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Everything you ever wanted to know about strokes

George Bakoyannis
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Everything you ever wanted to know about strokes
Everything you ever wanted to know about strokes
Suzie Gagnon, a staff nurse clinician at the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, holds up a scale model to demonstrate the impact of strokes on arteries during her presentation at the Agape English-speaking Senior Wellness Centre on Nov. 29. Photo: Martin C. Barry
Martin C. Barry

What should you do if you suspect that you or a loved one may be having symptoms of an on-coming stroke?

According to an expert who spoke at the Agape English-speaking Senior Wellness Centre in Chomedey last week, you shouldn’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Reacting fast crucial

That’s because what you do during the first few hours after the onset of a stroke will make all the difference in the severity of an attack, as well as the length of time it could take to recover following a stroke.

The technical phrase for a stroke is cerebro vascular accident (CVA), said Suzie Gagnon, a nurse/clinician at the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital. However, there are many different kinds of strokes, all depending on which of the many zones of the brain are affected.

“Some people will have a stroke in the frontal lobe,” she said. “Some of them it’s going to be in the parietal lobe. It could be in the occipital, temporal, brain stem. Depending where it is you’ll have different symptoms.”

A hopeful message

Although she described some of the serious damage that strokes do to the brain and the consequent symptoms, Gagnon was quick to reassure the overflow crowd of seniors at the Wellness Centre.

“Don’t worry, there’s hope at the end,” she said, noting that modern medicine has come up with a wider range of effective treatments than ever for stroke. All the same, stroke remains one of the most challenging medical conditions faced by patients.

As Gagnon pointed out, the main risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. Other risk factors include tobacco smoking, obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating).

Types of stroke

There are two types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. The former is typically caused by blockage of a blood vessel. The latter is caused by either bleeding directly into the brain or into the space between the brain’s membranes. Blood clots that form and circulate in the blood stream are also a crucial factor.

And then there is the Transient ischemic attack (TIA), the so-called “mini stroke,” said Gagnon. “The blood circulates well, but then suddenly there’s a blockage. But a few minutes later, maybe one hour later, everything returns to normal. The blood clot dissolves and the circulation returns.”

Check for symptoms

She advised that when these types of symptoms manifest themselves, “it’s a serious warning sign of a stroke. You have 50 per cent risk of having a stroke in the next 48 hours.” As well, you can remain at risk of a stroke for up to three months under these circumstances, she added.

Her advice? “I want you to go to the hospital, even if it went away,” she said. “There’s a reason why it happens. Maybe your blood pressure is too high. Maybe your diabetes is not well controlled. Maybe you have a carotid which is blocked. We have to do some tests to see why it’s happening. So please go to the hospital. And, like I said, emergency.”

Good news about stroke

Although the physical consequences of stroke can include anything from limb weakness in minor cases, to partial or complete paralysis with major strokes, Gagnon’s good news was that “it’s all reversible” with the proper treatment. For that reason, she continued, “I want you to learn those symptoms” to better respond.

During the presentation, two handouts published by the Heart & Stroke Foundation were presented to all participants. The first, a quick reference card, offers some handy information on learning the signs of stroke. The second, a booklet offering more comprehensive information on stroke, summarized a good deal of the information in Gagnon’s presentation.

Attendance good at centre

Located at 3860 Notre Dame Blvd. Suite 305 in Chomedey, the Agape English-speaking Senior Wellness Centre offers a range of activities and presentations related to health and well-being for seniors throughout the year.

There was capacity attendance at last week’s presentation. Agape executive-director Kevin McLeod said in an interview afterwards that the Wellness Centre has become so popular that the organization is currently looking for larger premises to accommodate everyone.

Fayçal El-Khoury sworn in as Laval Les Iles MP

George Bakoyannis
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Fayçal El-Khoury sworn in as Laval Les Iles MP
Fayçal El-Khoury sworn in as Laval Les Iles MP

(TLN) Recently re-elected Liberal MP for Laval Les-Iles Fayçal El-Khoury took the oath of office (above photo). The ceremony took place with friends and families present.

Fayçal El-Khoury sworn in as Laval Les Iles MP

The Bible he used for his oath is the same his granfather had as an Orthodox priest in Lebanon.

Fayçal El-Khoury sworn in as Laval Les Iles MP
Pictured above Liberal MP for Laval Les-Iles Fayçal El-Khoury is surrounded by his wife Dr. Georgette Elias and their daugters Dr. Joey, Sandrine and Jade.

Mr. El-Khoury underlined that he is honoured to serve once the citizens of the riding that reflects the Canadian Multiculturalism Mosaic. “Ι promise that with my team at my Laval and Ottawa offices will work once more hard to serve the needs of all communities. With the leadership of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau we will continue to work for the benefit of all especially the middle class families”, he stated.

Laval property taxes to increase 1.4 per cent in 2020

George Bakoyannis
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Laval property taxes to increase 1.4 per cent in 2020
Laval property taxes to increase 1.4 per cent in 2020
From the left, Laval mayor Marc Demers, the city’s assistant general manager Suzie Bélanger and the director of finance Raymond LeBlanc answer media questions last Monday at Laval city hall about the 2020 budget.
Martin C. Barry

Residential property owners in Laval will be paying around 1.4 per cent more in taxes in 2020 – an average $50 extra on a tax bill for a typical house – according to the city’s latest annual budget which was presented to the media last Monday at Laval city hall.

$921.4 million budget

A single-family house owner who was paying $3,054 in property taxes in 2019 will be paying $3,104 in 2020, according to the new budget. The Demers administration’s seventh budget since first being elected in 2013 allots $921.4 million to pay for expenses next year.

This compares to $875.3 million in operating expenses in the 2019 budget and a 1.8 per cent tax increase last year. The City of Laval’s latest triennial capital works expenditure budget is $1.133 billion for the years 2020-2022.

“Always in keeping with priorities expressed by our population, we will be allotting in 2020 $40 million in additional funding for the improvement of services,” Mayor Marc Demers told journalists.

More for snow removal

He noted that the city is paying particular attention to providing funding for issues that have become more pressing in recent years, including snow removal, sidewalk repairs and the planting and maintenance of trees.

Laval will be spending $71.8 million next year reimbursing its debts, thus reducing loan interest charges in the long term. This is $6.1 million more than the city spent last year on its debt-reduction efforts.

“Laval is in the midst of a period of accelerated growth,” added Demers. “As such, it is our duty to apply management principles to meet the needs of our population while facing unforeseen events, such as the repercussions of climate change.”

$1.9 million more for snow

Responding to the increasingly severe winters Laval and other Quebec communities have been experiencing – as well as criticism from residents about poor snow removal and icy sidewalks – Laval is increasing its budget for wintertime snow removal, as well as street and sidewalk maintenance, by $1.9 million for a total of $37.8 million allotted for this purpose in 2020.

The City of Laval’s 2020 budget also includes a $1.6 million allotment to help pay for the Jeux du Québec games finals which will be taking place in Laval next year. The STL will also be receiving additional funding from the city to pay for the extra bus service that will be necessary during the Jeux du Québec. As well, the city plans to spend $200,000 more on its social crisis team which intervenes with homeless people who are living on the street.

Laval property taxes to increase 1.4 per cent in 2020
The City of Laval’s director of finance, Raymond LeBlanc.

Making up for past neglect

Regarding the triennial capital works budget, the mayor said that in 2020 the city plans to spend $72.1 million on improvements to its roads and streets, pedestrian walkways and bike paths, as well as $25.9 million on sewers and underground water conducts. “We have the responsibility of bringing up to standard our infrastructures which were neglected for too many years,” said Demers.

The city is allotting $29 million (along with a previous $13.4 million) for the construction of a new police station to be located in the near future in the western half of Laval. As well, $20 million has been set aside for a new municipal administration building, and $28.5 million for the construction of two new firehalls.

Cité de la culture funding

A section of the budget included what appeared to be a $2 million overrun reported by the Cité de la culture et du sport de Laval, an independently administered corporation created by the city to oversee operations at Place Bell.

In an interview with The Laval News, Mayor Demers said the number in question represents an amount the city expected to recoup from the Cité de la culture. “We took the $2 million back because we’re not sure we’re going to get it,” he said. The city’s director of finance, Raymond LeBlanc maintained there is no shortfall.

“The operations, all the revenues and costs are covered,” he said. “They are also putting aside moneys for the maintenance and future ongoing upgrades to the building. But after doing that – this is above and beyond – we had expected that they might be able to produce an additional amount of money that we would have been able to integrate into the budget of the city – which will now not take place.”

Opposition reacts to budget

The two opposition parties on Laval city council reacted swiftly to the budget. Michel Trottier, leader of the Parti Laval, said that a 1.4 per cent tax hike doesn’t reflect the overall tax increases the Demers administration has imposed since coming to power. He claimed that overall property taxes exceed the rate of inflation. As well, he said the Parti Laval continues to advocate for a property tax freeze.

The second opposition party, Action Laval, noted that the city has large surpluses, including sums Laval was able to recuperate from service contractors who overcharged the city, which are not being used to decrease the fiscal burden weighing down on property tax payers.

“The mayor of Laval is showing a serious lack of concern for Laval’s taxpayers,” said Action Laval city councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis, a former member of Mayor Demers’s excecutive-committee. “I would like to remind him that these surpluses and the money recuperated from corruption don’t belong to him, but to the citizens,” De Cotis added.

Robbery Suspect to identify

George Bakoyannis
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Robbery Suspect to identify
robbery suspect

The Laval Police Service is seeking the cooperation of the public to identify a suspect who committed robbery at the Cartier metro station in the Laval-des-Rapides area.

On July 9, 2019, around 5 pm, the victim came to the Cartier metro station to sell a cell phone to the suspect, who was waiting for him in a vehicle. When they met, the victim put his backpack on the hood of the vehicle and showed the cell phone to the suspect. The latter then sprinkled him with pepper spray. The victim fled while keeping his phone, but left his backpack on the hood, which included another Iphone XR phone. Later, the bag was found without its contents.

robbery suspect

Description of the suspect:

  • Caucasian man, about 40 years old
  • Measures approximately 1m 80 (6 “1 ”)
  • Short black hair
  • Wore a gray sweater, gray sport shorts and black shoes.
robbery suspect

Description of the suspect vehicle:

  • White Ford Escape truck, 4 doors
  • Year 2010 to 2012
  • Roof rack and sunroof
  • Rust on the top of the rear fender, driver’s side

Any information to locate or identify this individual will be treated confidentially on the Info-Line at 450-662-INFO (4636) or 911 by mentioning the LVL file 190907-039. https://www.laval.ca/police/Pages/Fr/RechercheDisparu/suspectdevolqualifieaidentifier.aspx

City Watch – November 20th, 2019

George Bakoyannis
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City Watch – November 20th, 2019

Laval recuperates $50 million more from shady contractors
City has ex-Charbonneau Commission members on recovery team

(TLN) Laval Mayor Marc Demers announced recently that the city has succeeded in recovering nearly $50 million believed to have been illicitly taken from Laval as a result of elusive practices used by construction contractors and exposed by the Charbonneau Commission.

“The recovery of sums overpaid because of the corruption and collusion that went on previously in Laval is a priority for our administration and I am very proud that we are the uncontested leaders in this regard,” said Demers.

Result of teamwork

“I would like to acknowledge the exceptional and tenacious work of the team we created under the supervision of Me Simon Tremblay, director of legal affairs,” he added. “This team, on which a large number of members came from the Charbonneau Commission, has an expertise unique in Quebec and it will be pursuing its efforts to recuperate even more money belonging to Laval residents.”

Agreements paying off

Demers said the $50 million that was recovered was the result of agreements made as part of the voluntary reimbursement program stemming from a provincial law, but also from agreements from outside this program.

“Even though the government program is over now, we continue to make necessary efforts to see that the rights of taxpayers are upheld in order to recover the maximum amount of funds misappropriated since 1997,” continued Demers.

Sums being returned

“Up until now, in addition to numerous regulations enforced, seven lawsuits were launched and several others will follow.”

According to the city, all the sums recovered are being directly returned to citizens and to the community in several ways:

The Place-du-Souvenir Fund was created to channel funding to causes affecting youths 0-17 years of age from disadvantaged backgrounds; $20 million is being put aside to improve natural green spaces; and the city has created a special cash reserve fund to avoid going into debt in certain cases.

Results achieved

“Our determined will to recover what belongs to Laval residents, paired with the efficiency of our team, is giving us excellent results,” said Demers. “We are continuing the work and other pursuits will be added in the coming months, without limiting ourselves only to construction contracts.”

Turn recovered $50 million into tax freeze, says Action Laval
Opposition party says Demers should show concern for taxpayers

(TLN) Action Laval, which is the opposition party at Laval city hall with the largest number of elected members, says the city should immediately impose a property tax freeze using the $50 million Laval has managed to recuperate from vast sums garnered by corrupt contractors between 1996 and 2010.

Tax freeze sought

“Last May, we presented a proposal for a tax freeze for the 2020 and 2021 budgets,” said Action Laval councillor for Vimont Michel Poissant. “For purely partisan reasons, the Demers administration voted against this measure rather than thinking of citizens first.

“Until very recently, they were talking about $42 million,” he continued. “Today the mayor says that $50 million has been recovered. Therefore a tax freeze is even more justified. Let’s be clear: the recovered sums from corruption belong to the taxpayers of Laval. A part of this money should be given back to the citizens.”

‘Show concern,’ say De Cotis

“Marc Demers is boasting from every podium of having recuperated $50 million,” said Action Laval councillor for Saint-Bruno David De Cotis. “But now it’s up to him to demonstrate his concern for citizens by giving back some of it to them.

“It would be the least he can do,” De Cotis added. “Unless he is thinking of throwing this money out the window as is his habit, given all the bad management decisions he has taken or is thinking of taking. The taxpayers are choking financially and a tax break would be for them a breath of fresh air.”

Laval says it’s ready for anything winter has prepared
City has purchased new equipment for snow removal needs

(TLN) With the first snowfall now settled in Laval, city officials say they are deploying a new strategy this winter to ensure snow removal takes place efficiently until the cold season’s end.

Climate change impact

“The impacts from climate change are making themselves felt more and more and we are working relentlessly to meet the needs of citizens, especially those on residential streets, taking into account these new realities,” says Laval city councillor and executive-committee member Ray Khalil who is responsible for public works dossiers.

As it did last year, the city is putting into place this year a special snow patrol whose task is to help facilitate the snow removal operations by reminding residents of snow operations underway while encouraging respect for the regulations. There will also be additional staff in the patrol this year.

New gear to face winter

This winter, according to the city, the public works department has new equipment for removing snow from sidewalks, for loading snow onto trucks and for spreading salt on icy sidewalks and roadways.

Scheduling has also been improved to maximize workers’ time. As well, the city is launching a new smartphone app known as Neige Laval for monitoring snow removal operations.

It should soon be available for free from the App Store and on Google Play. For the time being, information on the City of Laval’s snow removal operations can be found at the web site neige.laval.ca.

Action Laval salutes by-election candidate at annual brunch

George Bakoyannis
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Action Laval salutes by-election candidate at annual brunch
Action Laval salutes by-election candidate at annual brunch

(TLN) More than 750 Laval residents turned up on Sunday Nov. 3 for Action Laval’s annual brunch event, during which party members and guests had the opportunity to touch base with Francine LeBlanc, who is running for Action Laval in the by-election in the district of Marc-Aurèle-Fortin.

Upcoming by-election

Achille ‘Archie’ Cifelli, president and interim-leader of the party, delivered an address in which he spoke about recent events affecting Action Laval as well as the victory they are hoping for on Sunday Nov. 24.

“This year we are celebrating our unity and our growth,” said Cifelli. “With five new elected representatives, we are now the main opposition in Laval but also the future administration.”

Six elected members

Since earlier this year, Action Laval has been able to count under its umbrella city councillors Paolo Galati, Daniel Hébert, Michel Poissant, David De Cotis and Isabella Tassoni. Chomedey councillor Aglaia Revelakis has been with the party since the beginning.

Cifelli outlined some of Action Laval’s more recent proposals. They include a tax freeze for all, the end of the city’s “blue and white” painted street lines campaign, opposition to dangerous bicycle path layouts, and improvements to snow removal in order to avoid a repeat of the snow removal fiasco last winter.

By-election candidate

At the same time, Cifelli introduced the party’s candidate in Marc-Aurèle-Fortin. “Francine is an exceptional candidate who is a devoted citizen with an exemplary professional background and a longtime resident,” he said. He urged the district’s voters to send a strong message to the Demers administration on election day.

“Enough of the useless expenses, enough of the real-estate fiascos, enough of the sort of bad snow removal we saw last winter,” he said. “With Francine LeBlanc you will have a councillor who really works for you, who listens to you and who will represent you at any cost on city council.”

Volunteers thanked

In conclusion, Action Laval’s interim leader thanked all the members and volunteers “without whom none of this would be possible, from the organization of this brunch to the upcoming electoral victory,” he said.

“Our elected members are doing an extraordinary job, but yours is just as important on a daily basis for the citizens of Laval. Our party consists of people who are proud, devoted and committed to what they do.”

PAOK Football Club to launch local soccer academies

George Bakoyannis
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PAOK Football Club to launch local soccer academies
PAOK Football Club to launch local soccer academies

(Newsfirst) The opening of a new soccer/football academy was announced by leaders from the Greece-based PAOK FC soccer club during a press conference held at the Hellenic Community Centre in Montreal on Monday November 4.

Based in Greece and the current champion, PAOK FC was represented by veteran PAOK FC footballers Kyriakos Alexandridis (Director of the academy’s programs) and Antonis Mavreas (Director of the academies for North America). Permission was received last summer from the team to run this challenging and important project.

At the press conference were present Metropolis Radio journalist-radio producer Demosthenes Vardakis, who came from Thessaloniki for the purpose, as did Vasilis Zagakos, a member of the technical team at PAOK Academies in Montreal.

PAOK has decided to launch its academies across North America from Quebec and, by extension, the cities of Montreal and Laval.

Welcomed far from home

Subsequently, Thessaloniki journalist at Metropolis Radio Demosthenes Vardakis spoke, emphasizing “the special emotion we all feel when you see Greeks almost 10,000 kilometers away from home hugging and welcoming you.”

Mr. Vardakis then read to the attendees the messages sent by the well-known Olympics and Vice Regional Governor of Central Macedonia responsible for Thessaloniki Ms. Voula Patoulidou, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr. Kostas Zervas and Mr. Paul Andronis, who is the owner of the Metromedia Group which owns Metropolis Radio.

In particular, Ms. Patoulidou referred to the “value of a sports academy, especially if behind it is a large club such as PAOK,” while emphasizing that “it is important for a Greek born to play in a club in his home country, because it’s like holding a boat tied up in its harbor.”

Opportunity for children

Mr. Zervas, among other things, referred to PAOK’s great successes in recent years and to even greater prospects being opened up at the Thessaloniki club, with the potential creation of the new Toumba stadium.

Mr. Andronis expressed his satisfaction with “the opportunity for children to get in touch with their sport, their favorite team and homeland” as well as for the support of the Metromedia Group in this endeavor. Then the team’s representatives, Antonis Mavreas and Kyriakos Alexandridis, spoke.

Mr. Mavreas stated at the beginning of his speech that “today we are here for your children, our children. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of Hellenism. We open the door not only to Greece but also to Europe for these children. We want to combine the good guys you have here, the great guys, in knowledge and in sports.”

PAOK Football Club to launch local soccer academies

To help the children

He then referred to the reason for their presence, emphasizing: “Today we are not here to get your… money. Because maybe some people think so. We are here to help these children and to help schools. Not for something else …”

Antonis Mavreas, after emphasizing that the academy is interested in all children and not just Greeks, knit the praise of both Pantelis Stefanidis, who is the businessman who will run the project, as well as PAOK President Ivan Savvidis, saying: “Mr. Stefanidis is PAOK-born and a Thessaloniki native. He is a man who has our absolute confidence.” Regarding Mr. Savvidis, he noted that “he is probably the best president to have passed through PAOK. With Ivan Savvidis, PAOK has gone beyond the Greek borders. At some point he’ll come to Montreal to meet him and see how great he is.”

Long-term commitment

Kyriakos Alexandridis spoke about the “right to dream of every child who has a talent in football,” while stressing that “what we are doing is not only for PAOK but for Hellenism in general. We came here to stay and not for… one or two days.”

He expressed the belief that people would support this effort, while saying that “we will be close to you in need. We will give the coaching expertise we need because we have some of the best academies in Greece in recent years. Whichever children choose to come to Thessaloniki, as long as hospitality is needed, all expenses will be with the group.”

An honor for the city

Vasilis Zagakos, one of the members of the coaching staff, was brief and specific, saying: “For me, being a football fan and a PAOK fan, it is a great honor to have this academy in our city. I would like to thank them. Alexandrides, Mavreas and Stefanidis for giving me the opportunity to be a member of the technical team. Thanks.”

The last speaker was Mr. Pantelis Stefanidis, who first of all thanked PAOK for the confidence they showed him “to start something big here, such as PAOK Football Academy.”

He spoke of the fact that “in six years Canada will host the World Cup and Montreal will be one of the participating cities. This means that football in Canada will definitely grow. This is an opportunity to work with you and the Greek schools, to bring Greek-speaking talents, and with PAOK know-how, to go to Greece, or move here to Montreal.”

Camp will be every summer

Concluding his speech, he noted that “the camp will be held every summer and with the selection of some talented children, we give a child the opportunity to fulfill his dream. So we expect people to support this venture.”

Before attending the academy, Mr. Stefanidis presented the authentic PAOK jerseys available for purchase in two sizes: one for children 7-10 years old and one for children 11-13 years old.

An authentic backpack with PAOK logo is also available. For more information and contact, visit www.paokmontreal.com.

“The ultimate holiday shopping experience, an event not to be missed!”

George Bakoyannis
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“The ultimate holiday shopping experience, an event not to be missed!”
“The ultimate holiday shopping experience, an event not to be missed!”
Renata Isopo

Mark down this coming Sunday, November 24th, as a day of opportunity not to be missed.

From 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at Laval’s Salle de Recéption Palace, you are invited to a shopping extravaganza of unmatched elegance, practicality and, of course, many wonderful bargains –  the ultimate holiday gift-gathering experience reserved, for families and friends, for the first time in our fair city, combining early holiday fever and fun under one roof.

Close friends and first-time moms Angelia Mantis and Claudia Valiante are the creative force behind this Mobile Shopping Mall project, an idea conceived while both were on maternity leave. Intelligently sensing an up-and-coming trend quite popular with on-line shoppers, these two vibrant young women felt it in their minds and hearts to start something original and purposeful, in service to the people of Laval.

An exciting time

Branded Popup2Shop, the day’s most beautiful theme – Holiday Shopping – will come alive with festive displays of tantalizing food and drink, special holiday items and many heart-warming booths making the spirit of the season heighten, offering a magical experience in anticipation of the happiest of seasons just around the corner.  

This sentiment is joyously shared by Angelia and Claudia.  “It’s an exciting time of the year not only for children, but for adults as well,” said Angelia.  “This is the reason for us wanting to give the ultimate on-line shopping experience through a mobile shopping mall,” Claudia added.  “We bring what is appealing to the shoppers under one umbrella where consumers can actually see, feel, and try on the same clothing and accessories which can’t be done with on-line shopping,” Claudia explained.

The holiday season – Christmas, Hanukah, Kwansa, Epiphany, is upon us and stores and shopping centers are bustling with anxious shoppers.  For Angelia, the challenge is clear: “Whether you’ve been ‘naughty or nice’, there’s no lack of ideas for locally-made or imported gifts. There’s something about the thrill of the hunt when it comes to big events.  And, what’s bigger than Christmas?”

“The Popup2Shop at the Palace will be a one-day event for picking up one-of-a-kind gifts, with treasures available in every corner.  There will be no shortage, something for everyone’s discriminating taste and budget,” the dynamic duo stated to TLN.  “Fun and more fun for the excited and inquisitive consumer.  DJ music, raffles, and booths of sweets for the irresistible temptation of the sweet tooth await all comers.”

Best buys of the season

 It’s no surprise that consumers are becoming more reliant on on-line holiday shopping.  With easy ability to make purchases on mobile devices, browsers can buy anything anywhere.  The drawback is that buyers can’t try on the clothes, footwear, etc., often returning purchases. The Mobile Shopping Center brings on-line shopping to consumers, on site.  “It’s definitely not the time to miss this first-time biggest event and best holiday market,” Claudia specified in a telephone interview.  And, what’s more interesting, there’s something for all tastes and budgets, from tiny to extravagant prices.

“PopUp2Shop brings together fashion, cosmetics, self-care, ornaments, stocking stuffers, and food vendors from around the city to showcase and sell top lines and best buys of the season,” Angelia pointed out. “More vendors are joining, and there’s still no definite number of booths although we’re close to maximum for the space reserved at The Palace, 1717 Le Corbusier Boulevard.”

Fashionistas can ‘gaga’ over sought-after brands – Lamarque, Piper and Jane, Black Suede Studio, The New Icon, Shop Viixen and more to find perfect attire to sparkle and sizzle at holiday celebrations.  “This is it. Pop is the future of shopping,” stated Angelia, “and we’re proud to be instrumental parts of it, in Laval and beyond.”

“We are proud and exhilarated about launching PopUp2Shop in consumers’ posts and stories,” added partner Claudia.  “Furthermore, November 24th is a special holiday edition, and we are working on more than one event.”

The intentions are to make PopUp2Shop an annual event in Laval, providing consumers with the most sought-after items in all categories.

Of benefit to Children’s Wish Foundation

Claudia and Angelia also revealed their ‘give-back and pay-forward’ initiative to donate all profits from the day’s gift-wrapping service to the highly-admired Children’s Wish Foundation, the long-standing organization that performs little miracles in making sick children’s dreams come true.

Admission is free although it is highly recommended to register in advance to ensure smooth holiday shopping since space may be limited.  If interested, you should sign in at the event’s Evenbrite page and visit Facebook for more information.  “No one will be turned away, everyone is welcome,” assure Angelia and Claudia.

Laval Christmas Market takes place from Dec. 6 – 8

George Bakoyannis
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Laval Christmas Market takes place from Dec. 6 – 8
Laval Christmas Market takes place from Dec. 6 – 8

(TLN) Get ready for the upcoming holiday season at the 9th annual Laval Christmas Market which will be taking place at the Centre de la Nature from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8.

More than 70 exhibitors will be showcasing their quality products and wares at this open market where the magic of Christmas is sure to enchant visitors from everywhere.

Lots of gift ideas

The range of goods to be seen and purchased will include gourmet items, locally-grown produce, jewellery, beauty aids, toys, clothing, fashion accessories and home decor items. Everything will be under a heated big top tent.

As well, Quebec-grown Christmas trees in various sizes and at various prices will also be available. The whole family is invited to take part in activities taking place all weekend.

Will be lots to do

These will include horse-drawn calèche rides, heated igloos where people can rest, refreshment stands where hot drinks can be purchased and entertainers wandering around playing music.

The Centre de la Nature’s little make-believe village will be the place where Santa Claus is stationed to welcome all the young ones and their Christmas wishes. He’ll be accompanied by elves to provide assistance.

The Laval Christmas Market: where and when?

At the Centre de la Nature, 901 avenue du Parc, Laval (Quebec) H7E 2T7

  • Friday December 6, 10 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday December 7, 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday December 8, 10 am to 5 pm

STL wins award for its new branding

George Bakoyannis
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STL wins award for its new branding
STL wins award for its new branding

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) presented its Corporate Leadership Award in the Marketing and Communications category to the Société de transport de Laval (STL) for the development and rollout of its new branding. The ceremony, held on November 13, in Calgary, was attended by representatives from across the Canadian urban transit industry, and was part of CUTA’s Annual Conference and Transit Show.

The new branding updates the STL’s image, better reflects STL users, adds more creative range to STL’s advertising, and embodies the innovative personality of the STL.

With new colours, a photo bank and a revamped iconography, the makeover puts people at the core of the message and relies on a more urban art direction. The new branding was first unveiled to the employees, then announced to the general public in June. The concept was developed from scratch by the STL and its advertising agency Forsman & Bodenfors. It is based on a multitude of research and studies conducted since 2016.

“Make public transit out of the ordinary”

The campaign to launch the new branding was accompanied by a pledge to users to “Make public transit out of the ordinary.” In addition to emphasizing the innovative facets our bus service, the pledge can be further tailored to our internal communications or even our recruitment efforts by offering prospective hires careers that are “out of the ordinary.” The campaign has been primarily poster-driven, although the core element of the campaign is a video that is more “street” in attitude and adopts a bolder tone with the message. The purpose is clearly stated with a running text advocating for our commitment to public transit and its future, meant to inspire the general public as well as employees to aspire to the STL’s mission daily. 

View the video https://youtu.be/n64iZlb45SU

 “We are very proud of the new branding, both visually and with respect to the bolder tone.”, said  STL Board President Éric Morasse. “This breath of fresh air and authenticity that reflects more genuinely what we’re about has imbued new life into all of our communications and has enabled us to better represent all Laval residents of all ages and backgrounds. The pledge to “Make public transit out of ordinary” motivates everyone at the STL to deliver outstanding quality service and to do our utmost to make public transit even more appealing”, he concluded.

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