CSL Mayor’s Annual Report on the Financial Situation of the City

This week, Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather delivered his annual report on the 2012 Financial Situation of the city and the general orientations for 2013 and the three-year Capital Expenditures Program for 2013-2014-2015.

You can read the full document here.

As in previous years, the established priorities for the 2013 operating budget will continue to focus on quality services for the residents of the City.

The 2013 capital budget priorities will continue to be investments in our parks, aqueduct infrastructure and maintenance of roads/sidewalks with priority for those projects that are eligible for government grant programs.

I am particularly pleased that we will invest in our parks and playgrounds, many of which have not been renovated in a generation.  As our priority continues to be to attract young families to CSL, attention to our facilities most used by youngsters is very important.  The popularity of the Aquatics and Community Centre proves the demand for these services is there.  The creation of Imagination Park has been a tremendous addition to our parks and playground rejuvenation plan with major expansion projects just ahead.

 

Imagination Park opens late, on budget

 

 

Isaac Olson, August 28, 2012

Free Press

Côte St. Luc’s Imagination Park and new café in the adjacent Aquatic and Community Centre (ACC) were officially opened August 19, with features such as electronic games for kids, WiFi access, terrace-style seating and a fire pit.

Six-year-old Jordan Merovitz was busy checking out the new play structures, be it an interactive electronic balancing game or the more traditional swings in the futuristic-looking playground located in behind the ACC on Parkhaven Ave. Centennial Park, he said, is his favourite CSL park and although at first glance the Imagination Park’s new structures seem a “little weird,” overall, he gave it a rating of “good.” His mother, Karen Merovitz, said her four-and six-year-old children could make good use of the play structures and she appreciates the soft rubber ground surface rather than sand. The park lacks baby swings, though, which would be good for her 16-month-old daughter.

Lisa and David Zlotnick said they appreciate having such a full-service public centre right in the city. From the indoor and outdoor pool, to the gym and even the library annex, they said their four children have plenty to do. The couple grew up in CSL, but has lived in Israel for the last four years. When coming back this summer to visit, they both agreed the centre was a very exciting discovery and they have been taking full advantage it. “The centre really impressed me so far,” said David Zlotnick. “You can really see the thought that has gone into this.”

While the kids’ play area is a worthwhile investment, men’s group members Jack Herscovici and Michael Piasky said the centre has been lacking a café and, overall, a more senior-friendly atmosphere. The café, with indoor and outdoor seating, is offering a full-line of sandwiches, beverages and desserts but Herscovici said as nice as everything is, the playground is finally opening only as the summer season draws to an end for local kids.

The park was slated to open in mid- July, but the project was delayed. Mayor Anthony Housefather wrote in an email: “We wanted to complete it properly so there was no concern that the park opened at the end of August.” The city worked to come up with an innovative concept, he said, and worked closely with third-party contractors to ensure it was constructed “according to our specifications.  “I think the park is a wonderful and innovative addition to a complex that I am proud of,” the mayor concluded.

David Taveroff, the director of Parks and Recreation, said construction of the park will most likely be slightly under the $350,000 budget originally set by the city council, though the numbers are still being crunched. This capital budget expense is part of the annual investment the city allots to developing parks, he explained, and, this year, the city is also investing in Fyon Park. The $350,000 investment is different from that published in councillor Glenn Nashen’s “CSL Corner” column on February 14 of this year. Taveroff said the $600,000 mentioned in Nashen’s article was an error as the budget has always been $350,000.

 

 

Message in the Free Press

August 2012 – It’s been a great summer so far

What an incredible summer this has been. Hot, sunny, long days brings us outdoors to enjoy walking, cycling, car rides and fun at the parks and pools. That’s the good part. But we must also contend with new, less experienced drivers and fast cars, worried parents, young children playing out front and older kids hanging out in and around parks late into the night.

The rules of the road and municipal regulations must be obeyed if we are all to live together as a happy, small community. For those not so happy among us, a call may be necessary to police for speeding issues while Public Security is available to enforce many non-moving city bylaws. Our Public Safety divisions, including Public Security, EMS and vCOP are out and about for your protection together with the Island of Montreal Police.

A shuttle service to the hospital sector is a priority for the Transportation committee and we are studying possibilities in consultation with the CLSC, hospitals, Montreal Transit and other interested bodies. We want to find ways to make public transportation more desirable, convenient and cost-effective for our residents while easing congestion on the roads.

Meanwhile, traffic calming is an ongoing concern. We have analyzed nearly every street in the city and have taken action on the most problematic roadways with positive results. We certainly cannot alter every street and parents have to play their part in setting expectations with their children who drive around town otherwise the police will intervene leading to demerit points and hefty fines.

The unique and exciting Imagination Park is set to open on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 19) at 5pm behind the Aquatic and Community Centre on Parkhaven. Come join us to see for yourself and be sure to bring the kids!

With the provincial election underway we must be outspoken in protecting our English-language rights and institutions. As a bilingual municipality our philosophy is to show respect for both of Canada’s official languages.

My blog and tweets are an unparalleled means of keeping you informed on very local issues. “Nashen Notes” is easy to find. Click “subscribe” and you’re all set to get breaking news, local opinion, public safety information and media clips from Cote Saint-Luc.

Finally, I launched a Photo of the Week challenge on my blog whereby I hope to post one picture a week for at least 52 weeks, each one somehow pertaining to life in Cote Saint-Luc. I’ll take lots of shots myself but I can use your help so grab your iPhone or DSLR and snap a couple for Nashen Notes. Send it to me in medium resolution with your title and description and I’ll post the best one each weekend.

Enjoy the summer and stay safe.

Glenn J. Nashen is the City Councillor of District 6 and is responsible for Public Safety and Transportation in Cote Saint-Luc. Visit http://www.GlennJ.Nashen.com.

Inauguration of Imagination Park on Sunday, August 19, 2012

Imagination Park

The City of Côte Saint-Luc will inaugurate Imagination Park, which is adjacent to the Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave.) on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 5 pm.

 

Côte Saint-Luc spent $350,000 to landscape Imagination Park and to install play equipment, urban furniture, picnic tables, a fire pit, LED lighting and more.

 

“We wanted this new park to become a destination for residents,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “We used the principles of placemaking from the very start to create a place where people will want to come to see other people. People will be drawn to the park because of the features of the park itself—such as the fire pit—but also because it is connected to the new Café Aqua, the Parkhaven Outdoor Pool and the Aquatic and Community Centre.”

 

Imagination Park also includes computer-enhanced playground equipment on top of a rubber surface, an open space for gatherings, and a terrace.

 

Imagination Park can be accessed via Trinity Ave., Glenarden Ave., Fairside Ave., or through the atrium of the Aquatic and Community Centre.

 

Côte Saint-Luc is only one of three cites in Quebec with the new computer-enhanced playground equipment. Manufactured by the German company Kompan, the Icon playground equipment includes lights and other interactive features that will appeal to kids and adults.

Imagination Park construction progressing quickly

Work is progressing at a rapid pace at Cote Saint-Luc’s soon-t0-be-opened Imagination Park.  This park will feature play structures not seen anywhere in the City along with a natural gas fireplace to enjoy the outdoors during cooler temperatures in Fall and Spring.

Located behind the Aquatic and Community Centre and beside the outdoor swimming pool this playground will be equipped for the 2-5 year olds as well as the 6-12 age group.

Cote Saint-Luc continues to invest in its infrastructural to attract young and growing families.  Also in the area (in District 6) the Caldwell Tennis Courts were recently refinished.  All these facilities are along the CSL Cycles route on Mackle Road.

Imagination Park will open in mid-July, just a couple of weeks away.

Work is progressing as Imagination Park’s opening is just a few weeks away

Read more about Imagination Park

CSL Corner – District 6 Report (The Free Press)

CSL Corner: Lots going on in District 6

by Councillor Glenn J. Nashen

The Free Press, February 15, 2012

District 6 is not only the geographic centre of the City of Côte Saint-Luc, but has become a major hub of activity with recreation facilities, education possibilities and development opportunities.

The new Aquatic and Community Centre (ACC) on Parkhaven Avenue is midway through its highly successful inaugural year.  The Wagar Tennis Courts on Caldwell Avenue are receiving a total upgrade this year.  And this summer the most exciting and innovative park in the west end will open behind the ACC. Imagination Park, the first new Côte Saint-Luc park of the 21^st century, is a $600,000 investment and will be a major attraction for local residents as well as users of the outdoor pool, gymnasium and ACC.

A task force has been appointed to propose the launch of a new mainstream, English-language public high school at the EMSB’s Giovanni Palatucci Facility on Parkhaven Avenue.  Once home to Wagar High School, the site is ideally located to offer Côte Saint-Luc and west end residents a high calibre, affordable educational option.

The Griffith-McConnell Residence, also on Parkhaven Avenue, closed down last year and was recently sold to new owners. What does the future hold for this valuable site? Only time will tell.

Also, the volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOP) and Emergency Medical Services rely on the generosity of our volunteers who serve our community with great dedication. VCOP is now recruiting for its spring class of new patrollers and EMS will follow this summer. For more info visit CoteSaintLuc.org or call 514-485-6800.

I am working with the Transportation Committee to expand the CSL Cycles network.  Our goal this year is to connect to our neighbouring municipalities.

Please follow my tweets (@GlennJNashen) on local issues and public safety announcements and subscribe to my blog for very local news and views at www.GlennJ.Nashen.com.

Glenn J. Nashen is city councillor for District 6 and responsible for Public Safety and Transportation.

Imagination Park takes a giant step forward

The most exciting and innovative park in a generation took a step closer to realization this week as City Council awarded over $600,000 for the construction of the first new park to be built in the 21st century in Cote Saint-Luc.

Known as “Imagination Park“, it will be built beside the new Aquatic and Community Centre and will serve local residents as well as patrons of the centre, the gym and the outdoor pool.

Imagination Park will be extraordinary, unlike anything seen in Cote Saint-Luc before, featuring interactive light and sound equipment that can be played alone, or in groups, and all year-long.

A fire pit will provide year round warmth – another first in CSL parks.

I will keep residents updated on the progress of this exciting addition to District 6.

The Free Press, Jan. 31, 2012

The Suburban, Feb. 1, 2012

New park for district 6

Housefather eyes Cavendish extension, local programming and much more in 2012