Around the Towns: west end

• Côte St. Luc Statement on October 7 attack anniversary

The city released a statement on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, saying “we are overwhelmed by a sense of sorrow for those innocent people killed and for their grieving families. The City of Côte Saint-Luc stands in solidarity with all those affected and to all those whose hearts will break again as they remember the horror of October 7. The scale of the brutality of the perpetrators of the October 7 attacks is hard to comprehend. No pogrom in history was so well documented. The perpetrators recorded their crimes on body cameras. They also posted videos of their murder victims to the social media accounts of those victims using the smartphones of those victims. October 7 also showed us what individuals can do to protect others in times of danger including Alexandre Look, who tried to protect others when a terrorist tried to attack the bomb shelter where they were taking refuge; Youssef Ziadna, the Bedouin mini-bus driver, who is credited with saving 30 people from the attack on the music festival; Ariel Bilya, who fought off invading Hamas terrorists with a metal rod so that members of his immediate and extended family, including a newborn baby, could escape from a home in Ofakim; Rami Davidian, who rushed to an area near the music festival to drive many people to safety; Tali Hadad, the kindergarten teacher who found her injured police officer son and brought him to safety; Noam Tibon, 62, a retired major general who drove nearly 90 km to save his children and grandchildren, and helped the army defend Kibbutz Nahal Oz from terrorist attackers; and Gali Tibon, his wife, who joined him on the dangerous mission and tended to the many injured people and brought them to the hospital. On October 8, 2023 in Montreal, a group of people celebrated in the downtown streets and handed out candy. They first justified the atrocities committed by the jihadists, then downplayed them, and today many deny them. The reaction in Montreal to October 7 and the ensuing violence against Jewish community establishments should be a wake-up call to the authorities. Municipal, provincial and federal leaders must show the moral courage to fight the glorification of hatred and extremism, ensure that our laws are respected and pass new laws if necessary to combat the new threats to our country aimed at terrorizing the Jewish community. The City of Côte Saint-Luc stands now and forever on the side of the heroes who put themselves at risk to save others, and on the side of those who speak out against violent extremism around the world and especially here at home.”

• Hampstead The town’s October 7 statementHampstead’s statement about the first-year anniversary says, “we remember a day of profound tragedy, where brutality and violence were broadcast for the world to see. Innocent lives were lost, families torn apart, and communities shaken. The Town of Hampstead stands in mourning, sharing the grief of all those affected. As we reflect on this heartbreaking event, we also recognize the alarming rise in hate and antisemitism that has followed. Hampstead is committed to changing the narrative, urging organizations and leaders to take a firm stand against hate speech and acts of violence. We must work together to protect the Jewish community and ensure that such hatred has no place in our society. October 7 is a reminder of the heroism shown in the face of terror, but it is also a call to action for all of us to fight for dignity, security, and respect for every person, every day.”

• Montreal West The Easton ProjectMayor Beny Masella told the Oct.1 council meeting that the town administration “recently met with SAJO, the developers of The Easton project. That meeting was supposed to be held the day after our last council meeting was postponed by SAJO and held Sept. 30. The updates we received: They are proceeding with the cleaning of the bricks. They are currently working on finishing the interiors.They are coordinating sidewalk reconstruction with the town. They anticipate finishing the building in October.”

Upcoming fundraiserMasella also told the recent council meeting that “tickets will be going on sale soon for Nov. 9, Culinary Gala, a fundraiser that will generate funds to furnish the kitchen area of the Sports and Recreation Centre. The food offering is being headed by Fred Morin and joined by other notable restaurant owners and chefs that live in town. There will also be an online and live auction and scotch tasting. Tickets will be on sale soon via Amilia.”

• St. Laurent Vanier College upgrades labsThe St. Laurent CEGEP announced that “this fall, new students coming into the Vanier Respiratory and Anesthesia Technology Program were greeted by totally renovated labs with new equipment. Teachers, students and administrators were on hand for the inauguration of the updated spaces on Sept. 4. The two labs where students learn the various procedures performed by respiratory therapists now offer the atmosphere of a modern medical facility and inspire an immediate professional attitude necessary for the demanding occupation students are learning. Although Vanier is the only English-language CEGEP in the province that offers Respiratory and Anesthesia Technology, the facilities were long due for an upgrade and an overhaul. “The upgrade of respiratory therapy equipment and the labs represents a crucial investment in the education and professional readiness of our students,” says Chester Moran, Coordinator of Respiratory and Anesthesia Technology. “By providing access to state-of-the-art technology and a simulated hospital environment, we enhance their hands-on training experience, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest practices and tools used in the field. This not only fosters their technical skills but also boosts their confidence as they transition into their careers. Furthermore, exposure to advanced equipment prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry, allowing them to provide high-quality patient care from day one. By integrating modern technology into their training, we empower our students to be leaders in respiratory therapy, ready to tackle challenges and contribute positively to patient outcomes. Ultimately, this upgrade supports our commitment to excellence in education and the future success of our graduates.”

• Town of Mount Royal Bike plans and pathsMayor Peter Malouf told last month’s council meeting that many residents are “talking about bike paths and bike plans. Elected representatives were given a presentation by our technical services on a cycling plan for the Town, to link up with neighbouring cycle paths and improve service on our territory. This involves setting up some dedicated lanes and others as shared lanes. We are continuing our efforts to put in place a plan that meets everyone’s expectations and needs, and some concrete actions should be in place by 2025.”

National Seniors Day The town thanked those who participated in National Seniors Day.”We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to the 110 seniors who attended the lunch and the Montreal Police Brotherhood’s Vocal Symphony concert at Schofield Hall on Tuesday, October 1,” a TMR statement says.” Special thanks to our Councillor Antoine Tayar for his inspiring speech, and to the Carlyle Elementary School students who helped with the service. Your energy and enthusiasm made the day a success! Thanks also to the police at Station 26 for their information booth. Your presence was much appreciated. It was a memorable day filled with warmth and music, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!”

• Westmount Visit to recycling centre and landfillThe city is encouraging residents to find out where their garbage goes and what happens to recyclables, “and how can we better sort our waste.” A Westmount statement says that as part of Quebec Waste Reduction Week, residents are being invited to “participate in two guided tours to discover the recycling and landfill process [and] become an expert in the matter. Please note that the tour is reserved for Westmount residents aged eight and over. The tours take place indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Buses will leave from the Westmount Recreation Centre (4675 Sainte-Catherine West.) The visit to Société Via’s recycling sorting center (Lachine) takes place Oct. 24 regardless of weather. The meeting time is 8:45 a.m. and the return to the WRC is at 12:45 p.m. depending on traffic conditions Find out more at societevia.com. The visit to the Complexe Enviro Connexions landfill site in Terrebonne takes place Oct. 31 regardless of weather. The meeting time is 8:45 a.m. and the estimated return time to the WRC is approximately 1:30 p.m. depending on traffic conditions. Find out more at complexenviroconnexions.com. Register online now or call 514-989-5200. Don’t wait, space is limited!”