Meadowbrook friends promote their master plan

From Les Amis de Meadowbrook:

As a result of the hard work of many organizations and individuals working in concert with Les Amis de Meadowbrook, the City of Montreal now has what it needs to protect this precious green space and create Meadowbrook Park.

Several recent initiatives by Les Amis de Meadowbrook helped move the process forward: a news conference to launch a Master Plan for a Meadowbrook Urban Nature Heritage Park, accessible to all; and a separate press conference to disclose the results of an investigation by the lobbying commissioner of Quebec that revealed illegal lobbying activities by the developer Groupe Pacific over a number of years.

With the iron now hot, we must continue to build public support for the park and ensure that our elected representatives continue to support the idea.

The first step will be to enforce the 300-meter safety setback for residences from the surrounding marshalling yards, as mandated by both the Railway Association of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. In this regard, Montreal City Council has just adopted a resolution mandating the city’s Executive Committee, in collaboration with the Borough of Lachine, to undertake a study of all proposals for sustainable development of Meadowbrook, with particular reference to the safety setbacks and to the formal opposition to development expressed by both CP Rail and the AMT. We are in full support of this resolution, and would particularly like to thank Vision Montréal, Projet Montréal and the whole Municipal Council for taking this important step.

With Meadowbrook unable to be developed for safety reasons, the portion of Meadowbrook that is in the Borough of Lachine should be rezoned to recreational from residential. Côte Saint-Luc rezoned its portion to recreational in 2000.

The final step is the creation of Meadowbrook Park. The recently unveiled Master Plan was prepared for Les Amis de Meadowbrook by landscape architecture firm Catalyse Urbaine, in collaboration with the Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal (CRE-Montréal). The plan proposes converting the 57-hectare space into an Urban Nature Heritage Park, accessible to all Montrealers. New pedestrian and cycling paths would integrate Meadowbrook with existing recreational networks and make the park easily accessible to the densely populated areas of St. Pierre and Lachine.

In taking delivery of the Master Plan on behalf of the city, Josée Duplessis, the executive committee member in charge of sustainable development, undertook to have the city administration study the plan. She also applauded the initiative, saying, “We have a new generation of ecologists who, instead of just demanding projects from public officials, present real, concrete projects that can be worked on.”

The Master Plan was paid for by the fundraising efforts of Les Amis de Meadowbrook last year. It incorporates the views of a variety of community members who last fall attended a one-day design charette, or workshop, to discuss the potential uses for and design of Meadowbrook Park.

The issue of illegal lobbying follows a 2010 complaint to the Quebec lobbying commissioner, lodged by Les Amis member Campbell Stuart, acting as a private citizen. The commissioner’s three-year investigation found that Suzanne Deschamps, vice-president of development and legal affairs at Groupe Pacific, lobbied municipal and Hydro Quebec employees on at least 13 occasions between 2008 and 2010 without being registered as a lobbyist, as required by Quebec law. Stuart turned the commissioner’s findings over to Les Amis, which made them public.

Meadowbrook “Comedy for a Cause” Fundraiser July 23rd

Once again we’re packing the Comedy Nest to support Les Amis de Meadowbrook in our goal to create a park for southwest Montreal. Join us for an evening of fun and exercise for your stomach muscles at the Comedy Nest Just For Laughs: As Seen on TV! lineup on July 23rd. Approximately eight top comedians will be warming up at the downtown club before their gala sets. Be there to help them and help Meadowbrook! The money raised will help fund our current projects: a multi-platform map highlighting endangered green spaces across Montreal, and a showcase of the Université de Montréal landscape architecture students’ visions for Meadowbrook Park.

For tickets, contact Barbara Tekker at btekker@sympatico.ca. Tickets are $35.

The Comedy Nest is located on the third floor of the AMC/Pepsi Forum at 2313 Ste. Catherine at Atwater.

Related articles

• Letter: Keep Meadowbrook for recreation (gjnashen.wordpress.com)
• Jane’s Walk this weekend in CSL (gjnashen.wordpress.com)

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.

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Canadian cities’ president in Cote Saint-Luc

Welcoming FCM President Karen Leibovici to Cote Saint-Luc City Hall

Last June, several members of Council were on hand at the annual general meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Saskatoon where Edmonton Councillor Karen Leibovici was elected FCM president for a two-year term.  At that conference I invited the newly elected president to visit Cote Saint-Luc.  With a regional meeting of the FCM this past week, in Laval, the president did indeed take me up on my offer.

Last evening I welcomed Leibovici to City Hall.  She is no stranger to our city having grown up in the Cote des Neiges neighbourhood of Montreal and with close family still residing in Cote Saint-Luc.

Our informal meeting included Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillor Ruth Kovac along with Hampstead Mayor Bill Steinberg and Councillor Bonnie Feigenbaum.

We discussed the important subject of the renewal of billions of dollars in federal funding for municipalities when the latest 10 year agreement expires in 2014. Leibovici indicated that funding for municipalities across the country needs to be “predictable, flexible, long term and sustainable.”

Current funding sources from Ottawa include the community infrastructure fund and gas tax.  Such funds were instrumental in the financing of the new Aquatic and Community Centre on Parkhaven Avenue.  With an aging infrastructure in Cote Saint-Luc, such as water pipes, underpasses, municipal buildings and parks, it is crucial that we find sources of revenue from the provincial and federal governments to prevent these assets from slipping from good or fair to poor condition and to ensure that we constantly upgrade to good or excellent condition as has been our tradition.  All this, without having to rely solely on property taxes.

Close to 2,000 communities across Canada have come together to speak with one voice as the FCM. FCM has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. Members include Canada’s largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 21 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Municipal leaders from all parts of Canada assemble annually to establish FCM policy on key issues. Today, FCM carries on the tradition of actively advocating to have the needs of municipalities – and their citizens – reflected in federal policies and programs. Year after year, FCM’s work has benefitted each and every municipal government and taxpayer in Canada.

CSL calls for moment of silence at London Olympics for murdered Israeli athletes

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF THE MURDERED ISRAELI OLYMPIC TEAM MEMBERS IN MUNICH

WHEREAS in 1972, members of the Israeli Olympic Team were murdered in Munich;

WHEREAS this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Munich murders and the incident should not be forgotten;

It was

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR RUTH KOVAC

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR SAM GOLDBLOOM

AND RESOLVED:

“THAT the Cote Saint-Luc City Council (“Council”) calls upon the Canadian Government to ask the International Olympic Committee to observe a moment of silence during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games – to be held this summer in London, England – for the eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team who were murdered in Munich;

THAT Council further calls upon municipalities across Canada to adopt similar resolutions;

THAT this resolution be forwarded, for immediate attention and action, to: the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper; Minister of State (Sports), Mr. Bal Gosal; Member of Parliament for the Mount Royal Riding, Mr Irwin Cotler as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the International Olympic Committee.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Meadowbrook preservation highlights Jane’s Walk in CSL

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I was pleased to participate with my family in this week’s Jane’s Walk to the Meadowbrook Golf Course.  About 50 residents from across the Island of Montreal joined Cote Saint-Luc Councillor Dida Berku and the Green Coalition’s David Fletcher for an educational stroll along the border of the Meadowbrook Golf Course.  The goal is to continue the 22 year battle to protect the area and eventually turn it into an urban recreational area.

I’ve been alongside Dida Berku for these 22 years opposing any development on this site and hope that the City of Montreal and Province of Quebec will finally see the important value for the health and safety of West End residents who are currently deprived of a substantial recreational area in the southwest sector of the Island.  Councillor Steven Erdelyi is also an outspoken activist in this matter.

Berku has become an expert in all aspects of the fight to preserve Meadowbrook having taken the matter before the National Railway Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The heat maps produced by the City of Montreal show considerable concentration in the southwest sector lending strong support for an urban recreation area to absorb heat and to naturally cool the surrounding areas.  As well the land currently allows for a substantial buffer from many rail lines to the closest homes as recommended by the National Railway Association.

What can you do to protect Meadowbrook?  Call the Mayor’s Office of the City of Montreal, your Member of the National Assembly as well as your Member of Parliament.  All levels of government must show greater concern and understand the urgency in preserving this heritage site for the health and safety of future generations.

Federal leaders address Mayors, Councillors

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May holds up copy of the March 2011 Budget that brought down the government triggering new elections

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May was a highlight of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 74th annual conference in Halifax.  By coincidence, May spoke to the FCM last Sunday on World Environment Day. 

May spoke about the need to work on preserving urban forests. “Cities and towns need to speak up about risks to communities if we don’t deal with environmental issues soon,” she said to a full assembly and to wide applause. “Climate changes need adaptation and crumbling infrastructure needs government of Canada funding for local projects.”

May received loud appreciation for stating, “You are the level of government that is most progressive and responsive to the people.”

Master of ceremonies for the conference was a familiar face to Montrealers. Dennis Trudeau was the anchor for the CBC News at Six for many years in Montreal. Completely bilingual, Trudeau ably moderated all the plenary sessions of the FCM in both official languages.

Former CBC Montreal news anchor Dennis Trudeau emcees conference

New official opposition leader Jack Layton received a very warm welcome to the organization he once presided over.  Layton also served as a Toronto City Councillor and Metro Toronto Councillor in the 1980s and 1990s.

Noting that the FCM represents almost 2000 democratically elected governments Layton pointed out that he has missed only one single FCM annual conference since 1978.

“Question period (in the House of Commons) has become an embarrassment,” Layton said. “We commit not to heckle,” he said, offering a new way of representing the Canadian people.

On the topic on the federal budget Layton underscored his disappointment in that there wasn’t a word on long-term infrastructure renewal for municipalities.

Some other notable comments by Layton include:

“Stephen Harper must not create tax cuts just to download costs to municipalities in the budget.”

“The government must share more gas tax dollars to improve mass transit. This will help to cut down on commute times and pollution.”

“The federal government must work in closer partnership with cities and towns.”

“You (municipal mayors and councillors) play a major leadership role locally where our citizens live.”

“The agenda of our cities and towns must be front and centre on the government’s agenda.”

Fascinating encounters in Halifax

The annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is an interesting educational experience for municipal elected officials for many reasons.  Study tours, panel discussions, keynote speakers, federal leaders and networking all top the list.  It is a rare and unique opportunity for continuing education to benefit communities across Canada.  In addition, it affords the chance to speak individually to other Mayors and Councillors on matters of mutual importance and for all to speak with one voice to the federal leaders.

What a privilege it is to represent Cote Saint-Luc before all levels of government.

Not only is there the chance to meet 2300 local elected officials and MNAs, MLAs and MPs from coast to coast to coast but this year representatives of local governments came from as far away as Mali and Burkino Faso in Africa, Ukraine, Cambodia, and several South Americans.

  Seydou Zsgre, Exec. Sec. Assoc. of Municipalities of Burkino Faso and his colleague meet CSL Cllrs. Sam Goldbloom, Ruth Kovac, Glenn J. Nashen and Allan Levine

Joel Arsenault is the Mayor of the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and President of the Quebec Federation of Municipalities (FMQ).  Also known as Iles de la Madeleine, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Quebec, not well-known to many CSLers but well worth a visit.

Joel Arsenault, Mayor of the Magdalen Islands and President, Federation of Quebec Municipalities, Glenn J. Nashen and Maurice Cohen, Cllr. St. Laurent (Montreal)

The Quebec caucus of the FCM is well represented by elected men and women from across the province who we elected to serve in this role last weekend.  These include Borough Councillor Maurice Cohen a 29 year veteran of St. Laurent Council. Mayor Scott Pearce of the Township of Gore near St. Sauveur and Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau.

Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin becomes the 2nd Vice-President of the FCM.

Hampstead Cllr. Bonnie Feigenbaum, Baie D'Urfeé Mayor Maria Tutino, CSL Cllr. Ruth Kovac

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Layton gets major welome with Mayors, Councillors

Jack Layton was at home and very comfortable as he took the stage to a rousing standing ovation at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM, Twitter #FCMhfx) annual conference in Halifax.

“I’m committed to the work you do.  I have not forgotten my roots,” Layton said to the satisfaction of the crowd.  While he settles into his new role as Leader of the Official Opposition, Layton didn’t need to remind the assembly that he served as Toronto City Councillor and Metro Toronto Councillor in the 1980s and 1990s.  “I’ve only missed one FCM since 1978,” he said.  Layton previously served as President of the FCM and proudly sported the official Past-Presidents pin.

Layton reminded the elected officials that the FCM represents almost 2000 democratically elected governments and carries considerable clout in Ottawa. He expressed disappointment that not a word was mentioned in the last budget on long-term structure renewal for municipalities. The federal government must work in closer partnership with cities and towns, Layton told the crowd to strong support.

“Prime Minister Stephen Harper must not create tax cuts just to download more costs to municipalities in the budget on Monday, ” Layton said, a real crowd-pleaser.  “Ottawa must share more gas tax dollars to improve mass transit.”   We must cut down on unacceptable commute times and the resulting pollution, Layton said.  He added to his comments on the budget saying, ”You play a major leadership role locally where our citizens live.”

“Question period has become an embarrassment. We commit not to heckle.”

“The agenda of our cities and towns must be front and centre on the government’s agenda.”

Layton ended his speech with a “Go Canucks Go,” and was given a Canucks jersey to wear. 

Read more:

Layton worries cities could see funding shrink as Ottawa tries to trim costs

More than 2000 local elected meet in Halifax

The annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM, #FCMhfx on Twitter)) opened today in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Premier Darryl Dexter welcomed delegates to the 74th annual conference.

Keynote speaker Nick Nanos of Nanos Research, political commentator on CTV addressed the assembly about the recent federal elections and the role of municipal government as the single level that affects citizens on a daily basis.  Nanos said that citizens want to feel that they are actually noticed when they come into City Hall.  They should be recognized and acknowledged, Nanos said, an experience they don’t expect from higher levels of government.

Chatting about politics with pollster Nick Nanos

I was fortunate to be able to ask Nanos about the federal election results in Quebec.  “Didn’t Quebecers dump the Bloc Québécois in favour of the NDP because they were fed up with endless chatter about sovereignty?  Weren’t they looking for something new?” I asked. “So why is Jack Layton talking about extending Bill 101 language laws to the federal level and why is he boasting that 50% plus one is enough to separate Quebec from Canada in defiance of the Clarity Act? Did we simply replace Jack and Gilles?”

Nanos responded that the NDP ought to be careful sounding like something they’re not and that Layton will lose credibility across Canada if he only works to protect his Quebec seats with comments not in sync with the Rest of Canada. He is at risk of being a one term opposition leader if he only works to protect his Quebec seats at the peril of the other provinces. 

Young and dynamic Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary presented a session on social media and municipalities.  Nenshi said, “Our job is to learn from citizens. You need to have a conversation with them.”  He spoke about his experiences involving thousands of Calgarians through such sites as Facebook and Twitter, while his session was webcast, and questions came in via Twitter.

Evening floating bus tour with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Later in the day I sat next to Mayor Nenshi on an a tour of Halifax and the harbour aboard a vintage WWII amphibious bus/boat. The personable and humorous mayor was very active on his Iphone which he admitted he only acquired six months prior to his election last fall.

 

Mayors and Councillors rubbed shoulders late into the night, a unique opportunity to meet colleagues from coast to coast and compare notes from city to city. Best practices, innovative ideas, notes on potential suppliers of specialized equipment are shared and discussed.  A great opportunity to bring back ideas, big and small.

 

Mayor Maria Tutino of Baie D'Urfee , CSL Director General Tanya Abramovitch, Beaconsfield Mayor David Pollack, CSL Councillor Ruth Kovac, Kirkland Mayor John Meenie and me

Interesting encounters at the FCM

The annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference was more than sitting through hours of meetings, seminars, guest lectures and reading through miles of documents on municipal infrastructure, environment, finance rules, collective transport, crime prevention and so much more.  The best part was meeting interesting folks from across this great country.  Mayors and Councillors from towns and cities, large and small, each have experiences, success stories and advice galore that they are more than willing to share.       

Councillors Glenn J. Nashen, Dida Berku and Sam Goldbloom meet with NDP leader Jack Layton

The City of Edmonton hosted a reception to familiarize elected officials with their beautiful city and to brag about their upcoming Expo 2017.  City Councillor Karen Leibovici welcomed us and mentioned that she grew up in Montreal and her parents still live in Cote Saint-Luc!

L-R: M. Jacques Kincler, Councillors Sam Goldbloom Karen Leibovici, Dida Berku, Glenn J. Nashen, Mayor Karina Pillay-Kinnee and (front) Councillor Allan J. Levine

A short 5 hour drive north of Edmonton is Slave Lake, Alberta. where Karina Pillay-Kinnee serves as their delightful mayor.  Karina explained that her council meets three Mondays each month and that almost all discussions take place in public, a rarity for most municipal councils.  Slave Lake is home to about 6,000 people.       

Councillors Sam Goldbloom, Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac are welcomed to City Hall by Toronto Mayor David Miller

A reception was held at the Hockey Hall of Fame where legendary hockey great Johnny Bower dropped in to pose with an excited group of municipal officials, next to the Stanley Cup.  Bower was a star for 13 seasons and played for the Toronto Maple Leafs among others.  It was my first visit to the Hall of Fame and it was quite evident that no matter what city or town any of us came from in Canada, Hockey was definately a national priority!      

Hockey enthusiast and City Councillor Ruth Kovac meets with Hockey legend Johnny Bower

There was a chance to discuss a few issues among neighbours from the Borough of Cote-des-Neiges-NDG.  Wouldn’t it be mighty neighbourly for the borough to make some improvements along Van Horne to allow West End traffic to more efficiently access Decarie by unblocking some of the new left turn restrictions and by paving the road?       

CDN-NDG Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum and CSL City Councillor Dida Berku Councillors Ruth Kovac and Glenn J. Nashen with CDN-NDG Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum

The Cote Saint-Luc reps helped re-elect Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin to the Quebec Caucus of the FCM.  Claude will be joined by St-Laurent Borough Councillor Maurice Cohen, Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau and several others at representing Quebec municipalities at the FCM national level.       

Councillors Glenn J. Nashen, Mike Cohen, Ruth Kovac and Sam Goldbloom meet with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson (centre)

All in all it was an excellent conference and valuable opportunity that will prove beneficial to Cote Saint-Luc and cities across this great nation.  Au revoir from Toronto.       

CSL Councillor Glenn J. Nashen with Mayor Anthony Housefather

Mayor Anthony Housefather with former Councillor Richard Schwartz

Councillor Sam Goldbloom at Toronto City Hall

Councillor Allan Levine at Hockey Hall of Fame

NDP leader Jack Layton with Councillor Dida Berku

Olympian wows mayors and councillors

Mark Tewksbury, Canadian Olympic Medalist in swimming and great humanitarian wowed a packed audience of mayors and councillors from across Canada at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Toronto.  Tewksbury’s message was that stronger cities build stronger communities which ultimately build a stronger Canada. 

Olympian Mark Tewksbury motivates a crowd of elected officials

The Olympian brought three medals – bronze, silver and gold and actually allowed them to be passed around the large hall. He said that Canada helped him to win them so he wanted to share them with mayors and councillors who build the arenas and sports complexes that create Olympians. 

Tewksbury said that the mission of municipal leaders was not unlike that of Olympic athletes.  Creating an environment for leadership and a legacy to inspire future generations is paramount in the quest for successful towns and cities. 

“FCM signifies continuous improvement for our cities,” he said.  “Where are you going to be 10 years from now?   How will you raise the bar of performance,” he asked. 

Tewksbury went on to tell the story of his success and said that “magic can happen.” 

“ Tap into the passion that brought you to municipal politics in the first place,” Tewksbury said, “and go the extra distance.  Don’t believe in never. Don’t live in the past.  Stand firm on your values.  Never say never.  Life can contradict itself.  If not you then who?  Don’t give up.  Go the distance.  Become world-class.  Find partners.  Don’t work in silos.  Someone’s got to win – Why not you?”  

His words were prophetic, inspiring and magical.

1500 Mayors and Councillors meet in Toronto

This weekend I am attending the annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities along with mayors, councillors, reeves, wardens, aldermen and other elected officials at the municipal level of government from across Canada.  This is a unique opportunity to learn about and exchange on every possible issue affecting life and services in cities and towns, large and small, from coast to coast to coast. 

 

Cote Saint-Luc Councillors Ruth Kovac, Glenn J. Nashen and Sam Goldbloom await arrival of Prime Minister Stephen Harper

 

There are also delegations from municipalities around the globe.  This morning Councillors Ruth Kovac, Sam Goldbloom, Mike Cohen and I had the chance to chat with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia, Robert Doyle. 

 

 

Councillor Sam Goldbloom, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac

A highlight of the conference is the municipal expo where scores of exhibitors display services, products, equipment and ideas in use at cities all over.  It is  a chance to explore new possibilities, to modernize and upgrade our offering to residents and visitors.  I was particularly interested in learning about latest technologies to make streets brighter with LED lighting, safer with reflective markings for roads, crosswalks, and bike paths/routes and signage that is more visible.  Also, of interest are methods of communicating with residents en masse in case of large-scale emergencies and localized situations. 

PM Stephen Harper tells delegates municipal leaders are closest to the citizens and best able to provide direct services where they live

The best lecture of the day was related to web strategies to engage residents and visitors.  Beyond typical corporate websites, speakers from Nanaimo and Vancouver, British Columbia told delegates that progressive towns are already giving residents the ability to do much more than simply surf their site, from interactive business dealings with cities to social media strategies to market events and programs to geographically locating individual city offerings most proximal to the resident.  

My fellow Councillors and I hope to bring back many new ideas to Cote Saint-Luc.

CSL councillors bring Canadian unity to Ottawa, Suburban

Click: CSL-councillors-bring-canadian-unity-to-ottawa-suburban-1997-06-18