August 18, 2020 Major Permits Granted

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT Weekly. Vol. 14 No. 8c We are Westmount August 18, 2020 Major permits granted

St. Leo’s St. Catherine at Metcalfe Mount Pleasant near Severn

On August 13, from left, a part of École St. Léon on Clarke Ave., the empty lot at 4469 St. Catherine St. and the one at 480 Mount Pleasant Ave. All three had major permits approved by city council on August 3. See complete stories on p. 13 and 14. Photos: Independent.

Wine distributor, Microsoft, visual effects company 1100 Atwater tenants are mix of local, world-wide firms By Laureen Sweeney space during the COVID period and is an example of a tenant that is putting down As Microsoft and several other high-pro- roots here. Others are relocating within file tenants are preparing to move into the Westmount to the location, according to newly renovated office building at 1100 At- Sébastien Hylands, vice president of Kevric water – some leasing entire floors, Pixo- real estate, which owns the property. mondo has already occupied the entire Some tenants include video gaming 20,000-square-foot main floor. companies, an engineering simulation This visual effects firm with offices and firm, a medical clinic and studios around the world signed for the a wine distributor that is continued on p. 8

The ABCs of going back to school safely

Québec.ca/back-to-school 2 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020

JUST LISTED! $1,575,000 ANOTHER JUST LISTED! JUST LISTED! $1,225,000 JUST LISTED & SOLD BY BRIAN! 3430 Peel (the Sir Robert Peel) #12B 65 Hallowell, Westmount $875,000 2354 Ste. Cunegonde, Little Burgundy 4070 Trafalgar Av. Westmount adj.

JUST LISTED & SOLD BY BRIAN! JUST LISTED & SOLD! WELL SOLD IN 17 DAYS! WELL SOLD IN 44 DAYS! 2319 des Éclusiers, Little Burgundy 3455 Drummond #706, Centre O. 485 Roslyn Av. Westmount 176 Lakeside Rd, Knowlton

WELL SOLD IN 79 DAYS! 26 Holton Av., Westmount 3071 Av. Cedar, Westmount adj. FAB. 3,000 SF PH! $1,995,000 1240 rang de la Montagne $2,025,000 $1,899,000 2380 av. Pierre Dupuy PH-1B

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4898 de Maisonneuve now close to 50% sold ‘Prudent’ benchmark needed to start work ‘very close’: developer By Laureen Sweeney The project involves converting the orig- from the plans to be cut off by the need to done and certified. “Now I’m very upbeat inal office building into a total of six upper build a retaining wall. But Schnitzer said about moving forward,” Schnitzer said. With four of the eight units now close and lower homes, and building two he has told them he will build access to being sold for the residential develop- “grand” townhouses in a separate building through this wall (see story August 13, Dodge’s graph on July ment at 4898 de Maisonneuve, final con- on the property’s current parking lot on de 2019, p. 1). real estate p. 16 struction details and schedules are being Maisonneuve. The Albert Square project, as it is being worked out for the project at the corner of called, received council approval for its per- 9 Lives, p. 12 To assure York St. neighbours Prince Albert, according to Noam Schnit - mit at the meeting of August 5 a year ago Westmount Adogtions, p. 12 zer of Renwick Development. “We also have to meet again with resi- (see story August 13, 2019, p. 1). “Fifty percent is the prudent bench- dents of York St. whose parking pads are The project has also had permits for in- Social Notes (Roula mark,” he said last week. “We really didn’t at the back of their homes to reassure them terior work to completely strip and decon - Roussy/Selwyn House), p. 17 lose time over the pandemic because we that they will continue to have access to taminate the former office building, now were waiting for the sales.” their parking from our lane” [off Prince Al- As a result, “we will now have to finalize bert], though Schnitzer said he was not cer- our schedules and financing, and have a tain what would happen during excavation meeting with the city to get all our green if the lane were to become too dangerous lights. This means we will probably start to use. introducing 266 Lansdowne the construction work in mid-September The lane has been the only access to or October.” the backs of the houses, which appeared

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4898 de Maisonneuve on August 13. Photo: Independent

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INTRODUCCING / LOT INTRODUCING INTRODUCING

$4,995,000 $3,550,000 $2,595,000 3283 Av. Cedar, Westmount 454 Rue De La Gauchetière O., apt. PH1, Downtown 492 Av. Argyle, Westmount

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$1,995,000 +GST/QST $1,990,000 $1,498,000 480 Av. Mount-Pleasant, Westmount 489 Av. Argyle, WWeestmount Acadia apt. 105, Downtown WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 5

ACCEPTED O FFER

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A CCEPTED OFFER

$4, 500, 000* Stukely, Bolton Ouest

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$3,499,000* Summit Crescent, Weestmount

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JOSEPHMONTANARO.COM | 514.660.3050 6 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020

Wearing a mask is now mandatory in enclosed or partially enclosed public spaces and on public transit

such as: supermarkets, buses, shopping centres, the metro, stores, trains, movie theatres, ferries, restaurants, taxis, bars, and carpools.

Let’s continue to protect ourselves properly.

Québec.ca/mask 1 877 644-4545 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 7

Council asked to help reduce greenhouse gases Cyclists’ group: Add bike lanes on Sherbrooke, ‘fix’ Lansdowne By Laureen Sweeney For the line painting, Mayor Smith said “We have not had weather co-operating and City council was asked we’re late because of COVID.” As for park- August 3 to take advan- ing, “we will look at it again,” she added, tage of reduced traffic referring to a petition in 2012. The side- and increased bicycle use walks do not allow for two-way traffic, one during the COVID-19 parking lane and one for bicycles, she said. pandemic to reduce Councillor Anitra Bostock said the city greenhouse gas would re-evaluate the suggestions while emissions by replacing Marina Brzeski acknowledged there some driving lanes with “should be changes” but there were many bike paths along Sher- factors to be considered. brooke and to “fix” the block on Lansdowne south of Sherbrooke. Blinds & Drapes That was one of the emailed questions submitted to the virtual coun- UP % 50OFF cil meeting by the As- TO sociation of Pedestrians and Cyclists of West- Don Karp mount (APCW), asking for a decision before the Décor end of the council man- date in November 2021. These are the two 514-237-2871 “routes used heavily by Free shop-at Home Service & Installation through-traffic and cyclists,” explained Dan EXPERT ALTERATIONS & REPAIRS Lambert, president of the Lansdowne south of Sherbrooke on August 14. Photo: Independent. APCW. The Lansdowne bike path from Westmount Ave. south to continue to invest in Bixi and active trans- de Courcelle in St. Henri becomes danger- portation, and will continue to talk with ous between Sherbrooke and de Maison- Montreal and [Montreal’s borough of Côte neuve by a lack of clear markings and the des Neiges-]NDG. The biggest risk is not Fulford Residence sudden change of parking from the east to having a [bicycle] network.” is a private non-proﬁt continuing west side. Switch Lansdowne parking care residence for senior ladies. This “We wish to highlight our concern gracious facility provides a special about the lack of action by Westmount over In a separate but related question, Lans- combination of residential living, activities, the last three years to reduce greenhouse downe resident Richard Lock reiterated his support and health care designed to meet gases from motor vehicles, the greatest previous suggestions that the city switch the individual needs of each resident. contributor to climate change,” Lambert’s parking in that block from the west to the Located on Guy Street, this lovely Victorian question preamble stated. east side. This would allow for an uninter- house, built in 1850, was once the home “I wish it would be possible to pull up rupted line to be painted for the bike path of a wealthy Montreal family. With a wide a lane of traffic,” Mayor Christina Smith next to the curb, as it is north of Sher- verandah and well-kept ﬂower gardens, replied, referring to Sherbrooke. “We will brooke. the residents are able to enjoy an outdoor setting, as well as indoor spaces for groups or for quiet activities. Dr. Hew is always on-call, visiting through the week, and working alongside our Head CARPET CLEANING SPECIALISTS RONDA BLY Nurse. With caring staff available 24 hours ORIENTAL RUGS: a day, home-cooked meals to meet every NEW AND ANTIQUE ESTATE SALES taste, pro fessionals and volunteers who hand wash and repairs visit to provide services and activities, CERTIFIED APPRAISER the ladies of Fulford enjoy a quality of life g COVID CLEAN h Expert Evaluations that encourages individual strengths ALL CARPETS and abilities. AND FURNITURE Full Professional Setups Fulford’s rates are reasonable and SERVING WESTMOUNTERS WITH Complete Cleanup Available competitive. If you are looking for a caring OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND environment for a lady of senior years, WORKMANSHIP FOR 35 YEARS! please visit Fulford to under stand the 514 236-4159 essence of this very special place. 514-825-5500 www.rondably.com Fulford Residence is pleased to offer [email protected] The Gold Standard in Estate Sales Since 1998 short term respite care 8 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020

1100 Atwater, cont’d. from p. 1 moving into two entire floors in the building located on the west side of Atwater between Tupper and Dorchester. “Because we have multiple tenants, there is no one major tenant,” Hylands said. “But when you look at the mix, you can see that many are either international companies or local ones that are expanding from other locations because they find it to be a very interesting area and quality neighbourhood.” Vins Philippe Durand, for example, a distributor of foreign wines, has leased two of the seven floors and will be relocating from the Old Post Office on Greene. The only remaining available space is about half the fourth floor that’s reserved for multiple tenants as well as 2,000 square feet designed with its own entrance at grade level for a retailer such as a café that can “animate the neighbourhood,” he said (see story November 26, 2019, p. 4). Floor by floor While the seven floors differ in size -be cause of the two set-backs in the two upper ones, they provide an average of 27,500 square feet each. Those who have leased space from the top floor down are described by Hylands as follows: Seventh floor: Vins Philippe Durand on the entire heavily glazed 4,000-5,000 square foot area; The 23,000 sq. ft. area is leas- Sixth floor: 1100 Atwater on August 13. A separate retail entrance is to the left/south. Photo: Independent. ed by Microsoft for Compulsion Games, own ed by XBox, Microsoft’s gaming division; Fourth floor: A multiple-tenant floor of 4200 Dorchester Square to occupy about Hylands said he was happy about how Fifth floor: 2K, which is part of the Tak2 28,000 sq. ft., it is the only one where space half the floor area; the work on the building worked out de- video gaming firm, will occupy all 28,000 is still available. The medical clinic of Dr. Third floor: All 28,000 sq. ft. are leased spite the long process of obtaining its zon- square feet; Karl Schwarz is moving from its offices at by Maya HTT, a Montreal-based engineering approval as a non-conforming office ing simulation firm; building in a residential zone. “It’s almost Second floor: All 28,000 sq. ft. to be oc- a building that had been forgotten about” cupied by Vins Philippe Durand which due to its previous bunker-like structure WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT also is leasing the entire seventh floor; that had been used since the 1970s as a data We are Westmount Main floor: All this 20,000 sq. ft. area is and cheque processing centre operating now being used by award-winning Pixo- 24/7. Editor Advertising sales mondo, the international special effects The project encountered little opposi- David Price: 514.935.4537 Arleen Candiotti: 514.223.3567 firm for movies and TV; tion from the nearby residential neigh- [email protected] [email protected] Grade level: retail space of about 2,000 bourhood (see story November 26, 2019, Chief reporter Classified ads sq. ft. with its own separate entrance: “This p. 4). Laureen Sweeney www.westendclassifieds.com would be space for a café or something to animate the neighbourhood,” Hylands Graphics Accounting Ted Sancton Beth Hudson: 514.223.6138 said. “We haven’t been pushing this but We welcome offi[email protected] are discussing it with a couple of people who are waiting until things settle down” your letters Presstime: Monday at 10:30 am over the pandemic. (except before long weekends, Friday at 10:30 am). Meanwhile, he said, tenants are in the We welcome your letters but Letters & Comments: We welcome your letters but reserve the right to choose and throes of laying out and building up their reserve the right to choose edit them. Please limit to 300 words and submit before Friday 10 am to be considered for offices, and will soon start bringing in the and edit them. Please limit to publication the following week. Please check your letter carefully as we may be unable to furniture. 300 words and submit before make subsequently submitted changes. Letter writers should not expect to be published in He said it is still undecided about which every issue, or in back-to-back issues, or repeatedly in the same season or on the same topic. Friday 10 am to be considered firm will be highlighted by a sign on the for publication the following 14,500+ physical copies DW, plus low-resolution email and web versions building, though one at the secondary en- week. Distribution: Tuesday to Friday (longer when interrupted by postal holidays) trance door will designate the retail occu- Owned and published by: pant. A company directory of all occupants email us at: Sherbrooke-Valois Inc., 310 Victoria Ave., #105, Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 will be located at street level as already per- [email protected] mitted by the city. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 9

Police Report Another sports/bike rack theft, pick-up stolen too By Martin C. Barry vehicle, the police report confirmed the rack in the second incident was locked, but The theft of an expensive bike rack off the perpetrators somehow managed to a car parked in an area of Westmount steal it anyway. where a similar theft took place a little “It’s two weeks in a row that these racks more than a week earlier has police at Sta- have been stolen,” Laperrière noted, while tion 12 wondering whether they are seeing adding that the Station 12 investigative the start of a pattern. squad has been notified and will be follow- In the latest incident, a bike rack was ing up. stolen sometime between 10 am and 2:15 pm on August. 6 off a car parked on a street Pick-up stolen north of Sherbrooke St. A substantially more expensive kind of “It was in broad daylight,” said Station theft took place sometime between noon 12 community relations officer Stéphan La- on August 11 and 8:30 am the following perrière, while adding that the stolen rack day when a Dodge Ram pick-up truck was was “a high-end model worth several thou- stolen from a parking spot on a street in Montréal (Ville-Marie) sand dollars” and was large enough to upper Westmount. transport four bicycles. “This is under investigation,” said La- $960,000 Spacious 3-bedroom unit Bunny Berke In the previous incident, as reported by perrière. ﬂooded with light from oversized windows REAL ESTATE BROKER the Independent, a sports rack was stolen The investigators don’t know how the with southern and eastern exposures. off a car parked near King George (Murray) thieves removed the truck, as it would in- Located in “The McGregor” this apartment [email protected] Park on July 28. itially appear that they didn’t use force. offers all the classic features While the rack in the first incident was “There were no signs of broken windows, of the Golden Square Mile. MLS 24361317 514.347.1928 a roof-mounted model, the second was a so we have no idea if they used a truck to rack that mounted onto the back of the car. tow it,” Laperrière said. PROFUSION REALTY INC. - REAL ESTATE AGENCY No bikes or sports equipment were at- While basic model pick-up trucks like tached to the stolen racks in either inci- the Dodge Ram sell new for more than dent. $70,000, the one that was stolen was at Although it isn’t known if the rack in least five years old and had an estimated the first incident was locked onto the resale value of around $20,000.

Westmount High grad Harris Licensed Real Estate Broker – Montreal & Miami VP candidate for Democrats “Your Professional for As has been widely reported in other The others were Geraldine Ferraro MIAMI & MONTREAL media, Westmount High 1981 graduate (Democrat, 1984) and Sarah Palin (Re- Real Estate” Kamala Harris is the Democrats’ candi- publican, 2008). date for vice president in the upcoming Using its Twitter account, Westmount 514-238-2828 US federal election. The current Califor- High Tweeted on August 11: “We couldn’t • Ft. Lauderdale • Hallandale • Sunny Isles • Bal Harbour • Surfside • Miami Beach nia senator is the first black and Asian be more proud of WHS graduate VP candidate for a major US party, and @KamalaHarris – future vice president Experience, integrity & results for over 25 years the third female one. of the United States! 305-733-3024

o Bonavista Towers – 4650 Bonavista etr aria m LUXURY LOFT APTS—9 ft ceiling Adj.a Westmount M 1, 2, and 3 bedroom renovated Vill 900 sf to 1800 sf starting from $1,399 Rent includes all stainless appliances, heat, hot water and a storage locker Immediate Occupancy. Parking Available Dog Friendly Building • Equipped Workout Room www.bonavistatowers.com – Brokers Protected – Call for a visit 514 383 4977 10 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 11

The ABCs of going back to school safely

From assigning one classroom per group and handwashing to solutions to ensure all subjects are taught and increased support for students, we’ve adopted measures for a safe and successful school year.

See the FAQs Québec.ca/back-to-school 12 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 Billie, giving her paw Belle is just a sweetie! Westmount 9 Lives A-dog-tions in our dog runs and join the other young active dogs at Summit Woods. Lysanne Fowler Billie is very healthy, spayed, up to date Lysanne Fowler with her inoculations and microchipped. Her identification number is 42313365 and Billie is so easy to train: here you can refer to it when you go Well, we can all see that adorable Belle she is giving her paw and learn- to the Montreal SPCA website at is affectionate and playful, hoping for a ing more and more.She is a deli- www.spca.com and fill out the belly rub. She is a beautiful grey, black and cate fawn-shaded shorthair, with adoption application for her on white tabby with jewelled green eyes and the dedicated volunteers at Gerdy’s Res- soft brown eyes – very pretty and the attached link. Once sub- a perfect smile. She is in foster care for cues & Adoptions at its email address sweet. mitted, you will then be con- Gerdy’s Rescues & Adoptions, where they [email protected], after which they Billie is only two years old, a tacted within 24 hours for a tele- report that she is a loving companion, now will forward its adoption questionnaire, or perfect age to join a family this phone interview, followed by a looking forward to a forever family. visit its website at www.gerdysrescue.org summer. She is presently at the visit by appointment at the She is very healthy, maybe a bit rubin- to find out more about Belle and this grass- Montreal SPCA kennel and I hope she will SPCA. esque, up to date with her inoculations, roots volunteer animal rescue group. soon join the dogs in Westmount to play Your neighbour, Lysanne spayed and microchipped. Please contact Your neighbour, Lysanne

A very cute little Max, just waiting at the Animal Max Bunny Montreal SPCA for his affectionate new family to take him home. His identification Kingdom keen on cuddles, little run-arounds and number is 45158335 and you can refer to play. He is five years young, as they live it when you go to the Montreal SPCA web- Lysanne Fowler long lives. He is the picture of health, being site at www.spca.com and fill out the adop- up to date with his inoculations and neu- tion application for him on the attached tered. link. Once submitted, you will then be con- Here is Max the lionhead rabbit, a sty- Rabbits are very neat, they easily use a tacted within 24 hours for a telephone in- lish long-eared fellow with an exquisite litter box and always keep their hutch terview, followed by a visit by appointment wooly mane around his head, hence a tiny clean. Their food is available in pet food at the SPCA. regal lion. Adorable in all ways, so soft with stores, the grass hay that they enjoy, and teeth filed down and there are varieties of Your neighbour, his white coat and bonbon pink nose. they like prepared snacks as well (not only toys and chewsticks for selection at the pet Lysanne Max is a sweetheart, very intelligent, salad and carrots!). They chew to keep their stores for that occupation as well.

Sold/Vendu Now

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On vacant lot next to K.I.D.S. daycare Condo building gets permit to rise at 4469 St. Catherine By Laureen Sweeney To be an infill building adjacent to the K.I.D.S. Daycare, the new building is to A new condo building has been ap- contain 16 to 20 condominium units, ac- proved to rise on the vacant lot where a fire cording to Councillor Conrad Peart who November 28, 1991 at what was then called moved adoption of the permit list at the the Westmount Bar B-Q led to destruction council meeting as commissioner of urban of the building at 4469 St. Catherine, just planning for permits and architecture. west of Metcalfe. This was followed by The plan for the building at the same demolition of the Perrette store in 1995. height as K.I.D.S. conforms to current zon- Both had been popular landmarks. ing, he later told the Independent. This The permit for the new building was ap- means it will not be subject to public con- proved by city council August 3 “provided sultation. No other details were provided. the screening of the air conditioning con- See photo of site on p. 1 The 4469 St. Catherine site in 1983, before the restaurant was renamed the Westmount Bar B-Q densers on the rear facade be opaque.” and destroyed by fire in 1991. Photo courtesy of the city of Westmount. St. Léon permit approved Aug. 3 Construction details required before work can begin By Laureen Sweeney actually be issued. The council approval, the playground. campaign covering traffic policy, a pro- however, means that the project has re- The permit approval also details several gram for children walking to school and While city council approved the permit ceived council’s okay to proceed with the conditions explained many times during concrete directives to parents dropping for the expansion of École St. Léon August project despite its deviation from several various stages of the process. off and picking up students as well as 3, that doesn’t mean the work is about to zoning requirements, such as height and These deal mainly with steps that the measures to maintain traffic flow around begin just as school starts back for the fall coverage. school must take to mitigate traffic, which the school during peak morning and after- term. Specifically designated in the list of per- has been the main concern of nearby resi- noon hours. Councillor Conrad Peart told the Inde- mit approvals are the addition of five class- dents. See photo on p. 1 pendent there are many technical and other rooms, three other dedicated rooms, three These include conforming to recom- construction details that will be required security offices, a library, and a multifunc- mendations from the city’s Transportation before any construction permit as such will tional room as well as reconfiguration of Advisory Committee, a communications building permits M What’s permitted Arthur Younanian Council approves 5 ‘significant’ permits on August 3, refuses none Notaire – Notary This following list was described at the dential building on a vacant lot provided 49 Rosemount: at a Category I house, to council meeting as “short but significant.” the screening of the A/C condensers on add a door canopy on the rear façade; 4635 Sherbrooke West 4469 St. Catherine: to construct a new resi- the rear facade be opaque (see story p. 360 Clarke: at École St. Léon, a Category II Westmount, QC H3Z 1G2 xx); building, to build an extension to the LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS 480 Mount Pleasant: to build a new resi- school with conditions (see story p. 12); Tel.: 514 931-2531 dence of freestone comprising two 3233 The Boulevard: at The Study school, [email protected] Lawn mowing, gardening storeys with a third one in the attic a Category I building, to remove a chim- Lawn mowing, deweeding, trimming, raking leaves, snow shoveling. along with a basement, and covered by ney on the roof of the junior school www.aynotary.ca Please contact Vince at 514-294-5562. sloping roofs; (see story p. XX); building. Seeking housekeeping employment Looking for job as a caregiver or housekeeper (live in or out): cleaning, cooking, shopping. Loves animals. References from Westmount and WOOD FINISHING Master Editions Hampstead. 514-484-7335. DOORS•FURNITURE•WOODWORK Antiques & collectibles Window washing ON-SITE SERVICE WINDOW WASHING & GUTTER CLEANING! Low rates, excellent service. For •Specializing in Estate & free estimate, call Jeff 514-655-3690. Fully insured. stripping & staining ENTRANCE DOORS Moving Sales Classifieds in the Independent – also – We Provide Why list your goods (or services) on fly-by-night, who-knows-who-is-replying websites when you •Touch-Ups & Repairs Professional Evaluations can list (and sell) locally? •Kitchen Cabinets Staging of your home Buy a classified in Courteous & bonded Staff the Westmount Independent at: •Fine Furniture Clean-up after sale www.westendclassifieds.com HENRY CORNBLIT, professional craftsman FREE ESTIMATE 514.369.0295 Iona & Marvin Buy locally to sell locally www.woodfinishingmontreal.com 514-501-9072 14 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020

Previous design led to ‘historic’ refusal Permit approved for new house at 480 Mount Pleasant

The house at 482 Mount Pleasant on August 13, with the empty lot to the left. Photo: Independent. A rendering of a house for 480 Mount Pleasant that is being used to advertise the lot for sale. Illustration courtesy of Groupe Joseph Montanaro. By Laureen Sweeney Mount Pleasant after another design made history three years ago when the council conform to the defining characteristics of nary vote” for being the first time in at least City council approved a permit August of that time refused to sanction one rec- the streetscape and to other architectural 30 years that a council had overturned a 3 for a new house on the vacant lot at 480 ommended by the Planning Advisory guidelines. PAC recommendation, the vote led to legal Committee (PAC). The council resolution rejecting the action, later withdrawn, against Mayor Online Guitar The permit approved August 3 by coun- new house had also referred to a by-law Peter Trent and councillors Victor Drury cil is to build a new residence in freestone, provision stating that a new construction and Theodora Samiotis, then urban plan- Lessons for comprising two storeys with a third one in on a site that was part of an original prop- ning commissioner, as well as the city Everyone the attic along with a basement, covered by erty on which original buildings still stand, itself. sloping roofs. must be harmonious with them “in style The vacant property, which has been on Whether you are a practising While no other details were available, and scale.” the real estate market for $1.95 million, musician who wants to the property’s history and efforts to build In this case, this applied to the large Cat- was also on sale at the time of the previous improve your skills or a a new single-family residence provide in- egory I house on the large property of 482 permit refusal. beginning player who has sight into the permit approval process and Mount Pleasant, 480’s neighbour, which The design that was approved August 3 always wanted to learn the council’s discretionary powers (see story has a traditional sloped-roof design. It is does not bind a future owner to adopt it, guitar, live online lessons are February 21, 2017, p. 1). also the house in which Westmount fire- real estate broker Joseph Montanaro told a personalized and fun way to help The design that the council had refused fighter Eric Hart lost his life fighting a fire the Independent last week. It is a resource you achieve your goals. to approve, February 6, 2017 was over- November 30, 1979. to show what the city of Westmount would With over 20 years’ experience teaching turned in part as being too modern/con- Considered to have been “an extraordi- accept, he said. pop, rock, jazz, blues and classical temporary to meet the requirements of By- guitar, I tailor my lessons to the law 1305, which requires a new house to individual student’s strengths and musical taste. Whatever your age or background, everyone can take part in Tabagie Westmount Square the joy of learning and playing guitar. International news agent If you are in the market to buy a guitar online or have an old • British & European newspapers one lying around, • Specializing in fashion & interior I can advise you. design • Imported chocolates Chris van Soest • BELL lifestyle natural products 24 years’ experience • Lottery tickets and maps in Westmount, NDG, Hampstead & CSL Westmount Square cvansoest70@ At foot of escalator leading from/to gmail.com Greene Ave. entrance 514-207-1539 (514) 935-7727 Another view of the house at 482 Mount Pleasant, as seen February 17, 2017. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 15 Lapidarius to close – and continue Manoir Westmount Retail Review A Project of The Rotary Club of Westmount Maged Taraboulsy has been in “the busi- tures, gleaming Thisle glasses (“designed ness of beautiful things” all his life. The for Napoleon”), one can discern buys rang- Veronica Redgrave family has managed Lapidarius’ outstanding from African tribal masks to “gent- ing collections for over 100 years, from lyused Oyster Rolex watches.” There is Alexandria, Egypt, to Place Bonaventure even a Renoir-signed bronze plaque. There’s no more alluring “Aladdin’s and then Crescent St. (1984-1990). “Possibly the only Renoir for sale in Ca- cave” full of treasures than Greene Ave.’s For the past 30 years, renowned for nada,” Maged chuckles. Lapidarius. quality and price, the Greene Ave. store has He can recall the halcyon days when his The shop showcases Japanese prints, been a destination for collectors, designers, shop was asked by clients to hand deliver A great place to live, in a perfect location. Lalique glass, a bronze of Napoleon, irides- celebrities and fashionistas. A stylishly 300 holiday gifts: “Dunhill gold lighters!” cent glass, royal pieces (William IV and dressed lady was eagerly eyeing the antique But, as the song goes, “times they are a- George III), and much, much more. The Hermès valise and the vintage Louis Vuit- changin’.” Perhaps stainless steel cutlery decorative Victorian silver trays would ton weekend totes the day I visited. is easy to clean, but Lapidarius’ heavy- make Martha Stewart weep: they are per- And work by Canadian artists Stanley weight silver dinnerware is so much nicer fect for holding a pizza or flutes of cham- Cosgrove and John Little lured a group of to handle, not to mention eternally elegant. Very affordable all inclusive rates… pagne. admiring aficionados. But Maged is not disappearing. A train - All meals Medication distribution Sadly, the amazing collectibles are now Here, one must truly wander to dis- ed jeweler, for the past few years he has Daily tea 24 hour security offered up in Lapidarius’ “estate sale.” Art cover. Carefully, though: the boutique is been not only re-modeling/updating rings Daily housekeeping 24 hour nurse and antiques connoisseur and owner packed. Amidst the jade, the ivory minia- and necklaces but designing one-of-a-kind Personal Laundry Extensive activity programme gorgeous pieces, “using rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.” His plan is “to downsize Lapidarius Jewellery and An- Manoir Westmount Inc. tiques into Lapidarius Jewellery and occupy 4646 Sherbrooke Street West a smaller space within the same premises.” Westmount, QC H3Z 2Z8 I, for one, will miss browsing in his “petit musée,” but change can be a good thing. For an appointment to view, please call “Everything has its time.” Lapidarius – 514.705.4730 514.937.3943 Liquidation sale Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm (or call for appointment) www.manoirwestmount.ca 1312 Greene Ave.

Maged Taraboulsy of Lapidarius on August 8. Photo: Ralph Thompson. 16 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 July sales: Turning the corner Real Estate percent of valuation, it brought down the Average adjusted price for ‘typical’ Westmount house, by month, Andy Dodge average mark-up for that month to only three percent, but in July the average re- January 2015 to July 2020, based on accepted offer dates surged to almost 28 percent, the highest since the new valuation roll came into force 2,500,000 Note: The following article relates to offers in January. to purchase Westmount residential dwellings The most exciting statistic in July is the that were reported by local real estate agents number of days to sell, at 23 days com- 2,400,000 Last 12 as having been accepted in July 2020. Because pared to 129 in June. In fact, three of the Months they are not final registered sales, the addresses June sales had been on the market between 2,500,000 cannot be made public, but give a good idea 307 and 780 days, while in July, the longest- 2,300,000 of current trends in local real estate activity. marketed house was 77 days, and all the 2,400,000 The graph at right offers a picture of these rest were 18 days or less. This was proof of trends over time. the “seller’s market;” all of the July sale 2,200,000 2,300,000 Last issue, we were cautiously opti- prices were at least 90 percent of the asking mistic about the market turning the corner price, though none sold over asking. 2,200,000 following the COVID-19 shutdown, and 2,100,000 the addition of five late arrivals to the June Condos list certainly helped in that regard, bring- Only three condominiums sold in June, 2,100,000 ing the total number of June house sales including two apartments and a portion of 2,000,000 in Westmount to 14 – including two above a made-over duplex, for prices between the $5-million mark – which is the high- $680,000 and $2,740,000, the latter for a est monthly volume this year and matches two-storey penthouse in one of West- 1, 900, 000 the volume in June last year. mount’s high-rise buildings. It is the third So far, only seven more sales have been condo sale this year over $2 million. posted as taking place in July, ranging in 1,800,000 price from $1,375,000 to $3,175,000, with Adjacent mark-ups over municipal valuation from The adjacent-Westmount market was nine to 90 percent. Because one of the $5 busy, too, with nine house sales between 1,700,000 million-plus sales in June went for only 67 June and July, plus a townhouse-type con-

1,600,000

1,500,000

1,400,000 LUXURY HOMES 2015 Jan 2016 Jan 20177 Jan 2018 Jan 2019 Jan 2020 JaJanan

dominium on de Breslay Rd. and two The mid-August tally shows 99 houses FOR RENT brand new houses, yet to be entered on the on the market in Westmount, almost back city rolls, on Stanley Weir St. in Côte des to the level we reported in mid-June, with CHOOSE FROM OUR LARGE Neiges. The June sales list also includes the first asking price of less than $1 million SELECTION OF LUXURY HOMES FOR the first sale we have seen this year in the since back in March, at $995,000. From RENT IN GREATER MONTREAL. Shaughnessy village area, on St. Matthew there, prices go up to $17,950,000, with St. four (up from three) asking more than $10 million. Rentals WITH GROUPE COPLEY’S OWN Notice So far this year, agents have logged 21 DEDICATED SERVICE TEAM, WE WANT TO ENSURE that as of December 1, 2019, THAT YOUR RENTAL EXPERIENCE IS TRULY house rentals, in fact a lower number than Dr. Marvin Pinchuk, dentist, by this time last year, when there were 28, OUTSTANDING WITH US. formerly practicing at and 27 the year before. 4141 Sherbrooke Ouest, Westmount, Agents are slowly finding their way QC H3Z 1B8 (514-934-0748), has through the morass of protocols surround- entrusted legal custody of his ing the COVID-19 situation, so the pros- View all our homes at patient files to Clinique Dac. pects are hopeful for a strong fall market. GROUPECOPLEY.COM For any requests regarding information about your file, Classifieds in the Independent Serving executives, athletes, please contact Clinique Dac at Why list your goods (or services) on fly-by-night, who-knows-who- QUESTIONS? ASK PENNY and professionals since 1998 is-replying websites when you can list (and sell) locally? [email protected] OR 4141 Sherbrooke Ouest, Westmount Buy a classified in the Westmount Independent at: 514.656.6437 ext.0 Qc H3Z 1B8 (514-934-0748). www.westendclassifieds.com Buy locally to sell locally WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 17 Cause: Selwyn’s ‘Known & Loved’ Hannaford gala Social Notes Fundraiser Profile: Roula Rossy Veronica Redgrave Link for your event/cause supporters? We are a committee of volunteer moms planning this event: Karen Anderson, Ann As Social Notes depends on social events, Carolyn Lapierre, Luisa Matheus, Suzanna which depend on gatherings, times have Accurso, Leslie Silver, Emma McCavour, changed. But we’ll meet again. Until then, we Lorna Denham, Kari Cullen with the gui- profile the disappointed but determined sup- dance of Mary Ann Cloherty, director of porters of great causes to see how they are far- annual giving at Selwyn House. We have ing in our smaller world and learn their event’s put up information at: selwyn.ca under the new plans. logo “Known & Loved” Gala. Roula Rossy, chair, organizing What do you miss the most about our committee, Selwyn House School’s smaller world “Known & Loved” gala I miss a lot about our world. I miss human connection, face to face. I miss get- What was your event? Cause? ting together with my family and friends. The Selwyn House School “Known & I miss planning life: planning an event, a Loved” gala: A farewell celebration in hon- trip, a lunch or dinner. our of our headmaster Hal Hannaford and I miss freedom. his wife Susan Doherty. The purpose was At the same time, I am grateful for to gather the Selwyn House community to health, food and shelter, as I know so many bid a proper farewell to Hal and Susan in people are suffering with this pandemic recognition of their wonderful service and on many levels and in so many different dedication to the school, where they made ways. I don’t take anything for granted. everyone feel known and loved. On the upside, I get to be with my All sponsorships, donations and pro- family and enjoy them. When this is all ceeds from the gala would have gone to over and we go back to our busy routines, The Hannaford/Doherty Mental Health it’s nice to look back and say we had in - and Wellness Fund. valuable time together. It was to be held on what date? ing to see what life will be like in the new the same time, I will sometimes take The gala was to be held on May 1, 2020 school year. longer to accomplish something because at Maison Principal. I have plenty of time to do it. Not a good How are you sheltering in place? habit to develop! Have you planned a new date? My husband and I are home with our For the moment, the event is postponed three kids, who are doing online learning Instead of cocktail attire, what are without a re-scheduled date. We are wait- with their respective universities and you wearing? school. I am sadly mostly living in comfortable We welcome your letters I am keeping busy mostly with being a attire, with the occasional nice top when I homemaker full time. Also, I am taking have a Zoom call. I do miss my clothes. +*)('&%*$#*"! (#'# We welcome your letters but reserve advantage of the extra time to advance on ('# *+ the right to choose and edit them. projects I wouldn’t necessarily have the How are you staying in touch? I have to say that I am very busy at home Please limit to 300 words and submit time for in normal days. before Friday 10 am to be considered and the days are going by fast to my dis - for publication the following week. Have you developed a daily routine? belief. But I find I am not keeping in touch email us at: I am living in a certain routine just by enough. I will do the very occasional phone [email protected] the sheer necessity of what needs to be call or Zoom with friends. Mostly, we text done in a certain order during the day. At each other to check in.

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MLS 13736717 TEL: 514-484-2222 !& !*( (& 514-919-0877 514-862-7718 FAX: [email protected] [email protected] Donna Hinchcliff 514-484-2205 REAL ESTATE BROKERS Re/Max Action FREE DELIVERY %*+ www.montrealpharmacy.com Re/Max Action Inc Agency – Westmount 514-237-7337 )('&&%$#'"! %'%"%() 18 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 Team Canada wins world debating tourney Back to Bach Debater Anzarouth individually third in world, first in Canada By Veronica Redgrave Westmounter Matthew Anzarouth was Westmounter Dorothy Fraiberg has re- part of the five-member Team Canada that launched/re-opened Bach Before Bedtime, beat out Sri Lanka in the finals of the first the über-popular musical series for online World Schools Debating Champion- children. Adults love it too! ships. It marks Canada’s third victory ever In collaboration with the Conseil des and first one since 2010. Arts de Montreal, the opening Menagerie LCC grade 12 student Anzarouth was Musical Journey is organized by Fraiberg, one of three members who participated in artistic director and founder, Allegra all of the preliminary debates and, in indi- Chamber Music and Bach Before Bedtime, vidual standings, finished third overall of along with her musical team and enthusi- approximately 250 participants from 68 astic volunteers. countries. He was also the top debater on The first pop-up concert takes place on the Canadian team. Vendôme Ave. between Sherbrooke and de Leading up to the event, which was orig- Maisonneuve. (The exact address is a se- inally to be held in Mexico but moved on- cret, but easy to find on the short street. Fol- line due to the pandemic, Anzarouth spent low the chalk marks and look for the stage.) every day over a five-week period practising Social distancing will be observed. with his teammates and coach. Families can enjoy the fun standing/sitting The final round debate topic was about on the sidewalk and neighbouring yards. the merits of high-paying jobs with long Hand sanitizer will be available for those hours versus less well paid, more fulfilling who need it. ones. “Due to COVID-19, we will not be ▶Matthew Anzarouth after the Quebec handing out percussion instruments, but Student Debating Association’s provincial we will send out a craft next week to make championships. He was the top speaker at your own that you can bring!” At the end the event, which was held in February. of the concert, there will be a question Photo courtesy of Lower Canada College. period, usually eliciting excited queries from budding young music lovers. “Come Perlman named Jewish Genealogical Societies’ ‘volunteer of the year’ and discover ‘What will happen to the swan, elephant, doves and chickens when Westmounter Gary Perlman was nam - Hirsch Cemetery’s in-house database, and the rooster forgets to wake them up one ed the International Association of Jewish photographed Holocaust and war casualty morning?’” Genealogical Societies’ “volunteer of the memorials. year” August 12 at its 40th international In addition, he has linked genealogical Bach Before Bedtime/ conference on Jewish genealogy, which information directly from JOWBR to Bach Avant Dodo was held virtually. the Jewish Genealogical Society (JGS) of Tuesday, August 18, 3:30 pm According to a press release, Perlman Montreal website and created the Jewish Vendôme Ave. between has submitted more than 60,000 records Genealogy Dashboard, a multi-source de Maisonneuve and Sherbrooke St. of Montreal-area gravestones to JOWBR search engine publicly available on the JGS (You can’t miss them: volunteers plan (the JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Montreal website, enabling users to run a to welcome one and all) Registry), updated nearly 2,000 gravestone search across some 50 databases. images from Montreal’s Back River Cem- He has done volunteer genealogy at the Wednesday, August 19, 3:20 pm etery and created nearly 7,000 records to Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric 332 Rue Saint Philippe, better document broken, leaning, faded or Centre for about five years, and has com- Montreal H4C 2V3 Hebrew-only stones. pleted work on over 20 family trees for resi- Thursday, August 20, 3:30 pm He has also made more than 10,000 ad- dents there. 238 Berlioz Ave., Photo courtesy of Sandra Golden, publicity chair, Inter- ditions and corrections to the Baron De national Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Nuns’ Island H3E 1B8 Promotion de Moving déménagement Promotion Nettoyeur Daoust sur Daoust Cleaner on 4820 Sherbrooke Ouest 4820 Sherbrooke West est déménagé au has moved to 343 avenue Victoria 343 Victoria Avenue Pour un temps limité For a limited time pour un nettoyage de for cleaning 4 chemises, la cinquième 4 shirts, est gratuite the ﬁfth is free pour ce magasin. for this store. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – August 18, 2020 – 19

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