The signs at far end in Laval of Route 335 say it all: Autoroute 19 is going to be extended with reserved lanes for public transit and electric transportation.
Martin C. Barry
With Quebecers preparing to go to the polls on October 1, the province’s Liberal government announced a potential enticement for Laval-area voters with the release of preliminary details for the long-awaited Autoroute 19 extension project.
Nobody likes traffic
The announcement, which was made by Premier Philippe Couillard with Laval’s six Liberal MNAs on hand as well as Laval mayor Marc Demers and several members of city council, took place from a small green space in northern Laval near the spot where Route 335 (the future A-19) juts out across the Rivière des Mille Îles to the North Shore and Bois-des-Filion.
“Morning and evening, going to work or while returning, Quebecers don’t want to be caught up in traffic,” said Premier Couillard. “They don’t want to spend interminable hours on the road instead of spending quality time at home. I know this and our team also knows it. Road congestion is harmful to the quality of life, it costs a lot and is an obstacle to progress.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard announces the provincial government’s plans to extend Autoroute 19 with Vimont Liberal MNA Jean Rousselle at his side.
Improving traffic flow
“The project for urban autoroute 19 as presented today fits perfectly in with our ambitious and modern vision for a new Quebec,” he added. “It is a unified vision that places mobility and the quality of life of citizens, the success of businesses and the conservation of the living environment at the heart of our preoccupations and actions.”
“With its reserved lane for buses, electric vehicles and car pooling, the extension of the A-19 will help improve traffic flow, which is a major issue for the regions north of Montreal,” said Transport Minister André Fortin. “This solution is part of the vision in our sustainable mobility policy recently announced, and it answers to the needs of users who wish to reduce the time they spend getting around while improving the quality of their lives.”
The Laval region’s six Liberal MNAs, with Mille-Îles Liberal MNA Francine Charbonneau at the centre, announce the Autoroute 19 extension project.
Making life better
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the willingness of our government to launch the final phase for the extension of the A-19,” said Mille-Îles Liberal MNA Francine Charbonneau, who is Minister Responsible for the Laval Region in the Liberal cabinet. “I can only rejoice at this great news that will allow in the future for the improvement of the quality of life of all the citizens on the North Shore. Being able to count on an efficient transportation network will come to support the local economy and the province’s economy at the same time.”
When the work does start it will involve construction of a new three-lane roadbed along the present highway, including a reserved lane for buses, electric vehicles and car pooling. There will also be four new interchanges and an existing interchange will be reconstructed.
Details of the project
As well, a twin span will be added to the Athanase David Bridge over the Rivière des Mille Îles, new commuter parking and a terminus will be created, and anti-noise barriers will be constructed along the sides of certain sections of the A-19 extension which will run from Saint-Martin Blvd. East in Laval northward across the river to Industriel Blvd. in Bois-des-Filion.
According to a press release issued by the provincial government, land survey work for the project was conducted in March. Beginning this spring, geological surveying and soil analysis tests were done in preparation for beginning work. A call for tenders is expected to be launched soon for the preparation of plans and architectural sketches. Preparations for the actual start of construction are expected to continue into 2019.
A good representation of the HBOT’s 13 past presidents are seen here with the HBOT’s three founders and its current president during the board’s gathering held at the 40 Westt Steakhouse on Montreal’s West Island on April 18.
Martin C. Barry
Around 80 members of the Hellenic Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and their guests gathered at the 40 Westt Steakhouse on Montreal’s West Island on April 18 to recognize the contributions of the board’s founders and past presidents.
25th anniversary event
For the occasion – which was sold out and which took place around the same time the HBOT is marking its 25th anniversary – eight of the board’s former presidents were present, as were all three of the HBOT’s original founders.
The founders and past presidents were presented by current HBOT president John Charalampopoulos with plaques attesting to their service, as he thanked them for their dedication on the HBOT’s behalf.
“Our organization is as great as it is because of the people behind it,” Charalampopoulos said in an interview with Newsfirst Multimedia. “We figured that after 25 years it was time to honour all the people who helped built the HBOT to where it is today.”
The HBOT’s president John Charalampopoulos (far left) is seen here with the board’s three founders, Senator Leo Housakos, Dennis Kounadis and Jim Constantacos during the board’s Presidents Evening event at the 40 Westt Steakhouse on April 18.
25 years of progress
The HBOT was founded by Dennis Kounadis, Jim Constantacos and Leo Housakos. While the board’s beginnings were modest, it has grown in stature and influence over the past quarter-century, just as its founders have also made great strides.
Today, Constantacos heads Constant America, a manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, while Kounadis is a senior partner at a Montreal commercial law firm, and Housakos is a member of the Canadian Senate.
Asked what he sees as the major difference between the HBOT 25 years ago and where it is positioned today, Constantacos said: “I think the quality of our people has evolved. We have more professionals today who are quite interesting and very well educated. I think it’s a credit to our community that we have such an organization as this.”
‘A proud moment’
Senator Housakos said: “Twenty-five years later I’m particularly happy to see a lot of young faces here. An organization can only succeed if it has two fundamental elements – you need strong foundations to build on, and you need people to carry on and add to the layers of those foundations. So this is a very proud moment for me to see the organization 25 years later flourishing and still going strong.”
Dennis Kounadis agreed that the HBOT’s vitality is being maintained by a younger generation of members. “Twenty-five years ago we were five, six people who got it going, and it was hard at first getting people to join,” he said. “Today, look at all the people who are here – and there are a lot of faces here I don’t even know – people much younger than myself who are professionals and entrepreneurs who are doing very well in the community.”
HBOT president John Charalampopoulos addresses board members and guests during the HBOT’s Presidents Evening gathering.
Created the foundations
In the keynote address, Senator Housakos said that a quarter-century ago, Dennis, Jim and himself set out “to try to put together a structure that will last a long time, and let’s try to bring in the kind of people we need to build a strong, solid foundation that will last for decades. Like all individuals who come to Canada with a dream, we too started with a dream to try and do something that would endure.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to the current board and its president for bringing young and old all together tonight to celebrate our 25 years and I look forward to another 25,” he added. “There’s nothing more proud than being a Hellene, being in business and making a contribution to our society.”
Some of the young Express de Laval players who received recognition from Hockey Québec for their participation in the Méthode d’Apprentissage de Hockey sur Glace this past season.
Martin C. Barry
Up to 500 members and supporters of the Association du Hockey Mineur Express Laval held an exciting season-ending event at the Cartier Arena in Pont-Viau on Sunday April 29, during which hundreds of players young and old got deserved recognition for all the efforts they made on the ice over the past hockey season.
The gathering was held to highlight the accomplishments of all the finalists and season winners, with a special ceremony near the end to hang their banners at the club’s home arena, said Carlos Ghazal, president of the association. In addition, there was recognition of the player, coach and manager of the year.
The presentations took place in a dramatic fashion, with the young players emerging from generated fog to make their way to the stage to receive their certificates.
An exciting ceremony
The presentations took place in a dramatic fashion, with the young hockey players emerging from generated fog to make their way to the stage to receive their certificates. At the same time, a fundraiser was conducted for the Broncos team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, where a busload of Broncos players was recently involved in a tragic accident that resulted in many deaths and injuries.
First to receive their recognition medals were the youngest players (MAHG Méthode d’Apprentissage de Hockey sur Glace). Some were as young as three and four years old. Novice and older players were also presented with certificates and gifts.
: Some of the young Express de Laval players who received recognition from Hockey Québec for their participation in the Méthode d’Apprentissage de Hockey sur Glace this past season.
Getting started early
“Usually we encourage the parents to put the skates on the participating kids when they’re about three years to take them for a pre-skate at the arena,” said Ghazal, who MC’d the event. In all, around 250 players turned out, along with parents, friends and Express Laval volunteers.
The club has 500 players altogether, the oldest of whom are 21 years of age. The Express begins their pre-season in June when registrations for 2018-2019 take place. The next regular season begins in August.
Those attending the Laval Express’s awards ceremony last Sunday paused a moment to watch a video paying homage to the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy.
Hôtel de ville de Laval, au 1 Place du Souvenir, Laval, Québec, Canada.
City Watch
Adding to Laval’s architectural heritage
In order to update and enrich Laval’s architectural heritage, the City has added to its Inventory of Architectural Heritage a new listing of 789 heritage properties. This catalogue adds to the list amassed in 2015, which included 1949 properties. For the City, the new inventory provides an additional tool which will be used to guide decisions to better intercede in the conservation and enhancement of Laval’s building cultural heritage. This inventory will soon be available on the City’s history and heritage website (histoire.laval.ca) and in open data on the Quebec government’s Data Québec (donnesquebec.ca) website.
Grant applications to CALQ to benefit Maison des Arts
The City of Laval will present three requests for support to the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) for the operations of the Salle Alfred-Pellan at the Maison des Arts. The support will allow the center to organize public exhibitions as well as receive work from outside Quebec under its Project Suburbs! 2018 program. Also, funds will help to support the specific programming of the 2018-2019 season at the Salle Alfred-Pellan.
Maison des arts de Laval’s mission is to offer high-level, multidisciplinary artistic programing and to provide the best possible venues for its display. Artistic endeavors supported include contemporary conceptions in creative theater, contemporary dance, world music and visual arts mainly targeting young audiences. The programming is also supported by publicity and activities used to raise public awareness designed to gain audience support.
Display in arenas
The members of the executive committee approved the renewal of the five-year agreement with the ARSEL / CSL Laval Sport Grouping for advertising in municipal arenas, for the period from February 1st 2018 to January 30th 2023. The Guimond Sports Complex, recently acquired by the City of Laval, was included in the agreement, to which was added the option of installing two digital screens in this arena entrance hall.
Requests for financial assistance
As part of the City of Laval’s financial assistance and special events support program, members of the executive committee granted a $ 65,000 grant to the Center des artistes for the Diapason Independent Music Festival. This festival which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year will take place from July 5th to 8th in 2018 in the Sainte-Rose district. Diapason showcases a collection of emerging artists from Laval and all across Quebec.
The Laval Regional Soccer Association will host the Toyota U15 2018 Soccer National Championships in Laval from October 2nd to the 8th. In order to support the Association in the organization of this major event, the members of the executive committee have granted financial assistance of $ 40,000 to the organization. Every year, the National Soccer Championships take place simultaneously in three different cities across the country and are composed of three events, the U-15 Cup, the U-17 Cup as well as the Jubilee Trophy and Trophy Challenge. For 2018 the cities of Laval, Saskatoon and Surrey have been selected to host the country’s top soccer competition events for some 550 players, coaches, support staff and officials from all of Canada.
From March 13th to 18thCollège Montmorency welcomed teams from across the country to compete in the Canadian Men’s Basketball Championship. The City has provided $ 5,000 in financial support to the organization for this event.
On March 23rd the Alzheimer Society of Laval (SAL) held its big fundraising evening, the goal of which was to raise funds to help finance the direct services offered to the people of Laval. A grant of $ 5,000 was awarded to the organization to support the event. Alzheimer Society of Laval is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help and support people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness, as well as to educate and inform the public and professionals who work with the affected people. It also contributes to research.
A grant of $ 5,000 was awarded to the Water Interpretation Center (CIEAU), which organized a fundraising event on March 22nd to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary and to organize a tribute to its builders. The revenues generated by this evening will, in particular, help develop the scientific teaching offer of C.I.EAU and facilitate the relocation of the center scheduled for September 2018.
To support the contribution of its partners in the field of sport, the city of Laval is working with the Regroupement du sport a Laval ARSEL / CSL. The $ 83,000 agreement approved by the members of the executive committee will finance the organization whose responsibilities are to support the Laval regional sport associations through various programs.
Laval partner of HackQC 2018
The members of the executive committee have given a contribution of $ 5,000 for the holding of the HackQC 2018. This second edition of the provincial hackathon will be hosted on the premises of the ÉTS (School of Higher Technologies) from May 4th to May 6th. A hackathon is a multi-day event. It brings together programmers, analysts, project managers specializing in computer programming technologies to collaborate on the development of applications on a specific theme.
The programming competition will bring together nine partner cities. The purpose of the event is to promote the development of the open data network of the Data Québec portal. This government platform, of which Laval is one of the five founding cities, brings together nearly 1,000 open data sets from several Quebec ministries, organizations and municipalities.
About 250 participants from academic and professional circles are expected to attend. Environment will be highlighted for this edition of the hackathon. Especially for the occasion, the partner cities will release their collected data on climate change, urban forestry and air quality.
Toponymic Naming Policy
The new Toponymic Naming Policy was adopted by the members of the Executive Committee and will be submitted for approval by City Council. It forms a formal framework for giving names to streets, roads, public buildings, parks or public places of interest. With this policy, the members of the executive committee also adopted a resolution creating the city’s toponymy committee. A call for nominations to recruit the members who will form this committee, which will be headed by Orée-de-Bois city councilor Yannick Langlois, will be published shortly by the Governance Secretariat.
$ 40,000 Grant to the Laval Beers Festival
As part of its financial assistance and special events support program, the city of Laval has awarded a $ 40,000 grant to the Laval beer festival. This festival, now in its 4th edition will take place from July 13th to the 15th 2018 at Laval Centre de la Nature (Nature Center). The event provides festival-goers the opportunity to discover and sample a diverse inventory of fermented beverages most of which are brewed in Quebec. More than forty microbreweries will present their products. The festival also includes shows, presentations, street entertainers and a playground for children.
Chevaliers de Colomb to hold ‘Spaghetti Day’ on May 6
Martin C. Barry
The Chevaliers de Colomb’s five councils in Laval have decided to come together in order to hold a Spaghetti Day event that will be taking place on Sunday May 6 from 11 am to 8 pm at the Laval Sheraton.
Among the major sponsors supporting the event are Barbies restaurants (who will be furnishing all the sauce and pasta), Aubut Distributaire Alimentaire (who will be supplying disposable dishware as well as other necessities), and Members of the National Assembly who are furnishing financial support.
All profits from this fundraising event will be going to the Cité de la Santé Foundation.
Officials serve tables
For the day’s first service, running from 11 am to 3 pm, Laval’s city councillors will be serving tables. There is also hope that Mayor Marc Demers will be among them. For the evening service, from 5 to 7 pm, Laval’s six MNAs (Francine Charbonneau, Monique Sauvé, Jean Rousselle, Guy Ouellette, Jean Habel and Saul Polo) will be providing the table service.
At 7 pm, representatives from the Cité de la Santé Foundation will draw a special door prize for all the volunteers who come to lend a hand. Following this, a cheque made out for the amount of the day’s proceeds will be presented to the Cité de la Santé Foundation. Then from 7 to 8 pm, volunteers from the foundation will be serving the tables.
The City of Laval is accepting new registrations for its ever-popular Un Enfant, Un Arbre tree planting program
(TLN)
The City of Laval is accepting new registrations for its ever-popular Un Enfant, Un Arbre tree planting program. According to the city, the tree being offered this year is a sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
To be eligible for the program, which provides a tree each time a child is born, you must be a Laval resident, with a child who was born or adopted from June 2017 to June 1 2018, with proofs of birth and residency.
Registration is mandatory and the deadline is June 1. A form can be filled out online at laval.ca. The city’s special events office can also be contacted at 450 978-6888, local 5249. The trees will be given out on Sunday June 10 at Laval city hall.
Laval Mayor Marc Demers announced the $2,000 subsidy during the recent Salon du véhicule électrique in Montreal.
(TLN)
The City of Laval has announced that residents will soon be able to take advantage of a subsidy of $2,000 that will be applicable to the purchase of an all-electric car.
A first, say city
The offer is a first among Canadian municipalities, according to Mayor Marc Demers who announced the plan during the recent Salon du véhicule électrique in Montreal.
According to a by-law the Laval executive-committee passed to make the subsidy possible, electric vehicle purchases made beginning on April 20 will be eligible.
Subsidy from Quebec
The city’s subsidy will be in addition to an $8,000 subsidy the Quebec government is also offering for the same purpose. With both subsidies, up to $10,000 in subsidies will be applicable to an electric car purchase.
At the same time, the executive-committee approved another measure to make it possible for Laval residents to receive a $400 subsidy applicable to the purchase of an electrically-assisted bicycle. According to the city, this measure is also a first in Canada, although it has become common in Europe.
This issue 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. May 2 2018Click here to read the newspaper.
Hôtel de ville de Laval, au 1 Place du Souvenir, Laval, Québec, Canada.
A pilot project with Quebec’s Department of Health and Social Services to control ragweed
The executive committee approved an agreement between the City of Laval and the Ministry of Health and Social Services concerning a pilot project for the control of ragweed in the residential areas of Sainte-Rose, Vimont and Auteuil. Financial assistance in the amount of $61,092.50 comes from the Green Fund of the Government of Quebec’s 2013-2020 Action Plan on Climate Change and covers 75% of project expenses. This pilot project will be implemented this summer and involves inspecting vacant lots in targeted areas to inventory the presence of ragweed and test modified mowing practices. Pollen measurements will be taken daily upstream and downstream of the project areas to assess the effectiveness of the measures employed.
5th edition of Laval Earth Week
The city of Laval will promote various environmental activities as part of Laval Earth Week from April 16th to 22th in partnership with various associations in the community. A plethora of planned activities include a guided tour of the Sainte-Rose water treatment plant, the Grand Spring Cleanup, a used bicycle collection and an afternoon of poetry on the theme of rivers. A day dedicated to celebrating natural milieus will also be presented.
Also, on April 22nd a mobile waste collection (ecocentre) will be located at 1333 Chomedey Blvd. for the collection of hazardous household waste, electronic equipment as well as compostable waste. The City of Laval will have its first own permanent ecocentre in 2019, which is budgeted for in the 2019-2020 Three-Year Capital Works Program. In the meantime, the City is giving citizens the opportunity to bring their household waste that is not eligible for the regular trash to the mobile ecocentre which is set up at different locations on pre-set dates throughout the year. To find out the dates and locations of upcoming mobile collections consult the event page in the activities calendar of Laval’s web site.
Contract with Harpagon Theater
The Executive Committee approved a service agreement contract with Harpagon Theater for the operation of the Open-Air Theater program for 2018. This program showcases emerging professional artists in a production created to be diffused in an outdoor environment during summer. The program goal is to produce a new show annually that will be presented at the Nature Center its first year of production. The following summer the theatrical presentation will go on tour to diverse municipal parks of Laval. The productions are intended for young audiences and families and this format promotes accessibility to cultural spectacles free of charge. The city is financing the group in the amount of $108,297.25 (including taxes).
New Guidelines for Immigration and Cultural Diversity
The City of Laval will develop a policy paper on Immigration and Cultural Diversity. This project is part of Laval’s Strategic Vision for 2035 and will provide the municipality with a tool to help manage the integration of immigrants and the emerging cultural plurality. Given the evolution of Laval’s socio-demographic characteristics over the last twenty years, illustrated by a growing increase in the immigrant population (an increase of 84.1% between 2001 and 2011 and a proportion of 28.5% of the total population in 2016), Laval wishes to emphasize its role from a perspective of a welcoming city for immigration. The emphasis will center on two areas: the development of a document that will define the values, main principles and regional orientations for immigration and cultural diversity and the development and definition of a policy statement to guide the delivery and adaptation of municipal services to newly arrived citizens.
Contribution Agreement
On October 27th, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honorable Mélanie Joly, informed Ville de Laval that she approved, under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, a contribution of $ 2,700,000 for the realization of the relocation project of the Armand-Frappier Biosciences Interpretation Center. Under section 3.11 of the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (chapter M-30) of Quebec, it is necessary to obtain the authorization of the Québec government in order to enter into a contribution agreement with a department of the federal government. To this end, the City of Laval has obtained an order from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy to finalize the contribution agreement with the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Laval host of the 42nd edition of the AQAIRS Development Session
From May 28th to 31st 2019 Laval will host the 42nd edition of the development session of the Quebec Association of arenas, recreational and sports facilities (AQAIRS). This group of professionals include managers of recreational and sports facilities and sports club and includes nearly 400 members across the province of Quebec. Some 250 delegates from all regions of Quebec are expected to take part in the event. Members of AQAIRS provide leasing expertise and technical support for recreational and sports facilities in Quebec. The functions of this association are complementary to other networks recognized in Quebec such as AQLM (which operate in municipal recreation) and ARAQ (responsible for aquatic facilities).
Daniel Hébert to represent Laval in the Alliance of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Citiesc
At its meeting of March 21st 2018 Laval’s executive committee approved its inclusion in the Alliance of the Cities of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence. According to its by-laws only members or their authorized representatives may participate in the voting procedure at the Annual General Meeting therefore Daniel Hébert, Marigot District Councilor, has been appointed to represent interests of Laval.
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is working actively with states, provinces, federal governments, First Nations, industries and organizations for the long-term protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watershed includes Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as well as the St. Lawrence River and related bodies of water such as Lake of Two Mountains and the Rivières des Mille Îles et Prairies.
Seven Laval citizens appointed to the Environmental Advisory Committee
The executive committee has named the seven Laval citizens who will sit on the Environmental Advisory Committee (Comité consultatif en environnement (CCE)). They include: Jean Lavoie, Elsa Dufresnes-Arbique, Réjean Gravel, Patrice Desrochers, Fatiha Bensadia, Sophie Blanchet-Vaugeois and Julie Vespoli.
Members of the CCE will analyze at the requests of the executive committee or the Environmental Service issues related to environment and to give their opinion. The Committee is chaired by Virginie Dufour, member of the executive committee, Sainte-Rose municipal councilor and environmental affairs officer. Aram Elagoz, District Councilor of Renaud also sits as an elected member.
ENAP collaborates with the Fire Department
The Fire Security Service conducts promotion examinations for the ranks of Lieutenant, Captains and Officers in the Prevention Division every even calendar year. Since the promotion process include an assessment of administrative skills, the City of Laval has reached an agreement with the National School of Public Administration (ENAP). According to the terms of this agreement, ENAP will assist in the development of tools adapted to the needs unionized managers of the Fire Safety Service as well as aiding during the promotion processes. An ENAP professional will be part of the selection committee during the final interviews.
Aquatic Complex plans at city hall. State-of-the-art swimming facility to be completed in 2020
(TLN) With only a few weeks left before construction work starts on Laval’s new aquatic complex, the city is inviting residents to drop by city hall to view an exhibition showing plans developed by four architectural competition finalists – including a 3D model of plans by the winning architectural firm.
“While taking in the exhibition, I have been able to see up to what point the competition was able to bring together so many talented experts so that we might be able to offer Laval residents an exceptional facility that they’ll want to go to and that they’ll be proud of,” says Mayor Marc Demers.
Aquatic Complex plans at city hall. State-of-the-art swimming facility to be completed in 2020
Chosen from four finalists
The City of Laval launched the architectural competition for the aquatic complex in 2016. Following a rigorous selection process four finalists were chosen who made public presentations before a jury. In the end, the NFOE-HCMA consortium was chosen as the winner in January 2017.
The aquatic complex is going to be located on Terry Fox Ave. in the north-west sector of Laval’s downtown area. The area is already well-known for its diverse facilities dedicated to scientific as well as cultural purposes. The aquatic complex is expected to be completed in 2020 when Laval will be hosting the finals of the Jeux du Québec that year.
