Seen in the photo are: Brian Cann of Microsoft, Marc DeBlois, of COFJQ – Laval 2020, Josée Vaillancourt of Rôtisseries St-Hubert, François Lallier of MondoAmerica, Laval city manager Jacques Ulysse, SportsQuébec president Michel Allen, Yves Carignan of COFJQ – Laval 2020, Charles Saindon-Courtois of the Rocket de Laval, Mayor Marc Demers, Laval city councillor Nicholas Borne, Jacinthe Godmer of the Caisse Desjardins de l’Ouest de Laval and Julie Perron [co]motion. (PHOTO: COFJQ-Laval 2020)
(TLN) The organizing committee for the 55th Final of the Jeux du Québec-Laval 2020 held a ceremony at the Restaurant 1909 at Place Bell last week to mark exactly one year to the day before the competitions are set to begin next summer.
During a 5 to 7 cocktail event, Mayor Marc Demers rallied supporters sponsoring partners and restated the city’s commitment to holding a memorable games from July 31 to Aug. 8 next year.
“This will be a unique occasion pour all the people of Laval to gather together and carry the torch towards an event of the magnitude of the Jeux du Québec,” he said. “Its success will reflect the effort made by all, be they financial partners, volunteers or citizens.”
Superb weather with lots of sun and just a smidgen of
rain provided many residents of Laval as well as visiting tourists with an
opportunity to appraise and buy some of Quebec’s finest art, sculptures and
paintings during the 24th annual Symposium de Ste-Rose.
Held from July 25 to 28 in Laval’s historic Vieux
Sainte-Rose neighbourhood, the exhibition of works by 90 artists from all over
Quebec and other areas of eastern Canada was seen by more than 20,000 people.
Weather was
great
Carole Faucher, president of the Corporation Rose-Art which sponsors the Symposium de Sainte-Rose, was among the artists exhibiting their works.
“We’re crossing our fingers so that the weather holds
out until Sunday,” said Carole Faucher, president of the Corporation Rose-Art
which sponsors the event, noting that some rain was forecast for that day.
For this year’s Symposium, the Corporation Rose-Art
was able to persuade Quebec film and TV actor Nico Racicot to be the event’s
official spokesperson. Racicot is perhaps best
known for the role he played in the 2013 French-language film Louis Cyr.
Appreciates
fine art
Among those who were out appreciating the many
artistic works on the first day of the exhibition was Claude Gagnon of Laval-des-Rapides,
who’s been a fan of the Symposium de Ste-Rose for about 15 years.
“Even though it’s hot out now, it does nothing to
diminish the talent of all the artists who have come out to participate in this
year’s symposium,” he said. “The artists are also taking the time to answer
questions when people are curious about their art, which I think is excellent.”
A colourful
artist
Among the many artists from Laval was Monique Lafond.
Lafond’s impressionistic paintings stand out for the subtlety of their colours.
Well-travelled, Lafond exhibited some of the paintings she did after visiting
India.
The 2019 Symposium attracted artists from well-beyond
the Laval region. Branimir Misic, a former mechanical engineer turned metal
sculptor, came all the way from Sherbrooke to participate. His original calling
is reflected in the whimsically playful sculptures he creates from recycled
metal pieces, including old steel knives, forks and goblets.
A popular
art show
Saguenay-born artist Réal Moisan who now lives in Rosemère was among the 90 painters and sculptors who took part in the 2019 Symposium de Sainte-Rose.
Réal Moisan, a painter
originally from Quebec’s Saguenay
region who now makes his home in Rosemère, takes part in several organized art exhibitions each
year, although he is especially fond of the Symposium de Ste-Rose.
“I’ve
been taking part in the Symposium for the past thirteen years, and I’ve always
found that the quality of the clientele is higher here,” he said.
“The
location is particularly beautiful, and the number of people who attend is
high.” He said his paintings sell especially well at the Symposium de Ste-Rose and
that he looks forward to returning every year.
Dr. Golan (left) accompanied by Marc Joannette, (centre) distributor of the spinal endoscopy instruments; and Nurse Athena Baum,(right) Team Leader in Neurosurgery.
As a result of innovative work by the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH), which is part of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, patients can now benefit from the least invasive surgery possible.
“I’m delighted to finally be able to use spinal endoscopy to treat my patients,” said Dr. Jeff Golan. “I used to have to refer them to my colleagues in the United States. But from now on, my patients can benefit from this procedure here free of charge.”
Spinal endoscopy is a surgical technique that requires only a small incision in the patient’s side for the placement of a tiny tube 7 mm in diameter. Once the tube is near the spine, the surgeon can insert the surgical instruments through the tube and perform the procedure. The doctor can see what’s going on thanks to a miniature camera and an X-ray machine.
This technology has many advantages. For patients, endoscopic surgery can be done under local anaesthesia, entails a shorter convalescence than conventional techniques and results in much less postoperative pain.
“When Dr. Golan offered me spinal endoscopy, I didn’t hesitate to choose that option to get my herniated disc repaired,” said Jennifer Orr, one of the first five patients to benefit from this innovation in Quebec. “Today, I’m back to my normal life. I’m back at work and I can go hiking with no back pain.”
Spinal endoscopy takes less time than other operations. And because patients can go home two hours later, they don’t need to be hospitalized.
“By introducing spinal endoscopy at the JGH—and being the first to do so in Quebec—we are demonstrating, once again, our commitment to providing healthcare users with access to the latest treatments,” says Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, President and CEO of CIUSSS West-Central Montreal. “Members of our staff embrace innovation and continually strive to be up to date on any new evidence-based developments in order to restore an individual’s quality of life and well-being.”
Dr. Golan thinks he’ll be able to operate on as many as 150 patients a year using this technique
(CNW) Quebec provincial police are still trying to determine the cause of a deadly domino collision on Highway 440 on the afternoon of Monday August 5th.
Around 3:40 p.m., a small car collided with a semi-trailer truck on the westbound section of highway near the exit to Highway 15. The two vehicles then hit a second truck, starting a pileup involving another six vehicles.
Police have collected statements from witnesses, but are asking anyone who saw the collision or filmed video to contact them, which can be done anonymously, at 1-800-659-4262.
Truck drivers demand action after the fiery 440 collision
Quebec truck drivers are demanding action after the fiery collision between two trucks and seven other vehicles on Highway 440. “The problem is it’s coming all from four lanes to one lane to an exit to go on a service road and, after, go back to another entry for the 15 North,” longtime truck driver Daniel Beaulieu explained.“So, everybody is getting to the same place. That’s why there’s a lot of pileups, a lot of backup, and it’s really dangerous and should change. It has to be changed.”
Beaulieu noted there were public consultations in 2017 to discuss the road conditions in Quebec. He argues the Highway 440-15 North intersection isn’t the only problem area.
“The 640-15? Same problem,” he said, adding that he is demanding more action from the provincial government. “I think the government should look at itself. Why there was no action for the last 10 years?” Beaulieu said. “If we don’t do nothing, there will be a lot of deaths, and that’s exactly what happened that afternoon. Now, all those poor families, this morning with their losses. I think it’s horrible.”
Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel, centre, spoke to reporters a day after the fatal collision with Finance Minister Eric Girard, left, and Laval Mayor Marc Demers, right.
Bonnardel: Painted line to be extended
“My first thoughts go to the victims and their families,” Quebec Transport Minister François Bonnardel said whwn he visited the trajic site Tuesday August 6, alongside Laval Mayor Marc Demers. Bonnardel said the ministry will look at provincial police’s report of the collision to see what improvements can be made, but in the meantime, the painted line separating the service lane from the highway would be extended.
He agreed that the intersection was flagged as a place of risk — the scene of a dozen accidents since 2013.
One of the changes Bonnardel wants to make is extending a double line to elongate the part of the highway where motorists will be prohibited from changing lanes.
The minister said he hopes to change driver behaviour but will wait for the Sûreté du Québec’s (SQ) investigation to determine what other actions should be taken.
While he acknowledged the stretch of road was built decades ago when congestion was not as severe, Bonnardel said it is not any more dangerous than other interchanges in the Montreal area.
“The city will work in collaboration with the ministry to find solutions,” Demers said.
Laval city councillors David De Cotis and Michel Poissant as well as Alzheimer Society of Laval executive-director Lise Lalande are seen here during the event held last Saturday in Lausanne Park.
Martin C. Barry
The fifth annual Fête
de Quartier Saint-Bruno, which brought together thousands of residents of the
district in Lausanne Park on Saturday
Aug. 10, raised $24,000 for the Alzheimer
Society of Laval.
“Over
the last few years we’ve raised more than $130,000 for the cause,” said Saint-Bruno
city councillor David De Cotis who sits with the opposition Action Laval party.
Bringing people closer
“The
Fête de Quartier gives a real sense of belonging to the community, and at the
same time a greater awareness of the Alzheimer Society of Laval,” added De Cotis.
“It’s the only home of its kind in Laval and it’s in
this district, Saint-Bruno. All the sums raised today are going one hundred per
cent to the Alzheimer Society of Laval cause.”
While there were inflatable games for the kids and
many booths set up by community groups and sponsors to provide information
about their services, without a doubt the highlight of the all-day family event
was the dunking tank.
Three
tries: $5
For $5, anyone could have three tries throwing cantaloupe-sized
balls at a target. If they hit the bullseye, their favourite (or not) city
councillor, Member of Parliament or Member of the National Assembly would drop
into the drink.
Among the elected officials who accepted the challenge
to be dunked were Alfred-Pellan Liberal MP Angelo Iacono, his Conservative
rival in the October election Angelo Esposito, Vimont Liberal MNA Jean
Rousselle, and Laval city councillors Michel Poissant and David De Cotis.
Aiming for
each other
At one point, some of the politicians were taking
shots at one another, as for instance when Esposito anteed up his $5 to try and
dunk Iacono. While Rousselle also spent time in and out of the drink, he too
paid for the privilege of trying to drop David De Cotis into the wet tank.
Iacono took Esposito’s attempt on him in stride. “He
missed,” he said, while admitting that he also tried but failed to dunk
Esposito. “But it’s all in fun and games. That’s what it’s all about: having
fun for a good cause.”
Ex-councillor
supports cause
Among those who came out for the afternoon to take in
all the fun and activities was former Laval city councillor for
Concorde/Bois-de-Boulogne Jean-Jacques Lapierre. Now a resident of a seniors
retirement residence in Chomedey, Lapierre said he travelled to Saint-Bruno to
show his support for the Alzheimer Society of Laval.
“The association does such good work,” he said. “I’ve
always been a very active person and I’ve following the society’s progress from
the beginning. I think they deserve our support since they’re doing good work.
That’s why I came today.”
The current issue of the Laval News volume 27-15 published August 14th, 2019, (Laval’s English Newspaper) covers local events such as politics, sports and human-interest stories. It features editorials and other columns. Click on the image to read the paper.
Front page of Laval News, Vol. 27-14
August 14, 2019.
Laval city councillor for Sainte-Dorothée Ray Khalil (second from right) is seen here with supporters from community groups and the city on July 27 when Halte du marché near Metro Cartier opened for the 2019 summer season.
Martin C. Barry
With
some of the richest agricultural soil in Quebec located on a large swath of its
territory, the City of Laval plans to expand a marketing program for
locally-grown produce to large grocery stores, according to a member of the executive-committee
at city hall.
Focus on local
While
many Laval residents were on vacation in mid-July, officials from the city as
well as from grassroots community groups gathered in a green space near the
Cartier Metro station to mark the opening of a small open-air market that will
be selling locally-grown fruits and vegetables there for the rest of the
summer.
This
is the second year for the Halte du marché, although the first time that it’s
located near the Cartier Metro stop. In its first year, it was set up temporarily
in a spot along des Prairies Blvd. near des Laurentides Blvd.
Open until October
The
concept was developed with financial assistance from Saveurs de Laval and
additional support from several community groups including the Association des
popotes roulantes de Laval, Enfant d’Abord and Au panier.
The
outdoor space was set up by the city in conjunction with La Pépinière Espaces
collectifs and will be open until Oct. 18 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
from 2:30 pm to 7 pm.
The Halte du marché near Metro Cartier will be open until October.
Expansion foreseen
Operated
by Écomarché Cartier, the outdoor
market will be selling fresh fruits and vegetables as well as artisanal baked
goods, organic honey and other products. Small shows and events are also
scheduled to take place there at various times over the remainder of the
summer.
“We want to try to enlarge this project so as to take
it to other areas of Laval also near Metro stations and transit hubs,” said
Alexandre Sicard-Roche, a community organizer who has been overseeing the
progress of the project. He said that in the coming years they hope to expand
with additional outlets.
Prime farm
territory
“One
of the big advantages we have in Laval is that we have some of the most fertile
land in Quebec,” said Sainte-Dorothée city councillor Ray Khalil, who sits on
the executive-committee, while also chairing the city’s Agricultural
Consultative Committee (CCA).
“There are different factors to our initiatives, and
one of them is bringing agriculture closer to the people,” he added. “At the
same time we have very strong economic and urban development in Laval, we have
the advantage of being able to combine both.
Volunteers and supporters tend the community gardens next to the Metro Cartier Halte du marché.
Close to
the land
“The farmers of Laval have the advantage of being so
close to the people who live here,” said Khalil. “A lot of them have kiosks
right in front of their farms where you can go and buy fresh strawberries and
raspberries. People love it. It’s one of the beautiful things about living in
Laval and we have to maximize this advantage.”
Although produce grown in Laval has always been
available from roadside kiosks, Khalil said the city is working on a strategy
to see local fruits and vegetables distributed and sold in the region’s grocery
stores as well. “It’s something we’ve been working on for a couple of years and
we hope to make an announcement in due time,” he said.
A place to
socialize
Laval city councillor for Duvernay/Pont-Viau Stéphane
Boyer, who also sits on the executive-committee, said he is pleased with the
way the Halte du marché project has been developing.
“This project is in response to a need that was
expressed by citizens of the sector,” he said. “The Halte du marché, in addition to offering fresh foods, will also
encourage gatherings, discussions and sharing, all of which are good for the
revitalization of the neighbourhood.”
From the left, Jean-Marc Juteau, science commissioner with the City of Laval’s economic development department, André Hubert, City of Laval, Laval city councillor Yannick Langlois, Laval executive-committee vice-president Stéphane Boyer, Mayor Marc Demers, Yvan P. Côté, general manager Dynacare, Scott Hickey, vice-president communication and public affairs Dynacare, and executive-committee member Sandra Desmeules.
(TLN) Mayor Marc Demers, accompanied by several
members of city council and staffers from Laval’s economic development team,
spent some time last week at Dynacare, a diagnostic and medical tracking
company that has branches all over Canada.
Dynacare Laval general manager Yvan Côté
and Scott Hickey from
Headquarters in Brampton, ON gave the mayor and his entourage a tour of
Dynacare’s facilities, including the laboratories and the client service
centre.
Discussions were also held on issues concerning the
business and innovation in the field of sciences in Laval. Dynacare employs
more than 60 people in its Laval lab, as well as at its three testing
facilities.
The company evolved into its current incorporation
partly as a result of its acquisition of Warnex, another company that started
in Laval thanks to the support of the centre québécois
d’innovation en biotechnologie (CQIB), located at the Cité de la Biotech.
(TLN)
The organizing committee for the Fête de quartier de Chomedey is inviting
people of all ages to come out and take part in the 11th annual gathering
which will be taking place on Saturday Aug. 24 at Labelle Park, 799 Loranger
St. in Chomedey beginning at 1 pm.
In
keeping with longstanding tradition, the overall themes at this year’s event
will be accessibility, eco-responsibility and citizen participation. Various
forms of entertainment will be presented during the day, including shows,
children’s activities and workshops.
Activities all day
Many
community groups from Chomedey are currently putting together a schedule of
entertaining activities. A stage will be available on which registered
performers will be able to make presentations. As well, a health booth will
make available free information on health issues, as well as healthy snacks.
The
day will come to an end with a big prize draw, a circus presentation and a
friendly soccer match. Everything will be free. This year, around 1,000 people
are expected.
A citizen initiative
The
Fête de Quartier de Chomedey is a citizen initiative that emerged from the
Chomedey social forum held in 2008. It is led by citizens as well as partner
members of the Comité de Développement Local de Chomedey (CDLC). The committee
is always looking for new members.
The
Fête de Quartier de Chomedey is made possible with support from several key
sponsors, including the Centre Intégré de Santé et Services Sociaux de Laval,
the City of Laval, IGA Extra Gagnon et filles, the Caisse populaire Desjardins
de Chomedey, and Chomedey MNA Guy Ouellette.
On
June 20th 2019, Agape Executive Director Kevin McLeod was happy to receive a
cheque from Chomedey MNA Guy Oullette in the amount of $10,000.
This
money goes towards Agape’s 2019-2020 efforts in offering various services to
vulnerable families including Quebec newcomers.
Among
it’s many mandates, projects and services, the non-profit organization offers
over 1,500 food baskets to Laval residents each year along with much furniture,
toy and clothing distribution.
“Thanks
to the ongoing support of people like Mr. Ouellette, Agape can continue to
offer it’s services across Laval.” McLeod said.
