WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

December 17-18, 2008 We are Westmount Vol. 2 No. 12b Homeowners face 1 percent Closing an era tax hike to ease past burden

By Laureen Sweeney imize their share of the tax burden. In adopting a $79.8 million budget, half of which Owners of single-family dwellings in Westmount face goes to the island-wide agglomeration council, city coun- an average 1 percent tax hike for 2009, down from 2.5 cil at its meeting December 15 revealed the new basic rate percent, as the city implements a variable tax rate to min- of $1.07 per $100 of evaluation for single-family dwellings and other buildings with five housing units or We’ll be back! less. On the average single-family dwelling’s tax bill of $10,184, the increase amounts to $101. This is the Independent’s last issue of 2008. Thank you – advertisers, readers, contributors and well-wish- Larger building, larger rate ers – for all your support this year. We have great The rate increases to $1.19 for larger apartment build- hopes for the future. Our first issue of 2009 is Janu- ings (an average increase of 1.97 percent) ary 14. and to $3.94 for commercial property, continued on p.13

First demerger contract ‘reinstates’ Westmount labour culture Public Security Sergeant Robert Stringer supervises closing time at the Westmount Public Library December 2. Stringer – the last original public safety officer – retires next month. For the whole Council hails 6-year blue-collar accord story, please see p.6.

By Laureen Sweeney gotiations, Westmount and some 125 per- in 2009, and 2.5 percent in 2010, 2011 Finance commissioner Guy Charette in After more than two years of labour ne- manent and auxiliary blue-collar workers and 2012. The retroactive increases are re- his budget presentation called it “re-estab- have agreed to a six-and-a-half year con- flected in the city’s 2009 budget. lishing a climate of trust and mutual re- tract that reinstates some of the working Other highlights include a return to 13 spect and a stable work force … which conditions enjoyed before the merger legal holidays a year, compared with five balances wage increases with working con- CTR BKR years with Montreal. during the merger years and the rein- ditions that maximizes our productivity.” Ratified by council at its meeting De- statement of the student employment sta- The city’s negotiating team, led by HR cember 15, the contract was built anew tus that enables the city to hire students director Alan Kulaga, was thanked for page by page, based on local needs “that under a special pay scale. It also embodies what Mayor Marks described as an “ac- were crucial to us,” Mayor Karin Marks the city’s determination to maintain a five- complishment.” said, “and not those dictated by Montreal.” day work week, but extends to the blue The contract extends from July 31, collars the 4.5-day summer work-week en- Don’t Miss It 2006 to December 31, 2012 and had al- joyed by some other city workers. Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom’s VIVIAN & BRIAN GRANT ready been accepted by the union, SCSP “One of the many issues was to try to local 301, which continues to represent return to the culture and philosophy that Hannukah party and 592-4636 • 249-1500 Westmount’s blue collar workers. characterized our labour relations,” ex- the First Candle Lighting at It provides for 2 percent pay hikes for plained Councillor Tom Thompson, who Westmount city hall “Working hard to exceed Sunday, December 21 your expectations.” the last six months of 2006 as well as for chairs the Finance & Administration com- 2007 and 2008, along with 2.25 percent mittee. See Comin’ Up on p.12 for details.

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Best Wishes Court throws ball back to city in Bellevue ruling The ruling in a high-profile court case Steven Goldberg to add another storey to from Marc Garneau involving a proposed additional storey at his Bellevue Ave. home. The addition, they Member of Parliament 27 Bellevue has once again upheld the said, would impede their views and have a Westmount-Ville-Marie powers of the city to determine architec- negative impact on the neighbourhood. tural standards. At the December 15 meeting of city Marc Garneau & his family would In his ruling, Superior Court Justice council, Councillor Cunthia Lulham un- like to wish all the residents of Robert Mongeon referred to the recent rul- derlined the court rulings. ing by Court of Appeal recogniz- Among those who spoke during ques- the riding a year full of health, ing the powers of the city’s Planning tion period, Gary Ikeman asked if council happiness and success. Advisory Committee and the city council. was considering changes in the permit In the Bellevue case, residents of Sun- process, given the courts had essentially 4060 Ste-Catherine Ouest, Bureau 340 nyside Ave. Mireille Raymond and her thrown the ball back into council’s court. Montréal, QC, H3Z 2Z3 husband, John Keyserlingk, had asked the Lulham said a number of projects would [email protected] court to quash a city permit that allows be tabled in the near future. Merci pour votre confiance et votre appui. Joyeuses fêtes! Thank you for your confidence and your support. Happy Holidays! M.N.A. Westmount-Saint-Louis Vice-President of the National Assembly 1155 University, Suite 1312, Montreal (Quebec) H3B 3A7 Tel.: 514-395-2929 – Fax: 514-395-2955 [email protected] WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 3 Marie José bids farewell ’Tis the season to be jolly By Laureen Sweeney With the leadership roles undertaken by the two most recent Westmount mayors in She’s been the interface between the associations of suburban mayors, on is- mayor, Westmount residents and elected land-wide councils and in Quebec political officials across the island for so many life, nothing was ever routine, she said. years that Marie José Aubertin’s retire- “She’s front line when someone calls to ment will come as a shock to many. speak with the mayor or councillors,” In fact, as executive assistant to current Mayor Marks explained. “What character- mayor Karin Marks and previously to izes her is this incredible professionalism,

Among many volunteers who pitched in to help at Westmount’s tree lighting ceremony and party December 9 was Girl Guide Katherine McKenna. Other participants included representatives of Path- finder and Scouting groups, the St. Matthias’ boys’ choir, the Harmonia Westmount Women’s Choir and St. John Ambulance.

Marie José Aubertin at her post outside the mayor’s office. Mayor Peter Trent, Marie José’s name courtesy and pleasant tone she maintains alone took on its own persona. even under great pressure. I’m certainly “The work is very challenging,” she going to miss her.” said. “Nothing is ever the same. Especially Marie José also worked closely with with the ups and downs of the mergers now-retired director general Bruce St. and demergers. It was another world to Louis and said she has enjoyed her brief me.” time with his successor, Duncan Campbell. Aubertin came to Westmount from the Now, with the opportunity to enjoy corporate world in July 1991, initially to “Freedom 55,” Aubertin said, she’s looking work for director general Manley Schultz. forward to a sunny vacation and having But with the municipal election in No- the time to enjoy many things she has vember, she was drafted by Mayor Trent been wanting to undertake. “It’s just won- into her current position. derful,” she said. “I’m so excited.” 4 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 Letters to the editor

Provs cut, not Feds can be fatal in a matter of minutes if left Tanzania. the same rights. untreated. Individuals who are anaphylac- Perhaps your fact-finders could clear So the true slant of your feature article, “Orpheus Singers hit hard by feds’ art tic must always be vigilant and carry an this up for us; otherwise, we’re off to the I suggest, should not focus on the news of cuts” (December 2, p. 3) sure makes a EpiPen (injectable dose of epinephrine/ Douglas. the court decision, but rather tell the citi- catchy headline, and any publicity for the adrenaline) with them at all times. Alan Moscovitch, Dawson College zens of Westmount to wake up, as the city choir is good publicity, but the reality is Residents who feed the squirrels are allows these drastic changes. that, as far as I know, the Orpheus Singers Editor’s note: Although we never said Andy causing potential fatal harm to their neigh- The legacy of this present council will never received funding from the federal Rosenhek didn’t go to Dawson, we have bours even if they do so in their own back- not be the financial strains of dealing with government. now spoken to him and can confirm that yard, since the squirrels travel with their the botched forced amalgamation, but The grant that we applied for annually, he did attend. No need to visit the Douglas. loot. These residents certainly mean no rather the way they have allowed changes and received up until several years ago, harm, but need to understand and be that will profoundly change the character was from the Quebec Arts Council. Owners buy into made aware of the potential severity and of our community. Henry Olders dangers of their actions. It would be most neighbourhoods as is When is the next election? Member, Orpheus Singers irresponsible and unfortunate if they were RE: “Court upholds city’s discretionary Lesley Aiton, Lexington Ave. Editor’s note: The Independent regrets the the cause of an allergic reaction. powers” (December 9, p. 1). error. Canada needs sexier It is also important to remember to re- Although I do not know the details of Peanuts are dangerous – spect wildlife, and keep it untamed. the court case mentioned, the slant should voting venues Pascale Delhaye, de Maisonneuve have us all concerned. Now that voting has become everyone’s anywhere Our beliefs about Westmount building favourite indoor activity – excluding sex Thank you for the article “Peanut aller- Rosenhek at Dawson, too guidelines are idealistic. I have heard often (that can be engaged in outdoors and may gies fuel curb on wildlife feeding” (De- I enjoyed your recent article on Andy from fellow Westmounters, “But you can’t not qualify anyway) – shouldn’t some cember 2, p. 1). Rosenhek and his Peace Medal Award (De- do that in Westmount.” Yet people are re- thought be given to having permanent The ban on wildlife feeding in West- cember 2, p. 4). ceiving permission from the city to destroy polling places – not such unsuitable facil- mount should not only be enforced in However, it made me question my their “micro-neighbourhoods,” as they are ities as church basements and schools, es- Westmount Park, but at neighbouring memory. I thought that Andy had been a called by Councillor Patrick Martin. pecially Westmount High School? homes and apartment buildings. We live a student at Dawson College (which you I am aware of two properties where a I found that on a bitterly cold day access few blocks from the park and have found might know is located in Westmount), building change has been approved, de- to the high school seems to be available peanut shells on our property on numer- whereas your article has him leapfrogging spite the deleterious impact on neigh- only to teenagers. ous occasions. As the parent of a son with from Selwyn House to McGill. bours. Walk around and take a look at The door from the handicap ramp was peanut allergies, this is a serious concern. Having checked with my younger col- others that have not made the newspapers. firmly bolted and shut on election day, and It is a safety issue in our own backyard. leagues, they too remember Andy as a stu- Furthermore, permits are secret, the only access was two sets of front steps Unlike seasonal ones, a peanut (or any dent in science who also took seminars in known only to those at city hall and the that can be climbed two at a time by any- other food) allergy is nothing to sneeze at. our Reflections program. In fact, we have holder. Secrets breed worry, as we all won- one who has not reached voting age. Those affected by it wish it were. Peanut a shared hallucination that Andy, one of der what they have to hide. What are they When I told this to a sympathetic elec- shells can cause an anaphylactic reaction, our most excellent and honourable stu- trying to get away with by hiding details? tion officer, she said she could do nothing which has the potential to be life threaten- dents ever, also visited Reflections last year As people have “permission” to change – the same thing had happened on federal ing. Anaphylaxis is acute and severe, and to talk to our students about his project in their homes, they cut down 50-year-old election day. Even an elevator was not op- majestic trees, destroy gardens and add ad- erational. ditions to monstrous homes to satisfy Shouldn’t an infrastructure program to Next issue: January 14, 2009 their materialistic desires. fight unemployment in the recession (that WESTMOUNT Presstime: Monday before, at 10:30 am As purchasers of properties and homes, our government said we didn’t have) in- Westmount (H3Y and H3Z): we buy into the neighbourhood as it is, clude permanent polling booths accessible INDEPENDENT 10,000 copies by Canada Post recognizing some changes may happen as to all? people maintain their residences. Also, Edward W. Barrett, Kensington Ave. 1,000 copies distributed to over when we take ownership, we really are be- 40 waiting-room drops 2 Mergers, same snake oil We are Westmount. coming keepers of the property for future owners, with the care and nurturing of the I went for a stroll along Montrose Ave. Most frequently restocked drop sites: Lobby of 310 Victoria Ave.; St. exit to Metro grocery store at Victoria place as others have before us and others the other day and noticed that cars paid Ave. and Sherbrooke St. little or no attention to the stop-signs. Drop notice: Snow conditions may delay us getting around to all of our drop sites on Tuesday of publication week. will afterwards. Radical and drastic Whatever the snow conditions, we still aim to reach our “most reliable” drops (Metro on Victoria, Westmount Square changes should not be permitted, espe- I couldn’t help recalling that in the and 310 Victoria lobby) on Tuesdays. cially in an area such as Westmount, where Dark Ages – years before the recent history needs to be treasured. Councillor merger/aborted demerger – Westmount Editor & Advertising sales: Published by: had its own police force, and that traffic David Price 514.935.4537 Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. Martin said it well: “There is reasonable ex- pectation your micro-neighbourhood will laws were then ignored at your peril. Editorial coordinator: 310 Victoria Ave., Suite 105 Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 not change drastically.” Then some snake-oil salesman in Que- Kristin McNeill 514.223.3578 bec convinced people that the merger of [email protected] Fax: 514.935.9241 Permits are to protect the area, to en- sure that changes fit and to protect the en- ALL the island’s police forces would result Chief reporter: vironment. in BSATL (better service at less cost), the Laureen Sweeney usual promise. Akin to the promise that [email protected] Yes, the permit application process needs to be adhered to so the person ap- snake oil would cure everything from / Layout: Studio Melrose Ted Sancton plying is following the rules, but it is also lower back pain to migraines. Letters & Comments: We welcome your letters, but reserve the right to choose and edit them. there to protect the neighbours and ensure And, true enough, the mergers were Please email any letter and comments to [email protected]. their rights are not violated. After all, we just as effective as snake oil was. Every letter of support helps us with advertisers! are all paying taxes to the same place, for J. Turgeon, Mt. Stephen Ave. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 5 Nutik steps down as leader of AffiliationQuebec

By Kristin McNeill would run in the NDG riding, but with- steps of , a pressure drew when he couldn’t get enough signa- group, and the Equality Party, which is still A mere 11 months after it became an tures for his nomination. a registered political party but now de- authorized provincial political party, Affil- Nutik never considered running in funct. iationQuebec’s leader is folding up his tent Westmount because he called it an “un- His reasoning at the time: “We need to and the party may fold too, according to winnable” riding due to gerrymandering have a political party to have political im- leader and founder Allen Nutik, a former and also because of his failed attempts in pact. If we can elect someone to the legis- Westmount mayoral candidate. municipal politics. “I can’t get elected in lature, it would force media to cover us.” The mandate of the AQ is “to actively Westmount. I can’t elected city councillor, He continued, “the heroes of Affiliation- pursue the full rights and interests of I certainly can’t get elected dog catcher.” Quebec are the weeklies… These are the staunch Canadians living in the province only places we got ink.” of Quebec.” Separatists ‘alive and well’ “I built a political party to represent Before knowing of his resignation, the At both the provincial and federal level, anglos and the minority interests of the Independent had invited Nutik to discuss Nutik claimed the separatist movement is ‘million [anglo and allo] Quebecers,’ and his reaction to the results of the provincial “alive and well, and the ultimate separa- nobody came.” Nutik said he hopes some- election the following day. From a prepar- tion of Quebec is closer at hand than even one will take over. He will continue to ed statement, he read “For this failed po- the separatists themselves have dared to maintain the AffliliationQuebec website. litical leader, my inner feelings while hope.” surfing the incoming [provincial] election When asked if he fears another refer- results on television surged from bitter- endum should the PQ continue to gain Allen Nutik. sweet, to realization, to a deep sense of popularity in time for the next election, great concern for my country… In any Québécois’ Bill 101) as one example. Nutik said it is not a referendum people event, as of this moment, I too am with He also cites sign laws, reduced access should fear, but a majority PQ govern- Mario!” – in reference to ADQ leader to and funding for English language edu- ment. The nationalists are “playing for Come Mario Dumont’s resignation the night of cation, health services in English, and keeps,” he said. With money and a major- and Worship December 9. business rules. “Once Montreal was the ity government, separation would be in- business capital of Canada. It no longer is. evitable. Anglos ‘not interested’ in English future We are now a branch plant operation,” he Nutik said there in nothing anti-French Christmas at Nutik’s prepared statement did not hide said. or anti-Québécois in the AQ platform. St.Matthias’ his visible disappointment in what he per- There are even a few French Canadians ceives was a lack of interest and support How’s Westmount doing? who are members of the party. Anglican Church for the protection of minority communi- How has Westmount fared under the Nutik started AffiliationQuebec as “a Sunday December 21 ties in Quebec. “It’s one of the greatest fail- provincial Liberal party? “The best person real political party” following in the foot- Fourth Sunday of Advent ures of my life,” he said. “Quebec’s anglo to ask is [Westmount] Mayor [Karin] 8:00am Holy Communion phones and allophones have spoken clear- Marks. I think she will tell you in a nicer Westmount Park 10:30am Eucharist ly, if not eloquently in their silence. They way than I, that we have been had by Mr. United Church are just not interested in their English fu- Charest and the Liberals. We were prom- 4695 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., corner Lansdowne Wednesday December 24 ture in Quebec, or else they would have ised our cities back, and we didn’t get (514) 937-1146 10:00pm Christmas Eve service rallied to do something different. I have them,” he said. Christmas Service Thursday December 25 now heard and recognized their clear mes- During the recent federal election Saturday, December 20th at 4:30 p.m. 8:00am Holy Communion sage.” campaign, Nutik said he attempted to Christmas Eve Carol Service 10:30am Family Eucharist service* Nutik claims the lack of support from communicate with the federal election Wednesday, December 24th at 7:30 p.m. *Choir & strings play Malcolm, Monteverdi, Buxtehude anglos, especially those under 40, comes candidates by writing letters, attending from a belief that their rights are not meetings and asking questions, “trying to Rev. Frank Giffen, St. Matthias’ Anglican Church Minister threatened. get the federal government to recognize 131 Cote St. Antoine Rd. Children welcome (corner Metcalfe in Westmount) Nutik claims the that there are a million Quebecers who & is a nationalist party and the underwriter live under abrogated rights of language, Come relax and enjoy Bus 24, 104, 138 to Sherbrooke Metcalfe stop – worship & warm walk one block North of some discriminating policies against signs, education, access.” fellowship at WPUC. 514-933-4295 minority communities in Quebec. He Due to lack of support, AffiliationQue- Rector: The Reverend Kenneth Near cites Liberal ’s Bill 22 bec did not field any candidates in this Check out our website at: Music Director: John Wiens (which was superseded by the Parti election. Nutik originally announced he www.westmountparkuc.org 6 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 Winter cleaning Ceccon, Léger and McAuslan win arts prize

This building at 4400 St. Catherine St. near Westmount High is being excavated around its foundation in spite of the bad weather. A resident explained that it was a soil remediation project. Building man- agement did not return calls for comment. From left: Nathaly Pasieczny (Groupe de la Veillée), Francine Léger, Vasco Ceccon and Pascale Correia (Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal). Westmounters Vasco Ceccon and Ceccon chairs the fundraising cam- Last original PSO retires Francine Léger of Vasco Design Interna- paign of theatre company Le Groupe de la tional, and Peter McAuslan of McAuslan Veillée and the board of directors of Les By Laureen Sweeney In touch with people Brewing were awarded 2008 Prix Arts- Ballets Jazz de Montréal. McAuslan sup- The last of Westmount’s original pub- The first of the original PSOs to be ap- Affaires de Montréal on December 2. ports the St. Ambroise Fringe Festival and lic safety officers, Sgt. Robert Stringer re- pointed to the role of sergeant in 1985 – a The prizes were created to acknowledge the Montreal Chamber Music Festival. tires January 2, closing a chapter in the patrol position – Stringer says that being business people who support the arts. The prize is an initiative of the Board of 28-year-history of the Public Security Unit. on the road kept him in touch with people. Cecon and Léger won in the SME (small Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the “I’ve loved everything about it,” he says, That too is changing as the sergeant’s role and medium enterprise) category. McAus- Conseil des arts de Montréal, in collabora- “especially being part of the growing-up is taking on more of an administrative lan won in the Arts/Business Personality tion with Le Devoir, Quebecor and the process and being closely connected to the function. category. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. citizens.” A South Shore resident, Stringer was a The “only reason” he’s not staying on, volunteer St. Hubert firefighter when he he says, is the shift work. At age 58, he’s came to Westmount in July 1980 with the 9 Lives: Special Christmas edition looking forward to being able to live a 17 original public safety officers. They more 9-to-5 lifestyle with his wife, recon- were hired from a variety of backgrounds By Lyzanne son, despite the difficulties they must nect with friends and enjoy activities he to forge a new service as “the eyes and Please give to the most needy in this overcome. As planned every year, the Cov- has missed out with the rotating shift ears” of the community, he recalls. And it season of giving. ered Garden volunteers organize a special schedule. was their diversity that brought a broad You can drop off your children’s used event during which Santa Claus presents The job has also changed. “We lost a spectrum to the force that now hires only clothing and toys for the refugee program gifts to the children. This special event lot,” he says, with the forced merger of graduates of police technology or police re- at the YMCA residence located at 4039 cannot be held without the support of gen- Westmount’s fire department into the tirees. Tupper St., near Atwater. erous donors who offer used or new toys Montreal island-wide service. “We used to Planning to keep working in some ca- This is just down the street from us, in for the children, from newborns to 17 be dispatched to most of their calls. And it pacity, Stringer says he’ll now be devoting our neighborhood: the Covered Garden is years of age. gave us more opportunity to interact with more time to his own entrepreneurship in a YMCA community program located at Please consider giving clothing that citizens and provide assistance in many mechanical and electrical work. this YMCA residence. It is a temporary your children have outgrown, especially different ways.” lodging program for asylum seekers who winter clothing and toys that your children have just arrived in Canada. These fami- no longer find of interest. If you would like lies are accompanied during their first further information, please contact Valérie month in Canada in order to help them in- Lavigne or Tania Ghanem of the Covered tegrate through a variety of activities for Garden at 514.932-5353x204 or email HAIR STYLING FOR MEN children, teenagers and adults. Valérie Lavigne at valérie.lavigne@ymca- 514.484.5987 The Covered Garden would like to offer montreal.qc.ca. asylum seekers the possibility of living a Many thanks for your generosity. 4970 Sherbrooke Street West memorable first Canadian Christmas sea- Lyzanne WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 7 Hennelly hosts vernissage Recent New York City transplant and On display at Studio H were Hennelly’s artist Nadine Hennelly held a vernissage photographs of industrial sites in and of new works entitled “Urban Abstrac- around Montreal. tions” on December 3 at Studio H in St. The mostly Westmount crowd included Henri. Alexandra and Jaqueline Macdougal, for- The former top model, who – prior to mer Pierre Marc John- relocating to Westmount – appeared son, writer Tim Hornyak and Roger’s Cup nightly on the Late Show with David Letter- tournament director Eugene Lapierre. man as one of the Hi-Ho Babes, has con- The show can be seen by appointment tinued a series of photographs that were until December 19. Contact studio H at initially begun in NYC on assignment for 514.932.2217 or go to www.nadinehen- Fujifilm. nelly.com. Friends of Library sales succeed The Friends of the Westmount Library ers, Carolyn O’Neill and Lee Taylor, stud- Nadine Hennelly. hosted two sales in November. $21,476 ied past sales and those of other groups in was raised in total. At city council on De- order to optimize results. She later told the cember 15, Councillor Kathleen Duncan Independent, “It was a huge accomplish- explained that the two principal organiz- ment. They were so entrepreneurial and really thought out how maximize the prof- its from the sale.” All proceeds will be Correction used by the Westmount Public Library. Flying Five facts Our article, “Moving Muscles – the book” (December 9, p. 4), got it wrong. Berger brings thrills Of the five cyclists who completed the cross-Canada Moving Muscles trip, only for the holidays Westmounter Keith Martin has muscu- Westmounter Leon Berger has just lar dystrophy. published two “retro-thrillers” – The Berlin The book – The Flying Five – has ar- Dossier and The Kremlin Betrayal – that aim rived in Westmount. It is available for to return to the era of well-written, read- purchase at Sharyn Scott on Consign- able novels of intrigue and suspense. ment (4925 Sherbrooke St., 514.484. Both novels are available online at 6507) and by email at flyingfivepress@ www.chapters.indigo.ca and www.words gmail.com. worthbooks.com. La Cache’s Greene store to close

As previously reported (September 16, p. 3), La Cache’s parent company is undergoing a bankruptcy/ reorganization. The store on Greene Ave. is in liquidation and may close as early as December 19. 8 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008

Elbaz (Lanvin) are all pretty high up on my list of design- Trendsetter ers to befriend if I win the lot- tery. WI: Which fashion magazines Maud Hurley do you read? MH: Not many, because they Maud Hurley is a Westmount resident who attends Marianopolis College’s liberal are so expensive and it’s a arts programme. She is also a member of the school’s Model UN, a group of waste of paper. Most of it is ad- students that participates in conferences to learn about global problems and seeks to vertising. But I do buy Teen Vogue. If I could look like find diplomatic solutions to them. something out of the pages of Teen Vogue, I would be happy. I WI: Do you like shopping for vintage WI: Who are your style icons? also buy Lula, a bi-annual clothing? MH: Can I pick more than one? I don’t magazine from Britain. It’s re- MH: I like vintage shopping not just be- know about ones in the world today… I ally fairy-like and young. It’s cause I am on a student budget, but also would have to say Beatrix Potter, Jo March, more geared to selling pretti- because I like clothes that have a story be- Anne of Green Gables, Mary Lennox from ness than sex. hind them. I go to church sales and even The Secret Garden, French actress Clem- WI: Would you go into a career buy stuff like old teacups and things that I ence Poesie, Audrey Hepburn and silent that involves fashion? find cool. With vintage, nobody has the film star Lillian Gish. Another one of my MH: I would love to, but I am same thing as you. Lots of what I wear is biggest style influences is Lux from The not sure how realistic it is. It is really cool stuff from my mother. I have an Virgin Suicides. a hard milieu to pierce into. I excellent skirt from my grandmother from In terms of modern actresses today, I would love to work at a publi- the 50s, which she had bought for her like Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel. cation like Teen Vogue or Lula honeymoon. Apart from that, I don’t really take inspi- that has a bit of an intellectual WI: What is your favourite fashion era? ration from people, but from things that I edge. I often feel awkward MH: Probably the 19th century, which revolve around. I try not to follow the Hol- around fashion people be- isn’t the most practical. I really like history lywood trends. I don’t like feeling like a cause I find that there is noth- and I love to read. I love turn-of-the- number. I wouldn’t go to school wearing ing more to them. I do love century things, like Anne of Green Gables black leggings or UGG boots. fashion, but I also love other and even a bit earlier, like Little Women. WI: Do you have a favourite label? things: I like to read, I love his- Apart from that, I like everything up until MH: I have many, not that I can afford tory and art. I would like to go 60s mod. I am not really into 60s hippie. them. But labels for everyday shopping? I into an environment like PR The 20s are beautiful with flapper dresses. often shop in kids’ stores, because I am pe- or styling. Wartime clothing is amazing. I love how tite and because I can often find things. WI: How do you describe your people made things out of nothing in Gap Kids, Zara Kids, Simons… H&M is al- style? times of need. The 50s were so elegant ways fun, but you run the risk of someone MH: I like to look young… I and the 60s were just funky and a lot of else wearing the same thing as you. They figure that I only have a few fun. I like the free spiritedness of the 70s, copy trends off the runway, which is fun. years to look young. Not like a although I am not into that lifestyle. The And they are affordable. I occasionally child – although I do some- 80s and the 90s were tragic [in terms of shop at American Apparel. times because I am small. I fashion]. Things are picking up a bit now. WI: Who is your favourite designer? would like my style to be a re- I like things that feel old: old clothes, old MH: I have many: Luella Bartley, Olivier flection of who I am and to books and old artifacts… things that have a Theyskens (for Nina Ricci), Paul Smith, show that I am original and sense of history. Thomas Maier (Bottega Veneta), Kate & maybe interesting. Two days Photo: Robert J. Galbraith WI: What are you reading now? Laura Mulleavy (sister designers behind ago I decided to dress all in blue. MH: I read a lot. I was reading The Great label Rodarte), Miuccia Prada (for Prada WI: What is your favourite item in your it be? Gatsby the other day. I recently re-read The and MiuMiu), Oscar de la Renta, Valen- closet? MH: Nina Ricci, because the clothes are Secret Garden, which was one of my child- tino. Also, Cacharel, Betsey Johnson, MH: My absolute favourite item in my not necessarily practical and functional. hood favourites. Karen Walker, Charles Anastase and Alber closet is my vintage Chanel purse. I also Especially these past few seasons. But it’s dearly love my cape from Simons. It’s al- a real show, which I think would be fun to most like something that a grande dame see. CHATEAU BONAVISTA would wear to the opera. I have a great pair WI: If you could raid anyone’s closet, 4555 Bonavista Prime location adjacent Westmount of boots that look like a cross between whose would it be? Bachelor Suites, 3½’s, 4½’s, 5½’s from $745 –2,195 something that an old man and Mary Pop- MH: Queen Victoria. I wonder what kind 4½ available immediately at $1595.00. pins would wear. of underwear she wore. One month free. WI: What is your favourite city? WI: What is in your cosmetic case? MH: I still have a lot of the world to see. MH: I don’t really wear makeup. My ● Beautiful Olympic-size indoor salt water pool London is really great. An incredible mix staples are mascara and lip-tint. I use a ● Sauna ● Gym ● 24 hour doorman of old and new. I love how England is still pink lip stain from The Body Shop that is ● Indoor parking a monarchy with a sense of tradition, but fun. ● Heating, hot water, air conditioning, is also the breeding ground of The Beatles WI: What do you always have in your and appliances included and The Rolling Stones. Paris is always purse, no matter what? so elegant. Having said that, Montreal is a MH: Keys and usually a book. Call 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7 days really great city too. WI: What is a treat for you? 514-481-8163 www.cromwellmgt.ca WI: If you could have a front row seat at MH: The opportunity to travel, a good any fashion show, which designer’s would book, hot tea or just dinner with friends. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 9 10 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 Westmount Art Scene QUELQUECHOSE5133 Sherbrooke W. • 514 486-3155 Adria Collins and Bobbie Burgers: ...always in good taste the nature of surfaces

Dear Customer: By Heather Black with glitter, her trees suggest that beauty It has been two years since and ugliness are indistinguishable, and “The richness I achieve comes from I bought Quelque chose and one that life and decay coexist. In “Looks like Nature, the source of my inspira- Rain”, a majestic grove is marred by year since Sophie joined me. tion.” – Claude Monet How time flies when you are blotches of glitter. Resembling sticky having a good time! Adria Collins at Galerie Sandra Goldie fingerprints on a windowpane, the and Bobbie Burgers at Galerie de Belle- painting suggests that nature is viewed Of course Quelque chose has feuille both capture Monet’s sentiment. through a man-made lens. been designing shades and “saving” Yet each artist’s vision of nature is unique. Her paintings also convey the futility old lamps for 35 years. We are still Collins adds glitter to trees to promote so- of permanence. In “All that Glitters 2” – truly “custom” yet the store has cial criticism; while Burgers defines petal a beautifully painted sunset with evolved into a happy mix of high and leaf in vibrant brushsrokes. amoeba- or bacteria-like splotches of and low end pieces, old and new, glitter – suggests a transformation of in an understated atmosphere. Collins chooses trees matter and Darwinian evolution. By using gloss and glitz surfaces, the artist We have an excellent line of last For Montreal artist Collins, trees are the subject of choice. In “Seduction”, a leafy conveys that nature is made toxic by minute keepsake Christmas gifts man. But the beauty of the images with our special “crystal” wrapping. tree with sepia shadows evokes Venus on an opalescent globe. Painted in oil on can- causes the viewer to stop and consider Thank you for your business. vas, this tree of life is a reminder of na- the artist’s message. We wish you peace, love and ture’s fleeting beauty. Yet sealed with a Burgers becoming impressionistic “A Means of Hope” health. Happy Holidays. high-gloss and toxic resin, a destructive sition captivate the imagination. Like the Sincerely, consumerism is conveyed. Known for realistic botanicals and bou- impressionists, the artist asks the viewer Annie & Sophie Her most recent work continues the quets, Vancouver artist Burgers’ style is to appreciate the beauty of nature. Captur- theme of commercialization. Sprinkled increasingly impressionistic. Her raised ing the fleeting moment through vibrant acrylic brushstrokes define stem or blos- surfaces, Bergers transports us – perhaps som. Yet each robust stroke relates to the nostalgically – to an earlier era and a place next to convey the movement of willows in of beauty. Happy Holidays from the Rebels! the wind or fast-moving clouds in blue skies. New associations Painting the lush Okanagan Valley or Bergers and Collins increasingly use There is still time the landscapes of Provence, Burgers in- complex surfaces to convey their message. creasingly interprets rather than records Both are inspired by and capture the rich- to frame your holiday gift nature. Her technique and subject choice ness of nature, yet communicate through recall the work of Van Gogh. “Room two very different approaches – Burgers’ for Interpretation” – a dynamic landscape impressionistic brushwork and Collins’ of yellow, green and purple – conveys glittering trees. the fluid magic of “Wheatfield with Adria Collins exhibits at Galerie Sandra Cypresses” (1889). And sunflowers – a Goldie, 4898 de Maisonneuve, Suite 100, common Van Gogh subject – are vividly while Bobbie Burgers’ exuberant land- portrayed in “A Means of Hope”. scapes are found at Galerie de Bellefeuille, Yet her fresh colours and keen compo- 1367 Greene Ave.

Professional Pet Grooming Anna Maria Ranieri Tonte/Toilettage Wishing all of our clients Boutique and friends a happy and healthy holiday season! Please book early if you want your pets groomed for the holidays. Art Rebel – Custom Framing 324 A Victoria Pampered Pets 514.487.9998De Westmount 318A Victoria Ave. • 514.369.2633 Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2M8 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 11 Westmount Today, Yesterday and Before

Good living comes with age. Why not retire in perfect elegance and ultimate com- fort? Our caring staff will tend to all your needs 24 hours every single day. Please call us regarding our affordable rentals:

By Doreen Lindsay Question: Where did this wayside cross stand on Côte St. Antoine Rd.? For answer, please turn to p. 14. 12 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 PAC chair recognized for long service On the shelves

Gift suggestions from the press having his own bodega. “Books for Christmas: our annual list Le jugement de Paris: le jour où les vins of holiday gift suggestions from distin- californiens surclassèrent les grands crus guished readers and writers: Conrad français by George Taber. How Californian Black, Joe the Plumber et al.” by Jonathan wines surpassed French wines in a blind Aitken in The American Spectator, Dec/Jan tasting in 1976 and the minor revolution 2009, p. 57. that ensued in the world of wine. The his- “Best books of 2008: this round-up of tory of winemaking in North America is our Bookmarks Selections from the past also presented. year provides great ideas for reading lists La sélection Chartier 2009: guide des vins and holiday wish list.” In Bookmarks, et d’harmonisation avec les mets by François Nov/Dec 2008, p. 10. Chartier. “Du nouveau… des cadeaux écolos: Les 100 meilleurs vins à moins de 25$: cette année, on achète responsable” in guide Aubry 2009 by Jean Aubry. Fleurs, plantes, jardins, hiver 2009, p. 48. On the lighter side Holiday spirit for the young ones Disquiet please: more humor writing from The Nutcracker Doll by Mary Newell De- the New Yorker edited by Henry Finder. “An Palma. Kepley’s dream is to dance in The uproarious sampling if its funny writ- Nutcracker. When the audition letter ar- ings.” rives in the mail with the results, Kepley is More information than you require by At the city council meeting December 15, architect Julia Gersovitz (centre), the outgoing chair of the thrilled. She’s a doll! John Hodgman. An absurdly funny al- city’s Planning Advisory Committee, is recognized for her “hard work” and expertise since January 2002 Première neige: fantaisie en photos by Carl manac of lies told in the uncannily beige by Councillor Cynthia Lulham, left, and Mayor Karin Marks. Many planning projects to be presented R. Sams and Jean Stoick. An enchanting tone the author uses in his regular ap- next year will bear her stamp, they said. Carole Scheffer, Paul Grenier and Philip Hazan compose the tale of the seasonal changes in a forest pearances on The Daily Show. professional roster going forward. filled with wild animals. Listening to a book (on CD) Of wines and men The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears La bodega by Noah Gordon. Traditions by Dinaw Mengestu. A tender, enthralling in 19th century Spain have it that the eld- debut novel about the hidden lives of im- est son inherits the family winery. A migrants who are caught between the bru- younger son, Diego, will accordingly be tal Africa they have fled and an America disinherited and even has to flee his coun- that will not fully admit them. try because of war. He ends up in Langue- A Mercy by Toni Morrison. Set in the doc, learns the tricks of the trade from a 1680s, this novel unfolds in the harsh local winemaker and pursues his dream of northern climes of an emergent America. Here, on Anglo-Dutch trader Jacob Vaark’s isolated homestead, Vaark’s mail-order wife and three female slaves struggle against great hardships while forming shifting alliances.

Foot Care Clinics Comin’ Up... Initial Visit: $30 Thursday, December 18: Centenary of Additional Visits: $25 Roslyn School (play) by Dramatis Personae at the Westmount Public Library from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is free for members, $5 Queen Elizabeth Health Complex otherwise. Tuesdays & Wednesdays Sunday, Dec. 21: Temple Emanu-El- Beth Call: 514 866-6801 Sholom hosts the annual community-wide Hannukah party from 3 to 4 pm in the community hall, followed by the First Griffith McConnell Residence Candle Lighting at Westmount city hall at Fridays 4:30 pm. Enjoy Latkes, donuts, refresh- ments, Chanukah music, dreidel games Call: 514 482-0590 and chocolate coins. Bring your family Menorah to display. 514.937.3575. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 13

Total budget at $79.8 million Electronic This year’s taxes will be paid directly to Provision for uncertainties continued from p. 1 Westmount in two installments due A provision of $1.2 million has also Independents up 4 percent. March 2 and June 1 to enable the city to been made for “the uncertain economic The tax break was given to homeown- remit its agglomeration costs on time. climate which may impact elements of our ers “because they are the ones that have The budget of $79.8 million includes budget and the weight of future obliga- available been the most penalized” due to the $40.6 million in agglomeration costs for tions,” explained finance commissioner merger with Montreal, until the demerged services such as police, fire and transit. Guy Charette in presenting the budget. Enjoy the Indie at supper time cities were able to regain their prior abil- The remainder includes $29.2 million for Also adopted was a capital works ity to redistribute the tax burden. the delivery of local services, $3.9 million budget of $7.3 million that includes $1.2 on Tuesdays! Cities’ being able to collect all taxes, out for debt service and financing costs, close million for Hydro Westmount and $6.1 Sign up by writing us: of which they remit their shares directly to to $1 million for the Montreal Metropoli- million for the upgrading of municipal the island-wide agglomeration council, tan Community and $2.5 million in pay- buildings, parks, the fleet, water and sewer indie@ was one of the concessions received from as-you-go financing of the capital works mains and streets (see Westmount Inde- westmountindependent.com. Quebec and Montreal under the Bill 22 ne- budget. pendent, December 2-3). gotiations last June. 14 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 Quebec Classifieds Local Classifieds History quiz: Wayside cross Antiques NEW FULLY LOADED COM- Eastern Townships By Doreen Lindsay François Prud’homme and the Leduc sons PUTER $29.99/month! In-house ABRACADABRA turn your hid- Rental financing everyone’s approved*. also came for the excellent land and agree- den treasures into ready cash. Simply spectacular country Right to your doorstep from only Question from p.11. Where did this wayside able climate. At first, they cut trees from International buyer wants to pur- estate for rent, see www.flickr. $29.99/month: MDG Desktop In- cross stand on Côte St. Antoine Rd.? the forest to build wooden houses, then chase your antiques, paintings, com/photos/countryplace tel processor, 2 GB memory, 500 Answer: At the corner of present-day Lans- gathered stones to build more solid ones china, crystal, silverware, jew- 514 816 1842 GB HD, 22” LCD flat panel, Win- downe Ave. on the north side of the road, facing the ellery, rare books, sports, movies, dows Vista or 15.4” Notebook! postcards, coins, stamps and A white painted cross was erected at the river. As their farms developed, they all Bonus 20” LCD TV with DVD! (call records. 514-501-9072. Selling? Buying? highest point of Côte St. Antoine Rd. The used this same route to transport their for conditions) 1-800-236-2504. image reproduced on p.11 shows the cross grain, vegetables, apples and melons to Companions Searching? FUTURE STEEL BUILDINGS dur- in front of the St. Germain market in Ville Marie. Absolutely!... You deserve a New able, dependable, pre-engi- Easy as 1-2-3: house (built in 1730). It is from A talk about the If you walk west on Côte St. Year with love and laughter. neered, all-steel structures. Cus- a photograph of a painting. centenary of Roslyn Antoine from the flat lawn of Misty River Introductions – find- tom made to suit your needs and choose Westmount The Westmount Historical As- school (1908), will be Garden Point in front of city ing long term relationships for requirements. Factory direct af- 1classifieds ($1/word sociation is very pleased to given on Thursday, hall, you will feel the elevation reaches 20,000 successful, attractive singles. fordable prices. Call 1-800-668- have the photograph in its December 18 at 7 pm increase as the road veers up Call (514) 879-0573. www. 8653 ext. 170 for free brochure. Westmounters) mistyriverintros.com. archives as evidence of the in the Westmount and to the right. As you curve #1 high speed internet $18.95/ OR Quebec classifieds $160 buys cross’ existence. It was on the Public Library. past the two remaining Met- Financial Services month. Absolutely no ports are St. Germain family’s land and calfe Terrace homes on your blocked. Unlimited downloading. you 25 words (max.) in 28 FINANCIAL PROBLEMS? Drown- Quebec newspapers family members considered it an honour left (168 and 170 Côte St. Antoine) – built ing in debt! Stop the harassment. Up to 5Mps download and Send us your text by: to maintain it for their neighbours. in the 1840s – you will see, on your right Bankruptcy might not be the an- 800Kbps upload. Order today at Fax: 514.935.9241 or Côte St. Antoine developed as an east- at Forden Ave., the milestone that meas- swer. Together let’s find a solu- www.acanac.ca or call toll free 2 Email: classifieds@ west pathway as the native peoples walked ures the distance from the Sulpician Fort tion – Free Consultation. Bill 1-866-281-3538. westmountindependent.com through the forest between the old Iro- de la Montagne on present day Sherbrooke Hafner – Trustee in Bankruptcy. HOT TUB (SPA) Covers. Best quoian village of Hochelaga (situated St. at Fort. 514-983-8700. Price, Best Quality. All Shapes Prepay with VISA & Colours Available. Call 1-866- Phone: 514.223.6138. Feel south of where McGill University is today) Today the cross and the St. Germain $500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, 3 652-6837. www.thecoverguy.ca. free to leave a message or to the west end of the island of Montreal. stone house have gone. Most of the origi- no credit refused, quick and easy, Fax: 514.935.9241 Beginning in 1698, 45 years after they nal houses at Lansdowne and Côte St. An- payable over 6 or 12 installments. AFFORDABLEPHONERECON- became seigneurs of the island of Mon- toine Rd. are gone and we are left with a Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660. NECTION. Bad credit – no prob- We don’t recommend sending VISA numbers by email. lem! Call Tembo Telecom and treal in 1663, the Sulpicians divided this sloping triangle of land, which forms a For Sale ask about our new customer turer’s USA order cancellations. area into 13 concessions cutting across small park between Côte St. Antoine and The Quebec Community News- special. Sign up online and save Brand new 1260sq.ft. Pre-engi- Côte St. Antoine Rd. Seven of these con- Belmont Crescent. papers Association can place $20. 1-877-266-6398; www neered package originally cessions were granted to families who pre- I ask my readers how we should com- your ad into 28 weekly papers .tembo.ca. $29,950. Liquidation $14,975! viously lived in the original settlement of memorate the existence of this cross, throughout Quebec – just $160. Personals Other sizes – sacrifice prices! Ville Marie on the St. Lawrence River. The which was of significance among our first Book 3 weeks within a 6 month Green-R-Panel Building Systems. St. Germain family, which had owned land settlers of Westmount. period and receive the 4th week *PAST *PRESENT *FUTURE * 1-800-871-7089. Spring / Summer between present-day Notre Dame and Should we put up a plaque or should free! One phone call does it all! #1 Psychics! *1-877-478-4410* delivery available! Credit Cards / deposit $3.19 min St. Jacques, came up the hill with their we commission a sculpture to mark the Call Marnie at QCNA 514-453- neighbours Louis Hurtebise, and Michel, spot? Should we plant a tree? 6300. Visit: www.qcna.org. (18+). For a psychic NOW! Meet Vacation/Travel us at: www.mysticalconnec- Louis and Paul Décarie. Louis Langevin, Please let me know your thoughts. SAWMILLS from only $3,495.00- tions.ca. TIMESHARE FORECLOSURES – Doreen Lindsay is president of the Convert your logs to valuable Save 60-80% off retail! Best re- Westmount Historical Association. lumber with your own Norwood DATING SERVICE. Long term / sorts & seasons! Throughout PREVENT CHILD ABUSE portable band sawmill. Log skid- short term relationships, free Canada, US, Caribbean and ders also available. www.nor- calls! 1-866-512-8367. Exchange You can help by donating any type more! Call for free catalogue to- woodsawmills.ca/400t – FREE In- voice messages, voice mail- of BOOKS to KidzSafe Foundation day! 1-800-731-8046 – www.hol- formation: 1-800-566-6899 Ext. boxes 1-866-573-0914. Live adult idaygroup.com/sc. to fund educational programs for kids. 400 OT. casual conversations 1 on 1 1- 866-522-7131, meet on chat lines. Call for pick-up 514.702.4930 A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE – Local single ladies 1-866-512- ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES – Get your first month free. Bad 9083 (18+). Book online at www.canada- credit, don’t sweat it. No de- travels.com and save more on posits, no credit checks. Call Real Estate your vacations. Use code GINETTE & Freedom Phone Lines today toll REPOSSESSED PREFAB HOMES! NCA74327 for discount or call us free 1-866-884-7464. Save 50% +! Canada Manufac- toll free at 1-800-563-5722. JEFF STEELE

No customer Apartment wanted too small! Senior Westmount couple seek warm 1 or 1450 829-3852 2-bedroom apartment with elevator for winter Happily in service since 1979 rental. Preferably furnished. Local references. MILKMAN Phone 514 932-1445 Home Delivery Lactancia & Liberté WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008 – 15 Caroling for a cause

Wishing All of My Clients & Friends a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season

PATRICIA HINOJOSA Afilliated Real Estate Agent Groupe Sutton Centre Ouest Inc. (514) 885-3567 Quality Service & Results For Sellers & Buyers.

Students from The Study went door to door on December 15 caroling to raise money. About $500 was collected, which will be used for food baskets given by the school to St. Gabriel’s Parish. Pictured are grade 11 students and Westmounters Chloé Tait and Shannon Romoff at the Meek house on Westmount Ave. $760,000 Building permits M What’s permitted Westmount’ The following building permits for ex- front yard; ‘Victoria Village’ terior alterations were approved by city 56 St. Sulpice: to install a mechanical unit council at its meeting on December 15. on the roof and one in the back yard; 444 Grosvenor: to install a fence on the 11 Winchester: to replace the front win- northwest property line; dows; 337 Metcalfe: to redo the rear balcony and 438-440 Mount Stephen: to replace apart- replace the door and windows; ment building windows. 411 Clarke: to do some landscaping in the

Terry Evans Affiliated Agent

Edwardian cottage, 4 +1 bdrs, 2 bths, breakfast 514.933.6077 room, high ceilings, sep. street entry to basement. Wood floors, high ceilings, magical garden, parking. Edythe Berman Best wishes for the holiday season HERITAGE 514 935.4205 and the New Year 16 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – December 17-18, 2008

Let me take this opportunity to thank all my clients, friends and family for making 2008 a special year! May 2009 bring you all good health, much happiness and lots of success. BunnyBerke Affiliated Real Estate Agent / Agent immobilier affilié Hall of Fame, Platinum Club*/ English · French · Spanish Own a property of distinction (514) 933-6781 [email protected] – www.bunnyberke.com

RE/MAX Westmount inc. 1330 Greene Avenue Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2B1

*2006, 2007, 2008