WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

September 23-24, 2008 We are Westmount Vol. 2 No. 9c School Open House Issue Citizens press for action on rail line See, p.9 to p. 11 By Laureen Sweeney Inside Westmount en-visioned With uncertainty looming over the location of a rail line for the proposed airport shuttle to Dor- val, citizens pressed for increased action to reduce noise and pollution from the existing commuter track during a recent meeting with top CP and AMT officials. “We all agreed that we need increased public transit, but that we can’t take away quality of life,” Mayor Karin Marks said. “Technology has to change regardless of what route is chosen for the shuttle. That’s the city’s po- sition. They must provide seamless rails and lighter equipment on the commuter line so that pollution becomes less of an issue.” The fact-finding meeting took place Tuesday, September 9, at Centre Greene. It provided an op- Profile Gabrielle Pilot p. 18 portunity for CP official Michel Spinnard and AMT president Joel Gauthier to hear firsthand the Don Wedge on sustainable development p. 5 feelings of the community, and for residents to un- What’s in Store by C. Price p. 15 derstand the mixed jurisdictional responsibilities 9 Lives and Underdog p. 16 These result from CP owning the tracks and Comin’ Up p. 17 equipment, and leasing them to AMT to operate a commuter service as well as pro- Joshua Wolfe, the city’s sustainable development coordinator, at the September 16 sustain- High Holiday recipe p. 12 ability visioning session. For news see p. 8; for analysis, see Don Wedge p. 5. Photo: Isaac Olson viding them with some funds. continued on p. 3 Last council meeting for retiring Bruce St. Louis CTR BKR Toasts an ‘extraordinary’ community Over 33 years of By Laureen Sweeney tember 29. experience in real Planning to address the council meet- Westmount’s retiring director general, ing at its conclusion, which occurred after estate to help you Bruce St. Louis, began the countdown to the Independent’s press time, St. Louis, 55, his 33-year-career at the city council meet- recollected his impressions of running the sell your house. ing Monday (September 22). It was to in- city during an earlier interview. VIVIAN & BRIAN GRANT clude a special send-off for the man who “Isn’t this an extraordinary commu- 592-4636 • 249-1500 has held the city’s top post for 15 years. nity!” he said. “You never quite know what DANIELLE BOULAY He will, however, stay on another three will happen here when you come to work Affiliated Real Estate Agent “Working hard to exceed weeks or more to brief his successor on in the morning. It’s the wonder and frus- 514-915-5025 your expectations.” key dossiers after Duncan Campbell takes tration of it all, wrapped GROUPE SUTTON CENTRE-OUEST INC. over the top administrative position Sep- into one.” continued on p. 4

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Asking $5,300 month – MLS #1455736 Stunning NY style townhouse within walking distance to all! 4+1 bedrooms, 3+1 baths, 10 ft ceilings, terrace, 2 car parking. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 3 Lower Canadian tree-gardening Legal opinion received, permit status now uncertain At press time Monday, it was learned “legal” in the French context of the by-law. that a legal opinion from the city’s law Supported only by Councillor Kathleen firm has confirmed a councillor’s con- Duncan, his view was rejected in a 5-2 tention that the French version of the zon- vote. While the permit was approved, Mar- ing by-law takes precedent over the tin asked the city clerk to obtain a legal varying English one. opinion. The opinion comes while the court challenge to a city permit for 27 Bellevue Judge visits Westmount remains under deliberation in Quebec Su- The impact of the legal opinion is not perior Court. In a widely publicized court immediately clear, but the court case itself case, the owner of 20 Sunnyside is asking has spilled into the streets of Westmount. the court to annul a city permit allowing After asking for wood framing to be the addition (see Westmount Independent mounted on 27 Bellevue to simulate an- Sept. 16). other storey with dormer windows, Supe- Councillor Patrick Martin had urged rior Court Justice Robert Mongeon took a his colleagues to vote against an amend- stroll around the neighbourhood Septem- ment to the permit at a special council ber 18 to see for himself what impact it meeting September 9. He stated it was not might have. Three shot with BBs at WHS LCC students and Westmounters Paul Virally, Emmanuel Mavkidakis and fellow grade 3 student in the new LCC Tree Garden that was planted during the week of September 15. Students at LCC started A Westmount High student shot three NEW PRICE this project in spring 2008 with a professional landscape design consultant and have since designed the of his fellow students on Sept. 18 with garden and planted over 2,000 plants made up of 50 species native to Quebec. The garden is situated what was described as a BB gun. Follow- Redfern Ave. on the west side of the Royal Ave. campus and replaces two Norwegian Maples. ing the incident, one student was sent to hospital and the perpetrator was arrested. When the Independent spoke to EMSB Residents want relief in short term spokeperson Mike Cohen on Sept. 19, the gun had not been recovered and the 14- continued from p. 1 the tracks in attendance along with their year-old (grade 9) had been suspended for Updating of equipment would require councillors – John de Castell, Cynthia Lul- the maximum five-day period. Further additional infrastructure money, an issue ham and George Bowser. punishment was being considered. Marks said she has already raised with Lib- “We need to form a united front with The initial incident happened in the eral electoral candidate Marc Garneau and NDG and Montreal West, which are also morning during art class. The school was the NDP’s Anne Lagacé Dowson. affected,” Marks said. “Let’s do this to- unable to take any action at that time be- Garden level – Contemporary – With a decision on the shuttle route tar- gether.” cause the first victim denied being hit, de- Spacious 4 + 1 bedrooms, C/A, 2+ geted for February, she said, along with an spite being questioned for one hour. In the car garage, beautiful Zen garden. upcoming study on the lowering of the afternoon, the other two victims were shot. Turcot interchange, the interwoven proj- PREVENT CHILD ABUSE Cohen described the shooter’s goal as $1,279,000 ects are expected to have an impact on the You can help by donating USED BOOKS causing a “prank or joke” and was sad- existing commuter route. dened that the event had happened. NICOLE LOTH “Whatever the decisions, we need solu- to KIDZSAFE FOUNDATION, to fund “Westmount High’s image has im- 514-791-5800 tions in the short term,” said Peter our educational programmes for kids. Affiliated real estate agent proved and it has improved academically. Groupe Sutton Centre-Ouest Howlett of Prospect St. He was one of the Call for pick-up 514.702.4930 It is close to maximum enrollment. This 30 residents from the three districts along was an isolated incident.”

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Lamenting the en- St.Louis liked to ‘get hands dirty’ suing loss of the fire department, how- continued from p. 1 Making decisions work ever, St. Louis be- lieves that with time And in a city of such quality services “That’s where the professionalism of and high citizen expectations, he added, “and patience”, some this organization comes into play. We have of the locally based “you really have to put to use every skill to accept the decision and, at the end of you have ever learned.” fire services related the day, make it work in the best way pos- to prevention, in- Into city kitchens sible.” But he’s used to taking it in his spections and first stride, he added: “I don’t get my way at Having risen quickly through the ranks responder that West- home all the time, but I get to have my mount was accus- of almost every area of the city manage- say.” ment, St. Louis characterized his tenure in tomed to will He credits his wife, Eileen, and son, eventually return. the top position as being one where “I’m Kyle, with giving him the stamina to work into every kitchen in the city (operation). I “It’s a level of service the long hours that have been one of his we have to strive for. like to get my hands dirty – and it breaks hallmarks. They were planning to attend every management principle.” It’s my current dis- his last council meeting. appointment but my Then he adds, with a characteristic Challenge-oriented, St. Louis said that smile: “Well – that’s just the way I am.” challenge to pass on crisis management – such as in the Ice to my successor: to reconnect because it is Bruce St. Louis And it resulted in part from his engi- Storm of ’98 – was something “I did okay neering background, his entry to the city really worth it.” in and enjoyed … because failure was not He has always tried to encourage a Geraldine at the switchboard with 12 in Public Works. an option.” Learning to walk the fine line between learning culture at city hall, he said. “I like plugs. We could only take 12 incoming To relay the decisions of council to his to give people latitude. But don’t make a calls!” the council of the day, the staff, and citi- directors and to encourage internal com- zens, all of whom might have differing mistake twice.” He attributes his own suc- What does the future hold for St. Louis? munication, St. Louis instituted regular cess to lessons learned from many men- At only 55, and with his passion for action, points of view on certain issues, was one early morning meetings on Tuesday which of his strengths. But he said, “That was the tors including longtime (then) general the Beaconsfield resident admits he’ll he called “breakfast club.” Over the manager Norman Dawe. soon be ready to tackle a new challenge. challenge. You can fall into the trap of merger with Montreal they had to be pleasing all the people all the time.” Nev- The biggest single change in his city ca- How about on the other side of a council moved to the afternoon, but the name reer, he says, is the revolution in commu- table? ertheless, he added, “I never worked with stuck and, after demerger, the timing, too. a council that didn’t have the best interests nications and technology. “I remember “They have my name,” he says. of the city at heart.” Demerger best for staff While nine times out of 10, the council The merger, he says, “was a whole new accepts recommendations made by the world for us, and the least exciting and A Tribute to Eileen and Kyle St. Louis staff after a long process of study that in- probably the worst four years of my career. cludes corporate memory of what was Speaking strictly for the administration, it For Eileen and Kyle St Louis, Do you need Irish Coffee? Then he’s tried in the past, “the council is there to was the best thing to have demerged. There’s someone I’d like you to meet. your guy. make the decision and we (the staff) have Montreal is a massive machine, and the You’ve seen him around now and then, purveyor of wine bargains you surely to live with the outcome. You may not know where or know when, must try. faster we got out of it the better.” A vague apparition doing acts of contrition He’ll be tough with the builders should For being late to some family event. need arise, And soft as marshmellow when an old In Westmount we seen him often lady cries. Weekly until November 1 Just not in a predictable place WESTMOUNT Next issue: October 1 Houdini’s the name that I call him After 33 years left in Westmount’s care Presstime: Monday before, at 10:30 am As he slips by us all with no trace. We’ll return him to you – not much worse for wear. Westmount (H3Y and H3Z): He’s at hydro, the arena, no it’s Vic Hall, Do I think you can keep him by the INDEPENDENT 10,000 copies by Canada Post Or it may be at midnight when he gets a call homefires burning? There’s a fire – he’s there whether night time 1,000 copies distributed to over Not much chance of that. Its new things or day We are Westmount. 40 waiting-room drops he’ll be learning. But to be that accessible someone did pay But whatever he does at home or away, Most frequently restocked drop sites: Lobby of 310 Victoria Ave.; Sherbrooke St. exit to Metro grocery store at Victoria It’s his family, who shared him with such He’ll be missed around Westmount every day Ave. and Sherbrooke St. elegant grace But if like other retirees who’ve gone Drop notice: Snow conditions may delay us getting around to all of our drop sites on Tuesday of publication week. No anger or ranchor did we ever face Whatever the snow conditions, we still aim to reach our “most reliable” drops (Metro on Victoria, Westmount Square There’s Fred and Gary, Frances and John For stealing a father a husband their man and 310 Victoria lobby) on Tuesdays. We’ll see him around we’ll find reasons why Who heeded all calls when to crises he ran. We need him to help for some loose ends Editor & Publisher: Advertising sales: Though tiny in stature he still feared to tie. David Price 514.935.4537 Annika Melanson Eileen’s might So Eileen and Kyle with our love and Editorial coordinator: 514.223.3567 “She’ll kill me this time if I’m late tonight” our thanks Kristin McNeill 514.223.3578 And there was just one topic which trumped We return to you Bruce a guy from the ranks [email protected] Published by: any file Who rose to the highest the summit of all Sherbrooke-Valois Inc. It was clearly his pride in his favourite son, Chief reporter: Who saw Westmount’s needs and he heeded 310 Victoria Ave., Suite 105 Kyle Laureen Sweeney the call. [email protected] Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Fax: 514.935.9241 But now there’ll be someone hanging around We’re truly all grateful those here and beyond Layout: Studio Melrose/Ted Sancton Wanting to fix things – his solutions abound And between us and you there’s a A slight guy with talents he’ll be looking forever bond. Letters & Comments: We welcome your letters, but reserve the right to choose and edit them. to use Karin Marks Please email any letter and comments to [email protected]. Find him something to do just use any ruse! September 20,2008 Every letter of support helps us with advertisers! WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 5 Civic Alert Pioneers enjoy chance to transform Westmount

By Don Wedge absorb how all the troubling factors add up similar problems. Answers will be invited pation at the next visioning session on when considering the global future. And later in the process. Thursday, October 16, and there are also Nearly 50 pioneering West- how much can we as a community do? From the input of this and further ses- welcoming channels on the city’s web site. mounters assembled in Vic- A frequent comment from many at the sions, Wolfe and his team will be assess- Many years ago, one of Victoria Hall’s toria Hall’s Lodge Room last visioning process was that they did not ing a vision of the future from all great nights was when 1,100 WMA mem- week to begin to define the know where it would lead. Perhaps, but Westmounters – residents, workers and bers turned out to nominate Helen city’s place in a sustainable they agree our grandchildren cannot be students. Rochester to become the first woman world. Most surprised them- denied an earth that supports them. The result will be a plan that council councillor. selves by enjoying it enor- We will all need to make huge changes hopes will be adopted next September. When all the consultations are finished, mously – at least that’s what to the way we go about things. Only the number attending was disap- I hope an even greater number will be able many told me. Slowly, people are recognizing that pointing. Last spring, more people turned to tell their grandchildren they took a hand Participants were still chatting infor- man-made global warming is nearing a out with their wish-lists for the arena than in defining a sustainable Westmount. mally for nearly an hour after the session point of no return with continuing serious for September 16’s meeting for a new city. Citizen activist Don Wedge’s was officially closed. It was an unexpected damage to the planet. Hopefully, there will a greater partici- e-mail address is [email protected]. social success. Yet we still build coal-fired power For one thing, it seemed so open, trans- plants. We talk of commissioning nuclear parent and friendly. There was no cynical replacements although we have not suspicion that overhung last spring’s hasty learned how to dispose of the terrifying “consultation” on arena wish-lists. waste they create. We were spared from any “Save us We largely ignore the creatures with from….whatever!” whom we share the earth. We invent new Although Mayor Karin Marks, council- chemicals faster than they can be safely lors John de Castell and Patrick Martin, as verified. well as director general Bruce St. Louis Locally, our regional government – took part in the roundtable workgroups, which we own a small part of – is asking they were there mainly as observers and it taxpayers for $1.1 billion to build factories was a citizens’ event. to process our waste, much of which is Most people were meeting Joshua material that should not have been manu- Wolfe, our new sustainable development factured in the first place. coordinator, for the first time and he im- In Westmount last year, we sent for re- pressed everyone with his skill, charm and cycling about 4,600 tonnes of varied ma- knowledge. terials plus 1,800 tonnes of green “waste.” Marks leaned over to me and whis- Even so, 10,000 tonnes went to landfill. pered: “Aren’t we fortunate to have found him?” Ecological footprints We are. Pointing out that Canada’s environ- He put together a technically slick pres- mental footprint – an index of human de- entation. A string of superb responses to mand on the planet’s resources – was in a the audience’s questions marked his com- poor fourth place after the United Arab mand of the issues. Emirates, the US and Finland, Wolfe added that the Quebec average was better What is sustainability? (similar to Sweden in eighth place). Yet with all these positive factors, the Use of resources is higher in affluent project met hurdles. Everybody knows communities and therefore Westmount’s what sustainable development is – right? is likely to be higher than the provincial av- Not really. erage. Wolfe promised to calculate a local For instance, people have heard of index for his final plan. ozone layer destruction and the end of For this first step, residents were held frogs in southern Quebec, but have yet to back from finding solutions to these and 6 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 Letters to the editor Take off those muddy shoes!

Political posters tion of abstaining. pose danger George Bowser, City Councillor I’ve noticed that the political posters Open letter to Mayor that are affixed to lampposts, stops signs Marks: fire hazard? and whatever else pose a danger. The huge plastic tie-wraps that are used Dear Mayor Marks, to hold them up stick out, in some in- In April, I contacted your building in- stances by as much as a foot. Depending spector who visited my apartment and was on how high the signs are, they could poke shown a serious fire hazard in the kitchen. out the eyes of an adult, child or, in some I am knowledgeable in oxidation, com- cases, a daschund. I should also point out bustion and fire causes, with both physics/ that the size of these signs and their pro- chemistry and chemical engineering de- liferation at intersections can limit the vi- grees from McGill. sion of drivers and pedestrians alike. Are The stove is an inch from the wall and there no rules governing the location and the wall is covered with polymer paint in size of these posters? many, many layers – an accumulation of If not, I suggest there should be. forty years of painting. Lloyd Gross, Victoria Ave. This paint caught fire while I was cook- ing. Fortunately, I had a fire extinguisher

Victoria Hall superintendent Aldo Cipriani shows off the new concert hall floor now ready for the start of the Sports & Recreation programs this week. The room was closed over the summer for removal of the original 83-year-old floor, repair to the sub-floor and installation of the new red oak flooring. It was cut and fitted as a complete replica costing in the range of $90,000. “We hope all the users and taxpayers will feel that it’s their floor and treat it with special respect,” said community events coordinator Maureen Lafrenière.

this statement of serious danger. sion that is located in Westmount’s fire Andrew H. Speirs, station. de Maisonneuve Blvd. In fact, I followed up with the preven- Reply from Westmount’s director general tion chief personally to make sure that the Bruce St. Louis. With regard to this partic- investigation had been carried out (which ular case, city inspectors did follow up on it had) and that the comments of his in- Mr. Speir’s concerns and concluded that vestigator had been relayed to Mr. Speirs. there was no building code violation in In a case such as this, i.e. when a con- terms of the proximity of the stove to the cern is expressed regarding a potential fire wall. hazard involving possible flammable ma- As for investigation into the small fire terials, it is the responsibility of the Fire that occurred in the vicinity of the stove, Department to take the lead in the investi- this matter was investigated by the Mon- gation since their personnel have the ex- In the Victoria Village on September 19, the NDP, Green Party and Bloc Québécois had long tags on treal Fire Department’s prevention divi- pertise and technical training to do so. their signs. The Liberals and Conservatives had short or trimmed tags. Bowser wanted to inform, available and was able to extinguish it be- not abstain fore a more serious fire could result. Rotary’s 2009 auction Your inspector brought two young men In Laureen Sweeney’s report of the re- in fire uniforms who deemed the fire to be cent emergency council meeting on the my fault because I had an oven mitt beside and garage sale cancelled permit for 27 Bellevue (“Council adopts the stove. permit change”, September 16 Independ- In their rush, they never asked for the The Rotary Club of Westmount has although the club is already getting calls ent, p. 1), she writes “… when Councillor flashpoint or the construction of the mitt. cancelled its 2009 garage sale. for pickups. George Bowser’s request to abstain from I have a mitt for inspection. It is made of The event’s chair, Sandy Highet, ex- Club historian Haagen Kierulf said that the vote was denied by the city clerk…” fire retardant materials. The danger of fu- plained to the Independent that there were the Rotary has held the garage sale since With respect, that’s not exactly what ture fire in the building was disregarded. “too many uncertainties,” including find- 1976, although it has been cancelled some happened. This city’s by-laws apply to this situa- ing a suitable place to store items, having years because of other large events such as I asked about abstaining because I tion where there is a flammable surface enough Rotarians and volunteers to man- fundraising to build Manoir Westmount wanted the city clerk to confirm, for the beside a stove. Yet your inspector disre- age all aspects of pickup, storage and sale, or to run an antique show. record, that councillors may not do so. garded this. and assuring access to the Westmount The Rotary Club, Westmount’s only I knew this already, but I wanted to Why? arena for the actual event as the city con- service club, is now looking at other make sure that the press and the public As mayor, I ask that I get an answer to templates the facility’s future. means of fundraising for their many local were so informed. I never had any inten- my previous letter and prompt action on The sale normally takes place in June, and international projects. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 7 How sweet the victory The Study holds annual Terry Fox Day Enrico Quilico, 25, had much more to celebrate than conquering the half triathlon Saturday, September 13, on Île Notre Dame. It marked a key milestone in his long rehabilitation from a motorcycle accident in May 2006 that left him comatose, and suffering life- threatening physical and massive brain injuries. Son of Kathryn Stephen- son and Gino Quilico, Enrico grew up in Westmount on Grosvenor Ave., graduating from Selwyn House School in 2000. “It’s truly a miracle,” his mother said of his two-year rehabilitation and his recent triumph. She credits it to the perseverance of many family members, including the Grade 4 students Clara MacIntosh, Latisha Pungartnik and Emma Beaudry. “Terry Fox did a lot of work and ran even though he had one leg,” said Pungartnik. strong support of his sister Sofia. Enrico has just returned The Study elementary school held its who started the Terry Fox Day at the Study to Concordia University as a annual Terry Fox Activities Day at The An- 10 years ago. Crandall thought that it part-time student in psychol- nexe on September 19. This event was ini- would be a good idea to raise awareness ogy and sociology. tiated by Westmounter and Study parent and funds for cancer research. To date, Enrico Quilico Ian Crandall, father of Kristin Crandall, The Study has raised close to $48,000.

Marc Garneau, Liberal candidate and first Canadian astronaut in space, has the vision, the leadership skills and the track record to represent Westmount- Ville-Marie effectively in the House of Commons and to make a significant and far-reaching contribution to our country. We urge you to join us in voting for Marc Garneau and the Liberal Party of Canada on October 14th. Warren Almand Jonathan Goldbloom Marissa Nuss Bernard Amyot Sheila Goldbloom Gary Pekele Jacob Attias Kent Hovey-Smith Simon Potter Chris and Graham Bagnall Ellie Israel Phyllis and John Rae Stanley Baker Donald Johnston Terrence Regan Monica and David Berger Leo Kolber Julia and Stephen Reitman Stephen R. Bronfman Phyllis Lambert Nancy Rosenfeld Mark Bruneau Fred Lowy Ginette Sauvé-Frankel Baljit Chadha Eric Maldoff Guy Savard France Chrétien-Desmarais Andrea McConnell Jonathan Schneiderman Suzanne Crawford Désirée McGraw Jeff Shamie Domenico D’Alesio Alice and Andrew Mok Lisa and Mark Smith Victor Drury Frank Motter Guy Saint-Pierre Carolina Gallo La Flèche Jane Needles Elizabeth Wirth Raymond Garneau Brenda Norris On October 14th VOTEMARC.CA Authorized by Marc Garneau’s Official Agent. 8 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008

CARMEN BERLIE Studying Visioning Westmount Chartered Real Estate Agent Groupe Sutton Centre O. Approximately 50 people showed up at city’s website at www.westmount.org and 514-933-5800 Mandarin Victoria Hall on September 16 to discuss click on “sustainable development.” www.carmenberlie.com The Study has just become the first three possible vision statements for a sus- The next visioning session takes place [email protected] Quebec school to offer Mandarin Chi- tainable Westmount. at Victoria Hall on Thursday, October 16 Vision statement #3 proved to be the at 7 pm. Unique, nese at the grade 5 and 6 levels. detached The Study has offered Mandarin most popular one targeted for develop- For analysis of the event, see Don triplex. Greene for four years as one of its third-lan- ment by participants. For the complete Wedge p. 5. Av. area. Quality guage options at the senior level. The texts and to participate remotely, go to the and interesting other language is Spanish. architectural The course will be taught by Bing style. Li, a new teacher at the school. $1,650,000

CHATEAU BONAVISTA 4555 Bonavista Prime location adjacent Westmount Bachelor Suites, 3½’s, 4½’s, 5½’s From $745 – 2,195 ● Beautiful Olympic-size indoor salt water pool ● Sauna ● Gym ● 24 hour doorman ● Indoor parking ● Heating, hot water, air conditioning, and appliances included Bernadette Bjornson enquired about getting more Pierre Bricault asked about stricter building codes Call 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7 days involvement by businesses. and preventing highrises from moving in. 514-481-8163 www.cromwellmgt.ca

Westmount Just Listed Victoria Village

Paul Marriott asked about the role that Hydro Bronwyn Mantel asked about encouraging more Westmount and Hydro Quebec can play. green roofing. All photos: Isaac Olson

24 Thornhill Ave. 4821A Ste. Catherine West Fabulous traditional home Totally delightful walkup with views and 2-car garage. stonefront condo with views. Exceptional street. 2 balconies & parking. Step to Exceptional value. MLS#1486822 pool, tennis, arena & Westmount $769,000 Park. MLS#1478975. $319,000 Joyce Faughnan Chartered Real Estate Agent RE/MAX WESTMOUNT Inc. 1330 Greene Avenue 514.933.6781 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 9

New teachers join WPS Open this Indie for open houses Cindy Norman been teaching for four years in both Eng- After graduating lish and French at various EMSB schools from Memorial Uni- throughout the city in various grades. “I'm versity in New- excited to be here! The building is beauti- foundland, Norman ful, the staff is very nice and most impor- taught briefly there tantly the children are great!” before coming to Rick Gasparini Montreal. She has been working for Having spent the the EMSB since last six years of his 8- 2002. With experi- year teaching career ence teaching stu- at an elementary dents at every school in Rose- elementary school grade except Pre-K in mount, Gasparini several schools in the Montreal area, in- will now be heading cluding Roslyn and FACE, Norman now into Westmount teaches a split class of grade 1 and 2 stu- each morning to dents at Westmount Park School. “I am ex- teach a split class of cited to say that I am now a permanent grade 5 and 6 at teacher with the Westmount Park EMSB.” School. A sports en- thusiast, with a par- Marina Rendina ticular affinity for soccer, which he played Replacing a mater- competitively growing up, Gasparini has nity leave teacher, Ren- other interests which have led him to su- dina is teaching an pervise the school’s Chess Club and par- English Kindergarten ticipate in the Westmount Park Home & class at Westmount School Association, which organizes Park School. She has fundraising activities for the school. 10 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 Open House Schedule Akiva Tuesday, November 4: 9:30 am & 7:30 pm Centennial Thursday, September 25: 5 pm to 9 pm & Saturday, October 4: 10 am to 2 pm ECS Thursday, October 2: 9 am to 11:30 am & 4:30 pm to 7 pm LCC Saturday, September 27: 9 am to noon & Tuesday, October 7: 10 am to 2 pm & 5 pm to 7 pm Loyola Saturday, September 27: 9 am to noon Marcelline Tuesday, September 30: 4 pm to 8 pm (for secondary only) Marie de France Saturday, October 4: 10 am to 3 pm Roslyn Wednesday, November 26: 10 am to 12 pm Sacred Heart Saturday, September 27: 1 pm (last tour at 3:30 pm) Selwyn House Monday, October 6: 5 pm to 8 pm (information session for grade 7 at 6 pm) & Friday, November 14 (Kindergarten only): 8:30 am to 10:30 am (information session at 10:30 am) St. George’s (sec.) Saturday, October 4: 12 pm to 3 pm & Monday, October 6: 6 pm to 9 pm St. George’s (ele.) Monday, October 6: 9 am to 12 pm & Tuesday October 7: 9 am to 12 pm & Kindergarten on Wednesday, November 12: 9 am to 12 pm Stanislas Saturday, October 4: 10 am to 4 pm The Priory Sunday, October 19: 2 pm to 4 pm & Tuesday, October 21: 9:30 am to 11:30 am The Study Thursday, October 2: 9 am to noon & 4:30 pm to 7 pm Trafalgar Saturday, October 4: 10 am to 1 pm Villa Maria English: Sunday, October 19: 1 pm to 4 pm; French: Saturday, September 27: noon to 4 pm WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 11 Vienna on the St. Lawrence

It’s a big world. That’s why the school you choose is so important.

While a great deal has changed in the world, some things have not. Such as a Villa Maria education. We nurture the whole person, attending to her mind as well as her heart. We invite you to meet our students, visit our campus and tour our new Science, Performing Arts and Multimedia Wing. Discover how we measure success at Villa Maria. English Sector Open House French Sector Open House From left: Astri Prugger, Elizabeth Wirth and Udo Stundner. October 19, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm September 27, from noon to 4:00 pm English Sector Entrance Exams French Sector Entrance Exams Westmounters Astri Prugger, Elizabeth debutantes and escorts – will keep Aus- Sec. 1: October 25 Sec. 1: October 4 Wirth and Udo Stundner are among the trian and Viennese traditions alive by ball- Sec. 1 to Sec. 5: November 1 Sec. 1 to Sec. 5: October 5 organizers for this year’s Austrian Ball of room dancing to a wide variety of music Montreal – the event’s 50th anniversary. ranging from waltzes and tangos to salsa. The November 22 ball at the Château For more information, call the Austrian Champlain will benefit SOS Children’s Society of Montreal at 514.369.2339 or go Villages. to www.balautrichiendemontreal.org. ASPIRITEDEDUCATION On ball night, guests – including 16 4245 Décarie Blvd. Montréal, QC H4A 3K4 (514) 484-4950 www.villamaria.qc.ca 12 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 Lazar Hart connects A recipe to try this High Holiday season Wishing all of our world’s children via art Date truffles clients Health, Wheat, gluten & egg free By Kristin McNeill into the small room to create their por- 1 lb of dates Happiness and traits, and then lining up to do it again. 1 Tbls honey Westmounter Susan Lazar Hart has a The Harts stayed for three weeks, getting 2 tsp cinnamon Prosperity for vision of connecting children across the down on the ground painting, taking pho- Cocoa globe through art. tos, giving workshops, and visiting or- Shredded coconut the New Year! Portraits Beyond Boundaries, a self- phanages and hospitals. “It was totally not Ground hazelnuts funded, non-profit initiative, was con- what we had anticipated and everything Chocolate ceived by Lazar Hart and her daughter that we had desired.” Soak dates in boiling water for 10 min- Westmount Animal Kelsey, a St. George’s graduate, to intro- Many kids in developing countries have utes, until soft. Strain and reserve the liq- duce art to children as a way of expressing not laid eyes on paint before, according to uid. Hospital themselves through self portraits and, Lazar Hart. “For them, it’s more like an ex- In a bowl or blender, mix dates, honey through the exchange of the artwork, raise plosion of exploration. Even the street kids and cinnamon until dates become a thick Hôpital Vétérinaire awareness about other cultures and places. wanted us to take the pictures. They puree. If you need to, add some of the re- The inspiration behind Portraits Be- wanted to know that there is a child on the served liquid. Put mixture into a bowl and Vaillancourt yond Boundaries came while Hart was other side of the world that is looking at refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm. Scoop and shape into balls. If the date 349 Victoria mixture is too sticky, you can flour your hands and run them under warm water. 514 487-5300 While the date balls are still cold, roll them in the cocoa, shredded coconut or ground hazelnuts. Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. To make choco- late smooth and glossy, add 1 tsp of veg- etable oil and stir. Refrigerate until 10 minutes before serving. Courtesy of Boulangerie Le Fournil. Happy & Healthy New Year Pies Holiday Challah’s Apple · Apple Crumb · Apple Cranberry Plain · Raisin/TRIPLE · Hazelnut, raisin, · Sour Cherry · Blueberry cranberry honey · Apple & honey, · CHOC, hazelnut · Blueberry raspberry · Blueberry · Whole wheat · Whole wheat/raisin Susan Lazar Hart with a girl living in an Kelsey Hart facilitates a workshop on painting self orphanage near Kathmandu. The red paint on portraits to a group of school children at the strawberry · Rhubarb, Orange, Cranberry · Spelt her forehead was placed as an act of welcome. Hindu Vidyapeeth institute in Nepal. & Apricot · Strawberry Rhubarb · Raspberry & Peaches · Pecan · Pumpkin working in Costa Rica delivering life them.” She said the ironies were revealing coaching services through another self-ini- in how the kids chose to portray them- 364 Victoria Ave 514 485-6647 tiated venture. selves. One boy whose only home had ever Opposite the Metro grocery parking lot During her visit to a school where she been a poor orphanage wanted his picture Mon.-Fri.: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm Sat.: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm brought along donated pencils and other taken in a rose garden. art supplies, she said “I asked myself what There is interest in Costa Rica and New else can I generate? There must be more Zealand, but the idea has been slow to take than giving somebody something – even off in North America, according to Lazar Westmount Florist though it was just like Christmas for Hart. She has canvassed Westmount-area 360 Victoria Ave. them. Art, okay. Investigating people, okay. and another Canadian school and is seek- 514.488.9121 Opening a universe for somebody else – ing advice on how to improve the mis- www.westmountflorist.com what would that look like? I could work sion’s message so that more Canadian and with the kids and have them make por- US schools sign on. traits of themselves, and then I can ex- Her hope is to open a forum of discus- change them.” sion that asks how students see them- The first school to participate was in selves, how they see each other and Peace, Prosperity Nepal, far from Lazar Hart’s home base in facilitate workshops where they paint their Westmount and Kelsey’s life in Toronto, own portraits that will then be exchanged where she works as a freelance costume with a reciprocating school across the and Good Health! designer. Lazar Hart says it was a success. globe. She recalls one day when their work- For more information, see www.por- – The Pickrell Family shop brought in waves of children coming traitsbeyondboundaries.com. WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 13 Dark Sky project to be featured at ‘Live Smart, Live Green’ Scooting around Sylvie Lafrenière, a real estate agent Time to act on wasted light with RE/MAX Westmount, has already clocked 200 kilometers on her one-week- By Laureen Sweeney in Quebec by getting rid of wasted light old Chironex Pistol 50 scooter – just in and improving light management.” Westmount. To the Independent’s knowl- How dark is the night sky above your Of street lighting, Moffat said, no more edge, she is the first agent to get around to Westmount home? How many stars can than 1 percent should go above the hori- appointments this way. you see beyond the light from the street or zontal. After a recent trip to Thailand with her the splashing of light from your neigh- “We have to bite the bullet and modify husband where they travelled by scooter to bour’s spotlights? our street lighting.” In this respect, he birdwatch, she returned home with the Over-lighting of the city interrupts said, the somewhat maligned cobra light conviction that this mode of transport sleep, confuses migratory birds, prevents standard does a slightly better job than the would be more efficient than a car for her appreciation of the skies and costs mil- Washington bulb, which disperses its light line of work. lions of dollars in wasted energy, says as- in all directions. Lafrenière admits it’s a toy, but with all trophysicist Tony Moffat. A dome of light covers any big city for the agent caravans, open houses and ap- In calling for action to reduce light pol- miles around. “You have to go far away pointments that mean many hours on the lution in a sustainable community, Moffat from the city to see the Milky Way.” road, she enjoys the hassle-free parking, is preparing a Dark Sky awareness exhibit Astrophysicist Tony Moffat displays one of many “If only we could harness all that en- quiet ride and less pollution-creating to be presented at the Healthy City Pro- views of the sun similar to what Westmounters ergy,” Moffat said, pointing out how it has transportation. Winter driving, is another ject’s “Live Smart, Live Green” fair taking may expect see through telescopes at “Live Smart, been the photosynthesis of plant material story, she says. place October 25 at Victoria Hall. Live Green”, weather permitting. over hundreds of millions of years that has “The clock is ticking with regards to and emeritus professor of astrophysics at produced the oil now being used up in global warming,” he said. the University of Montreal, has arranged only a few decades of time. The time has come to cap the upward for the Royal Astronomical Society of “You’ll be amazed to see how active the shine of street lights, increase security by Canada to mount an exhibit and provide sun is,” he said. “It is truly humbling.” redirecting light where it is most needed, telescopes for public viewing of the sun’s The Royal Astronomical Society of set standards for the night-lighting of of- activities. Canada’s website at www.rasc.ca provides fice buildings and eliminate the light- The goal is to open up a whole new in- further information on the value of dark washing of homes. terest in the skies, and reduce the astro- skies, including the work of ASTROLab at Moffat, a longtime Westmount resident nomical and biological impact of light Mount Megantic, the world’s first certified pollution through improved light man- International Dark Sky Reserve. agement while ushering in the UN’s In- ternational Year of Astronomy in 2009. As Moffat more specifically adds: “400 years since Galileo pointed the telescope sky- ward setting the stage for the Age of Rea- son.” “I realize we can’t do everything Sylvie Lafrenière. overnight, but education is crucial.” Another Westmounter, home designer Can save $50 million contractor Gerry Bergeron of Aubergine Interieurs, has used his 49cc Tomos “In Quebec, more light is produced per scooter for three years. He uses it from capita than anywhere in the world. We April to November. He estimates that he over-light our streets. Montreal is almost spends $3 to $5 on gas per week versus as bright as New York City, which is kind $50 to $60 with his car. of embarrassing. It’s also estimated that over $50 million could be saved annually

Gerry Bergeron. 14 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 We want to serve you better!

We would love to get comments about our newspaper. Please rate the following features and columns (1 to 5, 5 is highest) If you’d like to have us hear from you, please take a minute to ____ 9 Lives by Lyzanne answer the following questionnaire. We will use the information ____ Arts Scene by Heather Black to gear content towards you and to help us sell advertisements. ____ At Second Glance by Heather Black More advertisers means more pages of Westmount Independent. ____ Bridge for Bright Brains by George Retek ____ Building permits We want your information, not your name. ____ City council & affairs coverage by Laureen Sweeney ____ Civic Alert by Don Wedge Where do you live? ____ Colourfully Yours by Aurelien Guillory Ⅺ Above The Boulevard (incl. north side) ____ Comin’ Up Ⅺ Between The Boulevard (incl. south side) and Sherbrooke St. ____ On the Shelves (incl. north side) ____ Profiles by Laureen Sweeney Ⅺ Below Sherbrooke St. (incl. south side) ____ Retail & Trend Watch by Annika Melanson ____ Underdog by Fern Breslaw Do you live in: ____ Westmount Today, Yesterday and Before by Doreen Lindsay Ⅺ a house Ⅺ a duplex ____ What’s Cooking in Westmount by Anthea Dawson Ⅺ a multi-unit building? ____ What’s in Store by Carola Price Real estate Do you own your home? Ⅺ Yes Ⅺ No ____ The Inventory (condos) Do you own a second home? Ⅺ Yes Ⅺ No ____ The Inventory (houses) ____ Bought & Sold (house transfers) Which of the following newspapers do you receive at home? ____ On the Market Ⅺ Actualités Westmount Ⅺ The Suburban What do you like most about the Westmount Independent? Ⅺ Westmount Examiner Ⅺ Westmount Independent ______Ⅺ Westmount Times What do you like least about the Westmount Independent? ______Which of the following newspapers do see around town? What should we do differently? Ⅺ Actualités Westmount Ⅺ The Suburban ______Ⅺ Westmount Examiner Ⅺ Westmount Independent Other comments? Ⅺ Westmount Times ______How many readers are you responding for? Thank you. ___ men ___ women ___ total ___ anglophones ___ francophones ___ total ages ______WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT What is your favourite Westmount newspaper? We are Westmount. ______How much time do you spend with an average issue of the Please return to 310 Victoria, #105, Westmount, QC H3Z 2M9 Westmount Independent? [email protected] ______Fax: 514.935.9241 WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 15 Wine: What’s In Store... 4300 and 50 The 4300 apartment building at de American wines Maisonneuve Blvd. and Clarke Ave. cele- brated its 50th anniversary on September By Carola Price Let’s taste 18. Festivities were “enlivened” by a small Chandon Brut, Napa Valley, fire in the complex and the arrival of fire- I have always loved the SAQ#10542031, $22.95 fighters at the party. Photos by Robert J. Gal- fruit-driven, intense and This bubbly is dry, crisp and re- braith. slightly alcoholic wines freshing and is the perfect starter that come from our Amer- wine with oysters, shrimp cocktail ican friends. Whether in and nibblies. It has some toasty California, Washington, character, but there is tropical fruit Oregon or in New York in the beginning. and then some lime and State, wines made there grapefruit towards the finish. While not as are of a slightly different breed than those refined as its champagne counterpart from Europe. I saw the delightful wine there is a reason that the famous French movie, Bottle Shock, the other day and it house Moet Chandon opened a winery in brought back so many memories of the California. The climate is great for grow- European attitude towards New World ing Champagne grapes. Available at press wine and how California turned their time: Across from Atwater Market, Atwa- ideas completely upside down. ter Market, Pepsi forum, Victoria. From left: Don Stoyanovich, Lucille Fortin, Fran Yagod and Max Kalman, one of the original When in Rome Pinot Noir, Belle Vallée, Oregon. architects of the 4300. European wine is made from age-old, SAQ#10947839, $29.65. strongly guarded recipes. In order for a Better priced than Burgundy with some Sade Hausner wine to have certain branding, it must French earthiness, this dry and complex comply with district rules. These rules red is one that can be put in the cellar for have also introduced new and exciting ten years or decanted now and enjoyed methods and branding, like the “Super with herbed rack of lamb or duck with Tuscans”, who couldn’t qualify for Chianti morels and sour cherry sauce. There is a status because of their introduction of lot of black earth, pencil shavings, black Cabernet Sauvignon to Sangiovese. Thank cherry, cedar and baking spice in the goodness for the rule-breakers or we flavour and it is a bit alcoholic, letting you wouldn’t be drinking any new blends of know it needs time to soften. Available at wine from Europe. This brings me back to press time: Across from Atwater Market, America and the dedication to quality and Victoria. breeding in wine production. Chardonnay, Riverstone, J. Lohr, Monterey. SAQ#10270434. $17.65 A frontier attitude This is one of those big and bold whites What was clear from the movie was that while being dry has a generous that California growers just wanted global amount of sweet fruit in the finish. Look recognition of their product as a whole for peaches and pineapple with almond From left: Bruce Walker, Jocelyne Lalande and From left: Michael Price and J. DiClimenti. rather than personal vineyard fame. They and apricot in the nose. It is buttery and Robert Bourgeois. want the world to know that California slightly acidic, and matches wonderfully makes amazing wine and variation from with dilled salmon, grilled veggies and vineyard to vineyard remains largely for medium and gooey cheeses like Man- one’s personal taste. Wine is a drink made chengo and St. André. Available at press by farmers for everyone to enjoy and time: Westmount Square, Victoria, Across shouldn’t have any pretense. from Atwater Market.

A Westmount tradition 592 Hull since 1938 LaSalle, QC H8R 1V9 Tel: (514) 366-6683 (MOVE) Fax: (514) 366-6685 www.westmountmoving.com From left: Marge Lazarovitch, Nathalia Rossokhata, Ben Lands , Diane Maislin and Robert Bourgeois, with a server. 16 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 The Manoir at Place K 9 Lives: Sweet Nicky By Lyzanne pager at 514.203.9180 or email her at [email protected] or go to her web- Sweet Nicky is a site at www.gerdysrescue.org. handsome orange tabby, Thank you for adopting a cat in need! wearing a white shirt Your neighbour, Lyzanne and white mittens, Artwork by Laura S. Cohendet making him unique. He is also a real charm- er: an easygoing young fellow who enjoys the family life, purrs like a luxury motorboat and is friendly with other cats. The regular home routine, with every- one coming and going around him in the house, would suit him just fine. Hugs from one, play with another, treats from the kitchen. Sweet Nicky was abandoned and needs a family as soon as possible, so please con- sider adopting him. He is a little over a Place Kensington residents look on as Mary Sancton from the Manoir (foreground) and Helen Gluckstal from Place Kensington prepare their shots. year old, is very healthy, has been neutered and has had all his shots. Place Kensington hosted Manoir West- Final Annual Shuffleboard Curling Tour- Sweet Nicky is gentle and kind, he truly mount on September 18 for the Quarter, nament. The game is a hybrid of floor deserves a better life. For more informa- curling and shuffleboard, which to the tion on him, please call Gerdy on her Sweet Nicky uninitiated looks like shuffleboard on a rubber mat. The competition was polite but lively, with one competitor being heard to say. “They’re all ringers.” Underdog Doreen Friedman from Place Kensing- By Fern Breslaw ton and Simona Buth from the Manoir Foot Care Clinics acted as coaches and umpires. When Whisky came out of the closet it wasn’t because he had The final score? 860 to 510 for the Initial Visit: $30 an affinity for the boys at the dog park. More likely than not, he Manoir. had never been taken to the dog park before. Said Friedman wistfully, “Usually there Additional Visits: $25 No, Whisky came out of the is a home ice advantage.” closet because the landlord of the apartment where Queen Elizabeth Health Complex Classified his family had lived found him locked away in one and let him out. Tuesdays & Wednesdays His owners had been evicted and decided to Call: 514 866-6801 Violoncello Lessons: 30 years of move on at the classic one-year mark when pup- experience including symphony, pies turn into grown-up dogs. They clearly thought chamber orchestras and chamber it best if they left him somewhere pleasantly out Griffith McConnell Residence ensembles. Degrees from Russian of sight and out of mind. Academy include: Concert Per- Fridays Sadly, he had been in there sometime, and was former, Orchestra Player and Call: 514 482-0590 Teacher. Beginners to advanced. starving and terrified. 514-766-3156. Whisky was put into a foster home where he has managed to get along with everyone and every- thing despite his unfortunate background. He is sweet and smart and has yet again proven TIRE STORAGE TIME TO CHANGE YOUR TIRES that dogs have much bigger hearts than most peo- ple. He is giving us all a second chance, which is SERVICE D’AUTO WESTMOUNT ironic, given he needs one most of all. WESTMOUNT AUTO SERVICE Inc. To help Whisky, contact Sophie’s Dog Adoption Whisky at 514.523.5052 4780 Sherbrooke West corner Grosvenor Westmount, Qc H3Z 1G4

BEST GINETTE & JEFF STEELE SERVICE AUTO REPAIR EXPERTS AWARD Ask for DAVID HAIR STYLING FOR MEN 1450 829-3852 Auto Sales and Care Experts Tel.: (514) 933-8556 514.484.5987 Happily in service since 1979 Top Dollar Paid for Your Car (514) 932-1554 4970 Sherbrooke Street West Milkman – Home Delivery WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 17 Comin’ Up... Call for singers The Orpheus Singers chamber choir Tuesday, Sept. 23: St. James Literary Soci- Peter Schubert at St. Matthias’ Church (131 is seeking experienced singers from ety presents writer and columnist Côte St. Antoine) between 2 and 4 pm. Westmount and beyond. Rehearsals take Monique Polak discussing the research place on Wednesdays at St. Matthias Thursday, Oct. 2: Film screening of “The that led to What World is Left, an account of Church between 7 and 9:30 pm. For in- Great Granny Revolution” at 7:30 pm at her mother’s experiences in a World War formation and auditions, call 514.398. Centre Greene, followed by Q&A with II concentration camp at 7:30 pm at the 8591. filmmaker and Wakefield Granny Brenda McGill Faculty Club (3450 McTavish). Ad- Rooney. Tickets: $10. Info: 514.931.6202, mission $10. Info: 514.484.0146. [email protected]. ⅷ St. Leo’s Wednesday, Sept. 24: Westmount Knit n’ (330 Clarke Ave.) Super Bazar (clothes, Natter group meets again after summer books, discs) from 1 to 6 pm. hiatus at 7 pm at Westmount Park United Sunday, Oct. 5: “The Recent History of the Church (de Maisonneuve door). Meetings Jews in Quebec since 1945, through the take place on the last Wednesday of each eyes Marcel Adams” at 10:30 am at Tem- month. All levels of knitters are welcome. ple Emanu-El Beth Sholom. Cost: $5 in- Thursday, Sept. 25: Westmount YMCA’s cludes breakfast and lecture. Open to all. free lecture on “Myths and realities about Info: 514.937.3575. gambling and betting: Know more… and Saturday, Oct. 18: Safely dispose of leftover lose less” at 7 pm presented by La Maison paints, solvents, used batteries, pesticides, Jean Lapointe. Bilingual question period. used clothing and electronics, etc. at the Free, donations welcome. ⅷ ART NOW at Household Hazardous Waste Collection in the Westmount Library at 7 pm. Speakers the parking lot of Westmount Library be- include artist Adria Collins, photographer tween 9 am and 5 pm. Gabor Szilasi, and gallery owner Anthony Collins. Info: Heather Black 514.989. Weekly: Come to a meeting of the West- 9091. Free, all are welcome. mount Toastmasters club and find out how to overcome your fear of public speak- Sunday, Sept. 28: The Orpheus Singers are ing or hone your communication and offering a rehearsal open to the public leadership skills. Tuesdays at Victoria Hall with commentary by musical director at 6:50 pm sharp. 18 – WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 Westmount Profile: Gabrielle Pilot Where colour reigns

By Laureen Sweeney other cultures. Her mother, Rosalind Cos- grave Moquette, grew up in China, the urrounded by paintings, Gabrielle daughter of Canadian diplomats. Pilot announces with a dramatic Gabrielle’s own father, Henri E. Mo- Ssweep of the arm: “Colour is very im- quette served in the Dutch air force in the portant in our family.” Far East and became an international She’s referring to its role in her own banker. As he travelled, the family circled artistic evolution and her paintings that the globe by sea three times, going to In- hang in hundreds of homes as well as to donesia, Vancouver, South Africa, China, the legacy she has inherited. Robert Wake- Portugal and Holland. Gabrielle’s first ham Pilot, her father-in-law, and his step- school days were on board ship. father Maurice Cullen, are both renowned When her father founded the Mercan- Canadian painters. tile Bank of Canada in Montreal in 1953, But figuratively speaking, Gabrielle’s the family came to Westmount. She re- own life can be likened to a canvas members how amazing it was to come splashed with the colour of early days in right off the boat from “flat Holland” and Gabrielle Pilot at work. faraway places, schooling on the high seas, ride up the switchbacks of Belvedere to a passionate pursuit of community causes reach their first home here at 6 Sunnyside. and pieces. We were basically pioneers on theme at each of her three studios. In and her conversion of a mountain-top Later, her father built the house at 62 this land.” After years of clearing it, knock- town, it’s children’s portraits. At a winter swamp into a garden estate. Belvedere Rd. ing down beaver dams and connecting the home on Sugar Loaf in Maine, she works “My use of colour has changed dramat- Speaking mainly Dutch, Gabrielle’s in- swamp to a lake, they built the house they on “Drapery & the Human Body”. In the ically from the gaudy fuchsias and lime troduction to The Study proved difficult now call “Amik” after the beaver symbol of country, she paints “Flight & Birds”, the greens of the 1960s,” Pilot explains. “At and she was sent to boarding school (the the ’76 Olympics. collection that is the focus of her exhibit the time, my father-in-law watched and former St. Helen’s) “to be disciplined,” she Pilot now tries to spend a portion of during Art Westmount. watched my experiments, and I learned a says with a smile. each day painting. She pursues a separate lot from him about mixing colours.” But it was later at St. George’s where But influenced by his work and that of she developed a serious interest in science, Cullen, she has come to adopt the softer winning a scholarship to university in blues, whites and pastels that character- Rhode Island. Disillusioned by a party at- ized their landscapes and winter scenes. mosphere, however, she returned home and began studying art. At École des Beaux Exhibiting at Art Westmount Arts, she was a member of the last gradu- Gabrielle is one of the 60 Westmount ating class, which designed the children’s painters currently preparing to exhibit playground for Expo ’67. their work at various locations during the Launching into textile design, she pro- Art Westmount 2008 open studio week- ceeded to sell hundreds of her own hand- end October 18 and 19. painted jogging suits to Bloomingdale’s in And that’s just one of her many com- New York. munity commitments that currently in- With the birth of her children, she took clude the co-presidency of the Westmount up her first volunteer pursuits along with Horticultural Society, organization of painting and teaching. She created a events for the city’s Horticultural Advisory course at the YM/YWHA called “My Committee (HAC) and work for the Hands Can” for pre-schoolers and their Thomas More Institute, for which she caregivers, and introduced it to other helps run an annual trip to Stratford. schools. She later taught art to seniors at A co-founder of the Westmount Coop- Place Kensington. erative Pre-school and the Brome Lake A passionate piano player, Pilot became Garden Club, Pilot also brought La Leche involved in the Suzuki Parent Foundation, League to Quebec in 1966 to promote the learned to play the violin and played in values of breast feeding. She and her hus- “The Silver Strings”. band, investment counsellor Wakeham In the last 25 years, gardening has be- Pilot, have three children – Christopher, come an obsession. More than 300 mem- Cullen and Kyle – as well as four grand- bers of various garden clubs have visited children. her garden estate atop a mountain in South Bolton in the Eastern Townships. Global upbringing She and her husband discovered the Born in Melbourne, Australia, area while climbing one day in 1976. It Gabrielle’s global upbringing has had a was swamp and thick forest. “But we fell profound impact on the way she embraces in love with it and began buying up bits WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – September 23-24, 2008 – 19 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

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RENTAL WESTMOUNT WESTMOUNT LE SUD OUEST

GREENE AVE. DU CANAL ST. MELBOURNE AVE. An opportunity to live in a great location, close to metro, Great loft with wall to wall windows and city views. 11-ft Turn of the Century brick detached home handsomely located shopping, all conveniences. Lower duplex, in very good ceilings, original beams, brick wall. Corner unit overlooking at the corner of Melville overlooking Westmount Park. Flooded condition: well maintained and updated, while keeping the canal, bike path, walk to Old Montreal, Downtown, hard by light from the generous fenestrations, this charming and the original charm. 2 bedrooms, one parking space. wood floors, central air, garage and gym locker. spacious 5 bedroom home will appeal to the most Asking $1,575/Month Asking $299,000 discriminating buyer. Asking $1,570,000 NDG NDG PRICE REDUCED WESTMOUNT

GRAND BLVD. MOUNT PLEASANT AVE. WEST HILL AVE. Bright spacious pristine cottage on wide Blvd. Updated 4+1 Parents, have you got daughters going to ECS? Here is the Unique blend of contemporary and traditional NDG home in home with open concept kitchen/dining/family room. High and perfect house for you. Fabulous ground fl. with 3 fps, den, prime location. Bright, spacious 3 bedroom, high ceilings, dry bsmt. Immense garden for kids and dogs.Very convenient enormous kit.& sunroom. 5 bedrooms, master ensuite, huge mouldings, many built-ins, oak floors, chair rail paneling, FP, location to amenities and transport. Asking $399,000 skylight flooding the house with light. Views from every level. garage, mature and exotic garden. Asking $600,000 Front garage + big garden. Asking $1,300,000

NEW LISTING WESTMOUNT WESTMOUNT LE SUD OUEST

LANSDOWNE AVE. DU CANAL ST. STE CATHERINE W. ST. Possible land for development. Great opportunity in hot Loft studio, in the Corticelli, close to Downtown & Old Westmount Park Towers, close to Victoria village and location. The sale of the category 2 house also incl. an add. Montreal, next to canal and bicycle path. Perfect pied à terre- Westmount Park. This 2 bedroom/2 bath, elegantly furnished 9.1 ft. parcel of land on the south & west side (1483 sq.ft.) wood floors, big windows, renovated bath, large kitchen condo has a fireplace, solarium, river and mountain views and that is held in undivided co-ownership (50%-50%) with the overlooking interior garden, open living/dining/bedroom area a garage. Condo fees include a pool, exercise room & 24 hour adj. neighbor to the north.This lot has a servitude of passage. and Murphy bed. Easy parking. Asking $219,000 door man. Asking $440,000 The 2 lots total 3000 sq.ft approx. Asking $645,000