Update on the Montreal Police Service from Mayor Steinberg

In my Mayor’s message last month, I mentioned that I sit on the Agglomeration Public Security Commission and I promised that I would be very vocal if the police did not present a reasonable budget. They did not and I produced a Minority report which paints an accurate picture of the out of control spending of the police and of the poor performance of Montreal compared to Toronto.

Henry Aubin of The Gazette wrote a column about this and praised my Minority report as making good sense as opposed to the Majority report which simply asked Quebec for more money.

The Aubin column reprinted with permission of the author: http://www.hampstead.qc.ca/uploads/files/docs/henri_aubin_article_dec18_2010.pdf

My Minority report is here: http://www.hampstead.qc.ca/uploads/files/docs/public_security_commission_minority_report.pdf

Message du maire Steinberg à propos du service de police

Dans mon message du maire le mois dernier, j’ai mentionné que je siège à la Commission de la sécurité publique de l’agglomération et j’ai promis de m’exprimer si la police ne présentait pas un budget raisonnable. Ils ne l’ont pas fait et j’ai produit un rapport minoritaire qui dresse un tableau des dépenses hors de contrôle de la police et la piètre performance de Montréal lorsque comparée à Toronto.

Henry Aubin de The Gazette a écrit un article sur le sujet et applaudit mon rapport minoritaire pour son bon sens lorsque comparé au rapport majoritaire qui demande simplement à Québec pour plus d’argent.

L’article d’Aubin avec la permission de l’auteur. http://www.hampstead.qc.ca/uploads/files/docs/henri_aubin_article_dec18_2010.pdf

Mon rapport minoritaire est accessible ici. http://www.hampstead.qc.ca/uploads/files/docs/public_security_commission_minority_report_fr.pdf

As the Mayor of Hampstead, I have a lot of influence on what we do in Hampstead and on controlling expenses. Over the last several years local tax increases in Hampstead have been well below inflation but we also have to pay our share of the Agglomeration expenses. Increases in the Agglomeration expenses have been shocking and there is nothing that I or my fellow suburban Mayors can do. The Agglomeration is controlled by Montreal

Nevertheless, the Mayors do sit on some Agglomeration Commissions and we can speak out even if our voices are usually ignored. In my case, I sit on the very important Public Security Commission. This commission reviews the police (SPVM) and fire (SIM) departments. On Friday, Dec. 17, our report on the SPVM and SIM budgets was tabled. I tabled a minority report because the commission’s majority report did not paint the whole picture. In my report I highlighted several facts:

The SPVM budgets over the past 4 years have climbed at three times the rate of inflation. Every year the budgets are overshot by an average of over 6%. This year the budget is up a shocking 8% on top of all the past increases. We pay 18% more than Toronto if one adjusts for the 30% higher cost of living and we have more police per resident. In spite of all this our major crime solution rate is much lower than Toronto’s. You can read the minority report and my recommendations here.

Public Security Commission Minority Report

Prepared by William Steinberg, Mayor Town of Hampstead

WHEREAS spending by the SPVM from 2006 to 2010 has climbed at over 3 times the rate of inflation. Expenses in 2006 were $476,138,000; by 2010 expenses had climbed to $607,900,000, an increase of 27.7%.

WHEREAS the net budget increase in 2011 is 8%, more than double the expected inflation rate.

WHEREAS the SPVM budgets have been exceeded each year, for the past four years, by an average amount of 6.5%.

WHEREAS there is new senior management at the SPVM and it is hoped that the poor budget performance of the past four years can be significantly improved under this new management team.

WHEREAS it is too late to reasonably reject the 2011 budget

R.1 It is recommended that the SPVM budget of 2011 be accepted, provided that the draft budget for 2012 be presented to this commission no later than September 1, 2011; that monthly reports be given to this commission, showing actual spending and revenues compared to budget projections, starting in February; and that the SPVM commit to taking all necessary steps to not exceed the 2011 budget.

WHEREAS Montreal has more police officers per 100,000 residents (241) than Toronto (212) and yet our major crime solution rate is lower.

WHEREAS according to the most recent annual Statistics Canada report, Montreal has the second worst solution rate of the 10 largest cities in Canada, just barely better than Vancouver.

WHEREAS Montreal’s police cost per 100,000 residents is $315 while it is $348 in Toronto. However the cost of living in Toronto is 30% higher than in Montreal. Making the adjustment for this difference, the Montreal cost becomes $409.50 which is 18% higher than the cost in Toronto.

WHEREAS the SPVM state that they provide more services than the Toronto police and that the crime solution statistics are misleading.

WHEREAS this commission cannot evaluate the performance of the SPVM relative to the cost, nor the reasonableness of its budgets, without knowing how the SPVM compares to Toronto and other large Canadian cities.

WHEREAS if it is true that the SPVM does more than the Toronto police, this commission should be able to examine the extra activities, relative to cost, and determine if these activities are justified and whether each activity is a good use of limited resources.

R.2 It is recommended that the SPVM provide a report showing the services rendered by the SPVM as compared to those provided in Toronto along with the comparative costs of each activity for both cities.

R.3 It is recommended that the SPVM provide reports comparing Montreal crime solution rates to other, large, Canadian cities.

WHEREAS the main force driving up policing costs is salaries and generous pension plan benefits.

WHEREAS the rules governing the pension plans can not be changed by the SPVM management.

R.4 It is recommended that Montreal ask the Quebec government to help find solutions to these problems as Montreal drives the Quebec economy and Agglomeration property taxpayers have limited means to pay constant increases in policing costs well above the rate of inflation.

Hampstead's Town Council becomes paperless

The Town is proud to announce that its council is one of the first in the province to become entirely paperless.

The Town has recently implemented a series of changes in its information technology services to permit its council to receive documents electronically. The Mayor and councillors now have access to iPads that allow for a quick and easy view of electronic documents, such as documents for council meetings.

"I, and many of the councillors, are delighted with this new technology" explained Mayor Steinberg. "It is much easier to work with the iPad than with 300 pages of paper. This is only the first step in a longer term plan to move towards a paperless office. We will reduce our carbon footprint, save money and be more efficient."

“This endeavour was something that we dreamed about and we are very passionate about being environmentally responsible to our Town and our planet,” added Michael Goldwax, Portfolio Chair, Information & Technology.

Hampstead is proud to contribute to reducing the Town’s carbon footprint by considerably reducing, to practically nil, the paper that is used for council communications and documents. The new venture is part of a large-scale transformation of the Town’s information technology services with the aim of reducing Hampstead’s carbon footprint.

Le conseil de Hampstead est maintenant « sans papier »

La Ville est fière d’annoncer que son conseil est l’un des premiers de la province à fonctionner sans support papier.

La Ville a récemment apporté une série de changements à ses services de technologie de l’information en vue de permettre au conseil de recevoir les documents sous forme électronique. À l’aide d’un iPad, le maire et les conseillers peuvent maintenant visionner les documents des séances du conseil aisément et rapidement.

« Tout comme moi, beaucoup de conseillers sont très satisfaits de cette nouvelle technologie, explique le maire Steinberg. C’est plus facile de travailler avec le iPad qu’avec 300 feuilles de papier. Et ce n’est que la première étape d’un projet à long terme qui nous rapproche du bureau sans papier et qui nous permettra de réduire notre empreinte de carbone tout en économisant de l’argent et en étant plus efficace. »

« Ce projet, nous en rêvions depuis un certain temps, et le respect de l’environnement est pour nous une valeur fondamentale, pour l’avenir de notre ville et celui de la planète », ajoute Michael Goldwax, responsable du portefeuille des Technologies de l’information.

Hampstead est fière de poser des gestes pour réduire de façon marquée son empreinte de carbone, en éliminant le plus possible l’utilisation du papier pour les communications et les documents du conseil. Cette nouvelle initiative s’inscrit dans un vaste plan d’ensemble visant à transformer les services de technologie de l’information de la Ville, dans le but de réduire son bilan carbone.

Hampstead’s local tax increases below inflation for fourth year in a row

I am pleased to announce that the local tax increase for single family home owners will be 1.9% in 2011. The Conference Board of Canada predicts that inflation will be 3.2% in 2011 so this is quite an achievement. For owners of duplexes and condos the local tax rate will actually be decreasing, as the valuations of these properties did not rise as much as those for single family homes.

This is the fourth year in a row that we have had local tax increases below inflation. The increases for the past 3 years have been 1.6%, 0% and 2% - all below inflation.

However, our tax bills have two components. We also pay for Agglomeration services. This charge is itemized separately on your tax bill. Last year Montreal raised Agglomeration taxes by a shocking 12.6% and this resulted in the average tax increase in Hampstead being about 6%. This year, Montreal was almost as irresponsible in allowing spending to increase by 7% in 2011. Hampstead’s Agglomeration tax rate for single family homes is only increasing by 4.3% due to the fact that Hampstead has no industrial or commercial properties. Overall, the single family home owner will see a total tax increase of 3.2% when the Agglomeration portion is included.

So how do we keep tax increases low while our accumulated surplus grows (now expected to be over $1.5 million by the end of 2010) and our debt service ratio remains one of the lowest on the island? There are many reasons. We have been very aggressive in seeking government grants for much needed infrastructure work. Over $1.7 million was obtained this year. In 2006, we were the only suburb to take an interest free loan from Quebec. This will save the town about $3.3 million over the life of the loan. Most importantly, we are improving the town in ways that increase its attractiveness to new residents. Being an attractive town encourages people to invest in rebuilding existing homes. Once rebuilt, these 'new' homes are taxed at a higher valuation thus decreasing the tax burden for the remaining single family homes. It is a virtuous circle and why our house valuations are climbing faster than those in Westmount and TMR. Finally, the management of the town, led by our Director General, Richard Sun, work very hard to provide top service at the lowest possible cost.

Dr. Bill Steinberg is the Mayor of the Town of Hampstead.

Republished from The NDG Free Press.

Hampstead to get one of lowest Agglo tax increases

Hampstead’s Agglomeration tax increase will be only 3.44%. This is lower than the increase for all suburbs other than Montreal West, TMR and the tiny summer community of Ile Dorval. It is also lower than the increase for Montreal and most of the Montreal boroughs.

The overall tax increase for Hampstead residents is a combination of the Agglomeration increase and the local tax increase. The local tax rate and overall increase will be announced at the Special Budget meeting Monday evening December 13. I am expecting good news. You can also check the online version of the NDG Free Press on December 14. I will have a column in the Hampstead section discussing the budget or you can check my blog where the column will be posted (www.billsteinberg.ca).

Due to the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Queen Mary northbound between Hampstead and Fleet will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 7 between 6 and 8 p.m.

Paperless Council - Going Green to Save Green!

The Town has purchased iPads for all members of council so that we can have paperless council meetings. This will begin in December. Currently, we have about 300 pages of material each meeting. Aside from the paper and printing costs there is staff time to assemble and deliver the packages. In addition, we are using the iPads for e-mail so we can respond faster to the residents and each other. This green initiative will save the Town money and allow us to be even more responsive to residents. I should also note that the iPads belong to the Town and will be returned when we leave office


La Ville a acheté des iPads pour tous les membres du conseil afin que nous puissions avoir des réunions du conseil sans papier. Il commencera en Décembre. Actuellement, nous avons environ 300 pages de documents chaque réunion. En plus que les coûts de papier et d'impression, il ya le temps que prend le personnel à assembler et livrer les colis. En outre, nous utilisons les iPads pour l'e-mail afin que nous puissions répondre plus rapidement aux résidents et de l'autre. Cette initiative verte permettra d'économiser de l'argent et la ville nous permettra d'être encore plus sensible aux résidents. Je voudrais aussi souligner que les iPads appartiennent à la Ville et seront retournés lorsque nous quitter ses fonctions.

Hampstead gets three flower rating from "Les Fleurons du Québec"

The Town of Hampstead is pleased to announce that it has recently received a three (3) flower rating from “Les Fleurons du Québec”, a provincial organisation dedicated to beautifying the province’s municipalities. This is the Town’s first year as a participating member.

Municipalities are evaluated by professionals, on the accomplishments of their whole community (municipal, institutional, residential, commercial and industrial sectors). An official rating guide and an evaluation grid were created in collaboration with experts to ensure an objective evaluation. As Hampstead does not have commercial & industrial sectors; the evaluation was concentrated on the residential, institutional and the municipal areas.

“I am very pleased with the three flower award in only our first time entering the competition,” said Mayor Bill Steinberg. “Our goal is to make improvements to the town’s green spaces every year just as our residents do with their own gardens. I expect that we will do even better in the coming years.”

Created in 2006, the municipality beautification program replaces the former contests “Fleurir le Québec” (2001-2004) and “Villes et Villages fleuris” (1979-2000).

For additional information on “Les Fleurons du Québec”, please visit their website at www.fleuronsquebec.com

No more flashing green light at Fleet and Dufferin

The Town has decided to eliminate the flashing green light at the Fleet and Dufferin intersection between the hours of 7am and 9am, Monday to Friday. This is effective Wednesday morning, November 17. Lefts will still be permitted from Fleet eastbound onto Dufferin, but drivers will need to wait for a break in the Fleet westbound traffic before turning.

Plus de lumière verte intermittente à Fleet et Dufferin

La Ville a décidé d’éliminer la lumière verte intermittente à l’intersection Fleet et Dufferin entre 7h et 9h du lundi au vendredi. Ceci sera effectif à partir de ce mercredi matin, 17 novembre. Les tournants à gauche seront encore permis de Fleet dir. Est à Dufferin, mais les conducteurs devront attendre pour une pause dans le traffic venant de Fleet dir. Ouest avant de tourner.

Important information for all Hampstead property owners

The Evaluation Act requires the Property Assessment authority to re-evaluate the values of each immovable on its territory every three (3) years and to deposit a new Evaluation Roll with the updated property values. The Evaluation Services of the Agglomeration Council of the Island of Montreal has the sole jurisdiction to assess the property values.

In compliance with the Act respecting municipal taxation, a Notice of Property Assessment was mailed out to provide the necessary information in the event that you wish to apply for a review of your new immovable value.

The Town of Hampstead had published a Notice of Deposit in the NDG Free Press on September 21st to announce that a new triennial real estate assessment roll (2011-2012-2013) has been deposited and is effective January 1st, 2011 for all municipalities across the island of Montreal.

For your convenience, we have summarized the following pertinent information.

Avis important pour tous les propriétaires à Hampstead

La Loi sur l’évaluation exige que l’autorité responsable de l’évaluation foncière procède à la réévaluation de tous les immeubles sur son territoire tous les trois (3) ans et dépose un nouveau rôle d’évaluation indiquant les valeurs à jour des immeubles. Le Service de l’évaluation de l’agglomération de Montréal possède la compétence exclusive relativement à l’évaluation de la valeur des immeubles.

En vertu de la Loi sur la fiscalité municipale, un «Avis d’évaluation» vous a été posté qui fournit l’information nécessaire si vous êtes intéressé de demander une révision de votre nouvelle valeur d’immeuble.

La Ville de Hampstead avait publié un Avis de dépôt dans le NDG Free Press le 21 septembre (disponible ici), pour annoncer qu’un nouveau rôle triennal d’évaluation foncière (2011-2012-2013) avait été déposé et qu’il serait en vigueur le 1er janvier 2011 pour toutes les municipalités de l’île de Montréal.

Par souci de commodité, nous avons préparé un sommaire d’information pertinente.

Remembrance Ceremony November 8 at 11:30am in Hampstead Park

Halloween Haunted House Recap

Sunday October 31, 2010, was Hampstead’s most successful Halloween to date with over 3500 trick or treaters visiting the Community Centre in Hampstead Park. All visitors received a very spooky welcome as they were guided through a maze of ghosts; goblins cobwebs and coffins. Other exciting activities included the return of the famous wax machine where the children had the opportunity to mould their very own hand! Finally, to top off their chilling visit, all trick or treaters were given a special treat of delicious freshly made coloured cotton candy. Our younger visitors received a very special “non-scary” tour, which lead them to a decorative art room where they were able to decorate their very own pumpkins. Our new display of Jack O Lanterns was a huge hit with the crowd as they got the chance to view an incredible display of uniquely carved pumpkins as part of the guided tour.

Congratulations go out to all of our 2010 costume contest winners:

• Gabriel (Bumble Bee 2ys old)
• Maddison (Panda Bear 2 yrs old)
• Caroline (Witch 4yrs old)
• Owain (Pirate 5yrs old)
• Samantha (Hotdog 6yrs old)
• Jilly (Mad hatter 7ys old)
• Shauna & Carla (10yrs+ category Watermelon Gum)
• Manual (Punk Adult)
  
  

Trick or treaters arriving at Hampstead's Community Centre

Road safety signs up for Halloween night

Mayor Steinberg: Suburban's Biased Coverage of Hampstead

Dear friends,

I am writing to you in my capacity as your Mayor, in order to defend my integrity and that of the councillors who serve with me.

It has been a year since I was re-elected and I have chosen to ignore the biased coverage of the Suburban until now, but if falsehoods are repeated often enough, people begin to believe that there may be something to them.

Democracy only works if residents have access to the truth. I urge you to read this e-mail carefully and to forward it to Hampstead residents on your e-mail lists.

Could the Suburban really be biased?

This Wednesday the Suburban ran a front page story by the editor Beryl Wajsman titled, “Gonshor sues Hampstead.” It is supposedly an original news article by the editor. That same Wednesday, the NDG Free Press published a letter from the four candidates who were not elected: Miller, Sternthal, Gordon, and Gross. (links to both pieces are at the bottom of this e-mail).

The Suburban “news article” is remarkably similar to the Miller et al. letter. Here are just a few examples:

Suburban – “For 20 years, Councilor Abe Gonshor has served the citizens of Hampstead.”
Letter – “For 20 years, ... councilor, Abe Gonshor has served the citizens of Hampstead.”

Suburban – “He has never been defeated in an election for a council seat.”
Letter – “- never defeated in an election for a council seat.”

Suburban – “At a certain point the Government of Quebec decided to require that all municipalities enact Codes of Ethics. Mayor Steinberg drafted a Code ... deliberately framed in a manner to punish Gonshor.”
Letter – “When the Quebec government proposed a law that all municipalities enact codes of ethics, Steinberg immediately drafted his perception of an appropriate code, deliberately framing it to punish Gonshor.”

The last example is particularly interesting, as both the letter and the article make the same error. In fact, the Hampstead code was adopted BEFORE the Quebec government tabled their draft legislation.

So who is writing the “news” that the Suburban is publishing about Hampstead? How many other articles has the Suburban published that are uncritical parroting of letters or are based on instructions from the failed candidates?

There are many other examples of biased reporting by the Suburban. Here are just a few examples:

Bias in choice of letters to print

The Suburban has published numerous letters by Daniel Miller but when Jack Edery, our councillor with the finance portfolio, wrote rebuttal letters, not one was printed.

Telling only half the story

The Suburban has printed numerous articles on the lack of decorum at council meetings and about my issuing tickets and evicting residents. What they didn’t tell their readers was how the four failed candidates and a few of their supporters behaved. They hooted, hollered, catcalled, booed, laughed hysterically, screamed from their seats and were generally disruptive, rude and disorderly. These are the people who have been getting the tickets or have been evicted. Ordinary residents with questions or comments are respectful and always welcome at council meetings.

Failure to clearly tell the truth about Hampstead’s finances

After a year of explanations (including a private meeting) by Hampstead’s highly respected external auditor, the Town’s Director General, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and two councillors who have held the finance portfolio last mandate and this mandate, the Suburban has still failed to refute the false statements from Miller et al. about our finances. The one article which supposedly claimed to clarify the issue was written in such a way as to try to make Hampstead look bad. Why can’t the Suburban clearly state that Miller et al. are wrong? There is no accumulated deficit but rather an accumulated surplus of over $1 million, as we have always said. Local taxes did not go up by 23%, as the Miller et al. group predicted but only by 1.6%. Borrowing is not excessive, as the failed candidates claimed. Our already low debt service ratio will be dropping even further over the next two years as we repay loans that are coming due. It was and continues to be ludicrous to claim that Hampstead is virtually bankrupt when our finances are rock solid.

Gonshor’s refusal to sign the Hampstead Code of Ethics

Finally, the Suburban accuses us of unfairly removing Gonshor from caucus and preventing him from doing his job. They are wrong. Six of seven members of the council have signed on to an excellent and strong code of ethics. Why won’t Gonshor sign it? As soon as he does, he will be welcomed back to caucus meetings. Meantime, he gets all the necessary information that he needs to do his job as a councillor. This includes being invited to pre-council meeting information sessions where we review all items on each month’s council agenda.

Why would the Suburban be biased against us?

I cannot read the mind of the publisher of the Suburban so only he knows why the quality of his paper’s coverage of Hampstead is what it is. However, the evidence does show that the coverage is incredibly one-sided, partisan, and deeply unfair.

As always, if you have any comments, questions or issues on this or anything related to Hampstead I would love to hear from you. You can reach me online (e-mail / facebook) or at my home office 7 days a week (514) 483-6954.

Sincerely,
Bill

The Suburban article:
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/The-Suburban/thesuburbanoctober27_2010/2010102701/

The NDG Free Press letter (page 22):
http://ndgfreepress.com/FPv2.10.d.pdf

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Hampstead produces its first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory

The Town is pleased to announce that it will be producing its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (GHG) and an Action Plan to reduce them. The GHG Report with be realized with the help of provincial funding of up to $53,303.

The Town will prepare an inventory of GHG emissions related to municipal activities (municipal buildings and other sites, motorized equipment) and those generated by the residual materials on its territory.

An Action Plan will then be prepared and implemented in order to reduce GHG emissions from the Town.

“Hampstead has been very active in seeking ways to be environmentally responsible,” explained Mayor Bill Steinberg. “This latest initiative should lead to a significant reduction in GHGs produced by the town and we intend to share what we learn with residents so that they can take similar steps. Our residents care about the environment and the town is one of the leaders on the island in reducing garbage,” added Steinberg.

The provincial grant was awarded under the Climat municipalités program, which stems from the 2006-2012 Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by the Fonds vert.

It should be noted that Hampstead is the only reconstituted town to undertaken this very valuable eco-initiative. The other municipalities will go under the Agglomeration umbrella, which will administer their grants.

For additional information on Hampstead’s myriad green initiatives, please visit the Hampstead Goes Green section here.

Hampstead produit son premier inventaire d'émissions de gas à effet de serre (GES)

La Ville est heureuse d’annoncer qu’elle produira son premier inventaire d’émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) ainsi qu’un plan d’action visant leur réduction. Le rapport de GES sera réalisé avec une aide financière provinciale pouvant atteindre 53 303 $.

Hampstead préparera un inventaire des émissions de GES liées aux activités municipales (bâtiments municipaux et autres sites, équipement motorisé) et des émissions générées par les matières résiduelles sur son territoire.

Un plan d’action sera ensuite élaboré et mis en oeuvre en vue de réduire les émissions de GES de la ville.

« Hampstead travaille activement à identifier des moyens lui permettant d’être une collectivité respectueuse de l’environnement, explique le maire Bill Steinberg. Grâce à cette dernière initiative, il devrait être possible de réduire de manière significative les émissions de GES produites par la ville, et nous avons l’intention de partager ce que nous apprenons avec les résidants afin qu’eux aussi puissent suivre cette voie. Nos résidants sont soucieux de l’environnement et Hampstead est un des chefs de file dans l’île de Montréal en matière de réduction des déchets. »

La subvention provinciale nous a été accordée en vertu du programme Climat municipalités, qui s’inscrit dans la mise en oeuvre du Plan d’action 2006-2012 sur les changements climatiques, et son financement provient du Fonds vert.

Il convient de noter que Hampstead est la seule ville reconstituée à entreprendre cette éco-initiative très importante. Les autres municipalités relèveront de l’agglomération qui se chargera d’administrer leurs subventions.

Pour en savoir plus sur les nombreuses initiatives écologiques de Hampstead, nous vous invitons à consulter la section Hampstead se verdit, en cliquant ici.

Safety and Security on Halloween night

Halloween is just around the corner and nothing is scarier than trick or treating at night and not feeling safe in the streets. That is why the Halloween Security Committee, a province-wide committee dedicated to ensuring security on Halloween night, was created 25 years ago. As a partner, Hampstead’s Public Security will participate again this year in providing security throughout the Town’s streets from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Town asks all parents to bring their children trick or treating between the above mentioned hours when police surveillance is at its most active. With everyone’s collaboration, Halloween will remain a safe night for all.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Soirée de l’Halloween : Sécurité et prévention

L’Halloween est à nos portes et rien n’est plus effrayant que se promener la nuit dans les rues sans sentiment de sécurité. C’est pourquoi le Comité sécurité Halloween, un comité provincial dédié à assurer la sécurité de tous lors de la nuit d’Halloween, a été créé il y a 25 ans. En tant que partenaire, la Sécurité publique de Hampstead participera encore cette année à assurer la sécurité dans les rues de la ville de 16h30 à 20h30.

La Ville demande aux parents d’amener leurs enfants faire la collecte de bonbons pendant les heures mentionnées ci-haut pendant que la présence policière est la plus active. Avec la collaboration de tous, l’Halloween demeurera une soirée des plus sécuritaires pour tous.

Merci de votre collaboration

Hampstead improves its parks

The Town is pleased to announce that it has started to carry out a series of improvements to some of its parks. In total, approximately $150 000 will be invested in improving the quality and safety of parks."We are committed to keeping our parks safe and fun. Councillor Michael Goldwax and I (co-chairs of the Parks Committee) are continuously looking for new and innovative park equipment. We are delighted by this investment for the future enjoyment of our residents," enthuses Councillor Bonnie Feigenbaum.

Below is a summary of the planned improvements:

• Applewood Park will have a new skating pad and a water fountain.
• The municipal pool deck was recently improved for increased safety.
• The height of the fence surrounding the municipal pool will be increased for additional safety.
• Added play equipment will be installed in Hampstead Park's playground. A water fountain will also be added, the walking paths will be repaired and a new bench and garbage can will be added.
• The 2-5 years old play area at Councillors' Park will be upgraded. The sand will be replaced with fibre woodchips and a border will be built around this area.
• Wexford Park's play areas will be refurbished with fresh sand and grass.
• Aumont Park's play areas will also see improvements with fresh sand and repairs to the grassy areas.

For updates on Hampstead's park improvements, please visit regularly the Town's website under the News section.

Image of new play equipment to be installed at Hampstead Park

New patio deck being installed at Hampstead Pool

Update on Hampstead infrastructure work

Please take note that water main rehabilitation and relining work is progressing more or less according to the planned schedule. Affected streets have received notices as planned. However, work may be accelerated given weather conditions and risks of frost.

The Town asks for residents' cooperation as work progresses. The planned work is necessary to rejuvenate a good portion of the Town's water main network for years to come.

Update on Queen Mary roadwork

Please take note that work undertaken by Hydro-Québec on Queen Mary in August has now come to an end. Hydro-Québec had been excavating on Queen Mary between Dufferin and Finchley in order to upgrade an electrical chamber.

The two eastbound lanes closed on that stretch of road have now been reopened to traffic. Eastbound traffic, which had been diverted onto other streets around the work site, can now pass on Queen Mary.

Mise à jour sur les travaux d’infrastructure de Hampstead

Veuillez prendre note que les travaux de rehabilitation et de chemisage progressent plus ou moins selon l'échéancier prévu. Les rues touchées ont reçu des avis comme prévu. Par contre, les travaux peuvent être devancés étant donné les conditions météorologiques et risques de gel au sol.

La Ville demande aux résidants de coopérer pendant que les travaux progressent. Les travaux prévus sont nécessaires afin de rajeunir une bonne partie du système d'aqueduc de la Ville pour les années à venir.

Mise à jour sur les travaux sur Queen Mary

Veuillez prendre note que les travaux entrepris par Hydro-Québec en août ont maintenant pris fin. Hydro-Québec entreprenait des travaux d'excavation sur Queen Mary entre Dufferin et Finchley afin de remplacer une chambre électrique.

Les deux voies en direction est, qui était fermées sur cette portion de la rue, sont maintenant réouvertes à la circulation. Le traffic en direction est, qui était détourné vers d'autres rues autour du site, peut maintenant passer sur Queen Mary.

Dog run now opens at 7 a.m.

Notice to all dog owners using the Dog Run. The 7:00 a.m. opening hour has been reinstated by the Town to allow a more accurate measurement of the actual number of users between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.

Dog owners are required to swipe their access cards individually and to not use one (1) card for many users.

Offenders may have their dog run privileges revoked and/or receive a fine.

Please also remember to close the gate securely after your entry or exit.

Your cooperation is necessary. If you want to use the dog run between 7am and 9am please get as many dog owners as possible out to swipe their cards.

Le parc à chiens réouvre maintenant à 7h

Ceci est un avis pour tous les propriétaires de chiens utilisant le parc à chiens. L'heure d'ouverture de 7h a été rétablie par la Ville afin de refléter une proportion plus exacte du nombre réel d'utilisateurs entre 7h et 9h.

Les propriétaires de chiens doivent glisser leur carte d'accès individuellement et ne doivent pas utiliser une carte (1) pour plusieurs usagers.

Les contrevenants pourront se voir retirer leurs privilèges et/ou recevront une contravention.

Veuillez vous assurer aussi de bien refermer la porte lors de votre entrée ou sortie du parc.

Votre coopération est nécessaire.

English-language public high school in CSL

Please fill out the EMSB questionnaire about a public high school in Cote-Saint-Luc. Both Hampstead and CSL Councils support re-establishing an English-language public high school in CSL.
http://www.emsb.qc.ca/focusschool

Hampstead receives $1,723,310 from federal and provincial governments for infrastructure projects

Hampstead recently received $1,723,310 from the federal and provincial governments to help with infrastructure projects. The federal-provincial funding comes from the gasoline excise tax revenue 2010-2014.

In 2005, both governments agreed to transfer a portion of federal gasoline excise tax revenues to provide funding for the renewal of municipal and local infrastructure projects that are essential to the development of communities and improve the quality of life of residents.

"Hampstead regularly seeks grants to cover necessary infrastructure work. This grant will be used primarily for urgent underground water main rehabilitation, sewer repairs and reconstructions. The balance of the grant may be used for other infrastructure renewals including, among others, roadwork and sidewalks. We are very grateful for these latest contributions from the governments," said Councillor Michael Goldwax, Chair of the Public Works Portfolio and current Pro Mayor.

For more information, please visit www.infrastructure.qc.ca

Hampstead reçoit 1 723 310 $ des gouvernements fédéral et provincial pour des projets d'infrastructure

Hampstead a obtenu récemment 1 723 310 $des gouvernements fédéral et provincial pour soutenir ses projetsd'infrastructure. Le financement fédéral-provincial provient des revenus de lataxe d'accise sur l'essence pour la période de 2010-2014.

En 2005, les deux gouvernements ont décidé de transférer une partie des revenusde la taxe fédérale d'accise sur l'essence dans le but d'assurer le financementdu renouvellement des infrastructures municipales et locales qui sontessentielles au développement des collectivités et à l'amélioration de laqualité de vie des résidants.

« Hampstead fait régulièrement des demandes en vue d'obtenir dessubventions pour le financement des travaux d'infrastructure essentiels. Cettesubvention sera utilisée principalement pour des travaux urgents de réfectiond'aqueduc, et des réparations et reconstructions de conduites d'égout. Le restepourra être affecté à d'autres projets de renouvellement d'infrastructurescomme les voies publiques et les trottoirs. Nous sommes très reconnaissants depouvoir bénéficier de ces récentes contributions gouvernementales » asouligné le conseiller Michael Goldwax, président du portefeuille des Travauxpublics et pro-maire actuel.

Pour plus d'information, veuillez consulter www.infrastructure.qc.ca

Visions of Meadowbrook Park Presentation Tonight

In 2010, citizens from across the island of Montreal have banded together to save Meadowbrook and turn it into a park open and accessible to all.

Patrick Asch, director and founder of Heritage Laurentien has put together a presentation called "Visions of Meadowbrook Park" that will help envision a future for the park.

This presentation is for those who care about the future of green spaces in Montreal and want to have Meadowbrook Park rezoned to recreational land.

When: Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Royal West Academy Auditorium
189 Easton Avenue Montreal West (see Google map)

Tickets: $10 - Snacks will be served. (Free for 18 and under.)

To reserve your tickets, please email Barbara Tekker at btekker@sympatico.ca or Bruce Charron at bcharron@jasminelindsay.com.

Event on Facebook

Perspectives pour le Parc Meadowbrook présentée le 7 octobre à 19h

En 2010, des citoyens de toute l'île de Montréal se sont regroupés pour sauver Meadowbrook en recommandant qu'il soit transformé en parc nature ouvert et accessible à tous.

Pour nous encourager à regarder vers l'avenir, Patrick Asch, directeur et fondateur d'Héritage Laurentien, fera une présentation sur les « Perspectives pour le Parc Meadowbrook ».

Cette présentation est pour vous si vous vous préoccupé de l'avenir des espaces verts sur l'île de Montréal et voulez faire modifier le zonage de Meadowbrook pour en faire un espace à vocation récréative.

Date : Jeudi le 7 octobre 2010 à 19h00
Lieu : L'Auditorium de l'Académie Royal-West
189 avenue Easton, Montréal-Ouest (consultez l'itinéraire via Google)

Billets : 10$ - Des rafraichissements seront servis (Gratuit por les 18 ans et moins.)

Pour réserver vos billets, contacter Barbara Tekker au btekker@sympatico.ca ou Bruce Charron au charron@jasminelindsay.com.

Hampstead and Cote Saint-Luc councils invite their residents to a meeting hosted by EMSB. This meeting will address the possibility of re-establishing an English-language public high school in CSL.

An Important Message from the Mayors and Councils of Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead

September 17, 2010

Dear Residents of Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead,

On Wednesday, October 6 at 7:30pm the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) will be hosting a public information meeting at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall (5801 Cavendish Blvd.) about the possibility of re-establishing an English-language public high school at the former Wagar facility on Parkhaven Avenue in Côte Saint-Luc. As you may be aware, the city council of Côte Saint-Luc and the town council of Hampstead have both supported the possibility of re-establishing a mainstream public high school at the former Wagar facility, thus allowing our residents and future residents the option of a public school education for their children at the high school level at a nearby facility.

While we have excellent private schools in the area, residents of our municipalities pay significant school taxes every year to support our public school boards and we should have a quality English-language high school to which residents can choose to send their children should they so desire.

We strongly urge as many residents as possible to attend this meeting. The more people that attend expressing support for a quality public high school on our territory, the more likely it is that the EMSB will choose to establish one.

Moreover the meeting will also provide an opportunity for parents of future high school students in Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead to provide their input into what kind of high school they would like to see. Initial feedback has indicated there is interest in a school with a heritage–academic program (for example Judaic and Italian studies), as well as interest in a school with a sports concentration program.

The former Wagar facility is modern and spacious, featuring a double gymnasium, an auditorium, library, science labs, two large fields and tennis courts. It is also in an ideal location for a school with sports concentration. Across the street is the Côte Saint-Luc outdoor pool and an indoor gymnasium. Construction will start soon on an $18 million multi-purpose centre attached to the gymnasium, which will contain two indoor pools, including one for competitive swimming. Two blocks away is the Samuel Moskovitch hockey arena and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park, which has three baseball fields and a walking path.Both the Côte Saint-Luc and Hampstead councils join the EMSB in calling upon residents to attend this meeting and provide their thoughts of the type of public high school they would like to see available in the community. The EMSB Long Range Planning Committee is expected to make recommendations in March 2011 and we very much want them to recommend the re-establishment of a quality high school in our community.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Sincerely yours,

Anthony Housefather (Mayor, City of Côte Saint-Luc)

Bill Steinberg (Mayor, Town of Hampstead)

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158365390849145&ref=mf

Parking tolerance for Simchat Torah

Holiday parking tolerance will remain in effect during Simchat Torah until Saturday October 2nd. Parking restrictions will resume at 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 3rd.

For more information about parking restrictions, please call Town Hall at 514-369-8200 or Public Security at 514-369-8250 (24 hour dispatch).

By-law 690 concerning nuisance amended

Please take note that By-law 690 concerning nuisance has been recently amended to create By-law 690-5. The new amendments now specify on which Statutory holidays and on which Jewish holidays noise is not permitted. Statutory holidays include “January 1st and 2nd, Good Friday, Easter Monday, June 24th, July 1st, the first Monday of September, the second Monday of October, December 25th and 26th and the Monday preceding May 25th (National Patriots day) or any other day fixed by government proclamation.” Jewish holidays are defined as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Furthermore, “nighttime” has been defined as “the period of time from 21h00 of one day to 07h00 of the next day.”

Therefore, as stipulated in Article 4.3, “it is forbidden to engage in construction work, of nay nature whatsoever that has the effect of emitting noise outdoors:

• Before 07h00 and after 21h00 Monday to Friday inclusive;
• Before 09h00 and after 18h00 on Saturdays and Sundays;
• On Statutory holidays and Jewish holidays.”
  

To view the full By-law with amendments, please click here. To view its Annex, please click here.

Still some spots left for Hampstead's free Compost Lecture on September 27 at 7pm. Call 514-369-8220 before Monday at noon to reserve.

Hampstead Harvest Day & Green Fest postponed to October 3rd due to rainy weather.

Hampstead Harvest Day and Green Fest tomorrow at 1:30 (Rain date Oct. 3) in Hampstead Park.
http://ping.fm/nOopX

Don't forget that there will be a special garbage collection tomorrow, Friday September 24th (2nd day of Sukkoth).

Please take note that you must not put out your green waste for the green collection on that Friday. Please keep it for the following Friday.

Sombre Farewell to Irving Adessky

Hampstead's former Mayor, Irving Adessky, passed away peacefully yesterday morning. He was the mayor of Hampstead for an incredible 27 years from 1974 to 2001 and before that he was a councillor for six years. He was one of the longest serving mayors on the island of Montreal.

The Adessky era was marked by fiscal prudence and sound management. Among many achievements was the moving of the old Cleve pool to Hampstead park and the redevelopment of the entire park.

After the creation of the Montreal Urban Community, he served on the Public Security Commission and it was during his time that the Police moved to community policing with neighbourhood stations.

Internationally, Hampstead was twinned with Kiryat Shmona in Israel. Just last year we welcomed a delegation from Kiryat Shmona including Mayor Nissim to our 95th anniversary celebrations.

All Hampstead residents owe a debt of gratitude to a truly dedicated individual who served the Town so well for so many years.

For more information please read the articles:
in the Gazette: http://ping.fm/mpah9

in the Gazette Opinion: http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/letters/Hampstead+mayor+battled+Parizeau+Hydro+Qu%C3%A9bec/3549688/story.html

in the Suburban: http://www.thesuburbannews.ca/content/en/5420

and on CTV news: http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100920/mtl_adessky_100920/20100920/?hub=MontrealHome

Tonight in Hampstead: Council Meeting 9pm
http://ping.fm/j7ohy

Hampstead GreenFest & Harvest Day this Sunday!
http://ping.fm/QQeN5

Hanpstead Taxes and Evaluations

Montreal released the tax roll for 2011-2012-2013 today. The news is good for Hampstead. Our overall increase is 16.2%, the second lowest on the island. The average increase for the Agglomeration is 22.4%. This means that Hampstead’s share of the Agglomeration tax burden will decrease relative to most other suburbs and Montreal. In other words, our Agglomeration tax increase will be less than all other island municipalities other than CSL which had the lowest increase.



That is not the only good news. The overall tax increase is affected by the mix of properties in a municipality. Those with more condos had the larger increases as condos are increasing in value faster than other types of property. Hampstead has very few condos. Looking at only single family homes, Hampstead had the second largest increase of the seven wealthiest suburbs compared to the 2007 evaluations. We have the second most expensive homes on the island and we are narrowing the gap with Westmount (most expensive homes) and increasing our lead over TMR (third most expensive). This is an indication that more and more people want to live in our beautiful town. It also means that homeowners are wealthier, at least on paper.