May 1, 2013
Health, Urban Planning Anthony Housefather, Community gardening, Dida Berku, Tanya Abramovitch, Urban agriculture Leave a comment
Last week the City of Cote Saint-Luc launched its urban agriculture initiative. Un aperçu général de l’agriculture urbaine dans la ville de Côte Saint-Luc. Presented by Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillor Dida Berku and City Manager Tanya Abramovich.
April 24, 2013
Environment, Events, Health, News clip, Published Opinion, Quebec, Urban Planning Anthony Housefather, CSL Grown, food charter, Tanya Abramovitch, Todmorden, Urban agriculture Leave a comment
English: A small urban agriculture project in Amsterdam (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Côte-Saint-Luc project aims to connect people with their food – and with each other
BY ANTHONY HOUSEFATHER AND TANYA ABRAMOVITCH, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE
APRIL 23, 2013
MONTREAL – Imagine strolling through a park and plucking a ripe fruit off a tree as you pass by. In the not-too-distant future, this will be reality in the city of Côte-Saint-Luc. In the years to come, however, it will probably be a common sight in most cities across North America. Even in climates like ours.
Edible landscaping is just one element of urban agriculture, which is the practice of growing food in or around a city. On Thursday of last week, Côte-Saint-Luc launched its urban-agriculture initiative, which we’ve dubbed Côte-Saint-Luc Grown.
Our goal is to better connect people with their food, and also with one another. Food is one language that everyone has in common, and therefore activities that revolve around it are especially useful in growing not just healthy people, but healthy communities. Unlike other levels of government, municipalities have a unique opportunity to help shape and improve the habits of their residents because we interact with them on a daily basis. We provide recreational activities — and now in Côte-Saint-Luc we will be providing nutritional ones as well.
While we may be first in Quebec to adopt a Food Charter and a comprehensive urban-agriculture program, we are not pioneers. We are following in the footsteps of San Francisco, Toronto, New York and Todmorden, a village of 17,000 in the United Kingdom. Pam Warhurst co-founded Incredible Edible Todmorden, a food partnership that encourages community engagement through local growing. Watch her TED Talk presentation at Ted.com and you’ll understand how urban agriculture can have profound and positive effects on a community of any size.
Accessible to all, urban agriculture is the epitome of resilience and sustainability. Anyone, young or old, can participate and reap its numerous benefits, most importantly improved health and wellness, food cost savings, and social interaction. The environmental benefits and economic benefits are also significant.
During the Second World War, 40 per cent of what people ate was grown in their backyards; there is no reason we cannot attain that figure again. Municipalities can support urban agriculture by providing access to land, offering gardening courses, planting edible landscapes, and encouraging farmers’ markets, among other things. In Côte-Saint-Luc, we will be doing all these things and more in 2013.
Somewhere along the line, widespread knowledge about planting and gardening was lost. Things our great-grandparents knew about growing tomatoes or basil didn’t make to our generation. Cities can re-establish that lost knowledge, and make sure locally grown fruits and vegetables are part of our future. Cities needn’t be the size of Toronto to embark in urban agriculture; they just need to recognize its value to the communities of not just today, but tomorrow as well.
For more information, visit CSLGrown.org.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
April 18, 2013
Environment, Health, Press Release, News clip Anthony Housefather, Tanya Abramovitch, Farmers Market, Urban agriculture 2 Comments
Urban agriculture is the practice of growing food in or around a city. The Côte Saint-Luc Grown urban agriculture action plan announced at a press conference at City Hall includes the creation of a demonstration garden behind the City Hall/Library complex to teach gardening skills to adults and children, edible landscaping on city property, new community gardens, a farmers’ market, and the distribution of food boxes.
“The goal is to entice and empower our residents to take an active role in the growing of their own food to make them more knowledgeable and savvy food consumers, and hopefully, healthier overall,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “In a short time, we have put together programming that will help contribute to personal and community wellness, now and for the future.”
In addition to the action plan, Côte Saint-Luc also unveiled its food charter, which is a statement of values and principles to guide the food policy. The goals of the food charter are wellness, the creation of great places, community building, food security, the joy of growing food, sustainability and more.
The action plan and food charter are available at CSLGrown.org.
“Over the coming weeks and months, residents of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in urban agriculture, in whatever ways suits their lifestyle,” Mayor Housefather said. “They can sign up for a space in one of our new community gardens or plant their own backyard or balcony garden. They can participate in gardening classes at the library or learn at the demonstration garden. People can shop at the Côte Saint-Luc farmers’ market, or sign up to get a food basket, and more.”
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Chicago have already embraced urban agriculture.
“There has been a rising concern about where our food comes from over the last few years, which has led people to get more engaged with what they eat,” said City Manager Tanya Abramovitch. “Urban agriculture is not a passing fad, but rather something that more and more urbanites are demanding. It is the future. Côte Saint-Luc City Council recognized this reality and mandated me to make Côte Saint-Luc a leader in urban agriculture.”
In February, Côte Saint-Luc launched a survey to gauge interest for a farmers’ market. More than 700 people responded to the survey and the city’s Facebook post on the subject received the most likes, shares, and positive comments of any item the city has ever posted.
Watch more on CTV News
L’agriculture urbaine est la pratique qui consiste à produire des aliments en ville et dans les environs. Annoncé lors d’une conférence de presse qui avait lieu à l’hôtel de ville, le plan d’action pour l’agriculture urbaine Cultivé à Côte Saint-Luc comporte plusieurs volets, comme la création d’un jardin de démonstration derrière le complexe de l’hôtel de ville et de la bibliothèque pour l’enseignement des techniques de jardinage aux adultes et aux enfants, les paysages comestibles dans les espaces publics, de nouveaux jardins communautaires, un marché public, et la distribution de paniers de produits alimentaires locaux.
« L’objectif est d’inciter nos résidants à jouer un rôle actif dans la production de leurs propres aliments et de les aider à le faire afin qu’ils soient mieux renseignés et plus avisés pour faire des choix alimentaires sains et, nous l’espérons, améliorer leur santé en général, a dit le maire Anthony Housefather. En peu de temps, nous avons préparé une programmation qui contribuera au bien-être personnel et communautaire. »
En plus du plan d’action, Côte Saint-Luc a également dévoilé sa Charte alimentaire dans laquelle sont énoncés les valeurs et les principes servant à orienter la politique alimentaire. Les objectifs de la Charte alimentaire sont, notamment, le mieux-être, la création de lieux agréables, le renforcement de la communauté, la sécurité alimentaire, le plaisir du jardinage, et le soutien d’une culture axée sur la durabilité.
On peut consulter le plan d’action et la charte alimentaire à CultiveaCSL.org.
« Dans les semaines et les mois à venir, les résidants de tous âges auront la possibilité de participer à l’agriculture urbaine, de la manière qui convient le mieux à leur style de vie, a ajouté le maire Housefather. Ils pourront réserver un espace dans un de nos jardins communautaires ou aménager un potager dans leur cour ou sur leur balcon. Ils pourront suivre des cours de jardinage à la bibliothèque ou assister à des ateliers au jardin de démonstration. Les gens pourront aussi venir acheter des produits au marché public ou s’inscrire pour obtenir un panier de provisions, et plus encore. »
D’autres villes comme Toronto, Vancouver et Chicago ont déjà adopté l’agriculture urbaine.
« Depuis quelques années, on s’inquiète de plus en plus de la provenance de nos aliments, ce qui incite les gens à s’intéresser davantage à ce qu’ils mangent, a souligné la directrice générale Tanya Abramovitch. L’agriculture urbaine n’est pas une mode passagère, c’est vraiment quelque chose que de plus en plus de citadins réclament. C’est l’avenir. Le conseil municipal a compris cette réalité et il m’a demandé de faire de Côte Saint-Luc un chef de file en matière d’agriculture urbaine. »
En février, Côte Saint-Luc a entrepris un sondage pour évaluer l’intérêt que pouvait susciter un marché public. Plus de 700 personnes ont répondu au sondage, et le message Facebook sur le sujet a reçu plus de « J’aime », de « Partager » et de commentaires positifs que toutes les nouvelles affichées par la Ville jusqu’ici.
February 19, 2013
Ambulance, EMS, Fire, Paramedics, Safety Anthony Housefather, Emergency medical services, Tanya Abramovitch, Urgences Santé Leave a comment
I regularly report on the incredible, life-saving efforts of our Cote Saint-Luc Emergency Medical Services volunteers. We cannot thank these fine young women and men enough for their countless acts of bravery and dedication to our residents and visitors.
At this week’s EMS membership meeting I was pleased to join Mayor Anthony Housefather and City Manager Tanya Abramovitch in passing on the appreciation of all Cote Saint-Lucers.
A few members were singled out for saving lives including Anthony G, and Robert R, as mentioned on this blog a few weeks ago. Also recognized were Sergey A, Audrey M, Cassandre D for assisting in a birth at home.
EMS volunteers are trained in basic life support however some have climbed the ranks within the medical profession and continue to apply their skills. Even those working as Urgences Santé paramedics or those in medical school continue on as volunteer first responders.
For more information on CSL EMS or to join, please visit their site. And, when you see the EMS white trucks and crews passing by please give a friendly wave and let them know how much you appreciate them always being at the ready to respond to the next emergency.
March 16, 2012
Health, Montreal, News clip, Recreation, Traffic / Parking, Urban Planning Anthony Housefather, Cavendish Extension, Cote-des-Neiges-NDG, Dida Berku, English Montreal School Board, Lawrence Bergman, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
Anthony Housefather: CSL Corner
The Free Press – February 28, 2012
A full range of activities at our aquatic centre
The Aquatic and Community Centre (ACC) has now been operating for six months and it is a busy and exciting place. Côte St. Luc residents by the hundreds are using the facility every day and for those residents who have not yet visited the building. I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Our swim team and masters team programs are operating full throttle and water polo and synchronized swimming programs are continuing to develop. Swimming lessons are full to capacity and our seniors clubs have moved into the building and are enjoying their new space. The fitness centre is being well used, and the art and dance studios and auxiliary library are much appreciated. That being said, the facility is still not finished. We are continuing to finalize furnishings, waiting to open the café and ironing out maintenance issues. We have taken full notice of all comments we have received and are working to make the building a showcase for the community.
Tanya Abramovitch, our city manager, and I are currently serving on a task force set up by the English Montreal School Board to determine what type of high school would be best suited to the Giovanni Palatucci Facility across from the ACC. Together with the EMSB commissioners and staff, I am confident we will come up with a format that will be attractive to West End parents and will succeed in giving Côte St. Luc residents a public high school option. The goal would be to have the school open in the fall of 2013. This is a priority for the Côte St. Luc council and we took note that the 2011 census numbers have demonstrated again that we are one of the fastest growing communities on the island of Montreal. Only Kirkland and TMR grew faster between 2006 and 2011.
Finally, Councillor Dida Berku and I are continuing to work with our local MNA Lawrence Bergman (D’Arcy McGee) and other mayors on pushing forward the timing of the Cavendish extension that has been discussed for the last half century. This is the most important missing link in the Montreal road network and we need this project to come to fruition sooner rather than later, particularly with the plans the CDN-NDG borough has for construction on the Blue Bonnets site.
Anthony Housefather is the mayor of Côte St. Luc. He can be reached by e-mail at: ahousefather@cotesaintluc.org.
August 31, 2011
Canada, District 6, Events, Finance, Health, Historical, News clip, Recreation, Urban Planning Anthony Housefather, community centre, Frederick Kisch, Irwin Cotler, Judith Seidman, Lawrence Bergman, Royal Canadian Legion, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
A dream come true in Côte St. Luc
Long-awaited Aquatic and Community Centre opens Sept. 6
By Joel Goldenberg, Suburban Newspapers, Aug. 31, 2011
Indoor pools and sufficient space for local community groups have been long time goals for successive Côte St. Luc councils, and after decades of wishes and hopes, the new Aquatic and Community Centre has finally come to fruition.
The new facility, which will officially open for business Sept. 6, came about with the help of the federal and Quebec governments. Each provided about a third of the cost of the $18 million centre, with the city providing the rest.
Some of the many notable facilities in the centre are two swimming pools — a 1.1 metre-deep pool for general use by the public and another, especially large — 10-lane and 2.6 metre-deep — pool for competitive swimming. There is also a large area, fully wired for sound, where groups like the Côte St. Luc Senior Social Club and Senior Men’s Club can meet, and where special events such as weddings can be held, which will also bring back revenue to the city.
A large crowd was on hand for a ribbon cutting and open house Sunday, presided over by Mayor Anthony Housefather. Also on hand were members of Côte St. Luc council, Senator Judith Seidman, Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler, D’Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman, Côte St. Luc staff, former mayors Bernard Lang and Robert Libman, and representatives of sports associations.
“At one time, this building was just a dream,” Housefather said. “It was something the founders of Côte St. Luc one day contemplated…. One of the goals of our city council was to have a place in this community that gathers every generation, a place where people will look and say ‘I want to move back to Côte St. Luc.’”
Seidman, representing the federal government, said the centre “is the culmination of so much hard work and dedication on the part of so many, especially the efforts of you in Côte St. Luc.
“This type of facility is necessary to the vitality of community life.”
Cotler said Sunday’s event was “a celebration in every sense of the word.
“I think Anthony Housefather said it best — this is the realization of a dream, and that will make this centre a crown jewel for Côte St. Luc,” the MP said. “It will have a transformative impact on the people in Côte St. Luc.”
Bergman also welcomed the centre on behalf of the Quebec government, and joked that he “bothered” Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Laurent Lessard “so much” to help fund the project.
Not long before Sunday’s ceremony, The Suburban was taken on an extensive tour of the centre by the very enthusiastic city manager Tanya Abramovitch and David Taveroff, director of parks and recreation. Taveroff pointed out that construction began Oct. 29, 2010 and was completed on time “and on budget.
“Before we started construction, we visited some newer facilities, older facilities, off island and even Gatineau,” he added. “We were trying to be inspired, and in some cases not inspired, by what we saw.”
The tour began just outside, where visitors are greeted by what Abramovitch explained are “the walking fish,” an artwork. “I love them, and kids will love them,” she said. “They’re so cute and whimsical.”
Other sights of note in the wi-fi-connected building were the mezzanine, which offers a spectacular overlooking view of Maimonides Park, close to the site of a future terrasse; the auxiliary library which has the look of an airport bookstore; parking areas for strollers, a family locker room which includes wider lockers and a water extractor to dry out wet bathing suits; and an office for the Brigadier Frederick Kisch Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Taveroff added that the temperature can be adjusted for each pool, providing warmer water for seniors’ aqua activities, and cooler water for competition. He also said that more room was wanted for competitive swimming and that the 10-lane pool is unique to Côte St. Luc. That amount of lanes was needed for competition using eight lanes.
The upper level includes the wired-for-sound multi-purpose room for local club meetings such as speeches and special events like a wedding, bar-mitzvah or business conference, adjustable according to the capacity and nature of the event, with an advanced audio/visual system; and a separate senior’s club lounge with items like a refrigerator and microwave oven, and room to play cards and watch TV; a teen/senior lounge (depending on time of day) with games, bean bag seats and a very large-screen TV, and an exercise room with state-of-the-art equipment which looks onto the pool area.
“In this building, there is always flexibility of space,” Abramovitch said.
June 3, 2011
Canada, Events, Language, Quebec Bill 101, Bloc Québécois, Clarity Act, Darryl Dexter, David Pollack, Facebook, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Halifax, Jack Layton, John Meenie, Maria Tutino, Naheed Nenshi, Nanos Research, NDP, Nova Scotia, Ruth Kovac, Tanya Abramovitch, Twitter Leave a comment
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.
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
April 25, 2011
Fire, Merger/Demerger, Montreal, Safety Dida Berku, Fire department, Jordy Reichson, Ruth Kovac, Serge Tremblay, Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
Councillors Dida Berku and Glenn J. Nashen with Fire Department Director Serge Tremblay
In my capacity of City Councillor responsible for Public Safety I recently had the opportunity to welcome Montreal Fire Department Director Serge Tremblay to City Hall.
Joining me in this informative and productive meeting were Councillors Ruth Kovac, Dida Berku, Public Safety Director Jordy Reichson and City Manager Tanya Abramovitch.
Foremost on my mind was to dramatically improve fire inspections in our city. In pre-merger Cote Saint-Luc there were 1800 inspections each year. CSL firefighters were involved in carrying out inspections nearly every day of the year in homes and highrises, commercial centres, religious establishments and schools. No facility was left uninspected and high traffic places of gathering were verified as frequently as every single week!
The 2002 merger dismantled the CSL FD into the new, enlarged Montreal FD, with their island-wide, powerful union. Inspections in our City fell to practically nil (around 80 post inspections to be fair). Unfortunately, the demerger law did not permit reconstituted city’s to regain their fire departments.
Nearly 10 years later the situation with inspections is still rather dismal. The fact that firefighters have been without a contract and on a limited work-to-rule campaign for half of the last decade has not helped in stabilizing this awful record. This meeting provided us with the opportunity to voice our great dissatisfaction. Our dialogue was received loud and clear and we are hopeful that Director Tremblay will make the long-overdue changes to increase inspections dramatically.
I also addressed the fact that the amalgamated Montreal Fire Department has had 10 years to create their new website yet there is still not a word in English to be found there – it is totally in French only. I told the director that this is simply unacceptable to us as an officially bilingual city and to the thousands of Montrealers who are English-speaking. As well, there is a great need for bilingual educational and promotional material. We will monitor this situation for signs of progress as well.
December 9, 2010
Events, Historical, Jewish Community, Public Works, Recreation, Safety Alvin Fishman, Bebe Newman, Ellen Smiley, Jewish Peretz & Peoples Schools, Jordy Reichson, JPPS, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
Mrs. Smiley’s Grade 5 class from Jewish Peretz and Peoples Schools visited Cote Saint-Luc City Hall as part of this year’s studies on municipal government and city services.
I was doubly pleased to officially welcome the class to City Hall and to introduce them to the civic system in CSL in my capacity as the City Councillor for District 6, responsible for Public Safety, and also as Nicole’s dad, one of the Grade 5 students.
I began with a history of our city dating back to the 1600s and showed archival photos from the 1800s and early 1900s. We fast-forwarded to 2010 and discussed all the modern services that we offer to our residents highlighting those of special interest to kids, such as sports facilities, parks and playgrounds, the library and of course, emergency services.
City Manager and Chief Librarian Tanya Abramovitch spoke about all the moms and dads and other people who work in all the city services. She then gave the class a tour of the Children’s Library, touted as one of the best in all of Quebec. Many kids from the class had never seen this library before and were excited by the interactive toys and the huge selection of books, movies, music and the kid-friendly decor.
The class learned all about public safety with Director Jordy Reichson. Jordy spoke about CSL’s unique all-volunteer EMS first responder service. Check out their lipdub just below this post for a cool musical intro to EMS. He discussed all the services you can reach when you call 911, but only if it’s a real emergency!
Bebe Newman, Public Works manager of Administration and Customer Services gave a presentation on all the aspects of her department that work behind the scenes, and out in plain view to keep the city functioning well in terms of facilities, grounds, roads, lights and so much more.
Alvin Fishman from Parks and Recreation gave a talk about sports teams, the new Aquatic and Community Centre slated to open next year, the arena and CSL’s Fun Card.
The class also had a rare visit to the Mayor’s private office where they took pictures looking quite mayoral. They sat at the Council table, speaking into the microphones, holding the gavel and snapping shots in front of the flags.
This was an exciting opportunity for JPPS grade 5 to learn, up close and personal, how local government functions and how services are provided.
On the way back to school we got to see some of the snow clearing crews actively engaged in battling the snowbanks!
Thanks to Regine Banon, CSL Communications Manager, for setting up the visit. I wish all of Mrs. Smiley’s students good luck as they continue in their learning about cities and I invite them to join CSL’s newest innovation for kids, the Junior Council, which will be launched in 2011. Thanks for visiting, boys and girls of Grade 5!
August 18, 2010
Events Ken Lerner, Nadia Di Furia, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
In 2007 Ken said, “As City Manager, I direct a team that provides the best services to the most people. I like the idea that the services we provide make life better for my neighbours.”
Ken was formerly assistant director of procedures and automation at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association representing more than 280 airlines. He helped implement a $1.4 billion cost-reduction across the airline industry. He was also the manager for sourcing, planning and supply at Lafarge North America. In addition, he served as the corporate material manager for Velan Engineering and cargo operations support and service manager for Canadian Airlines International.
I personally thank him for his loyal service and dedication to the City and wish him the very best in this next stage of his professional life.
The City Council has appointed Tanya Abramovitch as the new City Manager and Nadia Di Furia in the new position as Associate City Manager.
August 17, 2010
Events, Merger/Demerger, Press Release Anthony Housefather, Ken Lerner, Nadia Di Furia, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
Côte Saint-Luc announces new City Manager and Associate City Manager
Côte Saint-Luc, August 10, 2010 – At last evening’s monthly council meeting, the City Council of Côte Saint-Luc appointed Tanya Abramovitch as City Manager and Nadia Di Furia as Associate City Manager.
“Tanya and Nadia bring strategic vision, youth, and strong administrative abilities to their respective roles,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “Each has shown outstanding initiative, sound judgment, and skills that make them ideal to lead our staff. They are also both in their 30s, which highlights the generational shift currently underway in our municipal government and across the city.”
The City Manager is the senior civil servant of the municipal government and works closely with the Mayor and City Council to establish the objectives of the city and to manage its daily operations. The Associate City Manager performs a similar function and works closely with the City Manager and Mayor and City Council.
Abramovitch began working in Côte Saint-Luc in 2001 as a reference librarian. She was appointed the Director of Library Services in May 2006. She has a Masters degree in history, and a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from McGill University.
“I’m looking forward to this challenge,” Abramovitch said. “I loved modernizing our public library during almost five years and I cannot wait do the same across the entire city government with the help of our staff.”
Di Furia started her career in 2005 in Côte Saint-Luc as a payroll clerk and, later, payroll manager in the Finance Department. She was appointed the Director of Human Resources in April 2007. She has a background in commerce.
“We have an excellent team around our senior management table and I’m looking forward to working with our team to implement the vision of the City Council,” Di Furia said.
Together with the appointments of Abramovitch and Di Furia, the city announced that former City Manager Ken Lerner, who was appointed to the job in March 2006 was leaving the city.
“Ken helped re-build our municipal government when Côte Saint-Luc demerged from Montreal and was re-constituted as an independent city on January 1, 2006,” Mayor Housefather said. “The City Council and I wish Ken all the best.”
Read it in the Suburban
March 22, 2010
Press Release audiobook, Cote Saint-Luc Public Library, Sam Goldbloom, Tanya Abramovitch Leave a comment
Côte Saint-Luc library first in Quebec to offer downloadable audiobooks
Côte Saint-Luc, March 22, 2010 – Members of the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library can now download audiobooks and listen to them with their computers or portable music players—without leaving home.
“We are moving with the times and responding to the needs and desires of patrons today,” said Tanya Abramovitch, Director of the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library. “We truly feel that this new downloadable audiobook service will be both enjoyable and convenient for our library patrons.”
More than 150 popular and award-winning audiobook titles of the most popular genres will be available for download on March 25 at 10am. More audiobook titles will be added later this year. The collection will be shared by members of the libraries of Côte Saint-Luc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Pointe Claire, and is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Côte Saint-Luc is the first of the cities to launch the service. Pointe Claire is expected to launch on April 23 and Dollard-des-Ormeaux will launch later this year.
Library members need the free Overdrive Media Console software for their Windows or Macintosh computer. Once that is installed, members can visit http://www.elcslpl.org to browse or search the downloadable audiobook collection, select one, and proceed to checkout—just as one would at an online store. Members then download a small file, which the Overdrive Media Console software uses to download the audiobook files. Members can play and organize the audiobooks from inside the software.
The audiobooks are in the MP3 or WMA file formats. All files can be played on a computer and most can be transferred to and played on portable audio players, such as the iPod or Zune. Some audiobooks can also be copied to a CD data disc. The MP3 and WMA files are protected with digital rights management (DRM), which allows users to listen to the file for a limited time. Once the files expire, they won’t work if you try to listen to them.
“The patron doesn’t have to do anything after the lending period,” said Councillor Sam Goldbloom, the council member responsible for the library. “The file checks itself back into the collection automatically and will be available for others to download. There is no chance of late fees.”
Library members can check out up to three downloadable audiobooks at a time and choose a 1-week or 2-week loan period.
“The age of the shiny disc is over,” said Sarah Topey, Manager of Adult Services. “Downloadable audio is how people buy audio nowadays and portable music devices, like the iPod, is how people prefer listening to audio. It makes sense for libraries to start distributing audiobooks to our members in this way too. This is the easiest and most convenient way ever to enjoy library audiobooks and just one more of the many new benefits members of the Eleanor London Côte Saint Luc Public Library can access. Make the library a part of your life. It’s all about the wonder of books, and we are dedicated to make them available every way we can.”
The library has approximately 4,500 audiobooks on CD cassette. Downloadable audiobooks are the next step in the evolution of audiobooks.
The Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library is located at 5851 Cavendish Blvd. and is open from 10am to 10pm every day. For more information, call the library at 514-485-6900 or visit www.elcslpl.org.
Click here to read the Gazette article
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