An Initiative of the Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association - www.pointeclaire.info
Happiness Doesn’t Result From What We Get, but From What We Give
Once again, we are bringing you news and information that is helpful, relevant, and hopefully informative. In this issue we have chosen to focus on food insecurity and homelessness, something that — believe it or not — does exist here in Pointe-Claire. In fact, homelessness in Quebec has doubled since 2018, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Food insecurity has also doubled in Montreal over thecome stagnation and inflation making necessities such
Even here in our beautiful city, if you look closely, you will see the struggles of people who outgrew youth protection, who got evicted or lost much-needed jobs, refugees struggling to make ends meet, seniors on a fixed income, and people kicked out of campsites dismantled by Montreal officials.
It’s easy to think that this is not an issue that affects me; it’s normal to think that those people who need handouts, who live on the street, they’re different, and maybe they need to try a little harder. But misfortune affects everyone in a community. What if some of these people needing help simply lack some of the advantages we’ve come to take for granted in our lives?
I’m ashamed to admit that, as a teen moving from Mississauga to downtown Toronto, I actually once asked a young person on the street, “Why are you asking for money? Why don’t you just get a job?” I had been reading Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead and naively thought that as long as you tried hard enough, money and satisfaction would come your way. Many years and experiences later, I finally began to see that each of us is born into very different circumstances. No one wants to live on the streets. No one wants to have to ask for handouts like food or money. As a volunteer with street youth in Vancouver in the early aughts, I came to really appreciate the stable home I grew up in and how my parents built me up with confidence and self-esteem so I could be the resilient person I am today. Most of the kids I worked with were running away from bad homes or struggling with mental health issues that their parents weren’t willing or able to address. Covenant House Vancouver gave them the support and guidance to achieve their life goals.
Thankfully, there are a lot of great people and organizations right here in the West Island who assist our fellow citizens who are unfortunate enough to be unhoused or hungry. We hope that you will learn more about how these folks are making a difference in our community and maybe be inspired to help out as well.
Caroline Speirs Communications, Pointe-Claire
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Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 1
Council Highlights October 1
City wants to borrow nearly $20 million for infrastructure projects
The City of Pointe-Claire is looking to borrow nearly $20 million to build or upgrade everything from green space to sidewalks to sewers.
At the Oct. 1 regular council meeting, council voted in favour of five draft by-laws, each approving the city to borrow millions of dollars for various infrastructure and other projects. The loans have a combined value of $19,020,000.
One of these loans, with a value of over $1.6 million, would be used for “parks, green spaces, shoreline, bike paths and sports fields,” according to the notice of motion, while another loan of about $3.7 million will go towards municipal buildings.
Borrowing large sums of money for infrastructure in the fall is nothing new for the city; in November 2023 the city filed several draft bylaws for loans totalling nearly $26 million.
Council will vote to approve these borrowing by-laws at a later date.
Council, mayor still split over proposed housing project
A proposed 13-storey housing development continues to work its way through the approval process, but Pointe-Claire’s mayor and council remain at odds over the project.
Last month, council approved four items aimed at moving along the project, which would be built at Labrosse and Saint-Jean and would include 367 dwellings and nearly as many parking spaces.
At this month’s meeting, Councillor Eric Stork, who supports the development, used his opening statement to present statistics showing that a smaller development, such as a six-storey building or a series of triplexes, built on that lot wouldn’t be financially feasible.
“As elected officials, we have a moral responsibility to properly research and do appropriate due diligence, and not just make shallow comments that are misleading in nature and potentially void of common sense,” he said.
The Pointe-Claire Record requested these statistics from Stork but did not receive a response in time for publication.
In response, Mayor Tim Thomas, who does not support the project, argued there was not a simple correlation between building new homes and the cost of rent. “No matter how you spin the economics, no matter how it goes, affordability seems to be a real challenge, and I don’t think that going higher or building more and making it more profitable for the developer will solve that crisis of affordability,” he said.
Councillor wants to force evaluation of Fairview Forest
The monetary value of the Fairview Forest is currently unknown, and one councillor wants to compel the city to find an answer.
Should the City of Pointe-Claire want to purchase the privately owned Fairview Forest, it’s not clear how much money they would need to pay for it, according to the mayor. During question period, one resident asked Mayor Tim Thomas how much it would cost to buy the forest. But Thomas said an evaluation has not been done on the value of the greenspace.
In response to the back-and-forth, Councillor Eric Stork said he was preparing a motion that, if approved, would force an evaluation of the greenspace.
“We need a proper, independent evaluation to know where we stand so we can make decisions, and I believe this is pretty much a referendum question,” he said. “It can’t be a group for or against development, or for or against the Fairview Forest. It’s a process that needs to be done, and I strongly would support that.”
By Ian Down, Journalist
Special October 15th Council Meeting
On Oct. 15, a special meeting of the Pointe-Claire City Council was held to discuss a draft resolution written by Mayor Tim Thomas.
The resolution requested that a public consultation meeting be held to specifically address the future of publicly and privately owned greenspaces such as Fairview Forest (Mu2), and also requested a subsequent meeting to be held on the size and height of the residential buildings to be permitted in the Fairview parking lot (Mu1).
Thomas voiced his concerns about how previous consultations have been conducted, stating that “citizens participating in consultation sessions on more general environmental topics were told by the facilitators that they couldn't discuss Fairview forests and that their input on the topic would not be taken into account. So this is not just a policy issue, but a democratic one as well.”
With councillors feeling blindsided by discovering news of the meeting in The 1510 West newspaper or by receiving an envelope at their door the Thursday evening prior to the Thanksgiving long weekend, emotions ran high throughout the meeting.
Councillors questioned the legality of the resolution, with Councillor Cynthia Homan suggesting that there were "too many statements that are questionable" and "this resolution for me needs to be vetted by our legal department and administration's for its validity before it could possibly move forward," and Councillor Tara Stainforth stating the "resolution was clearly not written nor vetted by our administration or legal department. It is a hodgepodge of poorly structured thoughts and catchphrases, and in all honesty, an unnecessary and abusive act of power that has wasted the council and the administration's time, pushing other files back."
Councillor Paul Bissonnette voted against the resolution as well, speaking at length and stating that this should have been discussed in the weekly caucus and that "there’s no urgency" given that both zones Mu1 and Mu2 are under a development freeze.
Councillor Eric Stork's frustration with the situation was palpable, expressing his own angst about this issue. Promising to lay the groundwork at the next coun cil meeting, Stork promised an all-encompassing resolution, one addressing the assessed value of Fairview Forest, information about the possibility of expropriation, a study on habitat, and other factors.
Councillor Bruno Tremblay was the only councillor to vote in favour of the draft resolution, still expressing some hesitation in how the process was carried out. "My assumption, which may be naive, is to assume that it's been vetted and gone through a procedure that's acceptable to the administration."
He addressed his fellow councillors, saying, "What we're resolving on is an argument made, by the mayor in this case, on holding a public consultation process for natural spaces and green spaces, and that's what I focus on and what I look at when I have this document in front of me. Unfortunately, as the mayor knows, I wasn't thrilled to see the other section that was a part of this resolution, which was the height of buildings. But we'll beat up each other later on that one. And so I have to assume that what I'm looking at has been vetted and accepted through the normal channels."
With the vote going 7-2 against the draft resolution, council did proceed to hold a full 90-minute question period, hearing from many citizens, with plans to continue the discussion at the Nov. 5 meeting.
By Deborah Ancel
Editorial: Homelessness
This month we decided to talk about food insecurity and homelessness in the West Island. Although the Pointe-Claire Record is Pointe-Claire-centric, homelessness and food insecurity know no boundaries. We as a society need to think about these issues even when it is not in our own town. That said, there is homelessness in Pointe-Claire and many of our citizens are struggling to eat.
These topics are not glamorous and barely get any political attention unless, unfortunately, some poor soul is found dead, frozen. Then it is just “thoughts and prayers” from politicians while $800 million is slated for a stadium roof that nobody wants to use!
At the provincial level, we have a Ministry of Health and Social Services, yet social services are left, by and large, to non-profit organizations that have to beg the government and the public for funds to house and feed the less fortunate. It appears that the priorities of the government are not for the citizens who are not likely to vote.
Now, at the municipal level, we face several different issues because we have Montreal (the elephant) and the demerged cities (the mouse) with different budgets and objectives. The sad thing about the demerged cities is the lack of interest in this topic from both politicians and citizens. No, not true. The West Island is full of great people who do donate and volunteer to help the less fortunate, but the notion of putting a crisis shelter anywhere near the 20, the 40, or the three main north-south arteries would be a definite NO.
Ricochet faced the dreadful dilemma earlier this year of having to kick people out of its shelter with just a tent and a “best of luck” goodbye. Why would a shelter for the homeless do this? Simple. A government agency, one from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, no less, wanted the building for their own use. You can’t find a better example of irony.
Where do we go from here? What can we do as citizens? Yes, lobbying is always good. Donate to food banks throughout the year and not just at Christmas so
You feel good. Ricochet needs money too, and all of the organizations in this issue can use funding and volunteers.
Let’s also stop with the NIMBY mentality on this issue. Ghettoizing the disadvantaged does nobody any good. Nor does pretending it isn’t our problem. Our approach to this has to change.
In the West Island we have a lot of great programs to help people who are lacking in food, but food insecurity is really a poverty issue affecting people from all walks of life, and we need to tackle the root causes and not just provide a meal for the day. Our elected officials and community groups need to work together to come up with a comprehensive plan that creates proactive solutions rather than reactive ones.
Helping people find a way to earn a living wage is typically not the role of the food bank or shelter, but a cohesive link between all that are trying to help can make all the difference. It is unfortunate that social issues are not managed like a trauma patient who enters the system at the right trauma centre and is followed up with physio and home care. Governments rely too heavily on community groups and volunteers to fill the void, but that leaves these groups begging for money just as much as the disadvantaged, not ideal.
Is there a solution? Maybe, if we as a society change our view and approach and actually stitch up the wound and stop relying on band-aid solutions.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness in Pointe-Claire
Creating affordable housing in Pointe-Claire requires a comprehensive strategy that involves collaboration among government bodies, developers, community organizations, and residents. The lack of affordable housing is closely linked to homelessness, which is a growing issue in Pointe-Claire. Signs of homelessness, such as tents in green spaces and people seeking refuge and begging near roads, parking lots, and shopping centres, are becoming more visible. Factors like inflation, job loss, high housing costs, low wages, and limited social support drive many into homelessness.
Quebec’s broader social support systems, including health, education, and mental health services, have suffered due to political focus on cultural and language issues rather than on social needs. Specific data on homelessness in Pointe-Claire is not publicly available. Homelessness data in Canada is typically collected at a broader municipal or regional level, such as for the entire Montreal Metropolitan Area, rather than for smaller communities like Pointe-Claire.
The "Montreal Homelessness Count" from 2018 indicated that there were about 3,149 experiencing homelessness across the Montreal area. The most recent statistics show a 33% increase for 2022, jumping to 4,690, and regions like the Outaouais and Laurentians increasing by 268% and 109%, respectively. While this provides insight into the broader context of homelessness in regions, it does not provide a specific count for Pointe-Claire itself.
There is a lack of local resources for the unhoused in Pointe-Claire, such as shelters or dedicated municipal services, although there are some local organizations, such as the Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI), that handle issues like tenant-landlord disputes and evictions. The local food bank, the West Island Mission, which used to be based in Pointe-Claire, recently moved to Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Affordable housing in Pointe-Claire is limited, and securing a unit often involves long wait times. For instance, cooperative housing offers affordable living spaces but with limited availability, while subsidized housing, managed by the Office Municipal d'Habitation de Montréal (OMHM), is another option. Nonprofit organizations also provide affordable housing options tailored to specific groups, such as seniors or low-income families, but their availability is also limited. Overall, affordable housing options in PointeClaire are woefully insufficient. The construction of more affordable housing units is needed and some existing rental stock could be converted into protected affordable housing units.
Pointe-Claire did begin the process of addressing the need for an assistance program for affordable housing in 2021, and a by-law was proposed but did not progress. It is currently under discussion by city council, highlighting the need for a legal framework to promote affordable housing.
To tackle homelessness effectively, Pointe-Claire can learn from successful examples like Finland, which adopted a "Housing First" approach. This model provides stable, permanent housing for homeless individuals first unconditionally, followed by tailored support services such as counselling, healthcare, and employment assistance. Finland has committed substantial resources to building and renovating housing units and converting emergency shelters into permanent homes. The government works closely with municipalities and NGOs, ensuring that those in need have access to stable housing and support.
Finland's success is rooted in data-driven strategies, regular data collection, and analysis, allowing for continuous adaptation of homelessness policies. The country also emphasizes prevention by providing social ser-
Continued on page 7
Book Review — Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by
Matthew Desmond
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the housing crisis and the lack of affordable housing. As is often the case, these things have a disproportionate effect on people who are less well-off. But what is it really like?
When a citizen spoke up at a recent Pointe-Claire city council meeting, we started to get a sense. He explained that the building where he lives was recently sold for well over its municipal evaluation. As a result, the landlord’s taxes went up markedly and the increase was passed on to his tenants. The question was what the city could do to help. The answer, it seems, is “not much.”
Wanting to learn more about the situation, I turned to Matthew Desmond’s book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which I had seen on a recent list of the best books of the 21st century.
Evicted is the story of eight Milwaukee families who experienced eviction in 2008-2009. If the book were a picture, it might be a high-contrast black and white photo, not because it makes simplistic moral judgements, but because of how the story is told. In fact, the author steers well clear of condemning his subjects, describing landlord and tenant alike in gritty, factual prose.
I learned a lot from the book. Before reading it, I imagined that eviction was a straightforward process where a tenant was evicted and maybe ended up living in a shelter or on the street. In reality, it’s a lot messier than that. A landlord may get an eviction order, but opt to use it as leverage against the tenant rather than moving them out. In one excerpt, a tenant who has just been evicted is still there when the new tenant arrives to move in. Seeing the old tenant’s desperation, she agrees to let her stay, and they become roommates for a time.
In one of the most harrowing passages, a baby dies in a fire apparently set off by a lamp that got knocked over. The grandfather and the two other siblings he was babysitting managed to escape the blaze; the landlord took home an insurance payout and bought two new units.
As a lawyer, I thought one of the most interesting aspects of the book was its treatment of the relationship between the law and people’s everyday reality. For example, Desmond discusses a Milwaukee bylaw whereby landlords can be fined if the police get too many nuisance calls from their building. Presumably, this measure was put in place to motivate landlords to assume more responsibility for goings on in their buildings. But the perverse effect was that tenants were dissuaded from calling 9-1-1 if they were the victim of a crime, notably women who experienced domestic violence, because they knew they might get evicted if they did so.
There’s a lot more to mention about the book, e.g. its depiction of the interplay between eviction, crime, homelessness, and addiction, as well as its exploration of eviction’s disproportionate effect on women, racial minorities, and especially families with children.
Continued on page 7 Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 6
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond. Photo: Crown Publishing.
Evicted (cont.)
However, one question that I wondered about throughout the narrative was “How did he do it?” In an opening note, Desmond states that he witnessed all of the events first-hand, but that the names of the people and places had been changed for privacy reasons. Only in the final chapter, “About this Project,” does he explain his methods. As it turns out, Desmond, a Princeton Sociology Professor, moved to the trailer park where many of the people in his narrative lived. He developed relationships with them and accompanied them throughout the events he describes. He also befriended the trailer park’s security guard and later moved in with him in an apartment in an inner city neighbourhood where a second cluster of “characters” lived.
This made me wonder how the people in this account feel about how they were depicted, and whether they feel like they got a fair deal out of their involvement. Desmond says they were happy to share their stories; as readers, we have to take his word for it.
Affordable Housing (cont.)
vices and financial support to those at risk of becoming homeless. As a result, Finland is one of the few European countries where homelessness has significantly decreased.
In focusing on stable housing first as a foundation, Finland has demonstrated that homelessness is a solvable problem when addressed with the right policies, resources, and commitment.
Using Finland as a model, the whole of the city of Montreal, including Pointe-Claire and its neighbouring demerged municipalities, can benefit from reducing and potentially solving the issue of homelessness.
By Maria Benavides
In the end, “Evicted” is an account of the landlords and tenants of Milwaukee and having read it, I realize that the situation is very different there. At least on paper, Quebec renters have many protections that folks in Milwaukee don’t, notably a strong right to remain in their dwellings. On paper, Quebec tenants have the right to know what the last tenant paid in rent on an apartment and challenge any increase that they find unreasonable. However, there is no registry of rents, meaning that new tenants have to rely on the landlord for this information.
Despite these differences, I suspect evictions and renovictions play an important role in cycles of poverty, crime, and addiction here in Quebec. In any case, Evicted stands on its own as a compelling history, and I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in social justice and affordable housing issues.
By David McLauchlan
The Drive to Collect 10,000 Pairs of Socks for Stepping Up’s
Socks.
Inexpensive. Uncomplicated. Boring. And definitely not glamorous.
But for hundreds of people living on the streets, something as basic as a pair of clean new socks can be a lifesaver. They keep feet warm, they keep feet dry, and they help make boots fit properly.
Often overlooked during clothing drives because they have to be new, Barry Christensen founded Stepping Up/Un Pas vers l’Avant (formerly Sock It To Me), an organization dedicated to collecting new socks for the homeless. Having worked as a paramedic with Urgences-santé for 42 years, Christensen witnessed firsthand how something so simple can have a huge impact on the health and welfare of people living on the streets.
Now in its 10th year of operation, Stepping Up has collected nearly 75,000 pairs of socks since its inception, along with truckloads of gently used clothing and pallets of new insulated sports garments donated by individuals and local companies who hope to make the lives of the disadvantaged a little more bearable.
In his first year of collecting, Christensen started small, collecting just under 500 pairs of socks. Thinking back to its beginnings, Christensen says, “Ten years ago, that first little carload had me beaming ear-to-ear. Little did I know how much more would come in over the years.”
As he puts it, “The nice thing with socks is how simple it is to make a difference.” A finalist for the Teresa Dellar Community Foundation Award for Volunteerism, Christensen has worked tirelessly to help provide shelters and missions across the Island of Montreal with socks and other clothing, trying to fill a basic need that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of so many.
His numbers have grown steadily since he started, with a record-breaking tally of over 20,000 pairs collected in 2020. Every year brings additional challenges for Christensen, not only in seeking out socks and financial contributions, but in securing drop-off locations across Greater Montreal, arranging for trucks to transport the donations, and finding a place to store truckloads of clothing.
10th Anniversary
Christensen is grateful for all the support he gets from the community. He says, “I changed the name of my organization to ‘Stepping Up’ because that's all people have to do to help. When I pick up donations at schools, the look of pride on the kids’ faces is truly heartwarming. And it’s so easy to help; just spreading the word and collecting at the office or your book club or hockey practice […] We have two drop-off locations in the West Island, or you can contact me for larger pick-ups. People can also donate directly every dollar donated buys two pairs of socks.”
Homelessness is no longer an issue only plaguing the downtown core of Montreal. It’s on our streets, in front of our favourite shops, and hidden in our industrial zones. The needs of the unhoused continue to grow and spread outside the central core of the city and into our neighbourhoods. While many of the West Island’s local organizations do outstanding work in trying to provide food and shelter to those who require it, the basics of clothing and socks are often not considered. Stepping Up/Un Pas vers L’Avant is there, working with other agencies and organizations to try and fill that gap.
If your school, religious institution, group, or business would like to become involved in Stepping Up/ Un Pas vers l’Avant’s annual sock drive or to make a donation,please email info@steppingupmtl.ca or visit https://www.steppingupmtl.ca or the Facebook page.
Beginning November 1st, socks can be dropped off at Gilbert & Daughter in the Valois Shopping Centre at 49 Ave. Donegani in Pointe-Claire and at Terrafolia Flowers in Centennial Plaza at 3375 Sources Blvd. In Dollard-desOrmeaux.
By Deborah Ancel
Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 8
A generous donation made by the employees of Laurentide Controls in 2023.
La TQSOI : un moteur de concertation locale
Les Tables de quartier sont des lieux de concertation qui réunissent citoyens, organismes et institutions pour répondre aux besoins de leur communauté. Elles servent de plateformes d’échange et d’action, visant à améliorer la qualité de vie des résidents.
La Table de Quartier du Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI) dessert les municipalités de Beaconsfield, Baie-D’Urfé, Kirkland, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-deBellevue et Senneville. Son rôle est d’identifier les priorités locales et de mettre en place des projets concrets qui répondent aux enjeux de la population.
Les citoyens peuvent s'impliquer en devenant membres de la TQSOI, en participant aux consultations et assemblées publiques, ou en rejoignant des comités de travail sur des thématiques telles que l’environnement, le transport, ou la sécurité alimentaire. Ces initiatives permettent aux résidents de contribuer directement aux décisions et aux actions qui façonnent leur communauté.
Le Réseau en sécurité alimentaire : pour une alimentation accessible à tous
Le Réseau en sécurité alimentaire de l’Ouest-de-l’île (RSAODI), coordonné par la TQSOI et la Table de Quartier du Nord de l'Ouest-de-l'Île de Montréal ( TQNOIM), vise à garantir que tous les résidents de l’Ouest-de-l’Île aient accès à des aliments sains et abordables. Ce projet rassemble et facilite la collaboration
entre divers partenaires locaux afin de développer des solutions innovantes dans les domaines de la production, transformation, distribution, et vente d’aliments.
Le forum du 26 septembre dernier a été un moment clé pour discuter des progrès du réseau et planifier les collaborations futures. Les citoyens, les organismes et les élues municipaux ont eu l'occasion d’échanger sur les besoins du territoire et les initiatives visant à y répondre.
Une collecte de denrées alimentaires est organisée par le RSAODI et le YMCA de l’Ouest-de-l’île pour les banques alimentaires du territoire. Si vous le pouvez, donnez afin d’aider à répondre à la crise actuelle.
Pour en savoir plus sur TQSOI et ses programmes, veuillez visiter leur site Web à https://tqsoi.org/.
The Struggles of Addressing Food Insecurity
in the West Island: A Community’s Challenge
Food insecurity remains a persistent issue in the West Island, even though our region is often thought of as wealthy. However, a 2023 study done by Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI) has found that over 20,000 people living in the West Island are considered low-income and therefore may be facing food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as not having physical or economical access to safe and nutritious food to meet a person’s dietary needs for an active and healthy life. While efforts to fight this have increased, those working on the front lines—food banks, charities, organizations, and local volunteers—continue to face significant challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles is inflation. The rising cost of food has strained household budgets, making it harder for low-income families to afford basic groceries. In addition, they, along with those on a fixed income (like many of our seniors), struggle to afford housing, and sometimes a choice between eating or paying rent has to be made. Simultaneously, donations to charities have decreased, leaving many organizations scrambling to meet growing demand.
Furthermore, many individuals facing food insecurity live in food deserts, which are areas with limited access to affordable and healthy food. People living in food deserts are often forced to rely on food options that are processed and unhealthy—especially for those without means of transportation. To quote the TQSOI study: “In an urban area, accessible usually means 500m by foot or 3 km by car and would take into consideration the workability of the area (sidewalks, roads, etc.).” By this definition, over 83% of the residents of the West Island live in food deserts and therefore have poor access to fresh produce.
Another important issue is the stigma associated with asking for help. Many people hesitate to seek assistance, feeling ashamed or embarrassed, which prevents them from accessing the support they desperately need.
As one can see, addressing food insecurity is challenging and requires more than just providing food—it demands understanding, compassion, and sustainable solutions.
Corbeille de Pain is a West Island charity based in Pointe-Claire whose mission is to promote food security through programs that provide education, build community, and increase access to nourishing food; in collaboration with community partners, they focus on doing just that.
The following programs and projects are dedicated to improving food security by fostering sustainable changes:
Solidarity Markets:
Its three West Island markets, which are available from July to October in Pointe-Claire, Pierrefonds, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux, not only make nutritious food more accessible to people in vulnerable situations, but they also promote the local economy by sourcing from local farmers and paying them a just price. The "Pay What You Can" pricing model offers the market participants to pay a fairer price based on their own financial situation. This model helps to reform our current food system, which is a system that enables larger grocery stores to have control over inflation.
Community Kitchen Workshops:
These workshops are offered to West Islanders who can benefit from learning about preparing healthy and costeffective meals. Its team of animators shares their knowledge, skills, and recipes that use pantry staples, cost-effective proteins, and in-season produce. Emphasis is put on working together as a team in the preparation of the meals, as well as meal planning tips, minimizing food waste, and ways to reduce grocery bills. These workshops also run on a “Pay What You Can” pricing model.
Community Gardens:
This program designates coordinators to different West Island community gardens to offer guidance and support to its members for the gardening season. The main responsibilities of these coordinators are to provide free supplies, foster a sense of community, provide a safe space
Continued on page 12
Les
difficultés de la lutte contre l'insécurité alimentaire dans l'Ouest-de-l'Île : Le défi d'une communauté
L'insécurité alimentaire demeure un problème persistant dans l'Ouest-de-l'Île, même si notre région est souvent considérée comme riche. Mais une étude réalisée en 2023 par la TQSOI (Table de Quartier Sud de l'Ouest-del'Île) a révélé que plus de 20 000 personnes vivant dans l'Ouest-de-l'Île sont considérées comme ayant un faible revenu et peuvent donc être confrontées à l'insécurité alimentaire. L'insécurité alimentaire est définie comme le fait de ne pas avoir un accès physique ou économique à des aliments sains et nutritifs permettant de satisfaire les besoins alimentaires d'une personne pour mener une vie saine et active. Bien que les efforts pour lutter contre l'insécurité alimentaire se soient intensifiés, ceux qui travaillent sur le terrain - les banques alimentaires, les organisations caritatives et les bénévoles locaux - continuent de faire face à des défis considérables.
L'un des principaux obstacles est l'inflation. L'augmentation du coût des produits alimentaires a grevé le budget des ménages, ce qui fait que les familles à faible revenu ont plus de mal à se procurer les produits alimentaires de base. En outre, ces familles, ainsi que les personnes à revenu fixe (comme beaucoup de nos aînés), ont de plus en plus de difficultés à se loger et doivent parfois choisir entre manger et payer un loyer. Parallèlement, les dons aux organisations caritatives ont diminué, laissant de nombreuses organisations dans l'incapacité de répondre à la demande croissante.
De plus, de nombreuses personnes confrontées à l'insécuritéalimentaireviventdansdesdésertsalimentaires,c'est-à-dire des zones où l'accès à des aliments abordables et sains est limité. Les personnes vivant dans les déserts alimentaires sont souvent contraintes de se contenter d'aliments transformés et malsains, en particulier pour celles qui n'ont pas de moyens de transport. Pour citer l'étude TQSOI : « En milieu urbain, un lieu est dit accessible s’il se situe à 500 m à pied ou 3 km en voiture du lieu de résidence et prend en compte la présence d’infrastructures (trottoirs, routes, etc.). » Selon cette définition, plus de 83 % des résidents de l'Ouest-de-l'Île vivent dans des déserts alimentaires et n'ont donc pas facilement accès à des fruits et légumes frais.
Un autre problème important est la stigmatisation associée à la demande d'aide. De nombreuses personnes hésitent à demander de l'aide, se sentant mal à l'aise ou gênées, ce qui les empêche d'accéder au soutien dont elles ont besoin.Comme nous pouvons le constater, la lutte contre l'insécurité alimentaire est un défi et nécessite plus que la simple fourniture de nourriture : elle exige de la compréhension, de la compassion et des solutions durables.
C'est exactement ce que fait Corbeille de Pain, un organisme de bienfaisance de l'Ouest-de-l'Île situé à PointeClaire, dont la mission est de promouvoir la sécurité alimentaire au moyen de programmes d'éducation, de renforcement de la communauté et d'amélioration de l'accès à des aliments nourrissants, en collaboration avec des partenaires de la communauté.
Ses trois programmes et un projet sont axés sur l'amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire en favorisant des changements durables :
Marchés solidaires :
Leurs trois marchés de l'Ouest-de-l'Île, qui se tiennent de juillet à octobre à Pointe-Claire, Pierrefonds et Dollarddes-Ormeaux, rendent non seulement les aliments nutritifs plus accessibles aux personnes en situation de vulnérabilité, mais ils favorisent également notre économie locale en s'approvisionnant auprès des agriculteurs locaux et en leur payant un juste prix. Leur modèle de tarification « payez ce que vous pouvez » permet aux participants aux marchés de payer un prix plus juste en fonction de leur situation financière. Ce modèle contribue à réformer notre système alimentaire actuel, qui est un système qui permet aux épiceries de grande surface de contrôler l'inflation.
Ateliers de cuisine communautaire : Ces ateliers sont offerts aux habitants de l'Ouest-de-l'Île qui peuvent bénéficier de l'apprentissage de la préparation de repas sains et abordables. L'équipe d'animateurs.trices partage leurs connaissances, leurs compétences et leurs recettes qui utilisent des aliments de Suite à la page 12
Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 11
Struggles (cont.)
to create a connection with nature, give tips on how to manage a garden throughout the season, and highlight the simplicity of readily available produce. Workshops on nutrition, nature, and cooking with the produce harvested are also presented as part of this program.
Fruits Défendus:
This project links fruit tree owners with volunteer pickers to try to ensure that precious local food resources are not wasted. After harvest, the fruit that is picked is divided between the fruit tree owner, volunteer pickers, and their organization.
How can we, as community members, help? Fostering a culture of empathy is certainly a good start. Volun-
Difficultés (cont.)
base, des protéines économiques et des produits de saison. L'accent est mis sur le travail d'équipe dans la préparation des repas, ainsi que sur les conseils de planification des repas, la réduction du gaspillage alimentaire et les moyens de réduire les factures d'épicerie. Ces ateliers fonctionnent également selon un modèle de tarification « payez ce que vous pouvez ».
Jardins communautaires :
Dans le cadre de ce programme, des coordonnateurs.trices sont désignés dans différents jardins communautaires de l'Ouest-de-l'Île afin d'offrir des conseils et un soutien à leurs membres pendant la saison de jardinage. Les principales responsabilités de ces coordonnateurs.trices sont d’offrir gratuitement des fournitures, d'encourager le sens de la communauté, de fournir un espace rassurant pour créer un lien avec la nature, de donner des conseils sur la façon de gérer un jardin tout au long de la saison, et de mettre en évidence la simplicité des produits facilement disponibles. Des ateliers sur la nutrition, la nature et la cuisine avec les produits récoltés sont également présentés dans le cadre de ce programme.
teering with any of the West Island organizations that focus on food security and/or donating funds to them goes a long way in helping them follow through with their mission. Attending their fundraising events is also a welcome contribution. Even helping to spread the word about what they do and the services that they offer as a way to contribute is appreciated.
For more information about Corbeille de Pain and how to help, please visit https://www.corbeilledepain.com
By Anik Vigneault, Communications Coordinator, Corbeille de Pain
Fruits Défendus :
Ce projet met en relation les propriétaires d'arbres fruitiers et les cueilleurs bénévoles afin de s'assurer que les précieuses ressources alimentaires locales ne sont pas gaspillées. Après la récolte, les fruits cueillis sont répartis entre le propriétaire de l'arbre fruitier, les cueilleurs bénévoles et leur organisation.
Comment pouvons-nous, en tant que membres de la communauté, apporter notre contribution ?
Favoriser une culture de l'empathie est certainement un bon début. Faire du bénévolat auprès de l'une ou l'autre des organisations de l'Ouest-de-l'Île qui se consacrent à la sécurité alimentaire, ou leur faire un don, contribue grandement à les aider à mener à bien leur mission. Participer à leurs événements de collecte de fonds est également une contribution bienvenue. Même le fait d'aider à faire connaître ce qu'ils font et les services qu'ils offrent est une façon de contribuer qui est appréciée.
Pour plus d'informations sur Corbeille de Pain et/ou pour faire un don à cette organisation, veuillez consulter leur site web à l'adresse https://www.corbeilledepain.com/fr
Par Anik Vigneault – Coordonnatrice des communications, Corbeille de Pain
Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 12
West Island Mission: For the Community
West Island Mission (WIM) is a community-based non-profit that provides well-balanced, high-quality food assistance and other resources to those struggling with food insecurity on the West Island of Montreal. The demand for food assistance in the West Island has grown exponentially since the inception of the West Island Mission. The West Island has a reputation for being a wealthy community, one without struggles and vulnerability. This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth.
WIM has seen a 35% increase in seniors using its services. Seniors are facing an overwhelming and heartbreaking struggle just to make ends meet. Instead of enjoying their well-earned golden years, many are living in fear and uncertainty, unable to afford basic necessities like food and shelter. With rising costs and fixed incomes, they have little room to adjust as prices for housing, groceries, and other essentials continue to climb. These are the very people who spent their lives contributing to society, yet now they are left with agonizing decisions—choosing between paying rent or buying food. But this issue goes far beyond money—it's about dignity. For many seniors, the constant fear of losing their homes or falling through the cracks of a system that should be protecting them brings overwhelming feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The loneliness that comes with this struggle only deepens their sense of despair, leaving them feeling as though they’ve been forgotten.
Tragically, we are witnessing more and more senior clients teetering on the edge of losing their apartments. For many, the next step is homelessness—a terrifying reality that no one should have to face. This is the grim situation our seniors are dealing with, and it demands urgent attention and compassion.
Single adults and families are also struggling, barely able to get by under the crushing weight of rising expenses.
The West Island Mission is working hard to support West Islanders in need, not only by providing essential food supplies but by expanding its services to address deeper challenges. Recently, WIM hired a Reintegration Specialist/Mental Health Support Worker to ensure clients receive the comprehensive care they deserve. This new role is dedicated to connecting individuals with vital programs and services that address their unique needs—whether it’s mental health support, reintegration into the community, or access to resources that improve their overall well-being. Through these efforts, the West Island Mission is helping people regain stability and hope in difficult times.
Together, we can rebuild the supportive community that our seniors and others so desperately need. There is a way forward, and it begins with all of us.
If you’re a West Islander looking to make a positive impact, consider donating non-perishable food, offering financial support, or volunteering at local organizations like the West Island Mission. Find them at https://www.wimmoi.org/.
By
Sandra Watson, Reintegration Specialist and Mental Health Support, West Island Mission.
The West Island’s Community Resource Centre
The West Island Community Resource Centre (CRC) helps to empower and support individuals and families in the West Island by connecting them to the resources, services, and programs they need to improve their quality of life. The CRC aims to strengthen the community by ensuring that West Islanders, particularly those living in vulnerable situations, have access to the right support networks. Its information and referral service is provided by phone, email, or in person. One of its most popular programs is CRC Mobile. West Island resources can at times be difficult to find or timeconsuming to navigate. CRC Mobile is an information and referral program that aims to improve the quality of life for seniors and families by connecting them to existing and suitable resources available in the West Island community.
The CRC Mobile Facilitator can meet up at a convenient location to discuss the current circumstances and help identify specific needs. The family or senior will then be directly linked to the relevant community resources available.
In recent years, the CRC has witnessed a significant rise in the demand for its services, with many cases becoming more complex and urgent. Among those most affected are seniors, who are increasingly living in precarious conditions and facing deep economic challenges. For many, navigating the overloaded healthcare system feels impossible—long waitlists and limited access to care have left them feeling hopeless. Many seniors simply don’t know where to turn for help, unsure of the programs and services available to them, or worse, finding that the support they need just doesn’t exist. This gap is leaving too many vulnerable seniors isolated and struggling, without the resources or guidance to improve their situation.
Community organizations like the CRC have become the lifeline for these seniors, stepping in as a safety net while they wait for access to vital healthcare services.
But it’s more than just connecting them to care—it’s about offering them hope, companionship, and the reassurance that they are not alone. Many seniors feel isolated, but through the CRC’s compassionate work, they are reminded that there is a community that cares deeply for them, ready to support them.
In these moments, we realize the power of a helping hand and a kind heart. By supporting our seniors, we are not just addressing their immediate needs; we are giving them the dignity, security, and sense of belonging they deserve. Without funding, these programs cannot go on. They are essential and help so many.
Any donation, big or small, is very much appreciated, as is the community’s support to continue helping our most vulnerable. To help, please visit the CRC’s website at https://crcinfo.ca/.
By Sandra Watson, Program Manager, Community Resource Centre.
Ricochet: The West Island’s Only Shelter
Since December 2020, Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) has been operating the first shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the West Island. The Ricochet Centre is a safe place that accommodates up to 48 people who have no place to sleep at night. They can eat, shower, do their laundry, warm up or cool down, sleep, and talk with psychosocial workers. It is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Its services include the operation of the Ricochet shuttle service that takes beneficiaries back to the centre as needed, located on Gouin Boulevard West in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
The Ricochet Centre is the only reception service for people experiencing homelessness between the west end of the Island of Montreal and downtown Montreal. It serves citizens who come mostly from the West Island, all of its municipalities combined. Its mission is to build relationships between different partners in order to create the social safety net necessary to support each person welcomed at Ricochet.
In the past year, Ricochet’s actions have had a positive impact within the various municipalities of the West Island:
171 different people used the accommodation
services
The accommodation services provided 5,576
individual nights
32 beneficiaries received individualized
support in consumption management
15 people found permanent housing thanks
to the help of the psychosocial workers
19,588 meals were served ●
1,168 support sessions were provided with ● the shuttle
The year 2024 has marked the significance of Ricochet and its services.
Costs of $60,000 were incurred following a forced relocation of its services in order to adapt the premises to its operational needs. In addition, the increase in demand for accommodation services has forced Ricochet to find solutions such as the acquisition of a new vehicle to provide escorts and additional tasks, a cost estimated at $70,000. These circumstances have also called on it to create new positions, such as that of chef, in order to meet the dietary needs of the people Ricochet welcomes. These significant expenses are positioning the organization in a budget deficit.
There is a shortage of more than 3,500 emergency shelter spaces in Montreal, according to the 2022 count. In two years, these numbers have increased dramatically. The impact of Ricochet in the West Island and its municipalities is undeniable; each person sheltered, housed, fed, and served is one less person on our streets.
Homelessness is a complex social problem, and the various social crises we face only increase the number of our fellow citizens who find themselves in this situation. The impact is felt across the metropolis, but as an organization involved in the community, we choose to act and put in place the necessary means to support all those who come to our doors.
There is still time to take action. It is by showing solidarity at all levels that we can effectively support these people, and, at Ricochet, we deeply believe that it is our responsibility, as a community, to ensure that each of our fellow citizens is treated with respect and dignity.
In order to avoid service disruptions or a reduction in the services offered by Ricochet, we are calling on you. For more information about Ricochet and how to make a do nation, please visit https://www.ricochetwestisland.com/
By Tania Charron, Executive Director, Ricochet.
CALODI: A New Non-profit Offering Free Support and Resources for Pointe-Claire
Tenants
The West Island Tenants’ Action Committee (Comité d’action des locataires de l’Ouest-de-l’Île in French, referred to by its acronym CALODI) is a new non-profit organization based in Pointe-Claire. The CALODI was formed in 2023 by the Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI) and is the first organization in the West Island dedicated entirely to defending tenants’ rights. Its mission is to promote access to good quality housing and to improve the quality of life for West Island tenants.
The CALODI runs a free and confidential tenant support hotline, offers free educational workshops for tenants regarding their rights, and advocates on behalf of tenants’ issues at the municipal and provincial levels. It has also worked with groups of Pointe-Claire tenants to help them form tenants’ associations in their buildings to combat unfair landlord practices.
Although there is a common misperception that West Islanders are affluent homeowners, this is far from the reality. In Pointe-Claire, 30.7% of households are tenant households, 43.2% of which live in unaffordable housing, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their monthly income on rent. As rents continue to skyrocket throughout the West Island and salaries remain relatively stagnant, many tenants are struggling to put food on the table and afford other basic necessities. Furthermore, many tenants — particularly those in situations of vulnerability, such as seniors and recent immigrants — are being forced out of their housing through both legal and illegal means. Since 2017, we have seen the number of repossession cases more than triple throughout the West Island.
The aim of the CALODI is to equip tenants with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to protect and defend their rights against abuses from landlords. The reality is that there are many protections in place for tenants in Quebec, but the burden often falls on tenants to inform themselves of their rights and enforce them. For example, tenants have a right to refuse an unfair rent
increase or a repossession, but many are simply not aware of this or too afraid to assert their rights for fear of being evicted or mistreated. The CALODI also aims to advocate for and implement additional protections for tenants, including a mandatory rent registry and a provincial rent freeze to combat the growing housing crisis.
In order to raise awareness and educate tenants on their rights, the CALODI will be offering a series of information sessions on “Repossessions and Evictions” in November 2024. An in-person session will be held at the Pointe-Claire Library on Douglas-Shand on November 19th from 7 to 8 pm. This session will be held in English, but there will be other sessions offered in French and online more information can be found on their website.
Their new website, www.calodi.info, was launched in October 2024 and contains a wealth of information and resources for tenants, including informational guides, formal notice templates, FAQs, and housing search tools. You can also visit their website to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, sign up for their monthly newsletter, or become a member of the CALODI, which is a great way to get involved in your community and make your voice heard.
The CALODI’s tenant support service can be reached by calling 514-505-0840 extension 8 or by emailing info@calodi.info. If you are a tenant in Pointe-Claire, reach out to the CALODI today to learn about your rights and receive the support you need!
By Lily Martin, Community Organizer
CALODI : Un nouvel organisme à but non lucratif offrant du soutien et
des ressources aux locataires de Pointe-Claire
Le Comité d’action des locataires de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (CALODI) est un nouvel organisme à but non lucratif situé à Pointe-Claire. Le CALODI, fondé en 2023 par la Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI), est le premier organisme dans l’Ouest-de-l’Île dédié entièrement aux droits de locataires. Sa mission est de favoriser l’accessibilité à des logements de bonne qualité et l’amélioration de la qualité de vie pour les locataires de l’Ouest de l’Île.
Le travail du CALODI comprend une ligne de soutien gratuite et confidentielle, des ateliers éducatifs sur les droits des locataires ainsi que la défense des intérêts des locataires aux niveaux municipal et provincial. Le CALODI également travaillé avec des groupes de locataires de Pointe-Claire pour les aider à former des associations de locataires dans leurs immeubles afin de lutter contre les pratiques abusives des propriétaires.
Bien que l’on pense souvent à tort que les habitants de l’Ouest-de-l’Île sont des propriétaires fortunés, c’est loin d’être la réalité. À Pointe-Claire, 30,7 % des ménages sont des locataires, dont 43,2 % vivent dans des logements inabordables, ce qui signifie qu’ils consacrent plus de 30 % de leur revenu mensuel au loyer. Alors que les loyers continuent de monter dans l’Ouestde-l’Île et que les salaires demeurent relativement stagnants, de nombreux locataires ont du mal à mettre de la nourriture sur la table et à subvenir à d’autres besoins de base. De plus, de nombreux locataires – en particulier ceux qui sont en situation de vulnérabilité, comme les aînés et les nouveaux immigrants – sont contraints de quitter leur logement par des moyens légaux et illégaux. Depuis 2017, nous avons vu le nombre de cas de reprise de logement plus que tripler dans l’Ouest-del’Île.
L’objectif du CALODI est de fournir aux locataires les connaissances, les ressources et le soutien nécessaires pour protéger et défendre leurs droits contre les abus des propriétaires. En réalité, de nombreuses protections sont en place pour les locataires au Québec, mais il incombe souvent aux locataires de s’informer de leurs
droits et de les faire respecter. Par exemple, les locataires ont le droit de refuser une augmentation de loyer injuste ou une reprise de possession, mais beaucoup n’en sont tout simplement pas conscients ou ont trop peur de faire valoir leurs droits par crainte d’être expulsés ou maltraités. Le CALODI vise également à défendre et à mettre en œuvre des protections supplémentaires pour les locataires, notamment un registre obligatoire des loyers et un gel provincial des loyers pour lutter contre la crise du logement.
Afin de sensibiliser et d'éduquer les locataires sur leurs droits, le CALODI offrira une série de séances d'information sur les « Reprises de logement et évictions » en novembre 2024. Une séance en personne aura lieu à la bibliothèque de Pointe-Claire sur Douglas-Shand le 19 novembre de 19 h à 20 h. Cette séance se déroulera en anglais, mais d'autres séances seront offertes en français et en ligne - plus d'informations peuvent être trouvées sur leur site web.
Leur nouveau site Web, www.calodi.info, a été lancé en octobre 2024 et contient une multitude d'informations et de ressources pour les locataires, notamment des guidesd'information,desmodèlesdemiseendemeure,des FAQ et des outils de recherche de logement. Vous pouvez également visiter leur site Web pour vous tenir au courant des événements à venir, vous inscrire à leur infolettre mensuelle ou devenir membre du CALODI, ce qui est un excellent moyen de vous impliquer dans votre communauté et de faire entendre votre voix.
Vous pouvez joindre le service de soutien aux locataires du CALODI en appelant au 514-505-0840 poste 8 ou en envoyant un courriel à info@calodi.info. Si vous êtes locataire à Pointe-Claire, contactez le CALODI dès aujourd’hui pour connaître vos droits et recevoir le soutien dont vous avez besoin !
Par Lily Martin, Organisatrice communautaire
Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024 Page 17
The Polling Station
This month, we want to hear about how you give back. Do you volunteer in the community?
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 discuss comments and ideas to encourage communication between all residents of PointeClaire as well as the West Island.
Last month’s Polling Station:
We wanted to know: What restaurant makes the best hamburgers in PointeClaire?
Two local establishments tied for first place in our poll, where our readers submitted their answers by writing them in.
Congratulations to Pointe-Claire Deli and Notre Boeuf De Grace!
Runners-up include: Billy K, McKibbin’s Irish Pub, Ye Olde Orchard Pub, and Milestones.
Juicy, fresh hamburger. Photo: Rene Santacruz from Pixabay.
Bonnie’s Babble: Why I Moved to Pointe-Claire
Welcome to Bonnie’s Babble, a monthly column for the Pointe-Claire Record where I will be poking a little fun and satire about life in our wonderful city.
First, allow me to introduce myself. I have written news stories and satire for the Montreal Times and West End Times newspapers and some of my stories have appeared in the Montreal Gazette. And I am happy to now be doing this for my fellow Pointe-Claire citizens. Let me begin with why I moved to Pointe-Claire.
Back in 2019, when we were living in Montreal, there was more and more construction happening around us, and green spaces were getting smaller and smaller. So we decided that after all the years we spent there, it was time to make a change. It was also at that time that my late sister had been diagnosed with cancer and I wanted to be closer to her.
We had visited the Pointe-Claire area on several occasions and slowly fell in love with it. There were more green spaces, the lake, the villages, and more. And so, we made the move and are happy we did.
Now that said, in time, we also discovered that the city did have a few faults – but its charm took precedence.
So, what are said “faults,” you ask?
Well, for one, Lake Saint-Louis was more known as “Lake Saint-Phooey” due to the combination of rotting vegetation and low water levels. It smelled like rotten eggs and our water (taps and washrooms) was an earthy yellow colour... quite gross. Even the toilet bowls looked like someone forgot to flush.
Then there are the things I find quite quaint, like naming parks after restaurants. Or the “chutzpah” (meaning nerve, gall) in politics, like that going on about the restoration and preservation of the Pointe-Claire windmill. And I can sum it up in one word… OY.
However, Mayor Tim Thomas, or “Tim-Tom’’ as I like to call him, finally announced after the September 6th , 2022 meeting that a “memorandum of understanding
[is] to be signed between the City of Pointe-Claire and the Archdiocese of Montréal, for the restoration and preservation of the Pointe-Claire windmill.”
“I am very pleased with the upcoming signing of an agreement between the Archdiocese and the City to restore and preserve the Pointe-Claire Windmill [sic], our emblem,” announced Mayor Tim-Tom. “This heritage building must be restored and preserved so that our history will live on for all future generations.” I’m not sure which word fits best: “Bravo” or “Finally”?
What I also love about our fair city are some of the posts on the “Pointe-Claire News and Discussion” Facebook page, such as: “Was the Aurora Borealis visible in Pointe-Claire last night? If so, I’ll go out tonight to look!” or “Come on! Another power outage really?” And let’s not leave out all the wonderful “Sidewalk Sales!”
Well, that’s it for now. Check back next month for the next Bonnie’s Babble. Feel free to contact me through Facebook Messenger with any ideas you may have.
Bottom line (literally)… I LOVE living in PointeClaire!
Bonnie Wurst is a local writer, stand-up mirror comic, hamster tamer and twist-tie collector. Vol. 1, No. 9, October 31, 2024
Pointe-Claire's windmill.
The Kitchen: Barry’s Valois BBQ Sauce Around Town
½ Vidalia (white) onion finely diced. If using a food processor, be careful not to overpulse.
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp granulated garlic
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
½ tsp cayenne
½ cup Canadian Club whisky
1 32 oz (1l) bottle of ketchup
½ cup mustard
½ cup cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp liquid smoke
In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of canola oil and cook onions on medium heat until soft and translucent, making sure not to brown. Add all spices and stir for a few minutes to toast, then add the whisky and deglaze. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to incorporate.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, making sure not to burn.
Let cool and store in mason jars or large bottles. Enjoy.
By Barry Christensen, Grillmaster
November 3: Marthe Halvorsen : All is in the seed
November 3: Food Drive
November 5: Council Meeting
November 7: BoardGamesNMore D&D
November 7: Apocalyptik
November 7: Karaoke
November 8: AMCAL’s Casino Night
November 8: I Know Those Guys!
November 9: Diwali Concert
November 9: Dr. Chris Labos Book Signing
November 9: Cribbage Tournament
November 9: Daylite Vampires
November 9-10: 2024 Exposcience – 38th edition
November 10: Porch to Pantry Pointe-Claire Food Drive
November 14: Dimo James
November 15: Pako: Nanto
November 15: The Wineberries
November 15: STRUM
November 15: Concert sous les chandelles
November 16: Christmas Market
November 16: Benny & The Healers!
November 17: Guillaume Martineau & Janna Kate:
Winter Forest Dream
November 17: Darts Tournament & Potluck
November 19: Trivia Night
November 22: Dimo James
November 23: St. John Fisher Holiday Fair
November 23: Quatrissimo
November 23: Vinyl Frontier — The Decades Show
November 23: Hidden Secret Live Party Dance Band
November 23: Evening of Blues
November 24: Après-midi Viennois
November 30: Clearpoint Elementary’s Holiday Fair
November 30: Festive Mini GamerCon & Craft Fair
December 1: The Stewart Hall singers Sing Christmas!
