Your Local Journal - December 22nd, 2016 by Your Local Journal

Thursday, December 22, 2016

HudsoN, st. lazare | Vaudreuil-dorioN, PiNcourt, Île-Perrot aNd N.d.i.P.

www.yourlocaljournal.ca

Vol. 14 No. 47

2016

The Year in review

PHOTOS BY YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL STAFF

Your Local Journal takes a look back on the year 2016 and the stories that defined the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region over the last 12 months. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

De notre maison à la vôtre...

Que l’année nouvelle vous apporte paix et joie tout au long de l’année

From our homes to yours...

Wishing you blessings of peace that linger throughout the year.

n. io t ca va en xt on p ne is e o ur ds l a lb o n rn wil and e sta u . o s l J ce 017 n th 017 a c ffi 2 o 2 Lo ur o 16, l be 19, r u O ry wil ry Yo ua er nua n Ja pap Ja

Raul Capela

Lyndon Gallagher

Patsy Graham

Andrée Lavigne

Carl Poirier

Carol (LaRonde) McGarry

Laura Pittaro

Linda Noseworthy Burns

Kevin Owen

Youri Rodrigue

Lucie Thifault

Lee Thompson

Wishing you all a Joyous Holiday Season and a most Prosperous and Healthy New Year. RE/MAX Royal (Jordan) Inc. Real Estate Agency

2673 Côte St-Charles #200, St-Lazare (Qc) J7T 2H8, Tel. 450.458.7051 2

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Next to Tim Hortons

Councillor Esculier votes against adopting St. Lazare’s 2017 budget Residential property taxes rise an average 1.26 per cent John Jantak Your Local Journal

St. Lazare Councillor Marc-André Esculier’s dissenting vote against adopting the town’s 2017 budget caused controversy among some of the other five councillors who voted for the budget during a special council session on Tuesday, December 20. The costs associated with the upcoming third edition of the annual Festival au Galop summer equestrian spectacle and the proposed expropriation of four corner lots to build a traffic circle slated for Avenue Bédard and Chemin St. Louis, which Esculier feels is another unnecessary expenditure, were given as the two reasons why he voted against the budget. Esculier, who won a by-election September 25 to replace former District 4 Councillor Denis Briard who unexpectedly resigned from his council seat in July, has been a staunch opponent of the Festival au Galop since its inception more than two years ago. As a citizen, Esculier regularly criticized council during question period for what he considered to be extravagant spending on an event that was unanimously adopted by council in 2015 without holding a public consultation process to gather residents’ feedback. After asking Mayor Robert Grimaudo to allow for individual votes to be cast before the 2017 budget was eventually adopted, Esculier stated his intention was not to express dissatisfaction with the entire budget, but to stand by his convictions regarding the festival and proposed traffic circle. In a summary to Your Local Journal about after the meeting, Esculier said, “The public has never been consulted as to whether or not they wanted (Au Galop) in the first place or the money that

has been dedicated to it. “In the past two years, and for 2017, the operational costs will be $1.3 million in total and that doesn’t include the infrastructure. That’s a very heavy extravagant expense considering no consultation studies have ever been done,” he said. The explanation didn’t sit well with District 2 Councillor Pamela Tremblay, District 3 Councillor Brigitte Asselin and Grimaudo who said they were opposed to some items in the budget as well, but they wouldn’t vote against an entire budget just because they disagreed with one or two items. Grimaudo said that while Esculier was entitled to cast a dissenting vote regarding his disapproval of the two items in the budget, voting against the items individually at future council meetings would have been a better forum for Esculier to have expressed his disapproval. “That’s his choice,” said Grimaudo. “That’s his democratic right to do so and I have no problem with that part of it. When you adopt a budget, you adopt it as a whole, not in pieces. There are things in the budget that we debate about – we’re a council – we are never all in agreement but we debate the topics and discuss them.” Grimaudo noted that along with Tremblay and Asselin who stated they were opposed to having the town set aside $25,000 in 2017 for leaf pick up didn’t mean they would vote against the entire budget because of that one item. “There’s me and a couple of councillors that don’t think that leaves are garbage and should be picked up. I’m not going to vote against a $26 million budget because of $25,000 set aside for leaf pick up. It’s not logical,” said Grimaudo adding the budget for Festival au Galop

was reduced by $100,000 for 2017. Residential property taxes for 2017 will increase 1.26 per cent, although the amount was disputed by one resident who said the mill rate rose to 0.6668 cents from 0.6546 cents in 2016 for each $100 in valuation per cent, indicating an increase of about 1.8 per cent. Grimaudo said the town would look into the discrepancy. “It’s an infrastructure based budget,” said Grimaudo. “We are a town that has ignored our infrastructure for many years. I am very proud of our council. They have made hard decisions the last few years. We’ve done what we’ve had to do to fix our infrastructure and the reality is that we’re just about there.” The adoption of the budget was the second of three consecutive special meetings that included a first session to adopt the town’s 2017-18-19 triennial plan and a third session to adopt vari-

PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

District 4 Councillor Marc-André Esculier cited the expense of the annual Festival au Galop and the proposed expropriation of four corner lots at the intersection of Avenue Bédard and Chemin St. Louis for a traffic circle as the two items that prompted him to vote against adopting St. Lazare’s 2017 budget at a special council meeting on December 20.

ous municipal by-laws and resolutions before year’s end. Complete budget details are available at http://ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/budget.

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Photo of the week

EDITOR’S CORNER

Year’s end As we wrap up another year and sit poised to welcome 2017, it’s the perfect time to take lessons learned from the last 12 months and bring them forward, if for no other reason than to justify the gift of being granted another year. Apart from the usual municipal sparring and conflicts, we’ve seen additional personnel issues ranging from suspensions to investigations to legal challenges. What was supposed to be a modicum of justice for the theft of over $1 million in public funds was reduced to a pittance in terms of both time served and due process. People within our communities took ill, fell victim to accidents, lost properties to fire, and lost their lives at the hands of others. But while bad things sometimes happen to good people, many good things were also evident in our communities in terms of growth, economic development, and improvements (or at least promises of improvements) for public transit and healthcare facilities. We celebrated the dedicated stalwarts in our region while we decried systemic and governance shortcomings. We put up with infrastructure changes, problems, and hiccups, and demolished the old to make way for the new. And we said goodbye to some, while paying homage to those who should never be forgotten. In what’s proven to be a disconcerting year on the international front, with words like Aleppo, Trump, and Berlin forever indelibly associated with 2016, we’ve had it pretty good in our little corner of the world. The staff at Your Local Journal wishes you peace and love for 2017.

AWARD WINNING

PUBLISHER EMERITUS: PUBLISHER: EDITOR: JOURNALIST: COLUMNIST: OFFICE MANAGER: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: GRAPHIC DESIGNER: SALES COORDINATOR: ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS: CONTRIBUTORS:

JOSEPH BISSONNETTE MONIQUE BISSONNETTE CARMEN MARIE FABIO JOHN JANTAK JAMES PARRY JAMES ARMSTRONG NIKKI GIRARD RODNEY LORICA SABREENA MOHAMED KAREN SIMMONS TARA FITZGERALD ABBIE BENNETT JAMES ARMSTRONG JULES-PIERRE MALARTRE STEPHANIE O’HANLEY

3100 Route Harwood, Suite 201, Vaudreuil-Dorion (QC) J7V 8P2 Tel: (450) 510-4007 • Fax: (450) 455-9769 email: admin@yourlocaljournal.ca / editor@yourlocaljournal.ca www.yourlocaljournal.ca

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

PHOTO BY MARLENE DONEGAN

Another in a series of shots taken of the Viviry Creek, Hudson resident Marlene Donegan snapped this view at the bridge coming from Sandy Beach. Do you have a photo taken in the VaudreuilSoulanges region you’d like to submit as a Photo of the Week? Send it to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca. Due to the popularity of this feature, we’ve had many submissions and will feature them all on our website at www.yourlocaljournal.ca/photoof-the-week.

Dear Editor: editor@yourlocaljournal.ca Pipeline protest Dear Editor, I would like to respond to the afraid-to-signtheir-name letter of last week. I defend and applaud Ms. Kendall’s actions demonstrating against the Energy East Pipeline project. Canada has all its eggs in one basket regarding natural resources, specifically tar sands oil, which is of low-grade quality and extremely expensive to extract, refine, and ship. Pipeline leaks occur many times a year with vast amounts of dirty oil contaminating rivers, drinking water, land, and animals. (Check Wikileaks for actual numbers of tonnes leaked... it’s staggering). That’s why people demonstrate against pipelines and those World War II pipelines, no-signer-mentioned, should worry us even more. The future economic engine must be green, renewable energy in order to head off catastrophic climate change. When every last drop is pumped, squeezed, and fracked from the earth, will we then choose alternatives to dirty oil? We need to think outside the box and outside the pipeline now in order to stop being held hostage by big oil. Well done Ms. Kendall and Greenpeace. The power of demonstrating can make a difference to our country’s future. Signed, Robin Grinnell Hudson Hudson Code of Conduct question Dear Editor, On October 3, 2016, Hudson Council voted resolution No: R4317-2016 to “filter” citizens’ requests and only answer, “… if it is in the public interest of the Town to do so” and this according to a (not yet created) “code of conduct or guideline or a policy to answer taxpayer enquiries.” On December 6, I asked my district councillor to clarify the town’s “filtering” process: · What is Council’s definition of “public interest?” · If a citizen’s request only concerns his property, is that a matter of “public interest” or not? · How will the Town determine what questions are worthy of an answer or not? · How are citizens informed if their request will be answered or not? I am still waiting for an answer. Maybe my question was not a matter of public interest? By the way, my December 6 email did not bounce. Sincerely,

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Véronique Fischer Hudson A Hudson Angel Christmas Thank You Dear Editor, By the time you read this letter the Christmas party for the children supported by CFAD (www. cfad.ca) will have come and gone; the karaoke, the Christmas presents, Santa Claus, the scrumptious food, the games, and the fun of attending an exciting seasonal party will now hopefully be happy memories for many. The 26 female residents of Anne’s House (maison-nazareth-house.com) will not yet have received their Christmas gifts, however, the delivery of significant quantities of miscellaneous personal products and many specifically requested gifts was made on December 16. Nazareth House which houses over 20 male residents has yet to receive the multitude of gifts, many of which were requested and last, but certainly not least, the Christmas dinner is yet to happen on Christmas Eve. The abovementioned organizations are in the downtown core of Montreal. They have been supported for many years by the Hudson Angels. All the activity, as described above, just would not happen each year without the support of the residents and organizations of Hudson, Vaudreuil-Dorion, St. Lazare, Rigaud, and beyond. Downtown Montreal is geographically just down the road but for many of those supported by your generosity, we live worlds apart. Many thanks to one and all for your generosity of much needed funds, varied gifts and talents – you can be assured that all your contributions are appreciated and will bring happiness this Christmas season to many, who through no fault of their own, find themselves in circumstances so much less fortunate than the majority. Linnea and Marcus Owen, Averil Robinson Hudson Thank you from Meals on Wheels Dear Editor, The volunteers of Hudson Meals on Wheels/ Popote Roulante express their deepest gratitude to SDC Hudson for the generous donation from your recent Hudson Merchants’ Christmas Market at the Community Centre. The donation funds will be used to maintain or replace our equipment and to ensure continued excellent service to our clients. Continued on page 6

Health and education investments to beneﬁt Vaudreuil and Soulanges say MNAs Stephanie O’Hanley Special contributor

More powers for local municipalities. Investments in health and education. A hospital project on track. The creation of over 140,000 permanent jobs across Quebec – the best job performance the province has seen since 1976. Those are just some of the Quebec government priorities and investments benefiting Vaudreuil and Soulanges accomplished during the fall session, Soulanges MNA and Minister for Rehabilitation, Youth Protection and Public Health Lucie Charlebois and Vaudreuil MNA Marie-Claude Nichols said during a December 20 joint press conference. “I’m passionate about this because this is really my comfort zone,” Nichols, who was formerly the mayor of Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, said of Bill 22, recently introduced by Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. If passed, under the proposed law municipalities across Quebec would have more governing autonomy and powers, she said. As soon as next year, municipalities would have access to a shared $30-million support fund that would eventually increase to $100 million.

“We want to create local governments with our cities,” Nichols said. “Vaudreuil-Soulanges has 23 municipalities....What’s really interesting is once a year the Premier will preside over a round table conference with the different municipalities.” “That was an election promise,” added Charlebois. “Quebecers are recognizing that we’re doing exactly what we said we would do - restore public finances and have a sound management of public finances.” Thanks to an “excellent” credit rating and lower interest rate as 2016 ends, “we can invest in our priorities – health, education and the economy,” she said. In October Charlebois, Quebec’s Public Health Minister, launched a $76.1 million preventive health policy aimed at improving Quebecers’ health outside the hospital. Helping kids stay in school and succeed is a priority. “In terms of healthy aging, the preventive policy starts from a young age to the end of our lives, we have to look after all these segments (of the population),” she said. For taxpayers “the fiscal burden is reduced starting January 1, 2017” since the amount for the Health contribution on line 448 has been lowered, said Charlebois.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE O”HANLEY

Vaudreuil MNA Marie-Claude Nichols (left) and Soulanges MNA Luice Charlebois, right, smile at a web camera at Nichols’ Vaudreuil riding office at a press conference they held following the close of the fall National Assembly session.

Healthcare investments include $20 million to reduce surgical waittimes, $21 million to cut the wait for diagnostic services and $100 million to relieve the wait-time in hospital emergency rooms. As of December 29, for the first time ever, pregnant women in VaudreuilSoulanges will have access to free ultrasounds at private clinics, Nichols pointed out.

The investments will benefit the overloaded Lakeshore, Châteauguay and Valleyfield hospitals, Charlebois said. “You can’t blame people for heading to the emergency room if there aren’t any services anywhere else,” Charlebois said, stressing the government is in the process of investing in both infrastructure and staff. Continued on page 30

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

THE SOAPBOX CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Tree house My Christmas tree this year is perfect. At over 7-feet tall, it stands sentry on the main floor, a gentle pine scent wafting from its branches every time I pass. Even better, with the financial incentive offered by the retailer in the form of coupons, the cost of the perfect tree was minimal, much less than I’ve ever paid for a tree as it seems the art and science of cultivating the perfect Christmas tree is now so ubiquitous, the price has leveled out. It’s a far cry from the trees of my youth. Old home movies and faded pictures from dog-eared photo albums show the epitome of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree – spindly, crooked, and downright bald in spots. My industrious father once drilled holes into the trunk on which to graft on a few extra branches to add fullness to the bare spots. The following year our tree was majestic dark green, lush and full, the antithesis of the year before. That’s because it was a cedar from a hedge that had been dug up from the property line. It was green and it had presents under it – that’s all that mattered to us. I appreciated the work my father had gone to once I was out on my own, without a vehicle or proper tool kit, in trying to carry a frozen Christmas tree home six blocks, finagle it up a Montreal wrought iron staircase, and leaving it to thaw in the bathtub as we planned our next step. Getting the tree to fit into the uncooperative stand that held barely a cup of water was only accomplished by the grace of a kitchen knife, a hacksaw, and a hammer. After years of partaking in this bizarre ritual, I got wise and bought a live tree, complete with a root ball all tethered in burlap and nestled in a large peach basket. It was pricey but the naïve idea at the time was that I would never have to buy another tree. I owned a live Christmas tree. I beat the system. Until August when it was beginning to die that I realized it needed to be planted in real earth, exposed to things like sunshine and rain and gave it to my brother. It’s still alive today on a front lawn somewhere on the South Shore. When my kids were young and money (and time) was scarce, I once strung lights and a garland on my dracena. Hardly traditional but my babies smiled at the pretty lights nonetheless. Much as they did when a last-minute treetrimming evening one year saw us without a string of lights. “No problem,” I told my husband, opening a pack of green Halloween lights purchased on sale in early November. It wasn’t until they were plugged in I realized they were actually dark purple and had some sort of latex slime dripping from them. Didn’t matter. The kids liked it. This year’s tree is adorned with white and blue lights and a frosted garland. The lumpy balls of multi-coloured papier maché ornaments are interspersed with Unicef angels and vintage winking stars. The brass snowflakes are nestled up to the melted-plastic pill bottle decorations made one summer day when we were bored. And the cheap dollar-store baubles carefully picked out by the kids hang proudly among the hand quilted doves and the moose ornament, all the way from the Yukon, whose broken leg still shows the superglue repair. Our tree holds an eclectic mix of irregular, crooked, chipped, smudged and slightly imperfect decorations. That’s what makes it perfect.

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Letters

Continued from page 4 Hudson is well known as a hot bed of volunteerism, with many residents spreading their good works throughout the community through a variety of charitable organizations. It is good to know that your organization is working hard to promote local businesses that will create a vibrant local economy and make Hudson a great place to live and work. Kindest Regards and Compliments of the Season, The Executive Committee Hudson Meals on Wheels/ Popote Roulante hudsonmow.blogspot.ca ‘Tis the season to be jolly Dear Editor, St. Lazare was a different place 30 plus years ago, with a much smaller population and less bureaucracy. Not much opportunity for political photo-ops, or published articles about St. Lazare in the local paper, so the mayor and councillors had just a few opportunities to meet the citizens. One of the main events in those days was when the town had its Christmas party. Not a party for the mayor, councillors, and employees, but a party for the children of St. Lazare. These memorable events were held in the basement of Paroisse St. Joseph de Soulange, next to the old town hall, and all parents with children were invited resulting in a turn-out of 100 to 200 children, depending on the weather. The

mayor and councillors greeted the parents and children, plus there were local volunteer teenagers dressed as elves to assist in organizing the event. There were cookies and juice in abundance for the children and coffee for the parents, then the highlight of the eventing with Santa arriving. After the children had settled down and there were a few non-political thank-yous, the mayor and councillors proceeded to hand out gifts to all the 0-to-3-year-olds, then the 4-to-6-yearold boys and girls, then the 7-to-10-yearold boys and girls, with every child being helped by the volunteer elves up to the stage to collect their much anticipated present. The presents were age and gender related, in today’s world would have cost $10 to $15 each, presents for all, and smiles from every child. Needless to say, St. Lazare ran a surplus budget in those days and used the extra money for good reasons. In those days the local papers did not cover many of the events in St. Lazare so no photo ops or coverage were given. These old Christmas parties in St. Lazare were for the children, with all the ensuing laughter, screams of delight and surprise for the little ones who really appreciated the seasonal event. Nowadays, we have a St. Lazare Christmas party for the mayor, the councillors, town employees and a few guests being “shown appreciation” but using taxpayers money. Yes, they were “the good old times” but nowadays it is such a shame that St. Lazare’s priority is not celebrating Christmas for the children who live in the area. Anyway.... A Merry Christmas to all. Alan Nicol St. Lazare

STORIES OF THE YEAR Update: Over the course of 2016, six employees of the Town of Hudson were suspended from their duties. At least one did not return to her position and filed a wrongful dismissal suit against the town.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

PHOTO BY MONIQUE BISSONNETTE

PHOTO BY JAMES ARMSTRONG

Security concerns at community mailboxes accumulate

Hudson issues continue to simmer

Carmen Marie Fabio

Investigators at the MRC VaudreuilSoulanges, Beauharnois-Salaberry, and Haut-Saint-Laurent detachments asked for the public’s help to identify suspects who had been breaking into community mailboxes in order to steal packages. Since December 2015, dozens of mailboxes had been broken into in Hudson, Vaudreuil-Dorion, St. Lazare, Rivière-Beaudette, and Rigaud, and further reported thefts in Salaberry de Valleyfield, Ste. Martine, Ormstown and Godmanchester. Within half an hour the morning of January 27, Your Local Journal was able to find four community mailboxes between St. Lazare and Hudson that had numerous doors forced open and parts of broken locks found on the premises.

While Hudson elected officials revealed early in 2015 that a municipal employee had been suspended for a two-week period pending an internal investigation, they declined to reveal any more details citing confidentiality. “It’s an administrative issue,” said Mayor Ed Prévost reached after the January 11 council meeting, referring all queries to Director General JeanPierre Roy. “I can’t confirm or deny the information,” said Roy of the issue that was simply referred to as an ‘Employee matter’ on the monthly meeting agenda. “I have a resolution of confidentiality and restricted confirmation of any information concerning this suspension. This is for fair process of investigation.”

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Former Hudson DG sentenced to 30-month jail term Carmen Marie Fabio An unrepentant Louise Leger-Villandré was sentenced to 30 months in jail on February 22 for defrauding the Town of Hudson $1.1 million over a period of 17 years. “Quel beau gâchis,” said Judge Michel Mercier at the Valleyfield Courthouse decrying the messy situation

Leger-Villandré created after her initial arrest on 19 charges in October, 2014 and her subsequent guilty plea in December, 2015, to six counts of fraud, breach of trust, and using forged documents. Despite her guilty plea to stealing the money while earning a six-figure salary from the town throughout her career in municipal politics, she claims to be bankrupt and unable to make financial restitution to the town. “We will try to get our money back,” said Hudson’s current Director General Jean-Pierre Roy. “I won’t disclose our precise strategy but we have a plan and we will implement it.” Update: Mayor Ed Prévost has said the cost of hiring a forensic accountant to recoup any funds would exceed any return. The town is looking to move forward.

A long road to recovery James Armstrong Tina Lyon Adams’ life was irrevocably changed June 12, 2015, when she was struck by a car whose driver faces 10 charges ranging from impaired driving causing bodily harm, driving under the influence, and criminal negligence. The resulting near-fatal injuries left the 21-year-old with serious mobility challenges but a firm resolve.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Continued on page 8

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

MARANDA WRITES VINCENT MARANDA

STORIES OF THE YEAR

Last minute question shopping Q: Since Christmas falls on a Sunday does it count as a holiday for employees? What about Boxing Day? A: When Christmas is on the weekend you are entitled to an indemnity or a compensatory leave at the employer’s choice. Boxing Day is not a statutory holiday in Quebec (except banks and federal employees). At its origin, servants required to work on Christmas Day took the following day off. It’s called Boxing Day since originally, centuries ago, servants required to work on Christmas Day would leave the next day to visit their families and receive from their employers gift boxes. Churches also had boxes filled with items and food. This charitable tradition has now morphed into shoppers waiting in line for products on sale. Ontario is the only province that still considers this day a statutory holiday. Q: Any snow shovelling advice? A: The law sets objective criteria between shovelling neighbours – you need to look at normal societal tolerance limits when considering where to dump your snow. As for shovelling snow on to the street, most municipalities have by-laws against it for obvious safety reasons. Ponder the Christmas spirit when disposing of snow. Q: What about disposing of a Christmas tree? A: Most municipalities will pick it up on designated days. Bigger towns will have a drop-off centre. Recycling is important and our balsam fir biodegradable trees are sold all over the world. A source of pride, just as is the fact the first North American Christmas tree appeared in Sorel, Quebec, in 1781, with hanging fruits as decorations. In fact many parts of a pine tree can be eaten, with the needles being a good source of Vitamin C but the purpose then was not to eat trees. It was celebratory and increasing respect for Christmas trees continues no further away than next door in Ontario. They recently adopted ‘An Act to proclaim Christmas Tree Day’ as the first Saturday of December stating: ‘’...tree farms and recycled Christmas trees provide environmental benefits, as well as to celebrate the joy Christmas trees bring to families across Ontario, it is appropriate that the Christmas tree industry receive recognition.’’ That’s the Christmas spirit, in the law! We now turn to the questions on Santa Claus. Rather than putting Kris Kringle on trial on whether or not Santa exists, because that case was decided in the 1947 movie ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ some pugilists are coming out with renewed 2016 legal queries. Q: Can Santa be sued for bringing a wrong gift? A: No. A letter or email to Santa requesting specific gifts does not amount to a contract. It’s more in the nature of a benevolent donation. Q: Is Santa trespassing when clambering down chimneys entering people’s homes? A: Absolutely not. Wishing for presents on Santa’s lap at shopping malls, sending emails to the North Pole, and placing milk and cookies imply without a doubt Santa is, in fact, welcome. Hanging stockings by the fireplace could be used as further evidence of Santa’s implied invitation into the home. Q: What about roof repairs if reindeers damage my roof? A: Legally Santa could be responsible for the reindeers if an accident occurred. Documenting how Rudolph’s hooves caused damage would be an important point for an insurance company. Q: Is there an invasion of privacy rights or libel when on the naughty or nice list? A: These lists are confidential and not subject to access to information requests. There is no libel since truth is an absolute defense. If it’s a grey zone, due to elf misinterpretation, I could draft a legal letter to Santa pleading your case. While there are no known courts at the North Pole, altruism there is pure as snow. Merry Christmas everyone Please send your legal questions to editor@yourlocaljournal.ca Website of law office: vmaranda.com

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

PHOTO BY JAMES ARMSTRONG

Recovery

Continued from page 7 “I can go short distances on my crutches but have to use my wheelchair for anything long,” said Lyon Adams. “It’s been nine months since the accident. It has been a sequence of operations, rehabilitation, infections, and more rehabilitation.” A student in the Police Technology program at John Abbott College, Lyon Adams also faces the challenge of having to make a vocational path change. The driver of the car that hit her, Jordan Xavier Taylor, has said, through his lawyer Philip Schneider, that he will plead not guilty. “He should lose the same kind of time out of his life that I have lost out of mine,” she said adding that could encompass jail time, a suspended driver’s license for a long period of time and community service work with an organization such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). Update: Taylor’s next court appearance is scheduled for May, 2017

MARCH Hudson mayor on medical leave Carmen Marie Fabio Hudson Mayor Ed Prévost announced March 16 that he’s taking an extended medical leave from his position at the advice of his physician. Prévost said in his absence, council and administrative staff at the Town Hall will be assuming his duties as necessary. Despite the difficult circumstances experienced recently at the town with the ongoing litigation issues over the breached dam at Pine Lake, a wrongful dismissal suit launched by former Director General Catherine Haulard, and undisclosed complaints made against Prévost to the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Occupation du ter-

PHOTO BY JAMES ARMSTRONG

ritoire (MAMOT), Prévost vowed to resume his duties as soon as his doctors give their approval. Update: Prévost returned to office in November and is doing well. Pincourt requests joint federal/ provincial action amid water contamination concern John Jantak Citing concerns over its water supply, the Town of Pincourt adopted a resolution on March 8 that called on the federal and provincial governments to devise a strategy to remove a decrepit abandoned cargo ship that has been anchored in the southwestern waters of Lac St. Louis in Beauharnois for almost five years. Mayor Yvan Cardinal said the resolution is warranted because even though the town isn’t in close proximity to the abandoned Kathryn Spirit cargo ship, it draws its potable water supply from an intake pipe located about eight kilometres from where the ship is anchored. Update: As of November 15, Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Peter Schiefke and Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced Groupe St. Pierre will be building a cofferdam to secure the ship. It’s expected to be completed by the end of the summer of 2017. Continued on page 9

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

stories of the year

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Community rallies for fire victims Lauren Mitchell and Carmen Marie Fabio There were clouds of smoke in the Town of St. Lazare Good Friday afternoon, March 25, after a devastating house fire on Vallée de la Loire Street left a family of four without a home. The blaze destroyed all the clothing, toys, furniture, and memories of homeowners Eric Fugère and Kerri Chambers Fugère. Sharon Weiner, owner of the Hudson Dance Studio at which the family’s 6-year-old daughter is a student, decided to take action to help the family recover from their loss by starting a donation collection that same day. “My idea originally was to get them through the next 72 hours,” said Weiner. “I was overwhelmed with how much stuff we received, it was insane.” Reached four days after the blaze, homeowner Eric Fugère said he was overwhelmed at the generosity the community had shown in terms of donations from friends, family, and even perfect strangers. “You really get to see the best of humanity in situations like this.”

APRIL

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

have roughly 250 beds, but could be larger, for the region’s almost 150,000 inhabitants. “I won’t give you the exact opening date but things are on track.” Barrette said they are in the up-to-two-year planning process that includes determining which medical specialities the hospital will include in relation to the needs of the population. The second phase, 18 to 24 months, includes architectural plans and the third is construction. When asked about waiting lists for medical services in Quebec, Barrette told Your Local Journal there was no shortage of doctors in the province. “Over the next 15 years, Quebec’s population will increase by 1 million. The (medical) schools are full of trainees and there will be healthcare professionals to take care of them.”

were dismissed by many as being impractical because of time and space constraints. Despite the criticism, St. Lazare officials are adamant the town will eventually achieve its goal of producing zero leaf waste as more property owners adopt composting and shredding green waste as an alternative to the pickup.

PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

Vaudreuil-Soulanges mayors dig in to announce new MRC headquarters’ construction John Jantak

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Regional mayors welcome news of dedicated light-rail commuter line John Jantak

PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

St. Lazare adopts new feestructured limited leaf pickup program John Jantak After listening to concerns raised by St. Lazare residents about the town’s green waste collection program, town council adopted a resolution during the April 5 council meeting that revamped the process into three annual pickups. The town restored the program in autumn 2015 after residents in heavilytreed areas demanded its return, but the administration had to also find a compromise to keep residents in other areas that didn’t need the service from paying into it. Suggestions made by the mayor and council that residents should consider adopting more environmentally friendly methods such as composting

The April 22 announcement that a long-awaited commuter rail project into the West Island will finally be realized and become operational by 2020 was welcome news for the region’s mayors. Sainte - Anne - de - Bellevue Mayor Paola Hawa said the $5.5 billion electric light-rail project proposed by the Caisse de Dépôt et placement du Québec that will extend into her community will provide a much needed boost to its developing commercial and light industrial sectors and provide easier access for commuters who travel to the airport and downtown core. “I am thrilled to bits,” Hawa said. “All the merit goes to (Baie d’Urfé) Mayor Maria Tutino and especially (Train de l’Ouest advocate) Clifford Lincoln. It’s their hard work, perseverance and keeping their noses to the grindstone that finally made this project possible. “It’s not that the rest of the West Island mayors weren’t involved – they’re the ones that led the entire initiative and thank goodness they did,” Hawa added. “This is the best news the West Island has had in at least the past decade.”

Mayors from throughout the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC took part in a sod turning ceremony that officially launched the start of construction of the new MRC headquarters on the south side of Harwood Blvd. near the corner of Route de Lotbinière in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Jean Lalonde, MRC Prefect said the new $5.5 million structure marks the start of a new beginning for the organization as the municipal governing board that represents the 23 Vaudreuil-Soulanges municipalities prepares to consolidate its operations into one central location. Update: As announced on page 18, as of January 4, 2017, the MRC will be in its new location on Harwood Boulevard.

Landslide registry signing a formality as NDIP prepares to stabilize area John Jantak Homeowners living in the designated landslide zone area in NotreDame-de-l’Île-Perrot will have the opportunity to sign a registry if they are opposed to a proposed $3.4 million loan by-law for a project that will stabilize the surrounding land. Continued on page 11

514.457.8020

Provincial government names site for Vaudreuil-Soulanges hospital

www.generatek.com

Carmen Marie Fabio Many Vaudreuil-Soulanges mayors were in attendance at the April 4 press conference announcing the spot for the long-awaited regional hospital would be on Cité des Jeunes Boulevard in Vaudreuil-Dorion, just southwest of the junction of Highway 30 and Highway 40. “Within five years, for sure, we will be in the middle of construction,” said Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette, describing the timeline of the necessary steps the province must go through before breaking ground on the structure that is projected to

MAY

$6,950 Thursday, December 22, 2016

Your LocaL JournaL

PARRYWINKLE JAMES PARRY Holy moly, it sure was freaking frigid in our fair burg for a couple of days this past week. Just out of curiosity, how cold was it? PHOTO BY Well, on ThursMAURICE JEFFERIES day, December 15, and albeit just for a few minutes, one hell of a lot colder than it was on Mars 80 million kilometres further from the Sun than we are! Evidently, the Mars-based Curiosity Rover, which sends daily weather reports back to Earth, recorded an air temperature of -8 C as it was hit briefly by the Sun’s rays. Here in Hudson and environs, it was -12 C (a mindnumbing -43 C in Mayo, Yukon) and that’s not even taking into account the wind chill factor. And this Monday, it dropped to a staggering -25 C on the dial. Shiver me timbers, as fictional pirates were oft fond of saying. Which brings me to the brilliant Annual Holiday Pantomime now on stage at Hudson Village Theatre (HVT) through January 8.

--------------WE’RE OFF TO SEE…- Not that it has any pirates in it, mind you. But it certainly has a bunch of other zany fictional characters that will have you laughing, and applauding, from start to finish. Including cross-dressing men playing women, women playing men, talking magpies, a scarecrow, cowardly lion, tin man, witches, wizards, marvelous munchkins, flying monkeys, haunted trees, and an adorable pet pooch called Toto. For the show - directed by Glen Robinson, sponsored by Clarence & Cripps on Cameron, and with a combined cast and crew of over 100 and a live band of five musicians - is of course The Wizard of Oz. The timeless tale of Dorothy, her Aunt Em, and Toto being swept up in a cyclone and landing in Munchkin Country in the magical Land of Oz.

Now I’ve always felt that the best critics for pantos are the kids in the audience. And believe me, when my beautiful Sunshine and I took in the opening night show last Thursday, December 15, they gave it a rave review. Booing the baddies. Cheering on the goodies. And all in love with Toto. Brilliantly created, animated, and voiced by Christine McCaffrey in Cast 1. Not sure if they could really appreciate the quality of the costumes or whether they just took them for granted. But I was absolutely stunned by their creativity. Simply outstanding throughout. Mesmerizing. And a big bravo to designer Karen Pearce. And to all in the show, and of all ages, who are working so hard on an amateur, volunteer basis to keep the panto tradition well and truly alive in our community year after year! For reservations, call the Box Office at (450) 458-5369 or go online at www. villagetheatre.ca. Be prepared to catch the candies and don’t forget to boo the baddies!

--------------SUPER SEASON - Next year, incidentally, will see the 25th Season at HVT, 26 Wharf Road, with four super fun-filled shows slated for this coming summer. And here’s a brief heads up. In May, The Pianomen, Billy Joel & Elton John, a live musical tribute concert. In June, the Quebec premiere of Norm Foster’s Jonas and Barry in the Home directed by HVT artistic director, Matthew Tiffin. In August, Around the World in 80 Days in association with Theatre Lac Brome and Geordie Productions. And in September, Louis Riel: A Comic Strip Stage Play, nominated for seven METAs (Montreal English Theatre Awards) this year. --------------LAUDING LIBRARY - Meanwhile, if there was an award given for best continuing outstanding support of the community by a local volunteer organization then, in my book, The Hudson War Memorial Library at 60 Elm Street would definitely be a top

PHOTO COURTESY BELL MEDIA

Hudsonite Glen Bowser stars in the role of Admiral Husband Kimmell in a scene from the justreleased documentary, Pearl Harbour: The Accused, that will again be screened on television on January 4 and 5, 2017.

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

PHOTO BY JAMES PARRY

On behalf of all Hudson War Memorial Library volunteers, Liz Dawe and Donna Seaman, were delighted to present cheques on Wednesday, December 14, to 12 local worthwhile causes.

contender. Once again this year, and as it has done twice a year for the past 20 years, the library last week presented welcome cheques to 12 charitable worthwhile causes here in town and throughout the region. Made possible by 40 cents of every dollar raised at their weekly thrift shop, The Bunker, below. And the recipients were the Palliative Care Residence in Como, Hudson’s Fireman’s Christmas Basket Fund, Nova Hudson accepted by Judy Tellier and Peter Lang, as well as Le Pont/Bridging food bank and Carol Laws and Greenwood (Terry O’Shaughnessy). Also La Passerelle (Veronique Girard), Hudson Angels (Marcus Owen), Royal Canadian Legion #115 Poppy Trust Fund (Eric Connor), Hudson Historical Society (Paul Laflamme), Ste-Anne’s Veterans Hospital Volunteer Services (John Dalgarno), Hôpital du Suroît Foundation in Valleyfield (Maude Daoust), Alzheimer Society du Suroît (Christine Leblanc), and Action Réfugiés Montréal (Paul Clarke). With new book releases every month, as well as a fantastic constantly updated DVD collection, may I suggest that membership to the library would make for a wonderful gift this festive season either for yourself or a friend that will last all year long. It’s only $15 per individual and $30 for a family package and for more info, call (450) 458-4814.

--------------WELL WORTH WATCHING - Not sure when the new documentary, Pearl Harbour: The Accused, now being shown on HBO TV will be out on DVD, but it sure makes for gripping viewing. And not only because it stars one of Hudson’s most talented actors of stage and screen, Glen Bowser, in the lead role. Commissioned by Bell Media’s The Movie Network, and working with Pulitzer-nominated author, Anthony Summers, and Robbyn Swan, the 90-minute Montreal-based production reveals new insights into events leading up to the attack on Pearl Har-

bour on December 7, 1941, through rare archival footage of the day and in-the-moment dramatic reconstruction. Focusing on the story of Four-star Admiral Husband Kimmel - superbly played by Glen - who was stripped of his rank, forced into obscurity, and accused of negligence. Fascinated to learn that it’s not the first time that Glen -who has appeared in several other movies including On the Road, Pawn Sacrifice, and No Surrender - has been cast in the role of a leading military figure. In the TV film, The Great War, a historical recreation of Canada’s role in World War I directed by Brian McKenna and released in 2007, he played General Arthur Currie, the first Canadian Commander of the Canadian Corps during that war. And in the same film in which our now Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, reincarnated Major Talbot Papineau who served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and Hudsonite and busy actor, Roy Ellliott, played a priest I do believe. HBO will be screening Pearl Harbour again on January 4 and 5. Check it out. It’s well worth the watch!

--------------SEASON’S GREETINGS - In closing dear readers, this will be our last issue of Your Local Journal until our next issue on January 19. And so on behalf of Mireille and I, and everyone else here at the paper in management, editorial, sales, graphic design, and distribution, we would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and good health and all the very best in the year to come. Speaking of which, word just in from the Town of Hudson, that as of January 2, 2017, while garbage collection will remain on Thursdays, recycling will be picked up on Mondays and no longer on Wednesdays as has been the case to date and for more info, call (450) 458-5347 ext. 207. That’s the blue bin, by the way, not the green which has always struck me as kind of confusing. But then it has oft been said that I am easily confused. Cheers. Until next year! And that’s a wrap! E-mail: creation@vidoetron.ca

STORIES OF THE YEAR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of the first towns to have received the grant.â&#x20AC;?

JUNE

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Landslide

Continued from page 9 Mayor Danie DeschĂŞnes said the registry signing held at city hall May 25 was more of a formality and she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect much if any opposition from area residents. It is exclusively for residents in and around the immediate vicinity of the Palissades de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;anse aux sables luxury home development who have been directly affected by the landslide zone designation, she said. The affected homeowners, who live in the area around Perrot Blvd. and Simone-de-Beauvoir Street, will not be responsible to repay the entire amount that has been allocated for the project since the provincial government is providing a grant to the town that will cover 74 per cent of the $3.4 million cost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really happy about getting the subsidy because we know it will go away at some point,â&#x20AC;? said DeschĂŞnes.

to have had Father Roland Demers as their Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Hudson for the past 30 years. It is a role that he has been dedicated to for an incredible half century. And on Saturday, June 11, following a 5:15 p.m. mass at the church and the very same date that he was first ordained in his then home town of Valleyfield, the entire community was invited to a reception at the nearby Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre in his honour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To mark the occasion, there was some thought given by well-meaning parishioners to give a much more

elaborate reception at perhaps the Whitlock Golf & Country Club with a small fee attached,â&#x20AC;? Father Demers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it was not what I wanted. Instead, I told them, if I was going to attend it would have to be simple, free, open to all.â&#x20AC;? When asked if he had any plans to retire in the foreseeable future, Father Demers smiled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Priests never retire. And as long as I am physically able and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in good shape right now - I will be here at St. Thomas Aquinas.â&#x20AC;?

Continued on page 12

PHOTO BY CĂ&#x2030;LINE PILON

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Ordination of Father Roland Demers James Parry If the role of a Catholic priest is to be a good and loving father to his flock, then parishioners from throughout the region will tell you they are blessed

BOXING WEEK SALE! Prillo pays the equivalent of the tax or 30 months to pay with credit approval

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

STORIES OF THE YEAR Vaudreuil-Dorion unhappy with provincial overbilling for SQ police services John Jantak A positive update on Vaudreuil-Dorion’s current financial status during the June 6 council meeting was tempered with criticism from Mayor Guy Pilon towards the provincial government for overcharging the municipality for Sûreté du Québec (SQ) police services. Pilon has been a vocal critic of the provincial government for failing to respect an agreement with the city and other municipalities within the Vau-

YLJ FILE PHOTO/CARMEN MARIE FABIO

dreuil-Soulanges MRC that had originally set contributions at 60 per cent. “It’s almost a steal,” said Pilon. “Initially when the provincial government decided to have the SQ serve the MRC, it was against our will. We were originally supposed to pay 60 per cent of the cost. So if the SQ budget was $1 million, we would contribute $600,000.

“A few years later, the contribution went up to 80 per cent but this wasn’t what we had signed. Eventually, we found out that we were paying 112 per cent. Pilon said the disproportionate billing is being done because they are “richer” than the province’s other MRCs. “The government decided to subsidize these places with our money which is not our responsibility. We’re very upset that the provincial government has taken our money and didn’t respect its agreement and made us pay more than 100 per cent,” he added. “We can’t do anything about it because it’s the government.” Pilon called the decision to overcharge municipalities for SQ services as “politically motivated.”

Montée Cadieux reopens

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Described as a ‘preventative’ measure, the closure came after an analysis conducted in mid-April revealed concrete delamination caused by the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle on the interior rebar. Repair work addressed the zone of compromised concrete. Transport Quebec said the 51-yearold structure carries about 200 cars per day. Update: The installation of signage in the centre lane reminding residents of the 50km speed limit has helped as council continues to study long-term solutions.

Carmen Marie Fabio Following its abrupt closure April 29, the two-lane Montée Cadieux overpass traversing Highway 40 in VaudreuilDorion between Route Harwood and Jean-Lesage Street reopened June 28. Though the closure was originally said to be for an indefinite period, and was later revised to a six-week timeframe, its reopening was a few days earlier than anticipated. “The work went very well,” said Ministère des Transports du Québec Spokesperson Isabelle Buisson. “That’s why we were able to reopen so soon.”

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

JULY Pincourt residents mostly positive about Duhamel Avenue conversion John Jantak The consensus among city officials is that the recent conversion of Duhamel Avenue in Pincourt into a one-way street northbound for motorists with the other half set aside as a multi-functional bicycle/pedestrian path has been positive overall. Continued on page 14

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

STORIES OF THE YEAR Duhamel

Continued from page 12 Town Manager Michel Perrier told Your Local Journal that the town had received several comments from residents since the conversion officially took effect on July 1 and that the overall consensus was positive, although not everyone is pleased with the

PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

changeover. Comments posted on social me-

dia immediately after the changeover showed a fairly equal divide among people who supported the conversion and those who opposed it. The conversion of Duhamel which officially took effect on July 1 resulted in the conversion of a four kilometre stretch of the former bi-directional, two-lane riverside roadway exclusively into a one-way road northbound from Cardinal-Léger Boulevard to Monseigneur Langlois Avenue at Bellevue Park. Mayor Yvan Cardinal said the emphasis is to provide its citizens who regularly use Duhamel to bike and walk with a sense of security that they didn’t have before because of its previous two-lane vehicle traffic configuration.

AUGUST

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

NDIP council looking at ways to improve pedestrian safety Carmen Marie Fabio

mayor and council of Notre-Damede-l’Île-Perrot have taken steps to address the issue of speeding vehicles along the three-kilometre stretch of Boulevard Perrot between Pointe-duDomaine and 101st Avenue. Mayor Danie Deschênes said the town has consulted with experts to explore options to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety but the stretch of waterfront road is narrow and presents significant challenges. The region’s demographics have shifted and though the area homeowners had typically been older residents, a recent influx of young families presents new safety issues. “Because the road is so different from other areas, we need to look at this problem differently,” Deschênes said, adding that simply painting lines on the road will not guarantee the security of the citizens. “We’re working (with professionals) on long-term options and as soon as we can, we’ll propose the project to the citizens.” Deschênes did not elaborate on the scope or details of the project but said it ultimately would be up to the citizens to accept or reject it. “Whether we build side roads for pedestrians or bicycles, it will have an impact on – most probably – part of their land too.” Following the July council meeting, NDIP public works department installed a number of signs in the centre lane reminding motorists of the 50 kilometre speed limit but Deschênes said it’s only a short-term solution.

Following a full-house July 12 town council meeting that was packed with parents – young children in tow – the

Continued on page 15

2016 - 2017 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE RECYCLING COLLECTION

MONDAY December 26th, 2016

TUESDAY December 27th, 2016

WEDNESDAY December 28th, 2016

THURSDAY December 29th, 2016

FRIDAY December 30th, 2016

L’Île-Cadieux Rivière-Beaudette Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac

Les Coteaux Saint-Clet Saint-Lazare Saint-Polycarpe Saint-Zotique

Hudson Pointe-Fortune Rigaud Sainte-Justine-de-Newton Sainte-Marthe Saint-Télesphore Vaudreuil-Dorion

L’Île-Perrot Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot Pincourt

Coteau-du-Lac Les Cèdres Pointe-Des-Cascades Terrasse-Vaudreuil Très-Saint-Rédempteur

NEW COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR 2017 MONDAY January 2nd, 2017 Hudson L’Île-Cadieux Pointe-Fortune Rigaud Rivière-Beaudette Sainte-Justine-De-Newton Sainte-Marthe Saint-Télesphore Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac

TUESDAY January 3rd, 2017 Saint-Clet Saint-Lazare Saint-Zotique

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Disassemble and stack your boxes together and place them next to your bin.

WEDNESDAY January 4th, 2017

THURSDAY January 5th, 2017

FRIDAY January 6th, 2017

Vaudreuil-Dorion

L’Île-Perrot Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot Pincourt

Coteau-du-Lac Les Cèdres Les Coteaux Pointe-des-Cascades Saint-Polycarpe Terrasse-Vaudreuil Très-Saint-Rédempteur

olidays ! H y p p a H

* Municipalities who have a change of recycling collection day for 2017

Special cardboard collection from January 2nd to January 6th only

Thursday, December 22, 2016

www.mrcvs.ca/en/recycling

STORIES OF THE YEAR SEPTEMBER

any better.” As for the future of the property itself? Said Poirier, “It’s on the table for reflection.”

Hudson’s conservation plan raises questions for council PHOTO BY JAMES PARRY PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

New St. Lazare Town Hall construction began in September Carmen Marie Fabio After falling 17 signatures short on a November 2015 registry to oppose a $9.4 million loan by-law for a new Town Hall, St. Lazare began demolishing its Chemin Sainte-Angélique structure August 31 in preparation for the ground breaking of the new building, beginning before the end of September. “Things are pretty much on schedule,” said Mayor Robert Grimaudo. “If all goes well, we should be in (the new office) in early June of next year.” The contract was awarded to Lavacon Construction Inc. in June, 2015, for its bid of $7.7 million before taxes, and roughly $8.9 million after taxes. Grimaudo said further reductions in the final price tag will come in the form of reimbursement of a percentage of provincial sales tax and all the federal taxes paid on the project, as well as a $1 million subsidy from the provincial government from an infrastructure program offered to municipalities adding new buildings. Despite vocal opposition to the project at town council meetings and on social media, Grimaudo defended the project, saying it’s been 20 years in the making and is the last major infrastructure project in St. Lazare that needed to be replaced.

Hudson landmark Auberge Willow Inn closes James Parry Following months of rumours and speculation, it was confirmed in September that Hudson’s historic Auberge Willow Inn overlooking the Lake of Two Mountains and with roots going back to circa 1820, would definitely close November 1. Said owner, Michel Poirier who, together with Pierre Lanctôt and Carole Ménard, bought The Willow on Main Road “It has been part of the life of so many local residents and others from throughout the region going back many generations. But the simple fact is that while we always enjoy a good summer season that is not true of the long winter months. And, as a businessman, I had to face the fact that we were simply losing money on a yearround basis and that no matter how hard we tried, it was not going to get

James Armstrong PHOTO BY JAMES ARMSTRONG

Pro-Mayor Deborah Woodhead’s opening remarks at the Hudson Town Council meeting September 6 were intended to allay fears that a beloved area might be lost with the adoption of the new conservation plan.

“A comment was made concerning the possibility of losing Hudson’s Sandy Beach through a land swap deal with a developer,” said Woodhead. Continued on page 16

Our Focus.. YOUR News

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

stories of the year Conservation

Continued from page 15 “This has not happened. Hudson has obtained a servitude in perpetuity. It is in the conservation plan as a wetland and belongs to the town.” Resident Diane Piacente questioned the ownership of the trails from Jack Layton Park through the waterfront wetlands to Sandy Beach. Woodhead said the trails belong to the town and it is very difficult to talk about protecting wetlands without a plan. Piacente said many towns have put conservation plans in place that prevent any development in fragile wetland areas. “Put in place 30-metre buffer zones instead of 10-metre buffers. Have some teeth because you have the power.” “I believe that most of us here are property owners, we believe in private property, in democracy and the rule of law – the owner of this property

Your LocaL JournaL

has a notarized agreement with the town to be able to do a project there,” responded Woodhead. “I respect the agreement that was reached in good faith,” she said, adding, “We will do everything we can to save every bit of precious land.” Update: Resident Richard Grinnell has launched an online petition to purchase Sandy Beach. See www.change. org/p/achat-sandy-beach-purchase.

Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence DG resigning Carmen Marie Fabio A mere 11 months after assuming the role of Director General at the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence in Hudson, Julie-Anne Lambert is stepping down from the position, citing difficulties in carrying out her duties while battling unfounded criticism and innuendos from the original founding (medical) members of the

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YLJ FILE PHOTO/JAMES PARRY

residence. “It’s been going on for six years,” said Lambert of the continued staff changes in upper management, following the departure a year ago of former DG Richard Mainville and Co-President Sylvie Crevier. “It has to stop.” In Lambert’s resignation letter obtained she writes, “Unfortunately, from the get-go the founding members of the Residence did not hesitate to share with me that they did not want me as the new Executive Director. So for the past year, I have been battling to maintain my integrity in the face of innuendos and unfounded criticism, I have been trying to protect employees who do not belong in ‘the right gang’ and I am struggling to ensure the Residence continues to receive the much needed funding from donors, sponsors and the community to safeguard its survival.” Communications Director Jasmine Sharma confirmed the residence is currently facing challenges internally. “What I can say is the quality of care

provided to patients and the care to families is still our top priority. It always has been, still is, and always will be. That’s not going to change.” Lambert’s resignation letter states, “…as seen within Palliative Care on a daily basis, life is too short to be surrounded by negative people who wish you harm.” She said she will remain in her position until December of this year allowing time for a suitable replacement to be found.

PHOTO BY JULES-PIERRE MALARTRE

Rigaud breaks ground on new town hall project Jules-Pierre Malartre The town of Rigaud held a groundbreaking ceremony September 13 to celebrate the first day of construction work for the upcoming new town hall scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. Continued on page 17

Project

STORIES OF THE YEAR OCTOBER

Continued from page 16 Mayor Hans Gruenwald Jr. said a few words before pushing the first ceremonial shovel into the ground. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am happy that this project is finally being realized. Residents will enjoy easier access to city services with a town hall closer to the downtown area. It was important for us to revitalize our downtown area at the same time.â&#x20AC;? The project started in 2009 following a public consultation within the framework of Rigaudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development plan. Gruenwald called the project a â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śmajor inescapable investment with long-term benefits for residents as well as for various organizations in Rigaud.â&#x20AC;? Gavin Affleck of Architectural firm Affleck de la Riva reflected on the symbolism of the choice of white as the colour of the building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the image of a small temple, with white representing the colour of democracy. A town hall is a symbol of the community, of pride, of the capacity of making decisions together. For us, this is how we approached it with the city, the mayor and the citizens committee.â&#x20AC;?

Our Focus... Your News

PHOTO COURTESY CENTRE Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ARCHIVES DE VAUDREUILď&#x161;şSOULANGES

50-year anniversary of accident that devastated Dorion Carmen Marie Fabio

portion partially submerged in a ditch and dragging the rest 800 metres down the track. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very sad memory,â&#x20AC;? said current Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon. Though too young to have been a high school student that fateful night, the memory, as for most long-time residents, is indelible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are survivors today who still live with both physical and psychological scars,â&#x20AC;? he said. Ă&#x17D;le-Perrot resident Daniel Petit, 15 years old at the time, was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the accident and recounted discovering an injured friend and helping to transport him to hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though we were young, we all became adults that night,â&#x20AC;? said Petit of

the memories of the event. With 19 dead at the scene, another young man succumbed to his injuries a week after the crash and a woman died 32 years later, her death directly attributed to the injuries she suffered that night. Her name is included on the plaque that now stands sentry in Valois Park on St. Charles Avenue, inscribed with the names of all who perished. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for young people to know what happened that night. Most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about it.â&#x20AC;? As the survivors age and pass on, Petit said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important that young people keep the memories alive in their place. Continued on page 18

Fifty years ago on October 7, an accident that claimed the lives of 19 young people and left 26 with mild to significant injuries devastated the small off-island community of Dorion and the ensuing shock wave brought expressions of sympathy from around the world and left residents demanding immediate corrective measures. A full school bus that had departed from Ă&#x2030;cole secondaire CitĂŠ-desJeunes en route to a dance in Hudson was hit at a level crossing on St. Charles Boulevard by a 100-car CN freight train heading west to Toronto, slicing the school bus in half leaving a

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Best wishes of health and prosperity! Happy New Year ! Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

STORIES OF THE YEAR CMQ findings side with Mayor Prévost Carmen Marie Fabio Following months of testimony and numerous appearances before the Commission Municipale du Québec, Hudson’s Mayor Ed Prévost was found not guilty of any wrongdoing, or had PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO the charges dismissed, of the 151 allegations of municipal impropriety that had been brought against Wishing him by District 1 you and yours Councillor Rob a very Spencer through lawyer and HudMerry Christmas son resident Véand ronique Fischer. a Happy New Year “At the end of the (testimony), both lawyers, the prosecution, as well as my own defense, tabled their argumentation, vindicating me of any wrongdoing,” Prévost said. “The punishment has been inflicted already on me, my wife, my kids, my grandchildren, and my close ones, over many months.” he said. “That’s

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

not been easy and there’s nothing we can do to retract that.” Prévost said the final bill of the tribunal amounts to well over $120,000 which will be footed by the residents through their municipal taxes. The bulk of the remaining charges were dismissed August 16, 2016 by the commission. CMQ Prosecutor MarcAndré LeChasseur said “he could not gather evidence supporting the allegations contained in the Sheehan dossier and that even if the allegations were proved, it would not implicate Mr. Prévost as breaching the code of ethics.” His recommendation was for the commission to declare the motion inadmissible. “…the evidence simply does not reveal a clear, precise, serious and unequivocally that Mr. Prévost would implement a scheme to promote the interests of the translation company to the detriment of the city,” read LeChasseur’s summary. Update: The final decision vindicating Mayor Prévost was rendered by Judge Sylvie Piérard in early December.

Vaudreuil-Dorion says no to pit bull ban Carmen Marie Fabio Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon announced that the city will not ban pit bulls or any other dog breeds considered dangerous at the October council meeting. Instead of banning specific breeds, Pilon said the city is considering adopting a by-law similar to the one in

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

Calgary which places the onus on dog owners and makes them responsible for controlling their pets at all times. He added that the banning of pit bulls will only entice people who want aggressive dogs to seek out other breeds which could result in those types of breeds to be eventually banned as well. “The fact is we have to work on something which will be good for every type of dog. The main issue is to remain professional and to see how the matter has been handled elsewhere and Calgary is a perfect example. There have also been reports that in places where the pit bull has been banned, it hasn’t reduced the number of incidents.” Continued on page 19

STORIES OF THE YEAR

PHOTO BY JOHN JANTAK

Esculier responds to criticism following St. Lazare by-election win John Jantak Newly elected District 4 Councillor Marc-André Esculier was on the defensive responding to criticism from two residents about his victory during an unprecedented 90-minute question period before the start of the October council meeting that also saw Mayor Robert Grimaudo reveal that a provincial government body has been making inquiries into town hall. “In the 12 years that I’ve been coming to council meetings, all I’ve seen is a person who is very arrogant and impolite towards council. I hope that he will do his job properly and work with council,” said resident Gilles Boutin. Esculier replied that Boutin was entitled to his opinion and that he was elected to represent the majority of the population in his district which drew a round of applause.

Resident Constantinos Markakis had earlier asked Grimaudo whether the provincial Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Occupation du territoire (MAMOT) is conducting an investigation into town hall. After initially replying yes, Director General Serge Tremblay corrected the mayor by saying that there is no investigation but questions have been asked by the MAMOT. “The answer to your question is yes, we have been asked questions. Is there an actual investigation, the answer is no.”

PHOTO BY JAMES PARRY

Hudson’s Remembrance Day Parade salutes veterans and the men and women still serving James Parry The sun shone for Hudson’s Remembrance Day Parade Sunday,

November 6, when - led by the stirring pipes of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada Cadet Corps 2497 - marchers of all ages wound their way along Main Road for an emotional wreath-laying ceremony at the newly-landscaped Cenotaph. Participating this year, for the first time ever was a Canadian Minister of Veterans Affairs. Namely, the Right Honourable Kent Hehr, who is also Canada’s Associate Minister of National Defence and who steered his motorized wheelchair the entire length of the parade before placing a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada together with Vaudreuil-Soulanges Liberal MP, Peter Schiefke. Said the minster, “It is indeed an honour and privilege to be here with you all today. In recent months, I have gotten to know Peter pretty well and he is always talking most warmly and fondly about his community and Hudson in particular. And now I know why. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”

YLJ FILE PHOTO

Spencer’s resignation, according to his letter, was due to that fact that he has sold his home and will no longer be a Hudson resident and thus will not be able to act as a councillor. Continued on page 20

Hudson Town Councillor Robert Spencer resigns James Armstrong Hudson town council passed a resolution at the Monday, November 7 council meeting confirming the resignation of Councillor for District 1 Como, Robert Spencer.

Ville d’Hudson

Je recycle mon Sapin de Noël !

lundi 16 janvier 2017 Vous devez vous enregistrer au (450) 458.5347 #207 avant le 12 janvier et déposer votre arbre en bordure de rue avant 7 h le 16 janvier. Les sapins seront broyés sur place, puis compostés. Il est primordial de bien enlever toutes les boules, décorations, glaçons, guirlandes, etc. qui se trouvent dans l’arbre. Ces mesures permettent d’éviter les accidents lors du déchiquetage et préviennent la contamination lors de la fabrication d’un produit recyclé.

ASSOCIATION DES POMPIERS VOLONTAIRES DE PINCOURT PINCOURT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

La Ville d’Hudson vous remercie pour vos efforts !

Town of Hudson I recycle my Christmas tree !

Jeudi 5 janvier 13 h 30 à 19 h 30 Fire prevention booth on site

Thursday, January 5 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Monday, January 16, 2017 You must register at (450) 458.5347 #207 before January 12th and place your tree curbside before 7 am on January 16th.

Entrée #2 / Entrance #2 101, boulevard Cardinal-Léger

The trees will be shredded on site, then composted. It is essential that all ornaments, tinsels, garlands, etc. be removed from the tree. Such measures prevent accidents during the shredding operation as well as contamination during the manufacturing of a recycled product.

The Town of Hudson thanks you for your support!

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

STORIES OF THE YEAR

Robert Spencer Continued from page 19

ŷƼsŘÞŘ¶ ÌŸȖǋǣ Site is accessible every day from dusk to dawn. Please check the opening status before your visit.

Every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Equipment rental: Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Last rental is at 3:30 p.m. Snow Tubing: Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Ice ring: (Closed for now, 4 days of intense cold are required.)

Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m

450 424-8000 poste 287 2800, chemin Lotbinière

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Council reassured the residents of District 1 that they are encouraged to contact any councillor, the pro-mayor, and mayor regarding any issues for their district. Spencer’s resignation comes on the heels of Mayor Ed Prévost’s appearances before the Commission Municipale du Québec (CMQ) to face 151 allegations of municipal impropriety brought against him by Spencer. The findings of both the prosecution and defense lawyers indicated there was no evidence to proceed with the charges. There will not be a by-election to replace Spencer before the 2017 municipal elections.

Sainte-Anne’s hose tower demolished John Jantak Preliminary work to demolish the hose tower atop Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue city hall began mid-November after a majority of council voted one last time to proceed with its demolition. The final vote was taken during a special sitting of council on November 9 that was attended by all six councillors and Mayor Paola Hawa at the Har-

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

pell Centre. As they have during several council meetings and public information sessions since August, Councillors Francis Juneau, Daniel Boyer, Yvan Labelle and Michel Boudreault supported the demolition and Councillors Dana Chevalier, Ryan Young and Mayor Paola Hawa opposed it. An online Facebook and Go Fund Me campaign started by Hawa only raised about $5000 of the required $14,000 to restore the hose tower. All the money that was pledged has been returned to the donors. Continued on page 21

stories of the year

Hose tower

Continued from page 20 “The only thing you can do is become resigned to it and it is what is. It’s unfortunate but you have to accept it and just move on,” said Hawa when asked how she felt about the demolition. The final vote didn’t surprise Hawa but it sparked controversy amongst residents. Some said the tower should be preserved because of its historic heritage while others opposed it saying the crumbling structure no longer serves any useful purpose and it isn’t worth the cost to maintain it.

Baie d’Urfé restaurant burns to the ground Carmen Marie Fabio

A west-island dining institution for decades, Restaurant Linguini located on the TransCanada Service Road burnt to the ground during the early morning hours of November 27. The cause of the fire was not determined though the arson squad of the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SSIM) is investigating. A message on the restaurant’s website thanks patrons for their loyalty and vowed to keep

Registrations for Winter activities PHOTO BY VICTOR MATEUS

everyone posted on their journey to reopening.

Saint-Lazare Community Centre (1301 Rue du Bois) Thursday, January 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DECEMBER LBPSB Ethics scandal riles council meeting attendees Carmen Marie Fabio Despite myriad voices calling for the resignation of the chair of the Lester B. Pearson School Board Suanne Stein Day was adamant in insisting she would not step down, despite the recent revelation she had violated the board’s own code of ethics on three separate occasions. The news broke soon after troubles at the English Montreal School Board saw a letter issued to Chair Angela Mancini citing a lack of support and recognition directed towards administration, accusing elected commissioners of meddling. Continued on page 26

For all available activities, please consult the Recreation and Community life booklet: My choice for an active lifestyle! http://kiosk.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca/

Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire 450-424-8000, ext. 220

For ecoresponsible Holidays ACCEPTED MATERIALS AT ÉCOCENTRES: VAUDREUIL-DORION, SAINT-ZOTIQUE AND RIGAUD

OTHER ALTERNATIVES

Christmas lights

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

(Figures of Santa Claus, snowmen, etc., Christmas wreaths or other

Containers and packages of paper,

light decorations are NOT accepted)

cardboard, glass, metal and plastic (Including tissue paper, non-metallic

Cardboard (folded boxes)

wrapping paper, toy boxes, etc.)

Electronics (TVs / DVD, CD or video or audio players/ radios /

REUSE

computers and printers / etc.)

Christmas lights, clothing, Christmas garland, toys, metallic wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, etc.

SAINT-ZOTIQUE VAUDREUIL-DORION 2050, rue Principale 2800, rue Henry-Ford St-Zotique (QC) Vaudreuil-Dorion (QC) * Any unusable or broken material (glass, J0P 1Z0 J7V 0V8 Christmas ornaments, etc.) = Waste RIGAUD 32, rue de la Coopérative Rigaud (QC) J0P 1P0 *The Ecocentres will be closed Dec. 24th through Dec. 26th inclusively, and from Dec. 31st through Jan. 2nd inclusively. For more information, visit www.mrcvs.ca/en/ecocentre or call the automated line 450 455-5434 (in French only). Thursday, December 22, 2016

Your LocaL JournaL

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

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MOVING

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Weekly trips to USA, Toronto & Vancouver

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@yourlocaljournal

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

CLASSIFIEDS SECTIONS 100- For Sale 125- For Rent 150- Services

175- Wanted 200- Careers/Employment 225- Financial Services

View, submit & pay your ad online at www.yourlocaljournal.ca or e-mail: classiﬁeds@yourlocaljournal.ca

450 510-4007

250- Real Estate Sale 275- Garage/Moving Sale 300- Miscellaneous

325- Autos for Sale $24.95 until it sells

350- Legal

1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks

$15 $20 $25

100 - FOR SALE

150 - SERVICES

175 - WANTED

Dry Firewood. Stacking and kindling available. Very reasonable. Dan: 514-291-1068

Piano Tuning - Experienced local piano technician offering quality tunings and skillful repairs. Improve the sound and touch of your piano with hammer voicing and action regulation. Marc Lanthier 514770-7438 info@pianolanco.com

PIANO PIANO PIANO Fine tuning $88. Regulation, voicing, repairs, all makes and models, any condition, Grands and Upright pianos, keep your piano tuned, enjoy music. quebecpiano@gmail.com. Text or call 514-206-0449. Thank You! (170309)

Cleaning ladies wanted, experienced or not. Jobs available. We will teach you how to be a five-star cleaner with on-thejob training. Must be energetic, a perfectionist, possess a good work ethic. Leave message 450-458-0251 (161222)

Jacques Harvey Piano School. Experienced, qualified teacher offers piano lessons to beginners or advanced students. Children and adults are welcome. Call 450-455-1544.

A Military Collector looking for medals, flags, swords, uniforms, documents, helmets, hats, all related war memorabilia WWI, WWII, Canadian/German or others. Antiques, collectibles, aviation, nautical, coins, badges, maps, signs. Please contact Patrick 450-458-4319, patrick148@ca.inter. net, 2760A Côte St-Charles, St-Lazare, Reni Decors (170330)

Deluxe Frigidaire Gallery stove with warm-up drawer, paid $1800, asking $400; Gallery front load washer less than 2 years old, paid $800, asking $200; Frigidaire dryer new motor $150; Kenmore vacuum $75; in Hudson. Please call 450-458-4365 (170119)

125 - FOR RENT 4½ Condo for retirees for rent by owner, at luxurious Le Felix du Groupe Maurice in Vaudreuil-Dorion, a great rental opportunity at a lower price. Appliances included, possibility of other furniture. Indoor parking, pool, gym, restaurant, pharmacy, bank. $2520/month. 514-880-0221 (170119)

150 - SERVICES Special needs caregiver (sitter) available. Over 15 years experience with children and adults. Available for day, evening and/or overnight. Excellent references. For information please call 514-944-1932 and leave message with your phone number. Will get back to you asap. (170119)

200 - JOB OPPORTUNITY

APPLE MAC SUPPORT since 1983 Variable Rates Initial Hour Free – Upgrades Troubleshooting Bootable Backups System Analysis & Advice terry@cloudbyteconsulting.com – www.cloudbyteconsulting.com 450-853-0534 Nurses Aid / Housekeeper and Cook, available for home care. Have own car. Can drive you for medical appointments/ treatments, hospital visits. Good references. Will work all shifts including weekends. Call 450-202-1205 (161222) PROFESSIONAL PET PHOTOGRAPHER – Treat your four-legged friend to a personalized photo shoot in the comfort of your own home or any other location or setting that you choose. Steve Thomas 514-378-1211, email steve1602@gmail.com. Your pet will love you for it! (161222) Paul’s Painting, small & large renovations. Call 514-900-5839 (161222) MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM “MAN WITH A VAN” MOVING. Whole house. Small moves, too! Quebec/Local/Ontario. Experienced/ Equipped. Please leave a message 514605-3868 MIKE THE MOVING MAN. BE SURE TO KEEP THIS AD. Local Experts in matters of Bankruptcy and Insolvency since 1994. First Consultation Free. Available Nights & Weekends. Solid reputation for Reliability, Honesty & Integrity in our field of Expertise. Blumer Lapointe Tull & Associes Syndics Inc. www.blumerlapointetull.com. 514 426 4994 Registered Gun Smith. Number one buyer of used guns in Quebec. 514-453-5018 Moving Service, local, trailer rentals. Call Colin: 514-850-9948 Central Vacuum and Canister Vacuum Cleaners. Sales and repair of all brands. SEBO Vacuum Cleaner $398 and up. (Electrolux, Filter Queen, Kenmore and Central Vac). Central Vac Electron with bag, hose, accessories $675. Other brands available from $329 and up. Repair and service of all central vacuum systems. Parts and bags (all makes). Biodegradable cleaning supplies. Toilet paper $31.95/48 rolls. AspirateursHudson.com 67 McNaughten, Hudson, Quebec 450-458-7488

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Cleaning Services available weekly, biweekly or as needed. Attention to detail with a strong work ethic. Call for a free estimate. 450-458-8098 (161222) SINGING LESSONS. Private or SemiPrivate. In my home (St-Lazare). Sing the songs you love! Call Morgan. 514-6071308 References available. ¿Moving? All jobs. Reliable, reasonable, fully equipped. Local and Ontario, Maritimes, USA. 35 yrs experience. Call Bill or Ryan 514-457-2063. Wolftech Inc. Since 2004. PC/Laptop repair, sales and services. Custom system builds. Software/hardware upgrades, virus - malware removal. Data recovery, network and internet troubleshooting. Pick-up or In-home service. Very competitive rates. Windows and other software tutorials. HTTP://wolftech.ca service@wolftech.ca 514-923-5762 Handyman / Renovations. Reliable. Over 25 years experience. NO JOB IS TOO SMALL. I do bathrooms, kitchens, ceramics, wood floors, plumbing, etc. Free estimate. Patrick 450-206-0588 (161222) Ivan’s Garbage Removal will remove renovation debris and junk from houses, sheds, garages, basements. Also old fences, decks and balconies. Available 7 days per week. Call: 514-804-8853 Handyman/Contractor, reliable, 20 years experience. Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, cement work/repairs, decks. Structural experience. No job too big. Discounts for future contracts. Derek 514898-4392 (170202) Local Handyman, change light and plumbing fixtures; walkway, roof and deck shoveling; soffit ventilation work, aluminum and vinyl repairs, caulking around windows and doors, door hanging and handles; automotive repairs; equestrian experience, farm work. Good with animals. Gary 514-5025512 (161222)

175 - WANTED $ Buy car for scrap. Running or not, 24/7. www.scrapvehicule.com Call 514-951-4203 CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS. Mystery writers may submit their best Police procedural whodunit short stories, between 6000 and 8000 words. Only one piece accepted. Current pay is $0.05/word for accepted stories with a $400 maximum. For additional information, Jean Bissonnette bissonnettejean7@gmail.com

250 - REAL ESTATE SALE Panoramic views, Covey Hill. 4 new box stall barn. Dressage ring, pasture, year round carpenter shop, 5 arpents, historic house, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, needs TLC, commute to Montreal 35 mins., $239,000. Patrick Pietry, Royal LePage Extra Bkr. 450802-7200, 450-829-2653 (170119) Largest Cortland Apple Producer in Quebec, located in St. Antoine Abbé. 70,000 bushels, with buildings. 140 acres. Patrick Pietry, Royal LePage Extra Bkr. 450-802-7200 or 450-829-2653 (170119) Maple Bush, 8,000 taps, plus 200,000 board feet of Red Oak, in Havelock. 140 acres. Patrick Pietry, Royal LePage Extra Bkr. 450-802-7200 or 450-829-2653 (170119) Exceptionally large and spacious intergenerational waterfront home, 3 bedrooms upstairs and finished intergenerational apartment with private entrance with additional 3 bedrooms. Many updates, beautiful views of Lake St. Louis. Large balconies, pool, across from Quinn Farm. MLS# 10921315 Call 514-835-6762 (161222)

325 - AUTOS FOR SALE Hyundai Accent 2002, 1.5, automatic, blue, winter tires, good winter car, $800. 450-458-7488 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline, 4-motion, Automatic. Panoramic sunroof, carrier support bars. 17” mags plus 16” winter mags. 163,000 kms. Fully serviced, top condition, new front brakes. White gold with tan interior. $10,800. 514-714-7363 2006 Mercedes CLS 500,Silver, never winter driven. 86,000 kms, very clean, $18,000 – negotiable. Call Ray: 514-668-9718. 2002 Saturn SL1, 4 door sedan, 1.9L OHV 4 cylinder engine. Silver with charcoal interior and CD radio. Winter tires installed, summer tires available. 54,000km. Asking $2500. Repeat, 54,000km. 450-458-1321 1992 Lincoln 192,000 km. V-8 auto, fully equipped, used for weddings, second owner, electric roof. Invested $12,000. Must sell (illness) $1250 Cash. 514-453-7468

Our Focus... Your News More Classiﬁeds on page 25..

CLASSIFIEDS

View, submit & pay your ad online at www.yourlocaljournal.ca or e-mail: classiﬁeds@yourlocaljournal.ca 450 510-4007

325 - AUTOS FOR SALE

350 - LEGAL

Chevrolet Malibu LS sedan 2013 top condition, 77,175 kms, OnStar feature, 2 sets of tires on rims with steel mags. $10,950. 450458-0527

Honda Civic Reverb 2 door, silver, 2005, manual, A/C, 6 CD player, brakes, brake pads, discs and bearings done late 2015, 288,000kms, great little car. Recent oil change and transmission fluid. 4 winter tires – 2 years old, $1800, 514-261-7043

NOTICE OF CLOSURE OF INVENTORY

BMW 550I 2007 Mint shape, New tires/ brakes all around, fresh maintenance. Second owner sale, 173,000kms. $9950. Fully equipped. View on Kijiji. Call 514-742-2779 MG Midget MkII 1964 Red. 120,700kms, 1098cc, 1 litre, 56Hp, 4 cylinder. Hard and soft top, 4 new tires, new battery and suspension blades, tape player. A pleasure to drive and in very good condition. Ready for summer. $10,500. 514-528-8703 2009 White Saturn Outlook, 8 passenger, 120,000kms, good condition, $9500. 438-8788587

1997 Ford Cobra Mustang SVT. Good condition. Triple black. New clutch. New tires. New magnaflow mufflers. Asking price $9500. 514-996-6965 2009 VW Rabbit, 2.5 litre, gas, 5-speed manual transmission, black, heated seats and mirrors, AC, power windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof and fog lights. 130,000 km. $9,600 Call 514-886-1008

GMC 2006 Envoy, 4 x 4, good winter transport, well maintained, 256,000km, 4 winter Mercedes CLK 320 - 1999 - Convertible, Sil- tires and 2 spare winter tires, $3200. 514946-5854 ver. 208,000 KM. $6,900. Call 514-216-9217.

Ford Freestar minivan 2004, white, 4.2 litres, 132,000kms, 5 door, 4 seater, rear tinted windows, electric doors and windows, A/C, rust proofed, good condition, new brakes and discs, new spark plug wires, 4 winter tires, $2900. 450-458-7488 1996 Honda Civic Si with multiple modifications: JDA B16A SIR II, cams, Exedy clutch, JDM ITR S80 LSD trans. w/short shift, urethane engine mounts, Sparco quick release steering wheel, Sparco seats w/Willans 4 pt. harness, Neuspeed sport springs w/Koni front shocks, frt/rear strut bars, stainless brake lines and much more. $6500 or best offer. 514-979-1603

Supplying the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Region

2008 Toyota Yaris hatchback, sky blue, fully equipped, automatic with only 28,570km, well maintained, winter/summer tires included. Elderly woman driven, asking $7000 or best offer. 514-697-4454

200 - JOB OPPORTUNITY Expanding notarial practice looking for a bilingual and experienced LEGAL ASSISTANT/LEGAL TECHNICIAN to complete the team in our Vaudreuil office.

Compensation will be based on experience.

(newspaper notice: C.C.Q., art. 795)

Notice is hereby given that Roy Stephen ELLIS (the “Deceased”), in his lifetime domiciled at 2900 Montcalm Street, apartment 2, in the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Province of Quebec, Canada, J7V 7W8, died at Vaudreuil-Dorion, on January 6, 2015. An inventory of the Deceased’s property has been made in accordance with the law and can be consulted by interested parties at: COLLINS notaries 1200, avenue McGill College, Suite 1680 Montreal (Quebec) H3B 4G7

200 - CAREERS/EMPLOYMENT

BUILDING MANAGER with over 10 years experience in leasing and rentals of large residential building complexes is available for immediate employment. Please call Massimo at

(514) 557-7057

Please send your CV to

htrott@notairetrott.com

In Memoriam

Wilfred L. Morris

Condo for Rent or Sale in Saint-Lazare

A V

Passed away December 18, 2016 in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Born and educated in Advocate Harbour, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, he was a graduate of Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1949. Taught at various places in Nova Scotia and at Hudson Heights, Quebec, retiring in 1970 to provide Homecare services in Advocate Harbour and in Halifax., N.S. Survived by his daughter, Terri-Ann Collins and son, Liam Morris and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Frances Grant in 1976. Funeral service to be held on December 22, 2016 with burial in Advocate Harbour at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to: Smith’s Funeral Home. www.smithsfuneralhome.com

N AIL O AB W LE !

1931-2016

Rent: $950 Sale: $206,000

Arber, Phil Peacefully at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus on Wednesday afternoon December 14, 2016 Phil Arber of Vankleek Hill, Ontario passed away at the age of 78. Predeceased by his parents Jacob and Anne Arber. Loving partner and best friend of Blanche “Samme” Putzel. Dear brother of Esther Goldstein and Naomi Leigh Dowall. Predeceased by his sisters Gertrude Furer and Lynn Borditsky. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Phil will be sadly missed by Samme’s family. Relatives and friends visited at Hillcrest Funeral Home 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill on Monday December 19, 2016 from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm. A gathering to remember Phil was held on Tuesday December 20, 2016 at 11 am at Knox Presbyterian Church 29 High Street Vankleek Hill followed by a reception “to break bread together” at the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society Hall followed by a parade to Greenwood Cemetery, Vankleek Hill for the interment. Please no flowers. To honour Phil’s love and dedication for his community donations to the Philip Arber Foundation for Vankleek PHill & Environs P.O. Box 869 Vankleek Hill, Ontario K0B 1R0 or online to gofundme. com/philiparberfoundation would be appreciated. To express your condolences, make a donation or light a candle in memory of Phil please visit www.hillcrestfuneralhome.ca

• • • • • • •

4 1/2 (2 bedrooms) Hardwood Floors Throughout Crown Moulding Central Vac Gas Fireplace Roman Tub Separate Shower

• Air Conditioning • Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom • Superior Sound Proo´ng • Walk to Bédard Park, IGA, Pharmaprix and SAQ etc... • Peaceful Neighbourhood

Call Monique (514)652-9484 Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

STORIES OF THE YEAR

PHOTO BY JAMES PARRY PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

LBPSB

Continued from page 21 On the morning of Wednesday, November 30, it was announced at the National Assembly that Québec Education Minister Sébastien Proulx has appointed an auditor to look into management of both the LBPSB and the EMSB, citing irregularities in education issues and certification of students. Minister Proulx also confirmed the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) is investigating. Soon after stating she committed no wrongdoing, legally or morally, Stein Day said, moving forward, she hopes to learn from her mistakes but will not step down, and fully intends to fulfill her mandate.

Two charged in double homicide in Vaudreuil-Dorion Carmen Marie Fabio The two important witnesses who

PHOTO BY CARMEN MARIE FABIO

were sought in the December 1 double slaying that occurred on Montée Alstonvale in Vaudreuil-Dorion appeared before Judge Serge Boisvert in the Valleyfield Courthouse December 6 and were each charged with two counts of first degree murder and murder using a prohibited firearm. Les Cèdres resident Richard Hunt, 38, and 28-year-old Mélanie Binette of Coteau-du-Lac are accused in the shooting deaths of 45-year-old Joseph Fluet and 38-year-old Steven Lamarsh. The maximum sentence for first degree murder is life in prison. Sûreté du Québec (SQ) officers made the arrests the evening of December 3 in Vaudreuil-Dorion and in St. Lazare. Police responded to a call of a man in critical condition last Thursday just before 1 p.m. found in a wooded area just below the corner of Moffat Street. He was transported to hospital where

he was pronounced dead. A second man was found later in the afternoon, also critically injured from gunshot wounds. He too was pronounced dead in hospital. Though various media reports said Fluet had criminal ties to the Rock Machine motorcycle gang, police will not verify this, other than to say he was “part of a biker gang.”

Falcon Golf Club up for sale at almost $16 million James Parry and Carmen Marie Fabio Over 7 million square feet of land in Hudson for sale. An incredible opportunity for developers/investors. The price, $15,995,000 plus taxes. So read the ad that appeared December 10, placed by realtors Richard

Beaumier and Pierre Larin of Profusion Reality Inc. in Westmount. The land in question is the 18-hole Falcon Golf Club, a public course designed by top-ranked golf course architects Graham Cooke & Associates that opened in 2001 and which, since 2008 and according to the Club’s website, has been owned by Hudson entrepreneur, Lou Lapointe, who has made a successful career of turning businesses into thriving and successful enterprises. Said a spokesperson for the club, who asked to remain anonymous, “It is no secret that many golf courses throughout Canada and the United States are facing difficulties right now for many reasons. And for the past few years, there have been rumours that the Falcon was up for sale or had been sold. “Mr. Lapointe has never officially put it up for sale and he is not aggressively doing so now. He is just exploring ideas and options and redevelopment of the land, or part of it, is one of those ideas.”

@yourlocaljournal

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Taxes and Accounting 438 Main Road, Hudson Tel : 450-458-0406,

ATTORNEY

Aumais Chartrand

100 boul. Don Quichotte, bureau 12 L’Ile-Perrot, QC J7V 6C7 Ph: 514-425-2233 ext. 229 andreaumais@bellnet.ca

BOOKKEEPING

Shantiom Inc.

Bookkeeping Services. 10 years experience. Proficient with Sage and Quickbooks.

514-969-3555

Bryan Todd, B. Comm (Acct.)

Business and Personal Accounting Services, Tax Preparations & Filings Ph. (514) 730-5966

DENTISTS

Building structural, foundation and waterproofing expertise, reports and expert testimony. 514 594 5140, peterbyrne@videotron.ca

The change you deserve! 450-853-0616 • courey@videotron.ca www.courey.com

FAMILY MEDIATION/SOCIAL WORK

IMMIGRATION

Karine Joly, MSW, TS, Family Mediator

Brazolot Migration Group

Family mediation for couples separating/divorcing Counselling for individuals, couples, families Homologation of mandate report. Vaudreuil-Dorion/Beaconsfield 450-218-1499 karine.joly@videotron.ca

HOME CARE NURSING

Nova Hudson

Nursing care, palliative care, cancer care, foot care, family support, volunteer services and adult day centre. 465 Main Rd, Hudson, Suite 202 (450) 458-5727 INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Jeffrey Quenneville

Investment Advisor Raymond James Ltd. Dr. Don Littner & Dr. Morty Baker 2870 Route Harwood, St-Lazare 472 Main Rd, Suite I, Hudson QC, J0P 1H0 Ph. (450) 458-5334 450.202.0999 Thursday, December 22, 2016 26 YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

35 Wharf Road, Hudson, QC (450) 458-2186 info@brazolotgroup.com

NOTARIES

Jean-Pierre Boyer

L.L., L., D.D.N. 1576 C Ste. Angélique, St. Lazare Ph. (450) 455-2323

ORTHODONTISTS Dr. Amy Archambault Dr. Paul Morton

Your Local Specialists in Orthodontics 3206, boul. de la Gare, Suite 160 Vaudreuil-Dorion (450)218-1892

JOIN THE PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

450-510-4007

admin@yourlocaljournal.ca

Affiliated BRUNET 1771 Ste. Angelique, St. Lazare Ph. (450) 424-9289

PSYCHOLOGIST

Sylvi Lafontaine

Psychologist 450.458.0944 sylvi.lafontaine@videotron.ca Bilingual Services • Cdn & US trained

drs. Martina Kleine-Beck Psychologist 514.265.1386 martinakb _ 58@ hotmail.com

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Sandy Farrell, Davis Facilitator Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD & Learning disabilities can be corrected. www.dyslexiacorrection.ca (450) 458-4777

STLAZARE

HUDSON

STLAZARE

FARMETTE

RECENTLY RENOVATED

BI-GENERATION

3,500/Mth

275,000

625,000

Home and Estate 1315 St-Louis. #26931848

74 McNaughten. #15614647

2188 Pinacle. #20962354

FEATURE

PHOTO COURTESY GLENGARRY REAL ESTATE

Ironside Cottage is one of the few remaining restored homes of quality in historic Glengarry County. Featuring 11 rooms, this house has maximum potential, either as a private residence or an income generating business. Situated on 5.3 acres of land. MLS 1015998

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Lyle Warden

Diane Chrétien

Norm Eelnurme

Mavis Fletcher

André Menard

Jackie Smith

Sales Rep.

Broker of Record

Wishing you a happy holiday season.

Diane Vachon Bray Broker

Jacinthe Bray

Sara Williamson

Sales Rep.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Home and Estate

The English Gardener Going to pot with Cannabis James Parry Your Local Journal

Wow, here’s a gardening column that never in my wildest dreams I thought Photo by GreG Jones I would write one day – how to grow Cannabis or Marijuana in your very own garden or home! But given the fact that just last week the Canadian government gave itself until late 2018 or early 2019 to open up the market for recreational Marijuana, based on a plan that will allow everyone over 18 to purchase pot from a variety of producers and retailers, or to grow four plants of their own, I simply couldn’t resist. Not that I have ever grown one to date, I hasten to add. And have only sampled the ‘weed’ once many years ago in Jamaica when I disappeared from the face of the earth for four or five hours after smoking a cigar-sized spliff, never, ever, to try it again. So how does one start growing one’s own? Well, checking out Google wasn’t much help. I mean, it’s been – and still is – illegal since 1923 here in Canada. I also couldn’t

check it out with a grow-op operator. One, I don’t know any. Two, if I could track one down, I doubt if he or she would want to talk to me. For the simple reason, they are still being arrested. And mainstream catalogue companies are not exactly touting it right now along with their heritage tomato seeds. Well, it sure is a pretty looking plant with its striking leaves and some varieties can grow several feet tall. Not much in the way of flowers for sure. And I’m not sure if pollinating bees get a buzz from them. What I did learn, however, from Wikipedia is that Cannabis is a genus of flowering plant, believed to have originated in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, that includes three species and seven subspecies. It is an annual, dioecious (a plant having the male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals) flowering herb that appears naturally in many tropical and humid parts of the world and its use as a mindaltering drug has been documented by archaeological finds in prehistoric societies in Euro-Asia and Africa. And how’s this for a fascinating bit of trivia? Evidently, the oldest written

Photo CoUrtesy shUtterstoCK;CoPyriGht: oPenranGestoCK

record of it being used is the Greek historian Herodotus’ reference to the central Eurasian Scythians taking Cannabis steam baths. Fast forward to the present day. Evidently the tech industry in the U.S. – where growing the stuff is now legal in over 20 states – has finally started to innovate the seed-to-weed growing process. With a venture-backed capital company just announcing a new system said to make it easier for consumers to grow their own pesticide-free pot at home without having to maintain it like you would growing it the old fashioned way. Seriously fellow gardeners, I haven’t

been smoking the stuff and making this up! Oh yes, I also tracked down a seed supply company in Vancouver, B.C., that is selling Cannabis seeds with such exotic names as Feminized Afghani Kush, Atomic Northern Lights, Auto Great White Shark, and B.C. Early Blueberry. Fair boggles the mind it does! And finally, a question dear readers. Why did cows return to the Marijuana field? Because it was the pot calling the cattle back. Ouch! Until next time! E-mail: creation@videotron.ca

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Your LocaL JournaL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Tania Ellerbeck

Helen Henshaw

Emily Holding

Gary Joubert

Diane LaŇamme

Paul LaŇamme

Margaret Lagimodiere

Maria PoƩer

Amanda Walker

Patricia Wright

DU CE D

472 B MAIN ROAD, HUDSON • Έ450Ή 458ͳ5365 • TOLL FREE 1ͳ866ͳ734ͳ4443 With all my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

HUDSON - $639,000 A beautiful home...carefully maintained with stunning decor. Private gardens surround the house offering the ultimate in privacy. Sun filled rooms with gleaming hardwood and ceramic floors....enjoy living in this wonderful country property. Margaret Lagimodière (450) 458-5365 Cell (514) 781-5611

Margaret Lagimodière (450) 458-5365 Cell (514) 781-5611

WA H U TE DS RF ON RO NT

Hu $3 dso ,20 n R 0/m en th tal

HUDSON - $269,000 A warm and charming 1846 home on Main Road. Beautiful wood floors throughout, a wood stove and a view of the Lake of Two Mountains. Country living with style and grace, minutes from the Village and an hour to downtown Montreal. Margaret Lagimodière (450) 458-5365 Cell (514) 781-5611

#20087812

C HU ENT DS RA ON L

#18863673

#10512598

#24959421

#11036279

HUDSON - $3,200/mth Executive 3 bdrm bungalow, freshly painted w/heated I/G pool, finished basement, 5 new appliances. Snow removal, lawn & pool care included. Only 15 min. to West Island. Avail mid-January. Helen Henshaw (514) 703-8981 www.helenhenshaw.ca

HUDSON - $899,000 Large 3 bdrm bungalow on sweeping grounds to the shores of the mighty Ottawa River; hardwood throughout main floor, lovely large windows looking out to the waterfront. Only 15 min. to West Island. Helen Henshaw (514) 703-8981 www.helenhenshaw.ca

HUDSON - $695,000 EXECUTIVE HOME - Classic 3 + 1 bdrm Hudson home in heart of Hudson, beautiful cherrywood floors throughout, private fully fenced grounds backing onto Whitlock Golf Course; separate heated 5-car garage; close to schools, shops, restaurants, & public transport; 15 min. to West Island. Helen Henshaw (514) 703-8981 www.helenhenshaw.ca

D L O

S #17375124

S #15600856

#26235351 PIERREFONDS – SOLD!! P Happy Holidays! Tania Ellerbeck (450) 458-5365

HUDSON - $599,000 Central village location with a large private lot on Viviry Creek. Renovated 4 bedroom home including inter-generational apartment plus spacious office for a professional. Tania Ellerbeck (450) 458-5365

HUDSON – SOLD! Merry Christmas! Tania Ellerbeck (450) 458-5365

#21537331

#11207576

#15947735

ST-LAZARE - $474,900 An elegantly understated home offering luxury throughout. Stunning open concept floor plan and many recent renovations. Patricia Wright (514) 942-4092

ST-LAZARE - $475,000 Custom built English Tudor on a private landscaped lot in the heart of Cedarbrook. All 3 levels beautifully finished. Patricia Wright (514) 942-4092

ST-LAZARE - $295,000 St-Lazare: Spacious split level 3+1 bedroom home features main floor family room and completely finished basement. Patricia Wright (514) 942-4092

#21379929

#13487275

#27326130

ST-LAZARE - $444,000 This charming family home is situated on a quiet crescent in the heart of Saddlebrook. Reminiscent of French Provence with its mansard roof and brick exterior. Three finished levels. The French Country theme is carried throughout the interior. Features: Wall paneling, office, main floor family room, 2 fireplaces, 1 wood burning stove, screened in porch & deck. Paul & Diane Laflamme (514) 793-4514

HUDSON - $414,900 Enjoy the country lifestyle in this stunning rustic log home. It was built in 1981. Open concept main floor. Paul & Diane Laflamme (514) 793-4514

HUDSON - $269,000 Water view. This charming 2 bedroom cottage will take your breath away. The renovations were made while retaining the original classic charm. Sit on the front porch or back deck and enjoy the quiet lifestyle. Paul & Diane Laflamme (514) 793-4514

W W W. R O YA L L E PA G E V I L L A G E . C O M • V I L L A G E H U D S O N Ν R O YA L L E PA G E . C A Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

MNAs

Continued from page 5 Nichols and Charlebois said as MNAs serving Vaudreuil and Soulanges they’re working together on the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital and improving services for citizens. Charlebois stressed that when she discusses the hospital with Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette she discusses it as the MNA for Soulanges, not as the Public Health Minister. Charlebois said the hospital is part of Quebec’s Infrastructure plan and, by law, must follow certain procedural steps. She said she and Nichols are

making sure everything is on track for a hospital opening by 2021. Having so many people from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges community following the hospital file either directly or indirectly is “super motivating,” Nichols said. “I want to thank them.” “While other counties are closing schools, here we’re building them,” Charlebois said, noting education investments include $10-million for École des Étriers in St. Lazare. In terms of possible changes to electoral division boundaries for Vaudreuil and Soulanges that would move some Vaudreuil-Dorion residents and Hudson residents currently in the Vaudreuil riding into the

Soulanges riding, Nichols said she made a presentation before the Commission de la représentation électorale but no decision has been made yet. As for paving the notoriously

bumpy Route 342 on Harwood, Nichols said the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion has applied for financing and Nichols said the dossier is being “pushed” at the Ministry of Transportation.

Up for adoption PHOTO COURTESY CASCA

Olianna is a charming 7-monthold cat who, along with her mother and sister, ended up in the care of CASCA (Comité d’Aide et de Secours pour les Chats Abandonnés) because her owners had to move and could not keep them in their new apartment. Her fur, white and beige, is sort of longish. She is affectionate but a bit timid with strangers. She loves to play and is quite affectionate and so looking forward to a fur-ever home. This can happen if you contact CASCA at (514) 513-6766 or visit CASCA’s Website: http://www. cascarigaud.ca/contact.

SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL

Happy New Year! $2,980/mo BeaconsĮeld. Ideally located in Beaurepaire, this 4-bdm 3-bth fully renovated split level is perfect for young families. Designer kitchen & bathrooms. Close to private, internaƟonal & public schools, parks, train staƟon, highway access and walking distance to the lakeshore. Available Feb. MLS #25843708

Wishing you happiness in 2017. 514-718-7171

andreel@remax.net Andree Lavigne www.andreelavigne.com Real Estate Broker

PROPANE | DIESEL | OIL

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Holiday wishes

FOR ALL YOUR PROPANE NEEDS TANK RENTALS PROPANE CONNECTIONS AUTOMATIC OR ON CALL DELIVERIES NO HIDDEN FEES CONTACT US SALE OF PROPANE EQUIPMENT AN ÎLE-PERROT FAMILY

514 453 8913

gazpetrolecharbonneau.com

RECENTLY PURCHASED

$999,000

17 RUE RAG APPLE, HUDSON, QC

RECENTLY PURCHASED

$2,749,000

32 RUE D’EDIMBOURG, CANDIAC, QC

Grandiose custom built home nested Sophisticated castle inspired mansion in the prestigious Alstonvalley. backing onto Candiac Golf Course.

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

Thursday, December 22, 2016

RECENTLY PURCHASED

OFFERED FOR SALE

$1,479,000

$1,499,000

204 CH. RAOUL MALLETTE, RIGAUD, QC 98 CH. DE LA SÈVE, RIGAUD, QC Beautiful Estate located in the prestigious Equestrian Polo Club neighborhood.

Classic executive mansion nested on a 107.294 sqf landscaped lot with in-ground pool and picturesque lake. Large bright rooms, guest house, geothermal heating. MLS#17274119

EXIT PERFORMA REAL ESTATE AGENCY

2774 St. Charles, St-Lazare, J7T 2H8

450 458.1116 WWW.EXITͳPERFORMA.COM

Toute l’Équipe de “Exit Performa” vous remercie de votre conÀance et support. Nous avons tous aimé travailler pour vous. Pour l’année qui vient, tous ensemble nous vous souhaitons qu’elle vous apporte Santé, Joie, Succès, Prospérité!

The team at “Exit Performa” thank you for your continued support and partnership.We appreciate working with you and hope that the holidays and the coming year will bring you Happiness, Success, Health and Prosperity!

D L SO 63 Frère André Daoust, Rigaud VIEW OF MOUNTAIN - Inviting home with 3 BDR, 2 BTH, 3 season sunroom with incredible panoramic view, main level LDR. Near all amenities + highway 40! Centris #26324001 $279,900

493 Bourget, Vaudreuil-Dorion PRIME LOCATION – Very well kept & renos, gorgeous landscaping, fenced in lot + pool, large patio 20x12 + 12x12. Open concept, 2 ﬁreplaces, ﬁnished basement. Hurry, nice property! Centris #13914062 $329,900

2078 Pilon, St-Lazare CONDITION A-1 – Good size bungalow, walking distance to amenities, parks, schools & access to hwy 40. 3 newer BTH, ﬁnished BMT + wine cellar + compressor. Large garage, driveway (6). Nicely landscaped! Centris #25714092 $337,500

1041 du Metayer, St-Lazare EXCEPTIONAL VALUE - Bi-generation bungalow, 82,519 sq. ft. lot, barn, 6 paddocks, 6 shelters, riding ring 105’X 70’ rare ﬁnd. Trail network entry, motivated vendor! Centris #22522037 $549,900

3696 Ste-Angélique, St-Lazare

2049 du Patrimoine, St-Lazare

BI-GENERATION FARMETTE - 20 arpents wooded lot backing directly onto « Les Forestiers » trails. Property with bachelor. 14 box stalls barn, 9 paddocks with watering syst., elec. fences and much more! Great opportunity!

Centris #10058603

$750,000

EQUESTRIAN FARMETTE - Surrounded by elegance. Very large 4 BDR, 3.5 BTH, colonial style home, completely custom built. 7 padded box stalls, 1 tack room, watering system, outdoor ring. Prime location with easy access to hwy!

Centris #11771851

$950,000

EXIT Performa is currently seeking Devoted, Enthusiastic, Professional Brokers to be part of our experienced and dynamic Team. Thursday, December 22, 2016

YOUR LOCAL JOURNAL

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES FROM LE SÃ&#x2030;LECTION VAUDREUIL â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open! Come visit us with your family Dec. 24-26: Closed Dec. 27-29: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 30: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dec. 31: Closed Jan. 1: Closed Jan. 2: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

LE SÃ&#x2030;LECTION VAUDREUIL

3041, boul. de la Gare, Vaudreuil-Dorion 450 319-1919 â&#x20AC;¢ leselectionvaudreuil.com â&#x20AC;¢ Ã¶ Ã²