between grandiose I urge everyone to try to take a look at “legacy” projects and a cure for obesity and this schedule (to be fair, it is not a finalized childhood diabetes. schedule, but demonstrates the motiva- Mavis Young, Melville Ave. tion) and see if there is more of anything except hockey. Keep arena intimate I wholeheartedly agree that we want to I am watching the debate go back and keep people active, but hockey is not the forth on the proposed arena facilities. only game in town. If J.D. Miller (“Westmount needs first- It is in Westmount’s better interest to class facilities”, November 11, p. 8) lived maintain its unique and family-oriented across from the arena as I do, he would be arena and sports program. Winter parking or bike path? aware of the parking chaos caused when Penny Arsenault, St. Catherine St. there is only one hockey game going on. More hockey, Bike path should tainable development? If there were two hockey games going on, be all-season As a nurse, I might also underline the there would be no room for all the cars more demand safety aspects of this seasonal retrench- and traffic, and the area would be may- Re: “Hockey enrolment ‘explodes’” (In- Open letter to Cllr. George Bowser ment, as any cyclist on the path will tell hem. The city plans on allowing people to dependent, November 18, p. 1) Commissioner of Public Works & Parks you that it’s only been in the last few park in a lot on the other side of St. Cather- No doubt the hockey enrolment ex- I’m writing to you today in a state of months that it’s started to feel safer in that ine, so now we will have hockey players, ploded after the city offered level B teams. some indignation. Yesterday I was cycling area. Often one’s dodging cars coming out big and small, trying to cross St. Catherine This is the same as saying that obesity from my home on Claremont to my work- of underground parking, or pedestrians to get to the rink. The amount of land increased when people had access to free place at Dawson College when – just past on cell-phones strolling onto the path out available in this area is just not sufficient, chocolate bars. Greene Ave. – I suddenly found my bike of Alexis Nihon. By going back to business and if J. D. Miller would compare available Please, let’s be very clear that if you path route filled with parked cars. After as usual, we’ll have to re-train the other land with the arenas he has been visiting, offer more chocolate to a chocoholic, his finding my way to the sidewalk, and ulti- users of the road all over again next spring. he would understand a little better. consumption will “explode” too. There is mately to my office, I called Westmount In addition, the continued existence of the In contrast with what is being said really no limit to this. Public Security to ask what was going on. street bicycle markings during West- about not enough hours of ice time, I Gary Ikeman, St. Catherine St. I was told that it had been decided to give mount’s declared “off-season” is bound to would like to point out that we already preference to parked cars in these two cause confusion and potential injuries and have two ice surfaces. So expanding the Looking out for blocks, as “not that many people cycled accidents. size of our second ice surface will not in- Atwater Library during the winter months.” The fact that If the goal is to get more people to leave crease actual ice time hours available. The there was nothing posted to indicate to cy- their cars behind and start to cycle, it re- only thing it will do is allow the ice time to Regarding your paragraph on the West- clists that the route they’d been taking for quires that they feel safe doing so; having be taken up with hockey. mount Public Library’s hours (p. 8, No- months (and were – despite what the Pub- “here today, gone tomorrow” bicycle As a figure skater and Skate Canada vember 11): lic Security agent stated – still taking in routes that are consequently often ignored coach, I have spent the better part of 40 Many citizens will remember that in GREAT numbers) was no longer available by other moving vehicles will not make years in arenas here and abroad. What we the last municipal elections longer week- to them, or to indicate where they should new converts. have in Westmount is unique and worth end hours was in my election program. detour to avoid being suddenly – as I was! I find this decision on the part of coun- maintaining. It is an intimate setting And speaking of libraries, I think we – up against the flow of traffic, was some- cil quite retrograde, and completely count- where we have been able to teach thou- should help the Atwater Library and Com- thing that he said he’d bring up with his er to what the city is apparently working to sands of kids to skate. Those kids have puter Centre with some extra funds. It has superiors. attain in its sustainable development vi- gone on to be active in hockey, ringuette, served Montrealers for 180 years! I can’t tell you how disappointed this sioning work. And you’ll have to change speed skating or figure skating. But it is short of funds as it gets only 10 makes me feel, how abandoned by my city. the section of “Cycle Safe in Westmount” The second rink’s small size is the only percent from governments. They have to If the city of Montreal can finally commit on the website where it says that: “West- reason the rink is not scheduled for do all sorts of acrobatics to survive – mak- to a year-round commuter bike link to mount has one bicycle path which crosses hockey 10 hours out of every day, and in- ing appeals for funds and employing vol- downtown, why can Westmount not allow the city in the east-west direction along de stead is open many hours of the day to unteers. a permanent link for these two blocks? Is Maisonneuve Blvd. including a section allow families and friends to skate to- Many Westmounters use the li- the parking so important a source of rev- through Westmount Park,” to something gether. brary and they have wonderful lunchtime enue? If so, by giving way to parking pres- that more closely reflects the confusing If you look at the proposed schedule of lectures and talks every week. sures in this way, what is that saying about and dangerous status quo. Gerald Glass the stance that Westmount is taking for the new rink, there is already much less Deborah van Wyck, Claremont Ave. free skate time available, and one hour less Metcalfe Ave. our , our environment and our sus- 6 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 De Vries transferred to Ahuntsic Place K knits for the needy By Erin Stropes continued from p. 1 will worsen with the eventual hiring of Was an important liaison new fire inspectors, De Vries said. There will not be enough office space either. A dedicated group of Westmount sen- De Vries, with his understanding of iors is doing its part for those in need. The Westmount, has served as an important While De Vries was transferred to La- chine in 2003 for a nine-month period, he Kensington Knitters, occupants of the link between the city and the Montreal Place Kensington seniors’ residence, held Fire Department. returned to Westmount “at my first op- portunity” – just as he plans to do again. their 8th annual fashion show on Novem- He not only began his career here in ber 12 in conjunction with Dans la rue, a 1995 as a fire safety inspector, but was re- Montreal community organization that garded as a “constant” throughout the provides aid to street youths. forced merger of Westmount’s fire brigade The Kensington Knitters meet weekly into the Montreal service. throughout the year, crafting blankets, Well-versed in Westmount’s by-laws scarves and toques to present to Dans la and philosophy of fire prevention, he has rue at this festive event. Place Kensington been the point person with whom city of- staff and residents acted as models for the ficials, citizens and community groups re- blankets, with activities director Doreen lated. Friedman providing a lively commentary. The reason for the move of the fire pre- Piano accompaniment and an appreciative vention office to LaSalle, he said, is the audience helped make the fashion show a lack of parking and office space now avail- great success. able at the Westmount station. The knitters welcome donations of When the entire south region of the wool and blankets throughout the year. Montreal fire service established its opera- Father Emmett “Pops” Johns, the tional headquarters at the Stanton St. fa- founder of Dans la rue, was on hand to cilities in February, arrangements had Margaret McCaig personally accept the donations. He ex- models a handmade blanket. been made with Westmount concerning pressed great appreciation for the project, the parking of some vehicles at the Corpo- and pointed out that many of the most Responding to this, Friedman observed ration Yard. (See Westmount Independent, grateful recipients of the warm blankets “There are a lot of grandmas here, and March 5, 2008.) were young mothers with small children. they have a lot of love to give.” But that has proven insufficient and Fire Prevention Chief Daniel De Vries. A Greene event Westmount may consume more

continued from p. 1 may be due to gross numbers that were An ecological footprint analysis as- used by the students for lack of more spe- sesses the impact a population has on the cific, measured data. In fact, she noted, global environment by its consumption of “Trying to quantify an environmental foot- food, energy, goods and services, and the print is still problematic across the board. waste it produces. There is no consistent data collection and The study was the result of a partner- no exact formula yet, worldwide, and there ship between geography instructors Karen are a lot of variables that are difficult to Richardson and Janice Astbury; their em- measure. However,” she added, “it is safe ployers, EEM Inc. and the McConnell to conclude from the students’ study that Foundation; and Wolfe. Westmount consumes more than the av- As a result, seven environmental man- erage in Canada and more than the aver- agement students were put to work gath- age for a city our size.” ering and synthesizing data that would Canadians are already rated as the have taken seven months’ time if done by world’s fourth largest consumers, accord- any single professional, said Richardson. ing to the World Wildlife Fund’s 2008 Liv- “They had a great learning experience ing Planet Report. As a province, Quebec working for a real client,” she says. scores slightly better because of the use of According to Richardson, it is West- hydroelectric power. mount’s wealth that allows its residents to Besides presenting the finalized ver- Centre Greene held its annual “Treats and Treasures” bazaar and holiday craft sale on November 22. consume more and so drive the city’s sion of the Sustainability Vision Statement Westmount author Stuart Robertson (lower right) was among the artists, authors, and artisans with hectare count higher. to city council in January, Wolfe will be work on display. The bazaar also featured children’s activities, a hot lunch, and a raffle. Notably, the students’ data conflicts working throughout the spring to consol- with 2008 estimations made by the Cen- idate the data from the study and the work- GINETTE & JEFF STEELE ter for Policy Alternatives in , which shops into a proposed action plan with the calculated a lower per capita rate of con- help of more input from city staff, com- sumption, at 7.7 hectares per person munity groups and the public, to be pre- 1450 829-3852 HAIR STYLING FOR MEN in Westmount (www.growinggap.ca/re- sented in whole to council in September. Happily in service since 1979 514.484.5987 search). “It’s an ambitious deadline,” Wolfe ad- Richardson feels that the difference mitted. Milkman – Home Delivery 4970 West WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 7

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● Beautiful Olympic-size indoor salt water pool Didier Zorroche, the owner of Esprit du Sud (320A Victoria Ave., 514. 482.8191) celebrates the ● Sauna ● Gym ● 24 hour doorman boutique’s one-year anniversary this month. Zorroche stocks products from Provence, such as ● Indoor parking Fragonard perfumes, soaps and candles; Vrai body products (many made with sought-after Argan oil); ● Heating, hot water, air conditioning, Côté Bastide sleepwear and towels as well as Saoya jewelry, which is exclusive to his boutique in and appliances included Canada. Call 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7 days 514-481-8163 www.cromwellmgt.ca Happy Birthday HappyTree!

Now you can discover the one address in town that brings harmony to a changing senior lifestyle – without compromise. Right beside the Old Fire station where Victoria meets The Boulevard, Westmount One promises unparalleled levels of security, comfort and quality living. EXCEPTIONAL PANORAMIC VIEWS INCLUDED. EVOLVING NEEDS, ONE ADDRESS Westmounter Hannah Warren, a HappyTree student, holds a birthday cake for Melanie Richards, owner and director of HappyTree Yoga Studio and Westmount resident. Above standard services to make you feel at home including exquisite meals, housekeeping and laundry. Personal care and assistance can be progressively added HappyTree Yoga Studio (4010 St. said Melanie Richards, the owner and di- when and if the need arises. Catherine St., Suite 200, 514.846.9642, rector of the studio. “The best part for me www.happytreeyoga.com) celebrated its has been witnessing the transformation of Westmount One accommodates first anniversary on November 1 with a the students as they develop new confi- both independent and assisted living. party attended by over 60 students and dence, stronger bodies, calmer minds and staff members. A pot luck dinner, with true bonds of friendship. Our mission is wine and birthday cake was followed by to make yoga accessible to all and to cre- For more information call 514 487-8282 Kirtan, a call-and-response singing and ate a community of healthy, happy and 4800, chemin de la Côte-Saint-Luc, Montréal drumming circle, led by musical guests whole individuals. I’m proud to say that, “The Bhakti Connection”. “HappyTree’s so far, we have accomplished it.” www.westmountone.com first year has been a resounding success,” WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 9 10 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 11 Jacques Chagnon Incumbent Liberal tries for fifth (and seventh) terms

By Kristin McNeill with that, to be frank. WI: Why does Mr. Charest need to call Jacques Chagnon currently represents an election to determine the governing the riding of Westmount-St. Louis in the party when he already has the mandate to provincial legislature as a member of the govern the province right now? Liberal Party of Quebec. He is also one JC: We have a minority government for of the legislature’s vice-presidents and the first time in 130 years in Quebec. deputy speaker. Chagnon was elected in When you are going to be in the economic the Westmount-St. Louis riding in 1994 turmoil that we are expecting, you better and subsequently re-elected in the pro- have a majority government. That was Mr. ceeding three elections. Previous to that, Charest’s principal motivation when he he was elected twice in the old St. Louis Jacques Chagnon called the election. riding, beginning in 1985. ten years to [reorganize your residents] volved … instead of the [department of] WI: Some have argued that the PQ has WI: What is your connection to West- and [go from a student to a doctor]. It’s the Agriculture. … done much better in designing environ- mount? same thing with the nurses. WI: Should the SQ be able to enforce mental policies and feel they did a better JC: I have quite a few friends in West- WI: How is this going to change? it? job at addressing environmental issues mount, but as you might know, I was JC: By doubling the number of students JC: If the Public Security department when in power. elected in 1985 in in in medical school. becomes the authority on it, then obvi- JC: If I remember [correctly], the first St. Louis, and the riding merged with WI: And the nurses? ously the SQ will be working on that creation of an environment department Westmount in 1994, so that’s why I am JC: The number of nurses has been [issue]. was done by the Liberals in 1974, and the here. I never lived in Westmount. I was decreased not only in terms of nurses WI: You’ve been the MNA for West- first minister of the environment in Que- born in St. Louis [downtown] … I have working, but in schools … by en- mount-St. Louis since 1994. What are bec was Victor Goldbloom. And you would some activities there because of my role as couraging them to continue their course- your plans or ambitions for Westmount in surprise me if you told me he was a member of parliament. work at the college level and university particular? Péquiste. [Are you aware of] the concept of WI: We read almost on a weekly basis level. Now we have proposed to give JC: I think both places [Westmount and “protected areas”? We are thinking that … about the shortage of GPs, the working $8,000 to the nurses who want to con- St. Louis] should be happy about the even- we should protect eight percent of the land conditions of nurses and the long waiting tinue to work even if they could take their tual implementation of the university … and we had 2 percent five years ago, and times for operations. Also, polls suggest pension … I am not saying there is no teaching hospitals. That’s my main proj- now we’re at 7.6 percent. Quebecers are very concerned about problem in the hospitals in Quebec. [But, ect for the years [ahead]. WI: How do you rate the Liberal Party health care. Why the economy first, and for example] there are 50,000 more oper- WI: What else? against the Parti Québécois in this regard? not health care or the environment? ations compared with 2003, and the wait- JC: I think it’s enough: $4 billion with JC: All governments have invested JC: It’s shifting, even in the polls. The ing lists are down [for] knee, ankle and two hospitals! The other question con- [money] in the question of [cleaning up economy is taking more and more place. cataract operations. cerns the development of universities, waste going into rivers] in Quebec. We are Just take a second to imagine what is hap- WI: What do you for leisure? McGill and Concordia. When you are in pretty lucky in Quebec, in fact. We in- pening in right now. Last JC: I fish. downtown Montreal, you are obviously vested, 40 to 50 years ago, in hydro elec- month in the USA, they lost 1.2 million WI: I’d like to ask you about the current working very closely with the institutions, tricity development that created a better jobs in the manufacturing sector. We’re ex- provincial animal welfare laws. In a recent from Dawson College to Collège du Vieux place for Quebec in the universal stan- pecting to have a backlash in Canada and television newscast, Premier Montréal, from McGill, Concordia to dards of CO2 rejection. We are probably especially in Quebec because 80 percent simply said the puppy mill problem would UQAM, and there are 16 hospitals in that one of the most green [places], not only in of our exports are [going to] Ontario and be monitored. This seems like a weak re- riding – it gives you an idea of what goes Canada, but North America because of the the USA. … We have been quite lucky be- sponse given Quebecers’ increased con- on here. fact we are producing hydro electricity. cause of certain governmental decisions cern, petitions, news coverage as well as WI: One of the mega hospitals will be WI: Is the province in deficit? taken a year and a half ago concerning in- MNA ’ petition deposited in near Westmount, which will have an im- JC: We are not in a deficit. We have $1.7 vestment in the infrastructure of cities, the National Assembly last December. pact on traffic flow and parking, right? billion in surplus this year, added to that roads, hospitals, schools, universities. What are your impressions of the current JC: You should take care of another $413 million from the federal government, WI: In the 2003 election campaign, laws and how they are enforced, and what question at the same time: the removal of that generates almost $2.2 billion [which] health care was the primary issue. How ef- would you say to your constituents mov- the Turcot interchange will be important will permit us to pass the fiscal year 2009- fective have the Quebec Liberals been in ing forward? in terms of traffic [decongestion] and open 2010 without any deficit, again. I can’t addressing some of the issues promised in JC: It’s an important question. The way up a new way to go to the Glen Yards hos- speak for the future. Right now, it’s easy to that campaign? we treat our animals demonstrates how pital, so people won’t pass through West- see two things: first the level of Quebec’s JC: If you look at the level of illness, of civilized we are. I have been concerned mount. deficit with the GNP is going down. It’s cancer, no more Quebecers are being sent about this puppy mill question for years WI: What is the update on the English around 34 to 35 percent of GNP right now. outside of Quebec to be treated, [as it was] now. I remember that in 2005, we adopted MUHC? Un fond de génération, a generational fund, before 2003. Many cancer [patients] were ANIMA. I’ve been told they made 1,200 JC: The MUHC is on target, and I am will be funded by the Quebec government sent to the US. You don’t see that any- [prosecutions] since 2005, since the adop- expecting the opening in 2012. with the sale of electricity by a level $400 more. Obviously the problem is still im- tion of this law. But [even so], there is still WI: There has been criticism that this or $500 million per year and is adminis- portant – we are lacking nurses and GPs. a problem. I myself deposed a petition election is unwanted and rumblings of trated by the Caisse de Dépot. In 2025, we Even if we [had] doubled the number of concerning puppy mills in May 2008. My people spoiling their ballots. are expecting to have something like $25 residents in medical schools in Quebec own beliefs in this question are that we JC: There are many countries who billion to serve as money to pay off part of since 2003, they won’t be working before should we look at the possibility of having would like to have elections. When I hear the accumulated deficit. 2010, even 2012. It takes between five to the department of Public Security be in- “we don’t like elections,” I have a problem 12 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 Patrick Daoust Green candidate: It’s not just about green

By Kristin McNeill health problem. There’s a local pollution win sufficient representation – it has to do problem [the idling cars, the local traffic, with freedom of the electorate … In the December 8 provincial election, the need for snow removal, localized car- WI: This riding has traditionally sup- Patrick Daoust is on the ballot as the bon monoxide] which is more of a public ported the Liberals. With global warming Green Party of Quebec candidate for the health question than an environmental and other environmental concerns, I won- Westmount-St. Louis riding. He placed one. der if there is nowhere but up for the second during the last provincial election WI: This is a big topic, but briefly how Green Party of Quebec in Westmount? Are in 2007. does your environment platform differ you hopeful? President of a small private Montreal- from your main contender in this riding, PD: I am. I think our support will in- based biotechnology company that he and the provincial Liberals? crease over time. Some people think that a partner set up in April 2008, he has put PD: That’s where it comes to the fun- you once you vote Green, you continue to a hold on business development and con- damental philosophy of the party. For ex- vote Green – once they’re hooked, they’re tract negotiations to concentrate on his ample, now the Liberals are saying “the hooked. Like a good drug [laughs]. I’m not campaign. economy first.” The way the Green Party sure if that’s true. … Daoust has a background in molecular goes about approaching any and all ques- WI: Where do you stand on the parti- biology and did his undergraduate degree tions has to do with systems dynamics and tion of Quebec into Canadian and Quebec at the University of Sherbrooke and his the way you integrate everything into sus- portions in the event of separation? master’s degree at the University of Mon- tainable development. … For the Liberals, PA: I personally don’t think Quebec treal. He has been an active member of the the environment is one issue among oth- should be partitioned. I think that would Green Party since 2004. He grew up with ers. We think that things need to be inte- just be further division and divisiveness. I an English-speaking mother and French- grated in a balanced way within our society would just like to make clear, on the ques- speaking father. The Independent met and our economy … tion of sovereignty, the Green Party has with him to discuss his views on the issues WI: What do you do for fun? not taken either a “for” or “against” stance. facing the electorate this election. PD: What do I do for fun? I dance I personally believe this is the best ap- WI: What is your connection to West- tango! Montreal is a really big place for proach to take, and I will tell you why. If I mount? Patrick Daoust tango. were to be elected as the member for West- PD: To be honest I came upon West- WI: There are two viewpoints when it mount-St. Louis, I am not here to sell mount by pure chance. During the last attended a town hall meeting last spring. comes to the Greens – one that the ab- people their cultural identity. That is some- election, we were sitting around the table What do you think? sence of elected officials is disappointing, thing that is deeply personal, and you can’t saying, “Who is going to be the candidate PD: What hit me was how people cared both federally and provincially, even after through politics sell people their culture. where?” … A friend of mine was already a deeply about what went on in their mu- years of working at it. The other that says If people tell me they want to remain in candidate in my riding. They said “Patrick, nicipality. That’s what gives Westmount its despite lack of seats, the number of Green Canada, I will bring this back to the Na- you are bilingual, you speak well in Eng- strength – a deep civic involvement in the candidates and supporters are growing. tional Assembly, and properly express it lish” and because I work in business, I community. There were really well-built What do you think will win over more and defend their interests. One sad thing said “Okay, I can take Westmount.”… I arguments for and against putting in [ar- votes for the Greens? Are the Greens rele- in the history of Quebec politics, since I hadn’t thought about it much at the time, tificial turf]. In the end, I was against arti- vant at any level? was born, is that parties divide up the en- but Westmount-St. Louis is a very green ficial turf … because of this massive PD: In terms of winning over votes, tire political spectrum – if you’re sover- riding naturally, the way people tend to re- in-pouring of traffic to the area, and I don’t one of the big problems is the current in- eignist or federalist – and all other cycle more, and Westmount has a lot more think people really realize how much that justice of our electoral system. That is questions are put [by] the wayside. A tactic environmentally-conscious policies than affects a residential area … The amount of something I have been into longer than I of the main political parties, the Parti other municipalities. traffic that comes into an area will deter- have been involved in partisan politics. … Québécois and the Liberal Party was al- mine the number of accidents and in- WI: You are aware of the community’s Many people who would like to vote Green ways to have fear-mongering, where they division over the question of artificial turf juries, in advance. It’s an urban design don’t, for strategic reasons. They say “I’d sort of feed off each other … Mr. Chagnon, in Westmount Park because you say you question – when a residential area is not like to vote for you, but I don’t want so- for example, is there to say “I am a strong conceived for that, it becomes a public and-so elected.” It’s almost engrained in federalist.” Most people in Westmount are the way people vote – this strategic voting. federalist and therefore they will support It’s a problem and it’s deeply unfair to the him. … electorate, because do you vote for what WI: What issues or problems in partic- you really believe in or do you vote to keep ular to the Westmount-St Louis riding are out what you most fear? you proposing to address and how? WI: We understand why proportional PD: The Green Party of Quebec wants representation would benefit the Green to invest more massively in public transit. Party. Why should Quebecers want it, as Because of where Westmount is, that’s im- it’s unlikely in the short term that the portant. People in Westmount should be Paul-Matthieu GRONDIN Greens will have a substantial representa- wary about the way the Liberals want to tion in the National Assembly? Is what build more bridges – there’s the bridge to 1 Westmount Square, Suite 1500, Westmount, Quebec, H3Z 2P9 you’re proposing self-serving to the Green the 25 [construction started]. I protested Party? against it. People don’t realize that the [email protected] ● www.grondinlegal.com PD: Absolutely not. It’s not really about more you do this, the more you are going Phone: 514-935-6226 ● Fax: 514-935-2314 the Green Party – it’s about the people who to create inner city traffic … the more choose to vote for any party that does not Westmount will be congested with traffic. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 13 Underdog: Two is better than one Atwater Library at 180 By Fern Breslaw 180 years of talk Bruce and Fuji are two brothers who we wrote about in June. After they were dumped and their family disappeared, it seemed by Susan McGuire the affirmative. especially cruel to separate them. So we asked people to adopt them together. Given the 180th anniversary of the West- Empire or independence? Unfortunately the idea of adopting two dogs at once seems to mount-based Atwater Library and Computer Another subject for debate was “Would scare people half to death so here is a list of pros in favour of Centre, the Independent is pleased to pres- imperial federation for Canada be prefer- choosing the two-for-one special. ent a series of articles about ALCC people and able to independence?” announced in a Firstly, most of us work and are gone events from its start in 1828 as the Montreal Montreal newspaper as “Is Canada Ripe most of the day. This leads to feelings of Mechanics’ Institution. for Independence?” guilt about being an absent parent. Two Literary and Debating groups existed On February 4, 1880, Messrs de Sola, dogs keep one another company while you on a sporadic basis within the Mechanics’ Crankshaw, McGibbon and Shortis argued are gone. Institute almost from its inception. on the affirmative; Messrs Loftus, Morgan, Secondly, dog walking can be both a A variety of weighty topics were dis- Perrault & Downie on the negative. The blessing and a curse. The dog park with cussed in the years 1880-82, and among meeting decided on the merits of the ar- two dogs is God’s gift to the lazy person. the titles was: “Is the action of the Ameri- gument in the negative and on the ques- Walk there. Stand about while they tire can publishers respecting copyright likely tion proper in the affirmative. each other out. Walk home. to advance literature?” Secretary of the group was Maxwell Lastly, it’s highly entertaining: a quasi- The subject had been fomenting for Goldstein, who was a founder of Mon- Discovery channel in the comfort of your years. Charles Dickens was in Montreal in treal’s Reform Temple Emanu-El, now at home, only without the exotic edge. 1842 immediately following a trip to the Sherbrooke and . Another member, Bruce and Fuji are trained, calm and US, during which he had become angry 22-year-old Clarence de Sola, was the third deserve a shot at the good life. Hopefully about the US practice of paying no royal- son of Rev Abraham de Sola, noted pro- someone reading this will give these two ties on books originally published in fessor at McGill College who had lectured boys a shot. Find out more about Bruce Britain. at the Mechanics’ Institute in the 1850s. In Bruce and Fuji Photo: Jaime Leblanc and Fuji call Sophie at 514.523.5052. Dickens wrote home, “Is it not a horri- 1890, Clarence de Sola planned and over- ble thing that scoundrel booksellers saw construction of the Spanish & Por- should grow rich here from publishing tuguese Synagogue on Stanley St., and books, the authors of which do not reap later became successful in business. His one farthing from their issue by scores of substantial residence, completed in 1913, Comin’ Up... thousands; and that every vile blackguard still exists at 1380 Pine Ave. and detestable newspaper, so filthy and Tuesday, Nov. 25: Marianopolis College Tuesday, Dec. 2: Westmount Municipal Signed up members in 1880 were: M. bestial that no honest man would admit (4873 Westmount Ave., corner Claremont) Association (WMA) meeting takes place at S. Berry, Canada Guarantee Co.; Anthony one into his house for a scullery doormat, sponsors free workshop on green roofs the Westmount Public Library from 7 to 9 Loftus, P. Office; James Crankshaw, 103 St. should be able to publish these same writ- from 12:45 to 2 pm. Event takes place in pm. Guest speaker St.Clair Armitage, François Xavier; John McCallum, 68 ings…?” D-120, open to public. MUHC, on “Pub lic Private Partnership: a Bleury; Gilbert Wanless, 43 Notre Dame; Years later, at MIM’s Literary and De- means to an end.” 514.846.8464. H. Y. Bulmer, 735 Dorchester; Maxwell Wednesday, Nov. 26: Centre Greene is of- bating Society in late 1880, Anthony Lof- Goldstein, P. O. Box 933; Jonathan Find- fering a seniors’ luncheon at 12:15 pm. In- Thursday, Dec. 4: Director General Sylvia tus argued for the US disregard for British lay, 49 Metcalfe; C. J. de Sola, McGill Col- cludes a three-course, home-cooked meal. Martin-Laforge speaks about the Que- copyright, saying “Apart from the moral lege; W. S. Walker, St. James St.; Chas. $5. 514.931.6202. bec Community Groups Network, an bearing of the matter, any action which Stevens, 38 Hippolyte St.; D. J. M. Darling, Thursday, Nov. 27: Meet the Candidates organization dedicated to enhancing the has the effect of disseminating literature 98 St. Chas Borromé; A. Stuart, 143 (for the provincial election) at 7:30 pm at vitality of English-speaking communities must advance it.” Gilbert Wanless, for the Bleury; G. Tuck; J. Anthony McShane, 238 Victoria Hall (4626 Sherbrooke St.) ⅷ throughout Quebec. Takes place at the At- negative, contended that the flood of liter- Guy St.; J. B. Henderson, 41 Mayer St.; J. T. ART NOW at the Westmount Library at 7 water Library and Computer Centre (1200 ature introduced by the Americans, and Dutig, 28 Aylmer St.; E. J. Stipple, c/o pm. Speakers include artist Bruce Roberts, Atwater) at 12:30 pm. Free. 514. 935.7344. filched from English authors, had the ef- Messrs Greenshields & Bartsted; Henry and photographer Alison Sorbie. For in- Saturday, Dec. 6: The Westmount Youth fect of stifling new literature and therefore Lanpard, 28 Cadieux. formation, contact Heather at 514.989. Orchestra’s 10th anniversary gala spon- of retarding it. The debate was decided in 9091. No charge. All are welcome. sors a holiday-themed benefit concert at You are invited to attend Sunday, Nov. 30: Author Jeannette Walls Pollack Hall at the McGill Conservatory ⅷ St. Matthias Church is having a fund - Centre Greene’s (The Glass Castle) is keynote speaker at the (555 Sherbrooke St. W.) at 7:30 pm. Fea- raiser, “Carols, Tales and Tea”, a sing-a- Annual General Meeting tures recording artists Connie Kaldor and long of carols, storytelling for adults, and 3rd Annual Israel Cancer Research Thursday, December 11th at 7 p.m. Fund/Pink Lady Fund “Women of Action” Hart Rouge who will perform with the afternoon tea from 2 to 4 pm. Tickets are brunch at the Shaar Hashomayim syna- young musicians of the orchestra. $25 $10 and must be purchased in advance. Centre Greene is a not-for-profit community centre with a strong commitment to its gogue at 11:30 am. Tickets: $150 (includes (youth and under 18 years) and $50 (adults Info: 514.933.4295. and seniors). For info and tickets: 514. 395. community and dedicated to providing quality brunch). Reserve: 514.481.2723. ⅷ Annual Sunday, Dec. 7: An old jewelry sale organ- social, cultural and recreational services to its Sisterhood/ Brotherhood rummage sale at 9425. Tickets are also on sale at Victoria ized by two Westmount teens, Lara neighbours, as well as to the community at large. Temple Emanu-El -Beth Sholom from 9 Hall from 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. Berliner and Victoria Schouela, to raise Please join us on December 11th. The Annual am to 1 pm. Treasures, clothing, books, Cash or cheques only. ⅷ The Orpheus money for Free the Children takes place at General meeting is an opportunity for us to review household goods, costume jewelry. Dona- Singers’ annual Christmas concert at 8 pm Westmount Park Church (corner Lans- the centre’s annual financial statements and tions of goods accepted Oct. 22 to Nov. 27. at St. Matthias’ Church (131 Côte St. An- downe and de Maisonneuve) between 1:30 reports, discuss important community projects Proceeds benefit Temple community proj- toine). Adults: $18 ($20 at the door). Sen- and 5 pm. To donate jewelry, call Lara and celebrate our centre! ects. Info: Heather at 450.672.9788 or iors and students: $10 ($12 at the door). 514.932.6488. (514) 931-6202 Cheryl at 514.486.7162. 514.846.8464. www.orpheusmontreal.org. 1090 Greene Avenue, Westmount Qc 14 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 Shopping for groceries made easy On the shelves What could be more convenient than ordering your groceries over the phone? This service is especially good for someone who is feeling under the weather Among the new arrivals at the Library years of silence,” but he also gained a PhD or for senior citizens who might have difficulty getting out once the slippery singled out by staff are: and now heads his own environmental ed- weather is upon us. The following local grocery stores provide telephone and de- Magazine articles on getting ready ucation organization. livery service: for winter Two novels which delve into family secrets 5 Seasons, 514.931.0249. “Should you get the flu shot?” by Clau- Le cœur glacé by Almuneda Grandes. Phone service is available every day except Sunday. Orders must be placed be- dia Cornwall in Best Health, October, From the Spanish Civil War to our days, a fore 3 pm. The minimum order is $35. There is a $5 delivery fee. Delivery is 2008, p. 82. dramatic epic opposing two families free for seniors. “Cut energy costs, keep the comfort: linked by hidden secrets and sinister com- pellet stoves, denim insulation, and 8 plicities. IGA Alexis Nihon, 514.933.0995. more ways to save” by Joseph D’Agnese in Élégie pour un américain by Siri Hust - Phone service is available from Monday to Friday. Orders must be placed be- This Old House, October 2008, p. 86. vedt. A New York psychiatrist goes fore 10 am. There is a $6 delivery fee plus a $3 service fee. For seniors, the de- “Planifiez vos vacances d’hiver; notre through his recently deceased father’s pa- livery fee is $2. coup de coeur: Riviera Maya” by Marie- pers. He finds a letter dating from World Christine Dumas in Mieux-être, novembre War II that hints to the departed’s involve- Metro Fletcher, 514.488.4083. 2008, p. 22. ment in a mysterious death. Phone service is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Orders must be placed before 11 am. The minimum order is $35. There is a $5 delivery fee plus Thinking about our planet In time for the theatre season a $3 service fee. Delivery is free for seniors. Flight of the Hummingbird: A Parable for Dictionnaire des artistes du théâtre québé- the Environment by Michael Nicoll Yahgu- cois. National, 514.484.3541. lanaas. This slim book beautifully illus- Getting Ready for graduate school – Phone service is available from Monday to Friday. Orders must be placed be- trated by the Haida artist (and manga resources in Reference fore 11 am. The minimum order is $25. There is a $5 delivery fee. writer) will inspire you to act. The hum- Eric Owens’ Best 174 Law Schools, 2009 mingbird is a frequent character in stories PA, 1420 Fort St., 514.932.0922. edition. of indigenous peoples of the Americas. Nedda Gilbert Best 296 Business Schools, Phone service is available every day, from 7:30 am to 9 pm. If the order is Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking 17 Years above $50, the delivery fee is $1. For orders under $50, the delivery fee is $3. 2009 edition. Of Silence by John Francis. After the young Donald Asher’s Graduate admissions es- author helped clean up oil-soaked birds says: write your way into the graduate school and beaches, he vowed to do more – which of your choice. Pet Expert: Fight puppy mills at Xmas led him into “22 years of walking and 17 By Lyzanne will make official a current policy of not still exist in this province. selling puppies. Seventh, we are asking people to make Our question is to Rebecca Aldworth of Second, you can sign our online pledge a follow-up visit to their local pet store, or Humane Society International/Canada: form at www.hsicanada.ca/stoppuppy visit more stores in their community to PE: Rebecca, you had your first annual mills, promising not to shop at pet stores ask them to sign on to be a “Puppy Puppy Mill Action Week last week. What where puppies are sold. Friendly Pet Store.” can Westmounters do to help after the in- Third, you can write to your member of formation week? parliament and member of the provincial Rebecca Aldworth, HSI/Canada: With legislature to demand stronger laws to the holiday season fast approaching, many stop puppy mills. people are beginning their annual search Fourth, we are encouraging the public for perfect presents. Sadly, too many peo- to write newspaper editors, exposing the ple are choosing to buy puppies to give to connection between puppy mills and pet family members or friends – turning the stores. Sample letters are available on holidays into one of the most profitable www.hsicanada.ca/stoppuppymills. times for puppy mills across our country. Fifth, you can listen to and share the Foot Care Clinics That is why Humane Society Interna- new version of “How Much is that Doggie Initial Visit: $30 tional/Canada held its first annual Puppy in the Window” sung by Patti Page – avail- Mill Action Week last week, from Novem- able on www.hsicanada.ca/stoppup- Additional Visits: $25 ber 16 to 22. pymills. She recorded the original nearly You can take seven easy steps to help 60 years ago when puppy mills weren’t Queen Elizabeth Health Complex stop the cruelty: the massive problem they are today. Now, First, you can encourage your local pet over the same familiar melody, new lyrics Tuesdays & Wednesdays store to become a “Puppy Friendly Pet sing the praise of shelters instead of puppy Call: 514 866-6801 Store”. Store owners who sign and return mills. a pledge form available on www.hsi- Sixth, please donate generously to the canada.ca/stoppuppymills will be listed on HSI/Canada Stop Puppy Mills campaign. Griffith McConnell Residence the HSI/Canada website and receive pro- In partnership with the Canadian SPCA, Fridays motional materials. The pledge declares HSI/Canada recently rescued more than that the store will discontinue selling pup- 300 dogs from two puppy mills in Que- Call: 514 482-0590 pies by the end of 2008 or that the store bec. But an estimated 2,000 such facilities WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 – 15 Westmount Profile: Nicholas Hoare Rooted in heritage and design

By Laureen Sweeney ther purchased and ran Burton’s book- store in the Square Building. or one who has made a 35-year career Nicholas was 9 when his parents sold in selling niche books to libraries and the store to W. H. Smith and returned to Fthe general public, Nicholas Hoare . His mother (now in her 90s) and says his real interest lies in the wealth of late father were linguists who translated information that books give him in the books for publication in England and were pursuit of his passion for architectural and very influential in his life. gardening design. Pursuing his own dream, Hoare went A horticulturist by training and a book- on to study at the Royal Horticultural So- seller by heredity and happenstance, ciety. Specializing in the cross pollination Hoare’s hobby is restoring heritage homes of bulbs took him to Holland for two years that can hold his collection of 18,000 until he was invited to work for the Burpee books – and designing their gardens. seed company in Philadelphia. “The books are the source of this inspi- But stopping in Montreal en route, ration,” he says. “They’re the buttress that Hoare began working at Ogilvy’s book- keeps all this together. We tend to read store while “spinning my wheels” awaiting them and the selling is almost incidental.” his US immigration papers. A quick visit Nicholas Hoare as guest speaker at the Westmount Horticultural Society on November 11. A passionate debater, his fascination to Burpee’s, however, convinced him the with heritage stems from the environment offer “was not the panacea I wanted.” “You have to live in a house to absorb for growing exotic plants. Built by the in which he grew up. The stately garden of After some soul searching, an opportu- its features before attempting the restora- chairman of Alcoa, the home’s floors are the boys’ school he attended in Buck - nity began to unfold. There was a lack of tion. Move in and camp, and get the supported by steel girders – perfect for the inghamshire is now part of England’s British books in Quebec’s library market. flavour of the beast.” weight of Hoare’s books. National Trust. And his family home, a This is how he is now proceeding with And like so many of them, he adds, the 450-year-old manor house in Suffolk, had First customer: city of Westmount the Annapolis estate and its or- house is a rare find for a man who appre- “three gardens, six staircases, 13 fireplaces Norah Bryant, longtime chief of the chards, pheasants, deer and micro-climate ciates all that his new home represents. and God-knows how many ghosts.” Westmount Public Library, persuaded him Restoring houses he explains, “is my this was a hole waiting to be filled, he says. driving force. I try to find something with “She gave me the spark that defined the Open house, Sun. Nov. 30, 2-4 pm potential – the lame duck that I can bring future, and became my first customer.” Hampstead, 346 Du≠erin back to a lady of grace.” He also went after the market outside His current project is a 350-acre prop- Quebec, straight to provincial buying au- Love to entertain? This beautiful “sun drenched” erty purchased two years ago in Annapo- thorities. “I went right into the lion’s den,” detached, will “wow” you with its open concept main lis Royal, near Digby, Nova Scotia – “only a he says. “And this market has become our floor, magnificent “state of the art” kitchen featuring three-hour trip,” he says with a smile. “It’s stock and trade.” 11 ft. granite island, top of the line stainless appliances, clearly a retirement project.” In business since 1971, Hoare now sup- newer roof, 2 car garage, garden. 7500 sq. ft. lot! plies provincial libraries and individuals in Move right in! Asking $938,000. MLS# 8054647. Works weekends eastern and central Canada with predom- But at age 65, Hoare is far from retir- inantly British books as well as others he ing. In fact, he says, he spends most non- describes as “eclectic.” The stores’ music ELLIE SILVER summer weekends working at his office, collections also have a core clientele. A∞liated real estate agent – Royal Lepage Heritage amid racks and racks of books in transit at “We’re selling things other don’t.” the company warehouse on Madison Ave. Hoare also supports other business ini- 514-825-5557 It’s here that his spouse, Margot tiatives including a computer company, Steven son, and a staff of 15 process orders transportation firm and Yoga studio. “I and coordinate distribution to customers. love start-ups,” he says. “I have a particular Margot used to manage the Greene Ave. affection for young people even though, as store, one of three retail outlets. The a perfectionist, I may drive people mad.” others are located in and Ottawa. Hoare has two adult children – Saman- Hoare personally designed their interiors. tha, in England, and Timothy, in Nova And while one could say that Hoare is Scotia – and four grandchildren. His 11- to the manner born, so was he also raised year-old daughter, Bryony, who attends in a publishing family where many mem- ECS, is named after Bryonia, a flowering bers continue to work in related fields. shrub native to Wales. Born in Edinburgh in 1943, Nicholas The most challenging of the West- spent his early childhood in Montreal. It mount homes he has restored was the was here that his father had been demobi- original Rodier house at 332 Metcalfe, lized by the British Navy at the end of the which he purchased after a major fire. It war as the commander of HMS Victorious, provided the space he needed for his one of the destroyers that helped sink the books and his art collection of Canadian Bismarck. Deciding to settle here, his fa- painters featuring the Group of Seven. 16 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – November 25-26, 2008 WESTMOUNT WESTMOUNT WESTMOUNT

MELBOURNE AVE. ROSEMOUNT CR. MOUNT PLEASANT AVE. The unparalleled charm of this enchanting, turn of century det. Classic detached stone home in move-in condition and Steps from the #1 English private girls school in Montreal, home is a must see! Next to Westmount Park on a quiet street, exquisitely renovated from A-Z. Superbly located mid-level Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s. Here is the perfect house for the quaint architecture and luxurious space will captivate you. with views from upper floors. Central air, secluded garden, you. Fabulous ground fl. with 3 fps, den, enormous kit.& Special features incl. f/p, a/c, eat-in kit., main flr den, private street level garage on Severn. The perfect house designed sunroom. 5 bedrooms, master ensuite, huge skylight flooding outdoor space, deluxe Master Suite/expansive built-ins. for today’s needs. No wasted space! A must see! Won’t last. the house with light. Views from every level. Front garage + Asking $1,445,000 Asking $1,395,000 big garden and deck. Asking $1,200,000 VILLE-MARIE LE SUD OUEST SUD LE WESTMOUNT-ADJ. DU CANAL ST. SHERBROOKE W. ST. REDPATH ST. Loft at a great price/value in the area. Walk to downtown, Le Barat –10th flr Large and bright 3 bdrm, 2 bthrm condo. Golden Square Mile located above Sherbrooke and the Musee Old Montreal, , , bikers paradise – N/W corner unit with panoramic views on Westmount & des Beaux Arts, lovely three (3) bedroom condo with balcony, Views, tremendous light from corner unit. Contemporary Mt Royal. L-shaped livingroom & diningroom, opening onto bright and spacious – Downtown living, steps to bistros, design – exposed beams, brick, open kitchen. Garage, spring 12x5 balcony. Doorman, hot tub, 2 garages. Fees include shops, universities and hospitals. Asking below municipal occupancy. Asking $295,000 heat, electricity, a/c, hot water. Steps from Metro Atwater. evaluation. Motivated vendor. Asking $375,000 Asking $459,000

NEW EXCLUSIVE SOLD WESTMOUNT LE SUD OUEST SUD LE OLD HAMPSTEAD OLD HEATH RD. DU CANAL ST. STE CATHERINE W. ST. This picture perfect det. house is a young family’s dream. W/ Loft studio, in the Corticelli, close to Downtown & Old Westmount Park Towers, close to Victoria village and its stone and wood façade it boasts every modern conven - Montreal, next to canal and bicycle path. Perfect pied à terre- Westmount Park. This 2 bedroom/2 bath, elegantly furnished ience and is timelessly reno. w/ refined taste. Easily acc. to wood floors, big windows, renovated bath, large kitchen condo has a fireplace, solarium, river and mountain views and every mode of transp. 28 ft. master bdrm/sitting room w overlooking interior garden, open living/dining/bedroom area a garage. Condo fees include a pool, exercise room & 24 hour ensuite granite bthrm., a/c, two car tandem garage, 2 more and Murphy bed. Easy parking. Asking $209,000 doorman. Asking $440,000 bthrms, a huge vestiare, a ground flr pwdrm, a fini. basement and a lovely garden. Asking: $759,000. Hurry!