The Polling Station

This month, we’re going back to a more entertaining Polling Station question, and for the first time since its inception, The Pointe-Claire Record is asking you to write in your answers — it is not multiple choice! We didn’t want to risk leaving anyone out, so we’re relying on you to give us your opinions.

We want to know: What restaurant makes the best hamburgers in Pointe-Claire?

Please answer only once, and make sure it’s a local establishment! We’ll leave space for your comments and honourable mentions, even if they’re outside our lovely city.

The Polling Station is meant for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not to be considered scientific in any way. The Pointe-Claire record wants to elicit discourse from the citizens of Pointe-Claire and offer up a safe space to offer comments and ideas to encourage communication between all residents of Pointe-Claire as well as the West Island.

Last Month's Polling Station:

Our last issue featured submissions written about development and densification in Pointe-Claire. asked you to provide one single answer to the following question:

What is your biggest concern about development and densification in Pointe-Claire?

Here are the results:

We received a lot of feedback, with many of you being very passionate with your answers. Here is some of what you wrote:

“Densification is a necessity but the transit system needs to be upgraded so that cars are not used as much. 15-minute city is a goal but consideration needs to be given to those with mobility issues and other issues.”

“Actually, my answer is ‘all of the first five.’ The concept of the 15-minute community is key. The current development model does not address the need for shopping and services to be included with large-scale housing projects. CF’s proposal for the parking lot had merit but was too big for most citizens to get their heads around. Instead, everyone’s knee-jerk reaction lead to litigation and a stagnation throughout the whole city rather than conversation and constructive discussion.

“My only concern is that densification will be done poorly, which, in my opinion, means that redeveloped areas will not form cohesive, liveable communities.”

“I'm not worried, I just think we need to be proactive and plan now and not react later.”

“Increased car traffic along a route increases the need for separate bike lanes. The new condos near the Sources/20 interchange mean that that portion of Cardinal is much more stressful to bike than it used to be due to the row of parked cars, and increased traffic.”

“We should densify at least 2 km around the REM stations. New development brings new source of revenue (taxes) which pay partially for improvements to our infrastructure. Also, people living close to the REM will have less cars per household.”

“Build just not too high.”

“I moved to Pointe-Claire because it was quiet and I can raise a family without concern of traffic on suburban roads, condos all over the place, overstretched infrastructure, etc… If I wanted that, I would have stayed downtown.”

“Traffic is also a concern. I'm not opposed to densification as long as it is done responsibly.”

“It is very hard to pick only one concern as truly, given the choice, I would have picked all of them. But the strain on our infrastructure has the potential to ruin so very much for so many. We cannot live happily without perfect water and sewage facilities, and this is a right for all not just for those who live in an area better serviced. This requires concentrated, serious and dedicated city planning so that we can all live happily with the necessary accompanying green spaces and systems that allow for multiple ways to commute safely.”

“I am for development in Pointe-Claire. Building high rises off Hymus and Fairview doesn’t affect anyone’s backyard. Traffic on main boulevards is inevitable. What I am against is ruining existing residential neighbourhoods like what could possibly happen on Maywood if traffic gets directed towards Maywood from the new CHLSD tower. I’ve also noticed a lot of new towers are too close to the sidewalk, with not a lot of offset from the street / sidewalk.”

“A city that stops evolving will stagnate and lose its vitality. The thing that has made Pointe-Claire and developed its character, is that it has evolved from a sleepy summer resort town to a vibrant metropolitan suburb. It’s uniqueness in some ways has come from the development of all the different mix of high and low density housing which has allowed singles, couples, retirees and families to thrive. […] This [Hymus] area has now been developed to address the housing shortfall we face, as well as providing a more financially manageable housing option - if you have noticed, the single family homes developed in the West Island in the last few years are large and in the over-million dollar range. […] Development is inevitable and this is where an open minded and strong City Council and management, willing to have informed discussions with all the players involved in developing the future Pointe-Claire, will be of prime importance. It will be challenging to make everyone happy and I’m sure decisions will be made for the greater good of the city. The sum of it is we live in a great city.”