Pointe-Claire Record May 2024

The Pointe-Claire Record

An initiative of the Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association - www.pointeclaire.info

May – the Month of Sunshine, Blooming Flowers, and Endless Possibilities

Welcome to our May edition, and with summer coming up, we have all kinds of seasonal news. This month, our feature story is about Pointe-Claire’s Inspection – Public Security Department (ISP) and all the great work they do.

We are also continuing with our reader survey. This is your newspaper, and we feel you should have a voice. Please click the link below and tell us what you think.

The Pointe-Claire Record Reader Survey

This past month, PCCA held two terrific public events that were well attended. One was a tour of Microbrasserie Labrosse, and the other was a dog training event. We are also so proud to tell you about local community happenings, from the goings-on at the Pointe-Claire

City Council meetings, to events that support local organizations, and also subjects that are of interest to you.

Hopefully you like what you see in The Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association (PCCA) and The Pointe-Claire Record (PCR) so much that you want to get involved. We are looking for new executive members for PCCA and volunteer support staff for PCR. If you care about Pointe-Claire and building a stronger community, contact us to learn more.

Thank you very much for reading our paper. We look forward to hearing from all of you!

By Barry Christensen, President Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association

PCCA Hosts Labrosse Brewery Tour and Tasting

The Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association (PCCA) hosted a talk by Labrosse founder Troy Olynyk on April 23 at Microbrasserie Labrosse in Pointe-Claire.

As part of the PCCA Speaker Series, Olynyk provided an informative tour of the brewing area and an explanation of the brewing process. He also spoke about how he got started in microbrewing and the challenges facing the industry in Quebec.

There was an excellent turnout, with participants enjoying free samples of each beer on tap and receiving a special discount on a four-pack of Wicked Nor’easter to take home.

Microbrasserie Labrosse is a community-based brewery in the West Island that opened in February 2017. Their

beers can be purchased directly from their brewery and local craft beer specialty stores like Épicerie Prette in Pointe-Claire Village. Labrosse has a taproom and tercontinued on next page

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Labrosse (cont.)

race where patrons can enjoy fine beer and tasty fare. You can follow them on social media for regular social events like their Trivia Night. They also host private events.

On behalf of the PCCA and all those who attended, a big thank you to Troy Olynyk and his team for generously hosting this event.

By Daniel Guay

For the Love of Dog

On Saturday, May 11, as part of the Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association’s (PCCA) Speaker Series, 12 neighbours and their dogs met with Melodie Singer, a certified dog trainer, to learn more about the different aspects of dog training.

Singer, of Jazz Paws, spoke for about 40 minutes about her preferred method of training -- positive reinforcement -- how a dog learns and retains new skills and how to address training challenges.

Taking place in the backyard of a Valois resident, Singer went on to demonstrate some commands and how she

teaches them by breaking them down into small, easyto-understand tasks. Some of the dogs did not understand the assignment; they just played or sniffed each other. Others were good students. The humans were all very well-behaved, and a good time was had by all on this sunny Saturday afternoon.

On behalf of the PCCA and all those who attended, a big thank you to Melodie Singer and to Yazoo Pet Supplies for helping with our best friends.

By Caroline Speirs, Communications, Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association

Safety – Everyone’s Full-Time Job

The City of Pointe-Claire’s Inspection – Public Security Department (ISP) was founded in March 1993. Its mandate is to serve the residents of Pointe-Claire, provide additional security at special events, enforce bylaws, be a visible presence in the community, and increase the quality of life for residents. Working in cooperation with the police, the fire department, Pointe-Claire’s Volunteer Rescue Unit, and even the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec, Pointe-Claire’s ISP can help residents handle everything from a question about parking to enforcing the limitations of a building permit or handling an emergency.

Marc Tanguay began his job as Director of Inspection – Public Security in September 2018 after a distinguished 29-year career with Montreal’s SPVM. Serving out of precincts all over the island, he worked in police intervention, field training, operational planning, traffic coordination, and community policing. Describing himself as “very community-oriented,” Director Tanguay began his mandate by improving communications with the SPVM at Station 5 and the fire department at Fire Station 55 and is pleased with the increased level of interdepartmental cooperation.

to work with residents, merchants, and contractors to find sustainable solutions, rather than issue tickets. He said that “the Council designates the kind of public security they want.” The community-oriented approach endeavours to create bonds with the population on a daily basis so that people feel comfortable communicating with ISP when they witness a problem or simply need some friendly advice.

The Patrol Unit runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. It is made up of approximately 20 members, using a fleet of both marked and unmarked vehicles, with the latter being used to discreetly supervise construction zones or areas of potential concern. The inspectors of ISP are trained in-house but are also hired because of their wide range of experience in different fields such as police technology programs, CEGEP programs in municipal patrol, and the CEGEP Montmorency program for emergency dispatchers. The inspectors wear grey uniforms and drive vehicles which differentiates them from police officers.

Tanguay stressed that 80% of the work of ISP inspectors is similar to that of police work which includes vehicle and foot patrols, enforcement of municipal bylaws such as parking infractions, assisting the police and fire departments on emergency calls, and taking reports and testifying in court when needed. ISP inspectors prefer

The West Island Communication Centre is situated at ISP offices. A team of eight dispatchers works 24/7 to serve the communities of Pointe-Claire, Dorval, Kirkland, Baie D’Urfé, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Senneville, Montreal-West and the Borough of Ile Bizard –Ste-Geneviève. They offer a reassuring voice to over 100,000 of the island’s citizens, helping people to live in safe and peaceful communities.

ISP is unique in that it has a dedicated inspection unit, helping to coordinate with the Urban Planning and Engineering departments to ensure that work is being carried out according to the permits and plans issued. Made up of five full-time inspectors and two summer students, this department verifies the work carried out on thousands of permits and certificates issued yearly. They verify everything from the installation of heat pumps, propane tanks, decks and sheds, to major renovation or building projects. They also make certain that the character of Pointe-Claire is maintained by ensuring that the architectural particularities are respected in specific parts of the city, especially the two villages.

Public Security is responsible for the safety of the municipal infrastructure including buildings, chalets, and parks. They enforce bylaws relating to dogs, including licenses, off-leash dogs, and animal attacks. ISP inspectors are present at city council meetings, participate in certain special events, can often be seen on foot patrol in parks and commercial sectors, and are present on a daily basis in school zones. Being on foot patrol allows

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Public Security patch (photo by B. Christensen)

Safety (cont.)

the inspectors to bring what they learn to the city council; they do this by chatting with residents, merchants, parents, children, and others over the course of a day. Tanguay explains that “if we know something, we can be proactive.”

Director Tanguay also acts as president of PointeClaire’s traffic committee. Six times a year, members from Communications, ISP, Engineering, Public Works, Urban Planning, elected officials, and police from Station 5 discuss and evaluate traffic complaints to find viable solutions. The committee only has the power to make recommendations. It is the Pointe-Claire City Council that has the final say on whether actions are implemented. These actions must also conform to directives established by the Quebec Ministry of Transport – Tome V. Unfortunately, cities across Canada face the same issues such as speeding and reckless driving. They are constantly researching what is done in other locations worldwide to implement new ideas, but there are no miracle solutions. In the end, it is the person behind the steering wheel who must take responsibility for respecting the rules of the road. This also applies to cyclists and pedestrians.

To help raise awareness of the number one complaint –speeding – the city has eight mobile radar units as well as 26 fixed radar signs installed around the territory. It is important to mention that ISP inspectors are not mandated by law to intercept or sanction drivers for moving infractions such as speeding, running stop signs or red lights, reckless driving in school zones or parks, or not respecting crosswalks; these infractions must be reported to the police at Station 5

Tanguay spoke proudly about overseeing the PointeClaire Volunteer Rescue Unit (PCVRU), an organization with a 72-year history of providing various emergency services. Comprised of over 30 volunteers, they help support ISP by providing first responders for special events, performing search and rescue operations, and helping residents when natural disasters strike. The PCVRU can be summoned to support the personnel of ISP in case of emergency, increasing the number of people available to respond from 40 in ISP to 70 highly trained individuals.

When asked what he felt was the most important thing for Pointe-Claire residents to know about Pointe-

Claire’s Inspection – Public Security Department, Marc Tanguay couldn’t keep the earnestness out of his voice. “We’re there to assist the citizens. We want people to call us right away. We can always send someone to investigate.” Taking enormous pride in what he and his team offer, Director Tanguay wants residents to know that they can come to ISP offices or call at any time to report a concern, ask a question, or discuss their ideas on how they feel the community could be better served.

Pointe-Claire’s Inspection – Public Security Department can be reached by telephone at 514-630-1234 or by email at secpub@pointe-claire.ca. Find out more at https:// www.pointe-claire.ca/en/inspection-public-security/.

By Barry Christensen

Public Security - Director Marc Tanguay left, Senior Inspector Eric Rashed right (photo by B. Christensen)

Public Security vehicle (photo by B. Christensen)

Council Highlights for May 7th

Draft by-law may limit water consumption

A by-law introduced by Pointe-Claire City Council earlier this month could limit the amount of water residents could use for things like lawn sprinklers. The bylaw was introduced by council at a regular meeting on May 7.

In a social media post following the meeting, Councillor Brent Cowan elaborated on the reasons for the bylaw. “Council was not motivated to put forward this bylaw at this time solely because of its beneficial impact on the environment,” he wrote. “We are eligible for significant monetary grants worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to help finance our water infrastructure capital projects only if we have this by-law, or a very similar one, in effect.”

A similar by-law has existed in the City of Montreal for more than a decade.

Council will vote on the by-law at the next regular meeting in June.

City districts may be redrawn

Also at the May 7 meeting, council introduced a draft by-law that would redraw the city’s districts to accommodate its growing population.

Pointe-Claire’s population has been increasing steadily and continuously since the 1980s, including a jump of 6.7 per cent between 2016 and 2021. Since then, the city has had either eight or nine councillors, except during the merger period with Montreal. According to provincial law, the size of each district is determined by a formula that involves dividing the total number of electors in the city by the number of districts. Each district should have approximately the same number of potential voters, ensuring equitable representation for all electors.

The final district boundaries will be subject to input from residents.

New money to renovate Aquatic Centre, Belmont Avenue, sidewalk construction

Of the nearly one dozen contracts awarded at this month’s council meeting, two major contracts are for

the Aquatic Centre and Belmont Avenue.

More than $766,500 was awarded for the renovation of the locker rooms and offices at the Aquatic Centre.

During question period, one resident asked Mayor Tim Thomas if the renovations would include repairs to the saunas.

“Yes, and I gotta tell you, since I’ve become mayor, that’s probably one of the number one issues I’ve heard about,” he said.

Assistant City Manager Gilles Girouard confirmed the saunas would be part of the renovation. “Both projects are being merged into one, basically,” he said.

Other significant contracts awarded at this sitting include nearly $600,000 for resurfacing works and sidewalk construction on Belmont Avenue between Coolbreeze and Saddlewood and $688,700 for work on the roofs of the chalets at Cedar and Ovide parks.

By Ian Down, Journalist

CC Attribution 2.0 Generic license by indiewench

Par-dessus tout : le fleurdelysé?

Un citoyen a récemment demandé pourquoi le drapeau canadien, qui est exposé avec ceux du Québec et de Pointe-Claire dans la salle du conseil, n’occupe pas la position d’honneur au centre. En bref, la loi québécoise exige que le drapeau du Québec soit toujours arboré ou exposé à la position d’honneur.

Le drapeau du Québec, ou fleurdelysé, doit également être arboré sur tous les bâtiments gouvernementaux, y compris les hôtels de ville, les hôpitaux, les bibliothèques, les écoles et les commissions scolaires. En se dotant d’une loi d’une telle portée, le Québec fait figure d’exception. La Saskatchewan exige que son drapeau soit arboré devant les écoles et l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard interdit les utilisations non respectueuses de son

drapeau. Les autres provinces n'ont pas de loi ou ont

une loi qui spécifie simplement à quoi doit ressembler à leur drapeau. Même le Canada n’a pas de loi prescriptive qui traite de son drapeau. Il a des règles d’étiquette et des règles que ses propres bureaux gouvernementaux doivent respecter, mais il n’a pas de loi.

En 2002, le gouvernement péquiste a mis à jour la loi sur le fleurdelysé et a établi sa portée unique. Il s’agit proba-

blement d'une réaction aux sentiments exprimés par le

premier ministre Bernard Landry lors d’une interview à la radio : «J’ai beaucoup de respect pour le drapeau canadien», a déclaré Landry en réponse à une question du regretté Jean Lapierre au sujet de sa fameuse remarque sur «des bouts de chiffons rouges», «Mais je peux en voir 12 de la fenêtre de mon appartement à Québec !»

Le décret qui suit rééquilibre le visuel dans la ville de Québec et, bien sûr, partout ailleurs dans la province.

ment le gouvernement, les deux explications sont plutôt troublantes.

Tu as peut-être remarqué, comme moi, que le seul drapeau devant le poste de police de Pointe-Claire (PDQ 5) est celui du corps policier lui-même (SPVM). La police est absente de la liste apparemment exhaustive de la loi sur les drapeaux. De toutes les organisala police est la seule à ne pas être obligés par la loi de mettre en avant leur subordination à l’État ! La police, qui peut contraindre les citoyens par la force, même  la force létale, n’est donc pas tenue de rappeler quotidiennement qu’elle est responsable devant une autorité supérieure à la sienne ? Pourquoi cette omission ? S’agitelle d’un oubli ou le gouvernement hésite-t-il à imposer ce symbole d’obéissance à la police ? Si on pense que les symboles sont importants, comme le fait manifeste-

tions gouvernementales, soit provinciale ou municipale, manière cohérente. Mais cela pourrait bientôt changer,

Revenons à la question de la position d’honneur. La loi a, en fait, l’effet inverse de celui attendu, c’est-à-dire de promouvoir l’idée que le Québec a la préséance sur tous les autres gouvernements, y compris le gouvernement fédéral. Au lieu de cela, elle provoque la colère de ceux qui estiment que le Québec devrait reconnaître sa position de subordonné à l’autorité fédérale et elle sème la confusion chez tous les autres. Pourquoi sont-ils confondus ? Parce que, où que l’on aille, on passe tôt ou tard devant un regroupement de drapeaux où le drapeau canadien est à l’honneur. Puis, lorsqu’on passe devant une école ou un autre bâtiment des instances québécoise ou municipale, l’ordre des drapeaux pourrait être différent. Quelle en est la conséquence ? Pour l’observateur occasionnel, l’ordre des drapeaux ne doit pas être très important, ce qui diminue l’importance du drapeau en tant que symbole. Il devient une simple étiquette. Cela est d’autant plus vrai lorsque l’on constate que la loi québécoise sur les drapeaux, aussi ambitieuse soit-elle et cette dernière depuis 22 ans, n’est pas appliquée de car depuis février dernier, le ministre de la Langue française s’est vu confier la responsabilité de l’application de la loi ! Ce rôle sera-t-il délégué à l’Office québécoise de la langue française ? Restez à l’écoute des fans de sport. Par Brent Cowan, Conseiller pour District 8 - Oneida

Fleurdelisé - Photo par Guillaume Didelet, Unsplash

Building a More Inclusive Community

Growing up in the West Island, Allison Saunders spent much of her life working to fit into a homogeneous community not known or celebrated for its diversity. After the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, that changed. In June 2020, Saunders brought Take a Knee to Valois Park. She was inspired to bring the conversation to the West Island after attending the event in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

Saunders explains, “After attending the Take A Knee event in NDG, I recognized that there was no opportunity to take a public stand against racism and discrimination in the community I am raising my children in.” Her friend and neighbour Kathleen McAdams was also at the event. After discussions with McAdams, the pair decided to bring that spirit to Valois Park with West Island Takes a Knee.

For their Pointe-Claire friends and neighbours, it was about more than just standing against racism—it was about starting a dialogue in the community about the ways in which racial bias looks different here.

Take a Knee has been held annually in Valois Park ever since. Now, for its fifth edition, Saunders wants to change things up. Instead of a repeat of previous years, Saunders would like the community to come together in a new way to Take a Seat. Instead of gathering to listen, the goal is to encourage dialogue among neighbours.

Saunders is inviting you to a community picnic. “By sitting together, sharing a meal, and talking, we might strengthen

the bonds that connect us despite our differences.”

The event is scheduled for June 9, 2024, at Valois Park. The idea is simple, she says: “Bring a blanket, some lawn chairs, your family, and the willingness to have a meal and conversation with the other people who make up our community.”

There will be a designated area for open discussions on topics ranging from racial equality to accessibility and inclusion. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas with each other. As has been done for the last four years, Saunders is also encouraging you to bring donations for On Rock Community Services. It’s another way we can support our community.

The conversation that started back in 2020 is ongoing. While we have Take(n) a Knee, in some cases, we have also taken some steps backwards. We need to keep working towards equity for all members of our community, but the path to equity starts with conversations between neighbours.

By coming together at Take a Seat 2024, Allison Saunders hopes the community can continue to dismantle the barriers that divide us, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. It’s a small step, but it’s in the right direction—towards a future where everyone in the West Island feels they belong.

By Caroline Speirs

Gardening Politics

We all know that gardening may be, for most of us out there in the dirt and the rain, a tranquil activity rooted in the simple joys of nurturing plants and connecting with nature. We ponder what to plant and where, hoping that our efforts bear fruit. Well, sometimes they don’t, but we continue struggling.

Sometimes plants don’t behave the way we want them to, or we have uninvited visitors, be they weeds, snails, or other beings we deem undesirable in our little world.

Have you ever thought of the fact that our gardening efforts could be compared to our steps and developments in the political environment that influence and reflect various aspects of society and governance? Because we tend to the land, which means to ourselves, which in turn ultimately means to our society and our democracy as we have known it.

In simple terms, gardening means cultivating land. But which land, if it is not your own? There is a question about land ownership, property rights, and access to resources. Of course, we know that, throughout history, control over land has always been a political issue. Conflicts have arisen, time and again, from disputes over land use, distribution, and ownership.

Looking over the fence of your own backyard and personal border, choosing what to plant and how to cultivate it can be deeply political. Just look at some societies where food production has been a focal point of political control and where governments use policies to exert influence over food availability, prices, and distribution. The dominance of so-called large agribusiness corporations has raised concerns about environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and, not to mention, loss of quality of life. This in turn prompts debates over the role of government in regulating the food system and promoting sustainable farming practices.

However, beyond the economic and environmental dimensions, gardening also has a social and cultural significance that ultimately impacts the political environment of any entity. Just have a look at community gardens that, especially in an urban setting, serve as spaces for exchanging ideas and for coming to a democratic decision on what to plant, for whom, and for what. At what cost? Does it impact neighbouring com-

munities, the equivalent of states?

In diplomatic terms, it is certainly a challenge! But! This train of thought could be a brilliant way of reinforcing the social fabric of a neighbourhood, a nation, and encouraging the engagement of the people around you, the other nations. And it is simply a thought that our political leaders should adhere to: to make sure there is cohesion and civic engagement in an effort to make everyone’s place –wherever it is – a place where everyone can live comfortably and safely. Just as the plants to which we tend.

Let us all be gardeners, nurturing a society of plants and of people in a democratic environment, because this is what we need to survive.

By Petra Hartweg. Petra Hartweg came to Pointe-Claire 34 years ago after moving here from Germany. She is an interpreter/translator, working at the Alexander von Humboldt German International School. She loves literature, gardening, politics, and sewing.

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Shed the Stigma of Loneliness With a Visit to the West Island’s Men’s Shed

Fact: Did you know that adults aged 75 and older have one of the highest suicide rates (20.3 per 100,000)? Men aged 75 and older have the highest rate (42.2 per 100,000) compared to any other age group.

What is a Men’s Shed? Men’s Sheds are non-profit, volunteer organizations that promote the physical and mental health of senior men.  Senior men often suffer from a loss of identity while transitioning from a life-long career to retirement. Men’s Sheds offer a space where senior men can create a new identity, and express who they are and what they want their lives to become. Some senior men suffer from loneliness and isolation when faced with a life without their partners due to illness or death. The reality of living alone is often devastating, especially for men who have few or no support networks available to them.

It is estimated that the number of Men’s Sheds globally is approaching 3,000, operating in 12 different countries around the globe. Men’s Sheds have become a great resource when travelling as they welcome other Men’s Sheds members from around the world. The number of Men’s Sheds is growing rapidly in Canada; there is a Men’s Sheds Canada organization that works with the federal government and with independent Men’s Sheds across Canada. In Quebec, we have two new Men’s Sheds, one in the Eastern Townships and another in the West Island.

And what does a Men’s Shed actually do? We involve senior men in community-based activities; we give them

a space where they can interact with other seniors, participate in social activities, and share their hobbies and interests. Men tend to open up when they participate in shared projects, whether those projects are community-based or within the Men’s Shed itself.  Whatever your interests might be, there are always other Men’s Shed members who share those interests.  Do you have a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in your life? Do you have interests but no one to share them with? Men’s Sheds open up entirely new opportunities for those seeking companionship, social engagement, and community participation.

If you are looking for something new — to make new friends, participate in community projects, go for a beer, pursue new hobbies, or learn from others, give us a call at 450-242-1088 (ask for Danny) or come out to a meeting at the Pointe-Claire Community Resource Centre in the old Valois railway station at 114 Donegani on Mondays at 6 p.m. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

For additional information, including pictures, our history, and what we have to offer in Quebec, please visit our websites: https://www.westislandmensshed.com/ and https://www.lacbromemensshed.com/.

By Daniel Williams.

Daniel “Danny” Williams started a Men’s Shed in Lac Brome, Quebec in response to an article that appeared in a senior’s magazine called “Good Times.” He moved to Pointe-Claire in 2023 but soon missed the camaraderie and social interactions of the Shed. After a bit of research and promotion, Danny kicked off the initial meeting on February 19th, 2024. And so the West Island Men’s Shed was born....

Kicking it Into High Gear: Coach Phil Senior Soccer Tournament to End ALS

On June 8-9, 2024, in association with Soccer PointeClaire, Coach Phil will be hosting the third annual special fundraising tournament in support of the ALS Society of Quebec to support patients and fund research into new treatments for the devastating condition commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Coach Phil is aiming to raise $90,000 for patient support and research into this devastating disease.

Founded by long-time Pointe-Claire resident and soccer coach, Phil Lalonde, the tournament is an annual event on local soccer calendars where friends, participants, and supporters join together in an effort to kick Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

“I’ve been coaching soccer for more than 30 years, and this tournament is my way to raise awareness and funds for this important cause,” Lalonde said.

It’s a challenge that is not only important on every level to Lalonde; it’s also personal. Lalonde himself was diagnosed with the disease in September 2021. “I believe in keeping a positive attitude no matter what. ALS challenges that every day, but so far, with the help of the ALS Society and my army of family and friends, I’m staying true to myself.” The tournament raised close to $100,000 over the last two years, and Coach Phil’s army is working hard to set a new record this year.

The opening ceremony for the tournament will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 11:30 a.m., after which there will be a charity game between The Legends of Montreal Soccer with players Lloyd Barker, Nick Desantis

and other Montreal soccer elite vs. Tony Marinaro’s Montreal Media team, made up of Amy Walsh, Georges Laraque, Grant Needham, and many other local celebrities.

Mike Moretto from Canada Soccer grabbed the reins and built the Legends team after hearing about Coach Phil’s tournament and Phil’s desire for this charity game. “When I asked Grant Needham if he could reach out to his buddies for an exhibition game, I had no idea how big and great it would get. Mike and Tony have been great to work with. Evangelista Sports are supplying the uniforms, with some autographed ones being auctioned off. Nick is amazing, and the uniforms look great,” said Lalonde.

The tournament will take place at Terra-Cotta Park in Pointe-Claire on June 8th and 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for women, men, and mixed senior recreational teams ages 25 and up. There will be a kids’ corner and activities for the whole family, and players and supporters can enjoy their lunch in a designated picnic area; concession stands, a bar, and Wild Willy’s ice cream will be on-site. There will also be a silent auction and other fundraising activities to help fight ALS.

For more information, you can contact Phil Lalonde at 514-231-1316 or CoachPhil4ALS@gmail.com. You can also donate directly here. Visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoachPhil4ALS and his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachphil4als/.

By Jillian Lalonde, proud daughter of Coach Phil

Épicerie Prette: A Successful Business Reinvention in Pointe-Claire Village

On March 10, 1995, Épicerie Prette, a family-owned business, opened its doors in the charming Pointe-Claire Village. For the first 15 years of business, it operated as a typical dépanneur, with a deli counter offering homemade sandwiches, including its famous shish taouk.

In 2011, with the village evolving and like any longstanding business, Épicerie Prette had to reinvent itself and decided to shift its focus to craft beers from Quebec microbreweries. The response from its clients was phenomenal and motivated them to expand their selection even further. They now carry over 1,000 different craft beers from all over the province, including non-alcoholic and gluten-free options.

In 2019, based on the success of its craft beer sales, Épicerie Prette started introducing Quebec wines and ciders to offer more variety to its customers. With a desire to support local businesses, the store reached out to a wide range of entrepreneurs in Quebec to obtain a variety of products. They now offer a wide variety of hot sauces, locally roasted coffees, steaks and sausages from Bon Boeuf beef farm in St-Chrysostome, and during the last holiday season, started carrying Au Pied de Cochon products.

Even with all the hard work put in by owner Alan Nader, the success of the last 29 years could not have been pos-

sible without the support of the village community and loyal customers from far and wide. Please visit Épicerie Prette to discover its products and grab a sandwich and an ice-cold beverage.

Alan Nader is the owner of Épicerie Prette, 251 Chem. du Bord-duLac-Lakeshore, in the heart of Pointe-Claire Village

For the Love of Pets

Let’s see some pics of your furry friends! Send your pet pics to pets@pcrecord.ca and we might publish it in our next edition.

Milo

Benji

Minerva

Milo

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation

West Island Mission (WIM) is a community-based nonprofit that provides well-balanced, high-quality food assistance and other related resources to those struggling with food insecurity on the West Island.

With the number of people using the food bank doubling since 2020, demand is greater than ever. Requests for food basket services have increased by over 30 per cent and due to the current low inventory levels, West Island Mission was forced to reduce the amount of food offered to families by about 25 per cent.

Most food donations come in around the end-of-year holidays. WIM is now experiencing a significant lull in donations and is looking ahead to the coming months when fewer and fewer donations are expected, as families prepare for summer holidays, not to mention the high cost of food that all are experiencing.

WIM is holding its annual Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation campaign again this year. While most families are looking forward to summer break, camps, and travelling, many families feel the added stress of no longer having the support of lunch/snack programs provided by the schools for their children.

West Island Mission relies heavily on the support of the community. Expressing the greatest thanks and appreciation for the support given to them in the past, WIM is asking people to please consider donating in order to help restock its depleted shelves to ensure the needs of the community are met. Top food needs include canned meat, rice, granola bars, boxed juices, canned fruit and apple sauce, cookies and crackers.

Due to the ever-growing need, West Island Mission will be moving to a larger warehouse, nearly double the size of its old location, at the end of May. Effective June 1st, 2024, it will be located at 72D Brunswick, in Dollard-desOrmeaux.

By the West Island Mission Team

Dive Into Fun With the PVPC Aquatic Club

Enjoy a wonderful 2024 summer season in the heart of the Pointe-Claire Village at the PVPC Aquatic Club, with a fresh name, logo, and variety of programming -- something for everyone! With a newly elected board full of dedicated volunteers and a dynamic staff team with lots of great energy and commitment. Online registration opens on May 25th. Check out their PVPC Facebook page for registration link and more info!

Plongez dans le plaisir du club aquatique PVPC

Profitez d’une merveilleuse saison estivale 2024 au cœur du village de Pointe-Claire au club aquatique PVPC avec un nouveau nom, un nouveau logo et une programmation variée -- pour tous les goûts ! Avec un conseil d’administration nouvellement élu, rempli de bénévoles dévoués et d’une équipe dynamique avec beaucoup d’énergie et d’engagement. L’inscription en ligne ouvre le 25 mai. Consultez leur page Facebook PVPC pour le lien d’inscription et plus d’informations !

Pointe-Claire Pools / Les piscines de Pointe-Claire

Piscine du village de Pointe-Claire Village Pool (Alexandre-Bourgeau Park)

5A av. Sainte-Anne Avenue pvpcinfo@gmail.com facebook.com/piscinevillagepointeclaire/

Piscine Sunnyside Pool (Parc Arthur-E.-Séguin Park)

367 av. Saint-Louis Avenue membership@piscinevikingpool.ca www.piscinevikingpool.ca

Piscine Cedar Park Heights (Parc Cedar Park Heights Park)

22 av. Robinsdale Avenue president@cedarparkpool.ca www.cedarparkpool.ca

Piscine Lakeshore Pool (Parc Kinsmen Park) 1 av. Crewe Avenue infolakeshore@gmail.com www.piscinelakeshore.com

Piscine Lakeside Pool (Parc Ovide Park) 20 av. Ovide Avenue info@piscinelakesidepool.ca https://piscinelakesidepool.ca/

Piscine Viking Pool (Parc Northview Park) 111 av. Viking Avenue membership@piscinevikingpool.ca www.piscinevikingpool.ca

Piscine Valois Pool (Parc Valois Park) 40 av. de la Baie-de-Valois Avenue membership@piscinevaloispool.ca www.piscinevaloispool.ca

Wendy Evans, Vice-President/vice-présidente, PVPC Aquatic Club -- Club Aquatique PVPC

The Kitchen: Simple Sweet Summer Treats

This month, The Kitchen is offering up some fun and easy dessert recipes for kids to make, but even an adult can give them a try!

Healthy Banana Split

Step 1: Slice a ripe banana lengthwise.

Step 2: Spread peanut butter on one of the lengths. You can also add other things like chocolate chips, raisins, or coconut. Note that when frozen, these will be harder to chew.

Step 3: Put both halves together, wrap, and put in the freezer for at least 3 hours.

Step 4: Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for several minutes. As it warms up, the banana

will have the consistency of ice cream. Slice and eat!

Two-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

2/3 cup water or milk

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pour the water or milk into a blender. Add the chocolate chips. Put the lid on the blender and mix at high speed for at least two minutes, or until it begins to froth. You can add more liquid or more chocolate to adjust the taste.

Put the mixture into ramekins or small cups, and either refrigerate for eight hours or try freezing it for a refreshing treat.

This recipe is a huge hit on the internet, with many variations. Some recipes recommend a ratio of 1:1 for the liquid to chocolate, while others opt for 2:1, with some suggesting using half the amount of chocolate if you opt for dark chocolate chips. If mixing by hand, you may want to heat half the liquid to melt the chocolate chips and add the rest of it after mixing.

By

the staff of The Pointe-Claire Record

Don’t Take the Benefits of Boxing for Grant-ed

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event!

In the red corner...weighing in at 64kg, a man who started boxing at just 13 years of age, silver medal winner of the World Amateur Championships, gold medal winner of the light welterweight division of the 1986 Commonwealth Games, and 1988 summer Olympian... HOWARD “The Snake” GRANT.

And in the blue corner... weighing in at 73kg, winner of the Canadian Senior Amateur Boxing Championships at just 17 years of age, winner of the silver medal for Canada at the 1987 Pan American Games, two-time North American Boxing Federation middleweight titleholder, and World Boxing Organization champion... OTIS “Magic” GRANT.

Gentlemen.... Start the training!

Born in Saint Ann, Jamaica, Howard and Otis came to Montreal as children, first immersing themselves in Canada’s hockey culture, but then falling in love with the sport of boxing at the tender ages of 11 and 13, taking buses after school to boxing classes in Saint-Laurent, Pierrefonds, and Pointe-Claire. Boxing wasn’t just a fun activity for these young men; it was a lifestyle, a passion, a discipline, and a dream. It was their dream that led these young men to greatness, to championships, to medals, to titles, and to the admiration of those in the world of boxing and to the respect of the community as a whole.

“We just want to make everyone stay in shape,” said Howard Grant. In 2003, their dreams grew even greater with a desire to bring their love for the sport to their community, and to bring elite boxing fitness programs to the local and international stage of professional boxers. Using the hard work, dedication, and discipline that they learned through their years of competition, Howard and Otis opened the Grant Brothers Boxing Gym. Howard himself had been instrumental in training his brother Otis, as well as renowned boxers Lucian Bute, Librado Andrade, Joachim Alcine, and a number of mixed martial artists, including UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre.

Howard Grant described how boxing is more than just fighting. “You don’t see what goes on in the background,” he explained earnestly. “Behind the scenes is different. There is a misconception of the sport and how people are trained. The body needs good fuel; how you train is

how you eat.” This is why the appeal of boxing continues to grow, transcending age, gender, and culture; the sport offers something for everyone, and the Grant brothers just want to do their best to keep their members healthy.

Opening to much anticipation in partnership with the City of Pointe-Claire, Grant Brothers Boxing welcomed back its fighters in April 2024 with a brand-new boxing facility located on the second floor of the Olive Urquhart Sports Centre. Howard and Otis have assembled a team of trainers, people who have their own long lists of accomplishments, to come and teach under their experienced eye, designing programs that appeal to all ages, levels, and backgrounds.

At the youth level, boxing is a fun activity that incorporates fitness, teamwork, and boosts self-confidence. These benefits continue as the student advances; along with the technical training, teens benefit from discipline, a boost in self-esteem, and find a positive outlet for surplus energy.

There are a variety of training options for adults, including women’s boxing, which incorporates strength training, improving health while providing instruction in self-defence. Fitness boxing offers a non-contact workout with boxing-inspired exercises and is an excellent way to relieve stress while increasing muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance. Even seniors can benefit from learning to box, improving their coordination, balance, and keeping the mind active!

And of course, they offer traditional boxing instruction, from beginners to advanced, where students learn a va-

continued on next page

Grant Boxing - Otis Grant (left) Howard Grant (right)

Boxing (cont.)

Around Town

May 31: I Know These Guys

Jun 1: Pilates in the Park

Jun 1: Vinyl Frontier

Jun 1: Pat Loiselle - Blues Combo

Jun 2: Sympholies vocales présente: Misatango de Palmeri

Jun 2: Laughing with The Ladies! to benefit Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Jun 5: Wednesday Community Connections

Jun 8: Dwane Dixon

Jun 8-9: Coach Phil Senior Soccer Tournament to End ALS

Jun 9: Take a Seat 2024

Jun 15: Montreal Eid Bazaar & Chand Raat

Jun 15: Mich and the Blues Bastards

Jun 22: Singles Bash and Fundraiser

Jun 22: Derek Falls Band

Jun 29: Tatum Quinn

riety of techniques, combinations, and skills, all while incorporating a high-intensity workout and boosting endurance.

Howard Grant proudly stated that “here, we’re a little family – everybody gets along.” Go and see it for yourself; stop by and visit Grant Brothers Boxing’s state-ofthe-art facility, boasting a regulation professional boxing ring, punching bags for all levels, and much more! Grant Brothers Boxing (2nd floor of the Olive-Urquhart Sports Centre), 230 Brunswick Boulevard, https://grantbrothersboxing.com/.

By Deborah Ancel

What Parallels Exist Between Curb Appeal and Relationships?

As spring brings fresh energy, it’s an ideal time to enhance your home’s curb appeal, akin to adding a touch of romance to its appearance.

1. First impressions matter: Love at first sight: Just like in romance, first impressions matter. A well-kept exterior is like a charming smile—it catches the eye and draws people in.

2. Declutter for clarity: Clear away the clutter to create a clean and inviting space. It’s like clearing your mind for better clarity in your relationships.

3. Enhance with little details: Small touches can make a big difference. Think of new porch lights as a spark in someone’s eyes or a new, up-to-date house number as a friendly wave. They add personality and charm.

4. Nurture your greenery: A beautiful garden is like a flourishing romance—it needs attention and care.

5. Highlight your unique features: Embrace what makes your home unique. Just like what makes us unique, we should show off what makes us different.

6. Keep up with maintenance: Regular upkeep prevents bigger problems down the road. Fixing things promptly keeps

your home—and your relationships—running smoothly.

7. Create an inviting atmosphere: A warm and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for good times ahead. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a friendly greeting, make your home a place people want to be.

With a little effort, you can give your home that attractive appeal that makes it stand out. So, embrace the season, add a touch of charm, and watch your home—and your heart blossom.

Real Estate Statistics for Pointe-Claire in April 2024

Single Family Homes:

-Average Sale Price: $775,207

-Average Sale Time: 43 days

-Number of Sales: 39

Condominiums

-Average Sale Price: $574,977

-Average Sale Time: 71 days

-Number of Sales: 28

By Crystal Champagne. Crystal Champagne is a residential real estate broker and a Pointe-Claire resident specializing in West Island and Montreal real estate. To learn more, please visit https://crystalchampagnerealty.com/.

Recycle Your Printer Cartridges the Eco Way!

You may have heard that refilling cartridges can break them or result in poor quality, but those are stories from the past when this method first started. Tahar Houari of I-matek has been operating his shop in Pointe-Claire for 13 years. He tells us why refilling your inkjet or laserjet printer cartridges is a good idea: Cost: It’s less expensive than purchasing a new cartridge. Environment: Refilling means not producing more plastic or bringing more products from overseas, and it reduces the use of single-use packaging. It’s easy: Just bring it to the shop in a resealable bag or a box. Cartridge refilling has been around for years, so consider refilling instead of tossing it the next time you run out of ink! Or bring your non-refillable cartridge in for recycling! I-matek also repairs printers and computers. I-matek is located at 115 Donegani. Contact Tahar at info@i-matek.com or visit https://i-matek.com.

By Caroline Speirs

The Polling Station

Last month we asked: Mu1 is the site of CF Fairview PointeClaire, and there is much debate on what constitutes an acceptable building height in the proposed western parking lot redevelopment.

What building height would you like to see for the future redevelopment of the Fairview parking lot?

The Polling Station - May

This month we wanted to ask you a more serious question that has dogged society for decades. Please ponder your answer carefully before replying. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Yes or No.

CLICK HERE to submit your answer and we’ll publish the results next month!

n A larger number of shorter structures of 10-15 storeys, with less green space

n A smaller number of taller structures of 20-25 storeys, with more green space

n I don’t care what they do in the parking lot, so long as the Fairview Forest in Mu2 is preserved