Yogurt chain Yeh! opens in CSL

Yeh! officially opens at the Cavendish Mall. Acting Mayor Ruth Kovac joins Mall owner Roy Salomon and Michael Wolfe with Yeh! Chief Marvin Gurman with his mother Zelda and family members Joanne Smith and Raquel in cutting the official ribbon.

Well before they built their wholesale clothing chain into a business which surpassed retail sales in excess of $100 million, brothers Jon and Marvin Gurman, 54, grew up as average kids in a Côte Saint-Luc duplex, attended public school and loved hanging out at the Cavendish Mall.

Today the Gurmans realized a bit of a dream when a brand new member of their growing yogurt chain opened at that very mall. Located on The Avenue, a street Mayor Anthony Housefather hopes to develop into “the Monkland Avenue of Côte Saint-Luc,” Yeh! Yogurt and Café (www.yehyogurt.com) is taking North America by storm.

As the Gurmans explain, The Mall decision was a bit of an emotional move. Over the years this shopping centre has been carved in half, making way for a housing development. “My mother is a Mall walker,” Jon noted. “She said there are not a lot of people in the Mall. I said ‘Mom, we are going to bring people back to the Mall. That Mall is going to be hopping.’ The other vendors are happy we are coming.”

During a business trip to California in 2007, Marvin came across a frozen yogurt store that really impressed him. About a year later, while walking with his daughter down trendy St. Laurent Boulevard, they stopped in at the then only Yeh!Yogurt and Café. Boasting a self-serve format of different frozen yogurt flavors, over 40 toppings and an attractive interior layout, Marvin was beyond impressed. Six months later he and his brother became equal partners with the company’s founders.

“It really started out as a hobby for us,” said Jon.

The hobby quickly turned into a labour of love. After purchasing the remaining shares in the company last December, the Gurmans began to embark upon their plan to expand the brand across the globe. “We call ourselves ‘the Starbucks of the yogurt business’ said Jon. “Most yogurt places look like ice cream shops. That is not the case with us.”

With a combination of both corporate owned and franchised stores, by the end of this year Yeh! Yogurt will have opened close to 40 locations in various parts of Canada and the US including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, New York, Massachusetts, and California. Besides the Quartier/Mall and the original store on St. Laurent, there are five other stores in Montreal: Ste. Catherine Street West downtown near Concordia University; Centre Eaton; the Quartier des Spectacles; Monkland Village in N.D.G. and Dollard des Ormeaux.

“Out motto is ‘You go, you get!’” the brothers state. “It is more than just a brand; it is a life concept that leads to realizing your full human potential. We want people to empower themselves to reach their goals and make a difference in the world.”

JCorp’s History

The history of JCorp dates back to 1929, when Myer Gurman arrived in Canada from Europe with little money and big dreams. He soon opened a small business producing caps. In 1952, his son, Jack, joined the company with the intention of bringing the best quality goods to the Canadian market. In 1978, brothers Jon and Marvin joined the company with the goal of becoming a major player in the industry. Before long they transformed their grandfather’s cap business into an international apparel powerhouse.

After quickly developing a keen eye for fashion trends and an awareness of their customers’ needs, the Gurman twins became very adept at developing private label programs for retail customers. Among their present-day retail partners are Walmart, JC Penney, Sears and TJ Maxx. Some of the brands and licences include Bugle Boy, PNB Nation by Nick Cannon, Old River, Gurilla Biscuit, Hollywood Era jean brand , and celebrity endorsements by Ashley Tisdale and Pauly D. They are also the manufacturers of MMA Elite, a UFC sponsored clothing line.

JCorp employs 90 people at their headquarters on Gince Street in the Montreal borough of St. Laurent. They moved to this location in 2004, giving a complete facelift to what was once the Rockland Tennis Club.

To learn more about Gurmans, their brands and licenses, log on to www.jcorp.ca and http://www.yehyogurt.com.

Mayor Housefather receives Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award

City Council congratulates Mayor Anthony Housefather on receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award

Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

“Although there are thousands who have received this award across Canada in the past year, our mayor merits this award more than most,” said Councillor Dida Berku, who presented the award on June 5 during a reception for Côte Saint-Luc volunteers at the Aquatic and Community Centre. “He is multi-talented individual who has proven himself from young age.”

Councillor Berku highlighted his career including being the youngest councillor elected on the island in 1994, helping lead the demerger campaign (with Councillors Ruth Kovac, Mitchell Brownstein and Glenn J. Nashen) in 2005, and serving two terms are mayor of Côte Saint-Luc.

“In particular I must mention the leadership he showed in the construction of this great Aquatic and Community Centre, which was built on time and within budget and which now offers first class facility for our residents,” said Councillor Berku, who also received a Diamond Jubilee Medal last year in recognition of her community service and her initiatives in helping preserve the natural environment. “For as well as being a very accomplished athlete and champion swimmer, Anthony is recognized as a top lawyer in his field.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne. The medal is intended to honour individuals who have given selflessly in service of their communities. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized. Côte Saint-Luc was invited to nominate two recipients.

Added Councillor Glenn J. Nashen, “I have worked side by side with Anthony for more than 15 years and I marvel at his energy, intelligence and ingenuity.  He is an extraordinary leader and we are very lucky to have him at the helm of our city.”

City honours its volunteers

Cote Saint-Luc Council honours Sid Margles and Michael Kutz as highly outstanding volunteers

The Côte Saint-Luc Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2013 edition took place earlier this week.  Several townspeople were recognized for their outstanding contribution to city programs and services.  The impressive award lineup is listed here:

Community Services Award - Recognizes a volunteer couple for exceptional contribution to the community special events programs:

Louise Ferland and Sam Pinsky have been an integral part of Côte Saint-Luc activities for more than 30 years. Louise served the residents during her 30-year career as a manager responsible for various Parks and Recreation programs such as figure skating, learn-to-skate, the ski club and more. Once her career was over, she continued to volunteer on various special events such as Canada Day, Maisons Fleuries and the popular Winter Carnival Valentine Dance. Meanwhile, Sam started his volunteer career more than three decades ago in sports, volunteering in various hockey and baseball programs. More recently, Sam has been a driving force with Louise volunteering at our annual special events programs.

William E. Kesler Memorial Trophy - Recognizes a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to the Parks and Recreation special events programs:

Ron Yarin is a fixture at sports facilities in Côte Saint-Luc. He has been a volunteer since the late 1970s and continues to serve the community year round. Ron works diligently with youth and adult sports leagues, volunteers with vCOP, and has excelled in our special events programs such as the Winter Carnival Valentine Dance and the Mega Garage Sale.

Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch # 97 Award - Recognizes the Youth Volunteer of the Year–a leader of tomorrow–for outstanding efforts in making a difference in Cote Saint-Luc through volunteer activities:

Ariel Sterlin is an outstanding example of young leadership in Côte Saint-Luc. She is a talented dancer and actor with years of training and experience behind her that belie her youth. She has trained in ballet and jazz throughout her life and is also trained in gymnastics. Using her gifts to give back to the community, Ariel voluntarily taught both ballet and gymnastics to children throughout her high school career. Last summer, unable to participate as a performer in the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society (CSLDS) production of Norm Foster’s Office Hours, Ariel volunteered countless hours as the production’s stage manager, a very demanding job with a massive amount of responsibility. This year, Ariel stars in the title roll of Hamlette: The Melancholy Dame at the Dawson Theatre Collective and works with the CSLDS as assistant choreographer and plays the role of Bielke, Tevye’s youngest daughter, in Fiddler on the Roof. She is a joy to work with, a credit to our community and we are positive has a very bright future ahead of her.

Socio-Cultural Award - Recognizes a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to the city’s socio-cultural programs:

Gayle Cohen is recognized in volunteering her time and efforts to the library’s Bright Lights Film Club program. Gayle has been most instrumental to the program’s success since its beginning in 2009. She brings to it not only a passionate regard for film but also a formal degree in its study having earned a BFA in Film Studies from Concordia University. She has selected provocative, innovative and challenging films; provided extensive, thoroughly-researched, pre-screening introductions to educate, contextualize and elucidate such work (often unfamiliar to the program’s attendees); before leading lively group discussions after the viewing of each film. Many doubted the viability of such a unique program but Gayle has not only proven them wrong but engendered a spiritual, intellectual and artistic richness by which the residents of Côte Saint-Luc have greatly prospered.

Special Recognition Award:

Frank Levine, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97, has been serving the Legion for several years. Frank leads the organization in the annual poppy sale program, which this past year raised more than $35,000. All funds are distributed to various hospitals and charities throughout Montreal. Frank is a central figure in organizing the V-E Day Commemoration Ceremony every May in Côte Saint-Luc and the November 11 Remembrance Day parade for the YM-YWHA. Special recognition goes out to Frank for his tireless effort and contribution to the successful endeavours and good work of the Royal Canadian Legion Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97.

Hazel Lipes Award - Recognizes a volunteer for their exceptional contribution to the Community Services Programs:

Shelley Schecter is the inspiration behind the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee, responsible for its Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. She has dedicated her life towards animal welfare and as the founder of Educhat, she is called upon by individuals across the province for assistance in rescuing homeless cats. “Without Shelley’s leadership, our volunteer committee would not have the tremendous success rate it has attained in the three years since its formation,” says Councillor Mike Cohen, who oversees this initiative.

EMS Award – Excellence in operations

Scott Hunt has been an EMS volunteer for more than 15 years and is consistently in the top 5 for number of volunteer hours. In fact, Scott won the 2012 Director’s Award for contributing over 1,000 hours of volunteer service to EMS.

EMS Award – Excellence in training

Tania Pellizzari joined EMS in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks to the Captain of Training. A registered nurse by profession, Tania leads the recruiting, training, continuing education and quality assurance teams, ensuring that EMS’s clinical skills remain at the forefront.

EMS AWARD – Rookie of the Year

Anthony Gualtieri has been a rising star since joining EMS, sacrificing many hours — including a lot of overnight shifts — to help others. Anthony is also a volunteer with the Montreal Auxiliary Fire Department.

vCOP Award

vCOP scheduler Phillip Lackman is introduced by supervisor Susie Schwartz

Phillip Lackman is a vCOP extraordinaire. As the vCOP scheduler, Phillip is responsible for coordinating the shifts of the 70+ volunteers, keeping accurate track of everyone’s hours and ensuring optimal shift coverage, in addition to volunteering many hours himself.

Eco Award - Recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated leadership in the promotion of environmental advocacy and action within the community:

Ulli Elia has been participating in the EcoAction committee since its inception, implicating herself in different events and activities. A teacher still in action, Ulli stretches in different directions to offer the best of her energy and pedagogical skills. at all levels, being a “master composter and recycler” at home and everywhere she goes!

Toby Shulman is highly devoted to protecting our environment and was one of the founding members of the EcoAction Committee in Côte Saint-Luc. She goes beyond the services available and proposes ideas, encouraging forward thinking in different sectors of the City. As a retired teacher, she continues to educate people within the community on this vital matter that is environment, sharing not only her knowledge but her passion!

Sports Award - Recognizes a volunteer for exceptional contributions to the community sports programs:

Marty Dorfman has been a tireless volunteer for the Côte Saint-Luc Minor Hockey Association over the past decade. Marty has served in different capacities on the executive committee, most recently as treasurer of the hockey association. His dedication and devotion to the program is a great example of volunteerism at its best.

Stewart Mankofsky Memorial Trophy - Presented to the athlete / volunteer who best exemplifies the qualities of dedication, sportsmanship, and love of competition:

Charlotte Dumaine has been a member of the Côte Saint-Luc Figure Skating Club for the past five years. Charlotte has won numerous awards and continues to give much prominence to her home club. Her positive attitude, work ethic and dedication to her craft make her the ideal recipient of this award.

Ambassador of the Year - Honours the Cote Saint-Luc citizen best portraying charitable qualities and serving the community at large:

Michael Kutz at CSL V-E Day 2012

Michael Kutz was 11 years old when the Germans rounded up the Jews of Nieswitche, Poland and transported them en masse to open pits where they were to be slaughtered. By a quirk of fate, Kutz was knocked unconscious and left for dead. Later that night he awoke and escaped, and made his way to a convent. He ultimately joined the partisan forces in the area. Kutz is the recipient of countless community awards, and was presented with the Supreme Chancellor’s medal by the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the board of governors, board of directors and executive of the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre. Michael regular speaks to students, is a longstanding member of the Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97 and the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club. He has just published his autobiography, Life after darkness. He always represents our community with pride.

Volunteer of the Year – Aquatics Program

Michele Castonguay has served as Côte Saint-Luc Aquatics official representative over the past two years. It is thanks to her that the club has been able to train more than 50 officials of various levels since the founding of the club. She is also instrumental in the running of all of the swim meets that Côte Saint-Luc has hosted. She is always willing to give her 110% to the team whether it means sitting on a hot pool deck for a weekend or spending every weeknight giving officials clinics to parents. In addition to this, she recently completed her officiating Level 5 in addition to all of her volunteering with the club. The entire club appreciates everything that she does.

Edward J. Kirwan Award - Honours the Volunteer of the Year for exceptional contribution to the community Parks and Recreation programs:

The Edward J. Kirwan Award for the Volunteer of the Year was presented to Sidney Margles last September. Sid is president of the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club, and a former Town of Mount Royal councillor, broadcaster and radio executive. Sid and his wife Merle chose Côte Saint-Luc to settle in for their retirement years, despite Sid being more active than some people who work fulltime. He has brought the Men’s Club to a level we have never seen before and worked alongside council and staff as the Aquatic and Community Centre took shape.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Joe Raie has dedicated much of his life to the organization and operation of sports in Côte Saint-Luc. Joe has been the president of the Côte Saint-Luc Minor Hockey Association and currently resides as both the president of the Côte Saint-Luc Youth Hockey League and the Côte Saint-Luc Senior Softball League. These leagues have all thrived and continue to flourish under his tutelage. The development of sports in Côte Saint-Luc would not be the same if not for Joe’s leadership.

Congratulations to all the award winners.

FCM offers unique learning, best practice opportunities

About 2000 cities and towns are represented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities encompassing over 90% of the country’s population. Last weekend, the FCM held its 76th Annual General Meeting in Vancouver. British Columbia  with 2000 local elected officials in attendance from every corner of Canada and beyond.

I had the opportunity to thank Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson for hosting this magnificent conference

I was fortunate to be able to attend on behalf of the City of Cote Saint-Luc and take in four days of learning opportunities including expert conferences, debates, study tours and keynote speakers featuring some of Canada’s key political figures. Equally important was the in between time when mayors and councillors, reeves and aldermen, MLAs and MPs mix between sessions to discuss areas of mutual concern to their common residents.

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau received rock star status with everyone wanting to exchange a word with him, shake his hand and snap a souvenir photo

The urbanism tour was of particular interest. Expert urban development professionals highlighted the importance of offering parks and greenspaces within close proximity of all neighbourhoods. Studies have shown that park and green spaces improve the health of residents. Bike routes and paths played an important role in the urban transportation layout of the city. Fortunately I got to experience the cycling plan first hand on an urban development bike tour.

Hampstead Cllr. Leon Elfassy joins CDN-NDG Cllr. Helen Fotopolous and CSL Cllr. Dida Berku on an urban development bike tour

The urbanists were particularly boastful of the tremendous metamorphosis of the 2010 Olympic Village into a trendy, popular city neighbourhood in close proximity to all amenities.  Community gardens were also within close walking distance which caught the eye of green activist Dida Berku.

Cllr. Dida Berku taking a closer look at what’s growing in the False Creek village community gardens. Similar gardens are coming this summer to Cote Saint-Luc.

The tour of Vancouver’s Emergency Operations Centre was fascinating offering many ideas on how to continuously improve Cote Saint-Luc’s plan and structure to manage disasters, even if on a smaller scale.  The EOC tour provided a unique opportunity to learn techniques and strategies in disaster planning that I will bring to the table as councillor responsible for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Tree planting ceremony in Stanley Park in honour of the next generation of civic leaders

Pollster Angus Reid pointed out just how important it is to utilize social media if we have any hope of reaching young adults who are typically classified as disinterested in municipal politics and least likely to vote. I am quite proud to be an avid proponent of social media to communicate with residents and anyone interested in matters dealing with CSL. My own tweets, Facebook and blog posts show that I am dedicated to communicating daily and weekly with constituents, young and older.

Saying hello to Calgary Mayor Nahid Nenshi, a champion of communicating with younger voters

One person who I admire and is widely credited with bringing social media to the Canadian political scene is Calgary Mayor Nehid Nenshi.  Nenshi is masterful of finding ways of communicating with his residents through social media and by using interactive technology to make dealing with municipal offices as easy as possible.

Cllr. Ruth Kovac, MP Isabelle Morin, Cllr. Dida Berku, Montreal Cllr. Helen Fotopolous

Tree Canada’s president Mike Rosen hosted us on a fascinating tour of historic Stanley Park. “Trees are much more than greenery on the side of road,” Rosen said. “Trees helps keep communities healthy.”  Vancouver is a model with about 170,000 trees on public property alone.

Beautiful totem poles can be found in Stanley Park

The iconic Stanley Park covers more than 1000 acres and includes forest, ponds and wetlands stretching from the urban centre to the ocean.  I was privileged to participate in a tree planting ceremony sponsored by CN and the City of Vancouver. FCM members looked on as a sapling was planted in for the next generation of Canadian civic leaders. Some trees in the park are more than 1000 years old.

Cllr. Ruth Kovac meets the mayor of Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago

I had the special opportunity to meet and speak with elected folks from near and far as international delegates from the Caribbean  Africa and Europe also participated.  One such encounter was with Mayor Clyde Paul of Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May packed the house with more than 500 delegates packed into a room that could barely contain them.  She was witty, provocative and challenging, as always.  Her points were very well received as she called for greater protection of the environment, sustainable economic development and greater investment in public transit and social housing.

Federal transport minister Denis Lebel delivered a keynote address committing some $50 billion dollars over a 10 year period to bolster municipal investments in local infrastructure. Such massive investment is made possible due to the clout the FCM carries in gathering so many municipal leaders together to lobby with a common voice.  Locally, these funds helped CSL construct its Aquatic and Community Centre.

Representatives from Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Montreal welcome the new FCM president, Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin (standing centre)

Beyond the tremendous program was the spirit of national unity of Canadian local elected officials.  With programming offered in both official languages the sense of pride in one’s local community, province and the country was obvious and impressive.  I was proud to join CSL Councillors Dida Berku, Ruth Kovac, Sam Goldbloom, Mitchell Brownstein and Allan Levine in representing our city in our encounters with so many leaders from across Canada. and to bring back new ideas for our community.

Related articles

• Federal minister Denis Lebel says $53 billion fund will help municipalities improve infrastructure (vancouversun.com)

Drivers welcome in Florida, eh?

Kudos to Florida Governor Rick Scott.  When the governor and state legislature realized the error of their ways in imposing driving restrictions upon millions of visitors back in January, especially upon Canadians, they wasted no time in admitting their error and apologizing.  The creative and catchy ad just above appeared prominently yesterday in the Globe and Mail and this news posting shows to what extent the governor went to repeal the law.

Here’s the governor’s mea culpa:

So congrats to the governor and to the State of Florida.  I visited just last week and thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather, the beach, the welcome plurality of languages and local hospitality.  It’s just too bad Florida can’t be a Canadian province!

New Cote Saint-Luc high school to be named after Swedish hero

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) Council of Commissioners has confirmed that a proposed new high school in Côte Saint-Luc will be named Wallenberg Academy. It will begin operations for the 2014-2015 academic year, provided an optimum number of 60 students enrol next fall.

EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini stated that unlike previous attempts to bring a new mainstream high school to the former Wagar High School facility, now called the Giovanni Palatucci Facility, plans call for an appropriate window to be given to introduce an enriched curriculum and an open house in early fall 2013. The new school would cohabitate with John Grant High School, Marymount Adult Education Centre, the CARE Program and the EMSB Book Processing Centre.

The EMSB ran a successful name the school contest last fall and early winter. Commissioner Syd Wise, who heads the task force studying the option, notes that there was a natural connection between the names of Palatucci and Wallenberg. Palatucci was an Italian police official who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary. Consideration was also given to naming the school after two distinguished Montrealers, the late poet Irving Layton and the late writer Mordecai Richler.

It is the intent of the EMSB to start the school with Secondary I students. The school concept has the full cooperation of the City of Cote Saint-Luc and Mayor Anthony Housefather, who sits on the task force. Plans call for sports concentration, heritage languages and enriched science, English and music programs to be offered.

A public information meeting will be held in May for parents and an open house next fall, followed by a registration period.

For more information call 514-483-7200 ext. 7429.

A farmers market in Cote Saint-Luc?

Tired of schlepping down to the Atwater or Jean Talon markets for fresh fruits and vegetables?  Like the idea of walking or cycling over to your local farmers market?

The City is now polling residents about the possibility of just such a market.  Complete the survey now to help make this a reality and check back for results.

Watch out for speeding wheelchairs

Click to enlarge

This memo, posted on the door of the Cavendish Mall (I can’t stand the name Quartier Cavendish) may be one of the funniest I’ve seen in a very, very long time.  I don’t know about you but I’ve been hanging around the “Shmall” since the day it opened and I’ve never come close to being run over by a speeding wheelchair.  Apparently, this has become a serious problem given the tone of the memo.

The instructions look like they’re borrowed from the Quebec Highway Code:

• Reduce your speed
• Stay to the right
• Signal your intention
• Keep a safe distance from pedestrians
• And don’t drive while intoxicated!

Please vote in the poll below and let’s see if this is really a public safety hazard:

HAPPY NEW YEAR – BONNE ANNEE

Season’s Greetings – Joyeuses fêtes

From the City Council of Cote Saint-Luc to you

Best wishes for happiness, health and peace on earth

Du Conseil de la ville de Côte Saint-Luc à vous

Meilleurs voeux de bonheur et de la santé

Puisse la paix règnent dans le monde

 

 

 

CSLer makes Iraqi Jewish cookie famous coast to coast

Chantal Bekhor, the most famous baker in Cote Saint-Luc

Chantal Bekhor is one famous Cote Saint-Lucer after competing for Top Prize in the cookie category on Food Network Canada last night on Recipe to Riches.

Bekhor, a rising food media star, introduced Canada to her family’s traditional recipe for the Mahbooz Date Biscuit, a typical Iraqi Jewish dessert.  She was also featured locally by the Montreal Gazette this week.

A grade 5 English and math teacher at Montreal’s Jewish Peoples and Peretz Schools (JPPS), Bekhor is young, dynamic and affable, well-liked by her students.  Appearing comfortable on camera, Bekhor presented as personable, bubbly, excited and enthusiastic.

She chose a unique and exotic product and succeeded in gaining national recognition. While two of three judges chose Bekhor’s recipe as the winning formula, President’s Choice and Loblaws president Galen Weston had the final choice as to which dessert he would launch and distribute nationally, starting this weekend.

The judges said they loved the Mahbooz treat.  They said it was, “Exotic, versatile, and highlighted new flavours.”

While Weston said Bekhors “exotic treat” was “right there” and just what “Canadians want”, he ultimately chose to go with a Dulce de Lece brownie as the winning dessert.

My wife and I cheered Chantal on, not just due to familiarity, or because of my wife’s Sephardi roots, or loyalty to the “home team”, but because the Mahbooz date-filled cookie looked absolutely delicious and a treat that would be appreciated by a large number of Cote Saint-Lucers to be sure, but by Canadians in general.

Decadent brownies are not nearly as novel as an Iraqi date biscuit and while I defer to Weston’s genius when it comes to marketing his brand across Canada and worldwide, I think he picked the wrong cookie on last night’s episode.

So congrats to our hometown baker, Chantal Bekhor, and good luck in all your culinary ventures.  And if you happen to whip up an extra batch of Mahbooz Date Biscuits anytime soon please save one for me.

CSL’s little known bylaws

by Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban

October 17, 2012

Some of Côte St. Luc’s strict bylaws are very well known to residents, such as its law requiring cyclists to wear bicycle helmets, its laws banning smoking in various public places and its overnight parking prohibitions.

Some aspects of Côte St. Luc’s noise bylaw are also well-known, particularly times when contractors can operate their machinery to do garden work. Work can begin 7 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends and statutory holidays, and must end 9 p.m. weekends, weekdays and statutory holidays.

Less known is that “you cannot make loud noises such as excessively honking your horn, blaring loud music or using any other sound reproduction device to do so,” according to the city’s website. Loud music emanating from cars, especially bass-heavy rap music, is a common aural experience on streets like Ste. Catherine West.

Most parking bylaws are obvious, such as prohibitions against parking near fire hydrants, during designated hours as indicated on signs and in designated handicap spots.

But less known to the general public is that “you cannot park a trailer or truck anywhere in Côte St. Luc except for loading or unloading purposes,” says the website.

As mentioned above, the city’s helmet law for cyclists is well known, but it also applies to all ages, and also for those using in-line skates and roller blades “on any street, sidewalk, lane or any public place in Côte St. Luc.”

A couple of years ago, there was a big debate regarding Dollard des Ormeaux’s restrictions on the playing of street hockey. In Côte St. Luc, permission must be sought from the city before sports items such as basketball and hockey nets are placed in public areas such as streets and sidewalks.

Côte St. Luc also has bylaws that ensure private properties remain clean and safe. “The owner of land, whether built or not, may not allow branches, bushes and long weeds to grow thereon, or to leave scrap iron, rubbish, refuse, paper or empty bottles or materials or any objects that might be a hazard to health and safety,” says the website.

“You cannot tolerate on your land, shallow areas gathering stagnant water, open ditches, large boulders, mounds of earth or any conditions that may cause directly or indirectly bodily harm to any person or persons.”

A few years ago, The Suburban published a story in which some residents objected to a law against feeding wild animals within the city limits. It remains prohibited to feed pigeons, squirrels and other non-domesticated animals.

Not only that, residents can’t keep wild farm animals or poultry on their land as possible pets.

And while Montreal is rethinking its law banning, for the most part, street vendors selling food, in Côte St. Luc, “all street vendors require a license from the municipality prior to carrying out their tasks.

CP Rail whistling too loud and too late in St. Luc Yards

CP Rail locomotive passes Richard Schwartz Park on Cote Saint-Luc Road and prepares to enter the St. Luc Yards

Last week I contacted CP Rail concerning the whistle blowing that has been sounding late at night into the early hours in St. Luc Yards.  With cooler evenings now the norm, bedroom windows are left open and the outdoor noises flow freely inside.

This is hardly the first time complaints have gone from Cote Saint-Luc to CP Rail.  In the past we were advised by CP’s Public Relations team that although whistles used to be the norm to signal from the front of the train to the back, between trains and for emergency situations that two way radios were now used to cut down on whistles in the St. Luc Yards and elsewhere across the country.  Nevertheless, whistles had to be tested periodically.

I asked CP Rail last week to remind the local trainmaster that testing late at night and past midnight in a heavily populated area such as Cote Saint-Luc is very disturbing to our residents.

“Canadian Pacific (CP) takes the safety of the public and its’ employees very seriously. The whistle is a significant safety appliance used as a last warning of an approaching train. We use this even in the yards to warn our employees that a train is on the move,” said the CP representative in an email response.  ”"However, I did forward your issue to our Trainmaster in the area and he advised that occasionally we must complete horn testing to ensure compliance with Transport Canada. He will advise crews against testing through the late night hours. There may still be times where you will hear the whistle as a safety precaution.”

If you are experiencing excessive noise from train whistles late at night you can call CP Rail’s Community Connect at 1-800-766-7912 or by email at Community_Connect@cpr.ca.

20 years in service for Allan J. Levine

Free Press, may 22, 2012, Click to enlarge

Congratulations to my friend and colleague Councillor Allan J. Levine, celebrating 20 years of service on Cote Saint-Luc City Council.  I was a Council regular for 10 years before I was first elected and joined him on Council in 1990 and have watched Allan throughout his political career.  He operates with dogged perseverance, always has an opinion to share and rarely misses an opportunity for a spirited quip.

I’ll always remember one of Allan’s famous quotes from a public meeting back in the early 90s when he was voting against an increase in tender prices over the previous year for paper supply.  ”The price of paper is not just stationery,” he said to great laughter from the audience.

And there was the time he gave notice of motion to limit the number of cats per household.  He never pursued the motion as he was concerned that anyone named Katz, with lots of kids, would be offended.

Allan is also a preeminent shmoozer.  At the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities conferences Allan is renowned for his pin-trading acumen. Allan can always be found, city pins covering both lapels, chatting it up with mayors and councillors from across the country engaging in discussions and comparisons in public works techniques, urban development bylaws, public safety issues, sports and recreation activities and more.

Allan is a teacher by profession but is a self-confessed expert in just about every imaginable discipline.  One may take issue with his findings or conclusions but there is no arguing that he is one of the most animated, comical and engaged politicians in the region.  And now, he can add long-serving to the list as well.

If you’re looking to ask Allan a question he’s always around.  His wife Rhoda joins him on their very frequent walks around CSL, or he’s hanging out at the CSL Tennis Club, won’t be far if a flash mob buffet opens up and will be first on any dance floor to rival any Arthur Murray graduate.

Anyone who know’s Allan will agree that he’s one of a kind.

Congratulations Allan.

Photo of the Week #2: Calling all cars

Photo of the Week #2

Just 3 years old, Jeremy, hopes to trade in his wagon for one just like Cote Saint-Luc Public Security Agent Erwin Luden.