A very quiet city council meeting

Despite all the media attention focused on Laval city council since the allegations made by Bloc MP Serge Ménard and Liberal MNA Vincent Auclair, council’s first session since then took place like any other meeting on Dec. 6.
Except for all the cameras and journalists, there was nothing to suggest it was an important meeting for Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, who was awaited by members of the opposition parties and some residents. Just like the journalists, the residents wanted to confront the mayor and ask him whether he planned to withdraw from the city’s affairs until an inquiry was finished. To all, Vaillancourt offered the same response: “I don’t govern based on surveys. One should not confuse the current mood of the moment with the profound will of Laval residents. I received e-mails every day, as well as phone calls and cards each day from people supporting me.”

How do you spell Béthune?
The members of the municipal council decided to change the name of Norman-Béthune Blvd. into Norman-Bethune Blvd., since the Commission de toponymie du Québec has declared that the second spelling is the correct one. As well, a section of Montmorency St. in Laval-des-Rapides will be changing to François-Souillard St., since the two sections are actually distinct streets. Also, Mistral Rd. will be known henceforth as du Tour Rd., in order to better reflect the physical and geographic reality of this street.

Place Laval is growing
The Place Laval shopping centre, located at the corner of Saint-Martin and des Laurentides boulevards, will be expanding. An application for a zoning change will permit the enlargement of the commercial zone adjoining the existing buildings, making the expansion possible.

Unsightly postering
Illegal postering, which has become a widespread practice on the territory of Laval, won’t be coming to an end soon. When questioned on the reasons why the city doesn’t intervene more severely with those who break the postering bylaw, Mayor Vaillancourt responded that the urban planning department is studying the situation, but that taking into account the poor weather lately it is unlikely there will be an answer and course of action to be taken before the spring.

Will Laval get the games?
A petition supporting the City of Laval’s candidacy to be the host-city for the wintertime Jeux du Québec in 2013 was officially turned over to members of city council, with 54,128 signatures on it. Already, more than 2,300 volunteers have expressed their desire to become involved in the prestigious event should it take place in Laval, and more than 50 businesses have committed themselves to providing more than $1 million in sponsorships.
Responding to a question from a citizen that his daughter has to go to St-Eustache for her swimming practice, the Mayor said that a $30 million aquatic complex is in the works, with the main partner being the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board.
“We had talks with the officials from the infrastrure Canada program,” said Vaillancourt. “In January, will be announcing officially this great facility for all citizens of Laval to enjoy.”