Montreal Times 25 23 March 7 2020

Don’t forget to change your clocks one hour ahead tonight Saturday, March 7, 2020

Vol. 25 No. 23

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Covering Montréal & Surrounding Areas

5602 Ave du Parc H2V 4H1, Montreal, QC

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March 7, 2020 •

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New dangerous dog law in Quebec now in effect n recent years, there have been several attacks on people by dogs deemed to be dangerous. In 2016, a

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By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca Montreal woman was killed in her own backyard by a dog and in March of 2019, a jogger in the Eastern Townships was attacked by three dogs and severely injured. There have been many other attacks since - and it is clear stricter laws need to be in place in order to address the problem.

Quebec's new 'dangerous dog law' is now in effect as of March 3rd 2020 and whether it resolves the issues fairly, remains to be seen.

Back in 2016, under Mayor Denis Coderre's administration, the city voted 37-23 in favor of a bylaw that outlawed the acquisition of any 'pit-bull type' dogs, putting strict regulations on owners. Despite all the controversy and

protests and the fact a majority of those polled were against it, the bylaw came into effect on October 3rd of that year.When Projet Montreal won the election and took over City Hall, Mayor Valerie Plante kept her campaign promise and in 2018, overturned the bylaw.

New animal control bylaws were put in place to prevent attacks that did not include the 'pitbull type' breed-specific description, but rather 'a dog that bites or attacks a human' would be considered a risk.

In 2017, the Quebec Liberal party government proposed Bill 128, which would have seen the government ban a list of dogs considered 'potentially dangerous', including Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. However, after a public outcry, they backed down and instead passed the Bill without breed-specific legislation as well.

When the CAQ government took over the National Assembly of Quebec under the leadership of Premier Francois Legault, they tabled amendments to Bill128, giving all Quebec mu-

nicipalities 'a set of rules and the flexibility to adopt stricter ones if they see fit'. And now Quebec's new 'dangerous dog law' has officially come into effect.

Amendments to the law are not breed-specific and it will be up to veterinarians to declare a dog dangerous or not.

Under the new legislation, dog owners across the province are now subject to new rules.

Municipalities are required enforce the province's regulations, including ordering dangerous dogs to be euthanized - and they can

also choose to pass their own stricter rules.

With the new law, a dog deemed potentially dangerous must be sterilized, microchipped and have all their rabies vaccines up to date - and will need to wear a muzzle in all public places. You can find more details about Bill 128 at http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/travauxparlementaires/projets-l oi/projet-loi-128-411.html?appelant=MC SOME OTHER RULES INCLUDE: - When a bite is reported to a municipality, the municipality will

need to order an assessment by a veterinarian to see if the dog is actually dangerous.

The dog would also be prohibited from being alone with kids under the age of 10 without adult supervision.

- If the dwelling they are in does not have a fence, or does not have a fence that will adequately contain the animal, other measures will be required. There must also be a sign warning people that a potentially dangerous dog is on the property.

- If a dog is declared potentially dangerous in

one municipality, the ruling applies to the entirety of Quebec.

IF THE THE OWNER OF THE DOG DOES NOT ABIDE BY THE RULES: - Their dog can be seized and they can be banned from owning or keeping a dog for a determined period of time.

- Depending on the infraction, the owners of the dog can receive fines up to $2,500. If they deter anyone from enforcing the regulation or give deceiving statements, the fine can be as high as $5,000.

- Fines can also double if it applies to a dog deemed potentially dangerous.

The City of Montreal has published a list of over 100 dogs registered as 'potentially dangerous dogs' including the borough, postal code, the dog's name, race and colour.You can find the list at http://ville.montreal.qc. ca/pls/portal/docs/page/ medias_fr/animaux/med ia/documents/registre_chiens_potentiellement_dangereux_f r.pdf

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Via Rail MontrealMacallan’s Pub Toronto and other 'does it right' with services progressively brand new kitchen resumes

ia Rail had to cancel 940 trains as of February 28th, due to the Wet'-

they note there will be two other departures operating soon, one between Toronto-Vancouver on Wednesday March 4th and then beBy Bonnie Wurst tween Vancouvermtltimes.ca Toronto Friday March 6th. The Quebec CityMontreal-Ottawa trains, suwet'en anti-pipeline as well as the Montrealprotest blockades that Halifax trains, are curswept across the coun- rently running on full try. They have been service. protesting Coastal Further departures are GasLink's fossil fuel expected to be anpipeline construction nounced in the next few through their Nation’s days, as they are conunceded territory in firmed. Here is a partial British Columbia. It has overview of other reaffected more than sumed services - how164,000 passengers, but ever it is recommended as of Tuesday March 3rd, you visit the VIA Rail most of VIA Rail Canada website first at (VIA Rail) services will https://www.viarail.ca/en/ progressively be back in travel-advisory-informaoperation, including the tion as this information lines between Toronto- is subject to change Montreal and Toronto- without notice: Ottawa. Partial service Montreal-Toronto, on the Montreal- Tuesday March 3rd, Toronto line resuming as Trains 68,62,63,69 of Tuesday, include the - Toronto-Ottawa, Tuesfollowing trains: 62, 63, day March 3rd, Trains 68 and 69.

48,46,42,52,43,47,59 In their Travel Advisory, - Toronto- London-

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WING NIGHT - TUESDAYS (7:00pm-12:00am):Their wings are made with pride, to order and served with a variety of tasty & intense sauces… here is more than like to dance the night with your friends, have a one good reason away, the music is also few drinks and dance everyone keeps great and the ambiance your hearts out to a pergoing back to will bring out the best of fect mix of your your moves.

On Wednesday to Saturday favourite music. they have a DJ to keep $15 PITCHER SPECIAL the groove happening. (Monday to Friday Or how about a round 12pm-12am): You can (or two) of golf? Their in- enjoy a pitcher of Moldoor golf center, Golf-O- son Canadian, Molson Max, was recently Export or Coors Light at upgraded with six state- a great price - a few pints of-the-art simulators and should loosen you up for there are plenty of world-class courses to the dance floor. choose from. And even You don't have to be a better, the 19th hole West Islander to be welcomes right to you! They comed at Macallan's serve you drinks and where you will find the

By Bonnie Wurst can food, before you position staff and ambiance very your grip for a well-exe- welcoming. Reviews on mtltimes.ca cuted tee shot - and well, Trip Advisor and other a shot of one of the top Macallan's Pub for 20 scotch brands they have sites give credence to years - and now there is on hand just might help that: 'Great vibe to another, very special rea- keep that grip loose. watch the game, great son. They are very ex- They also hold special food... went with a group cited about the opening weekly events such as: of their new kitchen and COUNTRY NIGHT - ON of friends, our waitress menu. It was long over- THE 1ST FRIDAY OF was super attentive', 'A West Island classic… it's due, but the fully EACH MONTH equipped, commercial (9:00PM):When it comes been a great place to kitchen will enable them to Country Night, they grab a drink and wings', to kick things up a notch. do it right. 'Country 'Very satisfied it's a must They will be offering new Night cowpokes and the go to for a rockin' night', food options on their best barn dance on the 'Great bar, lively ambimenu, such as a jerk-rub wild West Island!' They chicken burger and a also bring in talented, ence... friendly and attenstaff.

Highly three-cheese gourmet local musicians and dif- tive and sandwich. This is the in- ferent bands, as well as recommended!' troduction of burgers to other special events.

'Great hang-out spot to Macallans, nachos, NIGHT - TUES- bring friends and have a chicken wings, subs and WING good time!' As their sayPhilly cheese steak, DAYS (7:00pm-12:00am): ing goes, 'Macallan's does Their wings are made (served with either fries or onion rings or salad with pride, to order and it right'… and they are option) as well as their served with a variety of managing to keep doing salads and classic bar tasty & intense sauces… it better. Wayne and Elfoods.Veggie options are and they are only 65 liot will be pleased to cents each. also available. welcome you and your FREE POOL Macallan’s is not only friends, old and new, at WEDNESDAYS the 'go-to place' for peothe official 'Grand Openple looking for great (Monday to Friday ing' of the New Kitchen 12pm-12am): Every food and drinks in the West Island, but also the Wednesday its FREE and Menu on Wednesplace to enjoy a great pool day.You just have to day/Thursday February time with friends, day or choose a table and enjoy 19th and 20th. They are night. With 16 large a game with friends. located at 212 Dorval screens, it is the ideal *Take advantage of their Avenue in Dorval and setting to watch all types $15 pitcher special that they can be reached at of sporting events, play a night!

(514) 633-8881 or via few games of pool or SATURDAY INSANITY: shoot some darts. If you Where the West Island Email at:: goes to party! Meet up info@macallanspub.ca. www.mtltimes.ca March 7, 2020 •

Windsor, In full service - Toronto-Sarnia, In full service - Toronto-Niagara Falls, In full service - Quebec City-MontréalOttawa, In full service - The Ocean (MontrealHalifax), In full service The Canadian (Toronto-Vancouver), One departure confirmed for Wednesday March 4th - The Canadian (Vancouver-Toronto), One departure confirmed for Friday, March 6th *A list of other resumed services across the country can be found on their website. Passengers already holding tickets, for which the trip’s scheduled departure has not yet passed and is no later than March 12th, have the option of a full refund with no service charges. You can also contact them at 1-888VIA-RAIL (1-888 8427245) or TTY 800-268-9503 (deaf or hard of hearing).

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3551 boul. St. Charles, Suite #547, Kirkland, Quebec, H9H 3C4

514-951-3328

Coronavirus fears emptying supermarket shelves

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s the Coronavirus (COVID19) spreads across the globe,

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Contributors: • Catherine Maisonneuve • Marco Giovanetti • Sergio Martinez • Bonnie Wurst • Stuart Nulman • Deborah Rankin • Martha Shannon • Helen (Eleni) Akrivos

SUBSCRIPTION General subscriptions in Canada: 1 year $150, 2 years $275 Subscription to the U.S. and outside North America:1 year $250 US All contents of this publication are sole property of The Montreal Times Newspaper. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily intended to reflect those of the publisher. Any reproduction in whole or in part and in print or in electronic form without express permission is strictly forbidden.

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By Bonnie Wurst mtltimes.ca supermarket shelves are being emptied by people stocking up on supplies. The rapidly spreading virus has not yet been called a 'Global Pandemic', but it certainly has created a 'Global-Panic' - with over 70 countries having reported cases of COVID-19 as of March 3rd, infecting more than 90,000 people worldwide. However, should we be panicking? It does not help that last week, Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu suggested people should consider stockpiling food and medicine. According to WHO (the World Health Organization), a pandemic is defined as 'an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a

Confirmed Coronavirus Cases as February 4th - Source WHO very wide area, crossing spread of COVID-19 In the meantime, su- ers and rows of empty international bound- has been charting in un- permarkets have been shelves can put fear aries and usually affect- known territories - and reporting shortages of ing a large number of although cases in items such as meat and into most people's people'. However, with Canada remain low and eggs, canned vegetables, minds. Quite frankly, the the rising number of our government is takcanned tomatoes, stores are making countries and cases we ing serious measures soups, beans and food money on those items have been seeing, why towards it, perhaps it staples like bread, rice, has it not been declared would be wise to stock pasta and sauce, even and some might even a Pandemic?

The WHO will not yet up on a few essentials. toilet paper, paper tow- try to take advantage of call the coronavirus a However, panicking is els, facial tissue and pet the situation. Facial hypandemic - but they unwarranted. food. Pharmacies are giene masks might be "It's good to be pre- also reporting shorthave warned it is a possibility in the near fu- pared because things ages of toilet paper, scarce, but the bottom ture. "We have never can change quickly. It's paper towels and facial line is - don't panic but before seen a respira- really about, first of all, tissue - as well as femi- be smart. For more intory pathogen that is making sure that you nine hygiene products, formation on how to capable of community do have enough sup- hand sanitizers, disinfectransmission, but which plies so if someone in tant wipes and even di- be prepared to deal can also be contained your family becomes ill, apers. However, there is with Covid-19, go to with the right meas- if you become ill, that no immediate concern https://www.canada.ca/ ures," said WHO Direc- you have what you of serious shortages, as en/public-health/sertor-General Tedros need to survive for a stores can easily reAdhanom Ghebreyesus week or so without stock most items. Most vices/diseases/2019during a briefing on going outside," said of our food is from novel-coronavirus-infec Monday March 3rd. Federal Health Minister t i o n / b e i n g They consider the clas- Patty Hajdu. She also comes Canadian and North American suppliprepared.html sification of a global added that 'public pandemic 'when epi- health agencies warn all demics occur in several the time that people countries at once'. should have provisions However, there's no for unexpected emer• Eye examination ( by appointment) clear threshold for the gencies, including snow• Eyeglasses & Contact lenses number of cases that storms, power outages meet the definition of and even possible panDavid Sebag an epidemic, with the demics'. Given that only Optician CDC (Center for Dis- a significantly low perStarting Price for Glasses ease Control) defining centage of people who Single Vision... $99 it as "an increase, often have contracted the Bifocals... $149 sudden, in the number disease have died, and of cases of a disease the majority of others Progressives... $199 above what is normally have experienced the Coatings not included expected in that popu- same symptoms as the Free after Sale Home lation in that area." flu, it makes sense to a Service For Seniors Nevertheless, the degree.

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March 7, 2020 •

10th edition of Cabane Panache

From March 19th to 22nd on Wellington Street there will be lots of sugar, lots of activities, and lots of free concerts! ll this during Cabane Panache, the unmissable urban celebration of the sugaring-off season. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the trendiest lumberjack camp in town has tons of new features to help you experience this essential part of Quebec’s identity!

10 years of ‘ear-feeding’ While the ’Oreilles de Crisse’ will be quivering in the pots, yours will be enjoying the francophone bands playing on the main stage, which itself resembles a huge sugar shack! For the lumberjacks who want to escape the others, they will find more groups scheduled to perform on the immersive stages scattered around the camp. In total, more than 15 Quebec bands of contemporary and traditional music will have you putting your boots on and lifting your mitts in the air!

The teams from

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Promenade Wellington and the Borough of Verdun, official presenters of the musical component, did not spare any time developing an explosive and free program: Bernard Adamus, Cayouche, Sara Dufour, Alaclair Ensemble DJ SET presenting the BasCanadienne Nights, Urban Science Brass Band, Pépé et sa guitare (and guests), De Temps Antan, Wabo BBQ, Les Filles du Roy, Veranda, will make you swing!!

Dominique Fils-Aimé will perform in the magnificent Notre-Damedes-Sept-Douleurs Church (the only paying concert of the event $30).

There will be something for everyone, we promise!

10 years of lip licking More than 20 Verdun restaurants and bars will be behind the stove to concoct for you food and beverages from the four corners of the world, reinvented with

a Quebec sauce especially for the occasion.

These include a Khmer forest curry vegetable soup from the Cambo-

French toast grilled cheese, bacon, cheddar and maple syrup from Station W, a Texas-inspired maple BBQ pork

‘’More than ever determined to offer a unique experience to the 100,000 expected festival-goers, we are betting on the singularity of our event, the great neighbourhood moments and the immersive layout, while obviously improving our environmental practices‘’.

- Billy Walsh, Director of the Merchants Association of Promenade Wellington, event organizer dian restaurant Les Street Monkeys, a churros dulce de leche and maple pork quesadillas from the Peruvian family Villa Wellington, a maple-smoked pogo from La Bêtise Verdun, a

guedille from Blackstrap BBQ, a coconut and maple hot chocolate from Chez Robin Marché Local or a waffle baked in Belgian-inspired maple syrup from Fromagerie

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Copette. Veggie and vegan options will be available in some booths. On site, everything will be compostable for a gourmet and responsible sugar shack experience!

For a second year, Cimonak! beer, a maple smoked Porter from the BENELUX Brewery, will be brewed exclusively for the event.

The Bistro SAQ will also be on camp for the first time with a selection of products made here to add to the panoply of Quebec products to discover during the event.

10 years we've been animated and gathering with Panache At the sugar shack, we get together, we share a good time, and we stuff our bellies!. At Cabane Panache, we add an extra layer to have just even more fun!

To digest the food you've tasted, you'll have the choice of sitting by the fire, listening to concerts and stories,

admiring lumberjacks splitting wood, taking a selfie with the 13-foothigh moose, getting your beard trimmed, rediscovering Quebec's heritage, wandering through the general store to find products from local artisans, dancing a square set or meeting Martin Juneau at the Comptoir Bon MatinMC La mie de l’artisanMC for health sugar shack food tastings.The list of activities is is still growing and the organizers have many surprises in their pocket for you, which will be unveiled shortly!

After all, we told you it would be a lot!!

So, put the date in your diary and be ready for 4 days of festivities!

Find all the details of the programming on promenadewellington.c om and on the Facebook Page.

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Daylight Saving Time – Do we save anything? aylight Saving Time (DST) is coming this weekend, something that really started in Germany and Austria during World War I., They called it Sommerzeit or Summer Time, a name that is still used and which in our case is nothing but a sad irony: we are still in what looks like an endless winter, and usually that’s the situation until the first Sunday of March. Let’s not deceive ourselves Canadian winters rarely end when the calendar says they should end.

This German-Austrian invention was used intermittently in many countries during the following decades but it was definitely revived during the energy crisis of the early 1970s becoming more or less a global phenomenon today. In our case—like many other things in which the Canadian elites are mindless followers—we have simply adapted our clocks to the dictates of the Americans.

The rationale for DST is that advancing the clock one hour when supposedly there is more daylight would save energy, especially electricity since during the summer months the evenings would have more natural light. The claims of electricity savings

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are however highly contested, in fact there is no conclusive evidence that such energy savings really occur. That is particularly true in the case of Canada.

Unlike the United States where generally the winters are shorter due to their geographic location, Canada being much more to the north doesn’t enjoy a significant increase in daylight by this time of the year; that may come by the second or third week in April but not before. This difference with respect to our neighbours results in turn in an increased use of artificial light in the morning which cancels out the hypothetical savings of the evening. We all know that by advancing the clock one hour those who had to get up at 6:30 or 7 in the morning with DST they are indeed doing it one hour earlier when most of Canada is still quite dark.

Moreover, since usually that is also the period of the day when temperatures are the lowest, that brings an increase in other forms of energy namely gasoline, since people will need extra time to start their cars, indirectly throwing more carbon emissions into our atmosphere.

To make things worse, when in 2006 the Americans

decided to lengthen DST which used to start the first Sunday in April and end the last Sunday of October, to begin now the second Sunday of March and end the first Sunday of November, the Canadian authorities slavishly followed suit without considering the climatic and geographic differences.

At the time the reason given was that we needed to be synchronized with the Americans because many Canadian companies do business with the U.S. and therefore we have to be able to contact them on their own time (!). That reason certainly doesn’t hold any water: for a bunch of people who die to sell something to their Americans counterparts we are all subjected to losing one hour of sleep and battle the cold weather? Indeed we are neither saving electricity nor any other form of energy and we are not gaining any large amount of extra light after people finish working because our northern evenings don’t have all that extra light that our American neighbours enjoy. It seems that when it comes to time, the wisest people are those in Saskatchewan who never got into this DST scheme.

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Wines to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Montreal Times readers who would like to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day but aren’t fans of green beer. No need to be green with envy and miss out on the festivities.Winelovers can still channel the luck of the Irish this year and enjoy some traditional Irish recipes paired with a delicious bottle of wine. Here are three of our favourites!

Wines to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day

Leek and Potato Soup is a delicious Irish classic. It’s creamy, savoury and satisfying, and pairs well with La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Chardonnay grapes from California’s Sonoma Coast are lighter and leaner due to the cooler climate. This gives the wine a creaminess that matches the soup and refreshing acidity that balances its richness.

Irish Beef Stew with hearty beef, carrots, and herbs is uncharacteristically deep and complex for cuisine that tends to favour simpler flavours and cooking processes. La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has bright berry notes to contrast the thyme and Worcestershire flavours of the stew. It also brings an earthiness to complement the root vegetables, allowing for a cohesion of flavour.

Colcannon are mashed potatoes reimagined, they are extremely creamy, and herb-driven with chive and earthy greens like kale or cabbage. KendallJackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has a balanced acidity that compliments the richness of the potatoes and the sharpness of the kale, while the citrus flavours add a refreshing contrast to this buttery Irish staple.

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 SAQ code: 00740084 $27.20

The Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 SAQ code: 00860890 $29.35

Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintners Reserve SAQ code : 13298379 $18.60

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March 7, 2020 •

Fort Worth Texas: A star deep in the heart of Texas winned cities are almost like twin siblings, in which one may over-

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By Stuart Nulman mtltimes.ca shadow the other.Think of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota or RaleighDurham, North Carolina or even Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

In the case of the latter, the city of Fort Worth should not have to worry about its “Big D” twin, because it has plenty to offer visitors when it comes to history, culture, food and fun. And during a recent press tour to this city just 30 minutes west of Dallas, I got the chance to experience all of the above.

you want to catch a live show, have a drink, grab a meal or marvel at the venue’s many displays and exhibitions.

First of all, Billy Bob’s Texas has a large dance floor where you can

line dancing lesson at Billy Bob's Texas *** If you want an authentic taste of the old west, then the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is the place to be that western buckaroo that you so desired from watching all those John Wayne movies.

The nerve center of this district is Billy Bob’s Texas, which covers three acres and is regarded as the world’s largest honky tonk, attracting over 17 million visitors since it first opened its doors back in 1981. The moment you enter Billy Bob’s, you are fully immersed into a complete country and western music experience, whether • March 7, 2020

two-step to the classic or latest line dancing moves. When I was there as part of a sixperson adult staff group escorting over 100 BBYO teens to Billy Bob’s as part of a Sunday sightseeing trip, we got a private 90-minute dance class, where we learned a total of eight dance routines led by a qualified dance instructor who taught us every routine step-by-step. By the time the 90-minute session was over, we practically mastered the art of C&W line dancing.

As well, check out the honky tonk’s wall of fame (where cement hand prints from such country and rock music

The entrance to the Fort Worth Stockyards district in Fort Worth texas legends as Johnny Cash, road station converted a virtual history of the Dolly Parton and Huey into a covered mall that complexity and diverLewis and the News are contains all kinds of sity of over 200 years of prominently displayed); souvenirs stores, food American sculpture and take a picture on its pro shops and restaurants. painting from the early mechanical bull ma- For a live recreation of years of the republic to chine (where over life in an old west town, modern times. From 50,000 visitors have rid- the Stockyards certainly Saint-Gaudens’ famed den and bucked for meets up to that expec- sculpture of Diana that nearly 40 years); check tation with stagecoach once graced the roof of out the impressive dis- rides, staged western the original Madison play of autographed gui- gunfights, and an au- Square Garden to the tars at the Guitar Bar thentic cattle drive (just majestic portraits of or the wall of backstage like you saw on the John Singer Sargent, the passes from a wide se- 1960s CBS western se- Amon Carter Museum lection of concerts; or ries “Rawhide”), which is a first class showcase catch a live show fea- takes place twice daily of how America saw itturing some of the top at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. self on canvas and marnames in country and western music (the March schedule of shows include Justine Moore and Sammy Kershaw).

As you stroll along the Stockyards’ main street of Exchange Avenue, discover the many shops along the street in order to get your genuine western gear, whether they be shirts, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art bandannas, cowboy hats, boots, belts or *** ble. And fans of the old giant belt buckles …

Fort Worth has its west will be left breathand they are all within share of museums for less with the museum’s close proximity to each any lover of history, sizeable collection of other. I highly recom- heritage and art. Speak- paintings and sculptures mend Maverick Fine ing of the latter, two art by Frederic Remington Western Wear, museums, which are lo- and Charles Russell, Fincher’s White Front cated within close whose recognized Western Wear and M.L. proximity to each other works of art helped to Leddy’s, which has a within the city’s Cul- create the romanticized wide variety of western tural District, are really image of the pioneers, clothes and gear for any worth visiting to appre- cowboys, cavalry troops taste and budget. And ciate its respective im- and native Americans for souvenirs, stop at pressive collections. that gave the history of the nearby Stockyards The Amon Carter Mu- the American West its Station, which is a rail- seum of American Art is longtime mythical porwww.mtltimes.ca

trayal.

The Kimbell Art Museum is more catered towards lovers of classic art by some of its greatest masters. From ancient times to the early 20th century, these artists are duly represented within the walls of the Kimbell.

Only a portion of the museum’s nearly 350strong permanent collection are displayed to the public; however, the list of painters whose works are there represent a who’s who of the world’s best artists in history: works by such notables as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, El Greco, Rubens, De Goya, Velasquez, Gainsborough,Turner, Picasso, Monet, Matisse and Van Gogh are just a partial list of what you can see when you visit the Kimbell (and by the way, the Van Gogh painting is the only one that’s not allowed to be photographed). Combine that with the Renzo Piano Pavilion, a gallery that combines concrete, glass and steel that offers a well-lighted, tranquil atmosphere, and you get the ultimate art museum experience, as you have the rare chance to be face-toface with the great art masters. continued on Page 12

11

Fort Worth Texas cont’d

continued from Page 11

And while we’re on the subject of museums, aviation buffs must have the Fort Worth Aviation Museum on their itinerary. The museum’s impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia is a vivid testament to north Texas’ vast contribution to the world of aviation, from the Cold War era B-36 Peacemaker intercontinental strategic bomber, the recreation of a briefing room of the OV-10 Bronco aircraft unit, to the simulator cockpit for a T-38 advanced trainer. There are also veteran Air Force pilots on the premises to guide visitors around the museum and share their stories of their experiences flying high into the wild blue yonder.

One major highlight of the museum is their Air Park Petting Zoo, which contains 27 authentic aircrafts, fighter jets and helicopters from the Korean War era to today. It’s a great opportunity to get up close

12

and face-to-face with many of the American aircraft that dominated the skies throughout 60 years of history. *** Fort Worth’s downtown area is a lively mix of shopping, restaurants, culture and history. Its nucleus is Sundance Square, the city’s main shopping, business and entertainment district that encompasses 35 square blocks of urban real estate, where you can enjoy some fine dining, shop until you drop, relax and unwind, enjoy a show or activity, and learn a little bit about the city’s colorful past.

One vivid example of the latter is the Chisolm Trail Mural, an epic, colorful threestorey high painting by artist Richard Haas, and located in Sundance Square Plaza, that pays tribute to the many cattle drives that shaped Fort Worth during the 1800s. It’s an eye-catching attraction for anyone who visits downtown Fort Worth.

Fort Worth also has the

Fort Worth skyline historical distinction of Worth Hilton), which being the city where includes pictures of John F. Kennedy made Kennedy during that his final public speech morning in Fort Worth on the morning of No- as well as an impressive vember 22, 1963 before 8 foot-tall bronze he made his fateful stop statue of the late 35th in Dallas that afternoon. President of the United Kennedy, on a four-day States by Lawrence pre-election swing Ludke. A very fitting through Texas, spoke at tribute to a much a breakfast meeting of beloved and greatly the Fort Worth Cham- mourned president. ber of Commerce, and Probably the most made an impromptu serene and dazzling public appearance to public attraction in the the large crowd that downtown area is the gathered outside the Fort Worth Water GarHotel Texas, where the dens. Located next to breakfast took place. To the Fort Worth Conmark that occasion, an vention Center and deimpressive tribute me- signed by renowned morial was erected out- American architect side the site of the Philip Johnson, the hotel (which still stands water gardens combine today, but it’s now modern architecture known as the Fort and clever engineering to show that spraying and cascading water can be a work of art and pleasing to the eye at the same time. It contains three different water pools (aerating, quiet and active) and they automatically captivate the visitor to provide a marvelous way to unwind after a long day of work or touring. And if you want to spend an extended time watching the waters run in such a creative manner, a multitude of chairs are available throughout the water gardens. *** After a day of touring, stop off for a drink, some relaxed atmosphere and plenty of good talk at the Black Eyed Distillery. Housed in a restored fire station, the distillery makes its own brand of vodka on the premises; the major – and unique – difference is that the vodka is made from black-eyed peas. It’s distilled 22 times, thereby ensuring that you are drinking the smoothest vodka on the market (and after sampling a straight shot of it, I can certainly attest to that).

The upper level of the distillery houses a bar and restaurant, where www.mtltimes.ca

Maverick Fine Western Wear store (Below:) Chuck wagon along Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards

you can order your choice of original mixed drinks from its sizeable menu. I chose the John Dailey, which is sort of like the evil cousin of the Arnold Palmer drink, and is made with Black Eyed Vodka, sweet tea, lemonade and garnished with lemon and mint; the end result is a refreshing cocktail that certainly scored a holein-one with me. Add to that the friendly service behind the bar by the amiable Payton Lindsey, who also serves as the distillery’s head of operations & sales, and will chat you up with plenty of stories behind the vodka and its signature mixed drinks, which makes the Black Eyed Distillery the ideal place for an end-of-the-day nightcap. *** And now, a word about the food: Fort Worth has no shortage of restaurants and eateries where you can experience some fine dining, grab a quick meal, enjoy homemade fare and of course, dig into some Texas BBQ. Start off with breakfast at Yolk in the downtown area, which has locations across the Midwest and the South, and offers a large menu of comfort food-style breakfast dishes (I went with the chicken and waffles plate, which was dee-licious). For lunch, check out Hooker’s Grill on North Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards district. This outdoor eatery has a great selection of Texas

BBQ lunch items, but try their signature friedonion burger, which had its origins nearly a century ago in neighboring Oklahoma, that contains a juicy Hereford beef patty, mustard, pickles and of course, plenty of fried onions.

Stop off for dinner at the Bearded Lady near the cultural district, which offers dozens of artisan brewed beers – many of them from small Texas-based craft breweries – and a menu of not-your-average bar fare dishes; I chose something unusual but no less delicious, which was an entire dinerstyle meatloaf and mashed potatoes dinner place between a large bun. And for dessert, go across the street from the Bearded Lady for a scoop of some fresh, made-on-the-premises ice cream at the Gypsy Scoops ice cream parlor.The décor is vintage small town malt shop (including a pantry filled with classic penny candy store items for sale), but the ice cream is out of this world; try the Lucky Charms ice cream, with plenty of pieces of that famous General Mills cereal in every scoop. *** A special thank you to Sarah Covington of Visit Fort Worth for her endless support and help in making this trip possible. For more information of what to see and do in Fort Worth throughout the year, go to www.fortworth.com .

March 7, 2020 •

• March 7, 2020

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13

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March 7, 2020 •

Five ways you can help Sun Youth place to learn about urban-agriculture and botany.

Social Media Sun Youth relies heavily on the public to broadcast its message, to both donors and people in need. By liking and sharing their content on the various so-

cial media platform you can help bring awareness to the issues of poverty in Montreal and help the organization at the same time.

Referring Someone in Need Every year thousands of people in need come to Sun Youth to receive

help. Most of those people have been referred through people who the organization has helped in the past.

By referring someone in need to Sun Youth’s website you could be helping that person better their situation. www.sunyouthorg.com

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Monetary Donations As a charity, Sun Youth depends on the support of the general public to keep its operations going. Monetary donations are the best way to help the organization help people all year round.

Material Donations

• March 7, 2020

Sun Youth’s food bank helps thousands of people in need each year. If you can’t afford to give money, you can just go into your cupboard, pick a few non-perishable items and drop them off at their head office located at 6700 ave du Parc.

Volunteering With over 30 different programs offered there is plenty of room for dedicated volunteers.

For example, the organization has two community gardens that grow organic vegetables for their food bank. The gardens also provide a

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The Benedict Labre House in Griffintown n a run-down section of Griffintown we find the Benedict Labre House, a day-center for the homeless and the poor located in this area since 1952. The House, a three-story building, is a home in itself. When one walks through the front door, he is greeted by delicious scents of the daily home cooked meal being prepared. This organization offers three meals a day, Tuesday through Thursday; two meals on Monday and large “supper sized” lunches on both Saturday and Sunday.

Their famous pancakes and French toast are served on Tuesday and Thursday mornings respectively.

The cook does marvel with the food received from Moisson Montréal, the food bank that provides food to community organizations in the city.

The House is also blessed with hundreds of volunteers who come in with food and cook meals for our guests and with many generous donators who help by giving fruits and vegetables, as well as meat. In the summer, the backyard is regularly filled with people enjoying organized barbecues. Labre House staff often says that food is a wonderful tool to reach out: one can better think about his future and changes to make in his life with his stomach

I

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you can spend the day.

There are outreach workers who meet the people where they are and accompany them to their appointments. Once one is ready to get off the streets, he or she needs help to get back on his feet: find an apartment with a welfare check, for instance, get his identity cards, get some furniture.

The Benedict Labre House helps its guests with dishes and sheets and government papers.

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For more information in the morning, individuals end up going to one of about The Benedict Labre the day centers to grab a House visit their website bite and spend a part of www.benedictlabre.org or the day, or end up in a call 514-937-5973 and commercial center or on speak to one of their helpful the streets.There are also staff. many individuals who will To give a donation please not sleep in missions; contact the: Benedict Labre House therefore these people 514-937-5973 who sleep in squats, alleywww.benedictlabre.org ways or walk all night will 308 Young street rush into one of the day Montreal centers as soon as the Quebec doors open to be away H3C 2G2 from the elements. There are places where you can only eat, then you have to Comment on this article at: www.mtltimes.ca leave, and others where full.

Food is a way to draw people to the Benedict Labre House, but it is far from being the only service provided. One can get clean clothes, shower, relax, make phone calls and talk to one of the intervention workers. One can look for apartments and fill forms for social housing, participate in the computer class, or reintegrate the workforce by participating in the employment program. There

“The House is also blessed with hundreds of volunteers...”

March 7, 2020 •

• March 7, 2020

www.mtltimes.ca

17

Movie Review - By: Sergio Martinez - mtltimes.ca

Sir Richard McCreadie (Steve Coogan) has to testify before an inquiry committee of the British House of Commons.

His business practices are under scrutiny

Sir Richard McCreadie (Steve Coogan) celebrates his 60th birthday with a big party in which all the guests wore Roman-style attires, of course he dressed-up as the emperor

GREED – A rich man's world, indeed

"Money, money, money / Must be funny / In the rich man's world…" Toward the end of this

conducting an inquest into his company's dubious business practices.

The focus of the movie however, is on the event that should take McCready away from the concerns arising from the official inquest and instead mark the highlight of his career, not only as a billionaire but also as a lover, now enjoying the company of the beautiful –and younger– Naomi (Shanina Shaik). However, he

By Sergio Martinez is still in good terms with his business partmtltimes.ca ner and former wife movie, we hear this fa- Samantha (Isle Fisher), mous tune by the iconic also attending the big group Abba. Somehow, party. The event is Mcthe song summarizes Creadie's 60th birthday the main character’s for which he has invited personality, fashion ty- several celebrities to the coon Sir Richard Mc- Greek island of Creadie (Steve Coogan), Mykonos. For the occawhom we will see in sion, McCreadie has dethree different mo- cided to stage a ments. At the beginning Roman-style spectacle of the film, he appears in which he will play the celebrating the success emperor. An ancient of his fashion company makeshift circus is being which is delivering gen- built, a lion has also erous bonuses to its been brought to take shareholders. Then we part in what is expected are giving a succinct, but to be a gladiators' disillustrative and com- play. pelling view of Mc- Not everything is going Creadie as an the way McCreadie has academically unsuccess- planned though: on the ful, yet resourceful beach next to the hotel, young man who would a group of Syrian soon start a meteoric refugees have installed career in the fashion in- their tents.This is a sight dustry. Amid his suc- that doesn't go well cesses and excesses as a with the festive ambibusinessman, we also ence. However, the see him declaring before beaches in Greece are a committee of the public, and therefore the British House of Com- refugees cannot be remons. The committee is moved. Nevertheless, 18

McCreadie would find a way to incorporate the asylum-seekers as part of the show. In essence, they will be playing the role of slaves, for which he will supply the costumes. After all, what would a big Roman-style party be without gladiators and slaves, as Amanda (Dinita Gohil), a company employee, would say.The entrepreneur is indeed very ingenious, as Nick (David Mitchell), his biographer, will record in his account of McCreadie's life.

"Greed," directed by Michael Winterbottom, who also wrote it with additional material by Sean Gray, delivers with delightful British black humour, a powerful indictment of the practices of big corporations. In this case, those in the lucrative fashion business, especially since the introduction of extreme neoliberal policies by Margaret Thatcher. The dismantling of the local British industry by moving production to Sri Lanka and other Asian countries where workers –mostly women– are paid a fraction of their British counterparts, allows the making of fabulous fortunes like McCreadie's. I strongly recommend this film, it is funny, while at the same time it delivers a thought-provoking story.

Running time: 104 min.

Across 1. "___ be my pleasure!"

4. Enthralled 8. Quickly, in music 14. Medieval lord 16. Squares things 17. Rental papers 19. Exec's note 20. Unfamiliar 21. Circular opening?

22. That certain something 25. Carbonium, e.g.

28. Call 29. Home business 34. Singer DiFranco 35. Doorpost 36. Ending of the Bible 37. Houston ___ 39. BET alternative 41. Cork's place 45. "___-Hoo," 1959 rockabilly song 48. Colossal 51. '60s hot spot 52.Vacation spots 57. Fertility clinic stock 58. Half a score 59. Shed 60. Race's end 62. "___ Me," Withers hit 65. Kind of store

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68. Don McLean song 73. Hit 74. Pitcher feat 75. Renter 76. Hardly haute cuisine 77. Some dashes Down 1. Prayer leader 2. Cash register part 3. Sea rescue adjective 4. Carney or Monk 5. School of whales 6. Beehive, e.g.

7. Tierney 8. "Dog Day Afternoon" character 9. Adaptable truck, for short 10. Drag queen's collection 11. Supplement 12. Swarming one 13. Make rigid 15. Crack filler 18. ___ Towers 23. Rule opposed by Gandhi 24. Palindromic title 26. Dedicated lines 27. Mongongo 29. Blackguard 30. Wallet find 31. Low-fat meat

32. "Ghosts" writer 33. Wolf or devil preceder 38. Have chits out 40. Clever 42. Get going 43. Tore 44. German river 46. Many a time 47. It needs refinement 49. Diamonds 50. Engine part 52. Diet 53. Do the Wright thing 54. Certain topographies 55. Cross 56. Bathroom cleaner?

61. Greek consonants 63. Be a rat 64. Chemical compound 66. Appearance 67. Stumbles 69. Fabrication 70. Chemical ending 71. Even if, briefly 72. Not square Please see answers on-line Saturday edition Page 18 , March 7th, 2020 edition: www.mtltimes.ca March 7, 2020 •

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19

o n t re a l ’s condo market has been getting a lot of attention this year, even more than the other major Canadian cities.

The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) is expecting new records to be set by the end of 2019.

They have revised their outlook on the Quebec

M

By Eleni (Helen) Akrivos

mtltimes.ca resale market and are calling for “significant” increase in numbers of sales and price growth in each property category especially condos.

By the end of March of 2019, the proportion of condo sales reached an all-time high when compared to the sale of single-family homes. Out of all the residential sales in Montreal, 56% were condos.

With supply dwindling and demand high, this is the perfect recipe for condo prices going up.

Since the mortgage stress test was put in place and fewer people qualify for a single home on the Island of Montreal, many are turning towards a condo.

I would even venture to say that you may con-

Condos sales are booming in the Greater Montreal Area sider this a good time to buy a condo before the prices skyrocket!

If you are “priced out of the market” and do not qualify for a single home, a condo may be your second option.

With steady increases and a stable market, your condo should go up in value in the next 5 to 7 years, and you can perhaps sell it and move into a single home. In this situation the importance of choosing a neighborhood which is more affordable is key.

Instead of buying in the Downtown core because this is the trendiest spot in Montreal, look at the “outskirt” neighborhoods such as Rivière des Prairies,

Anjou, Lasalle, Lachine and even South Shore and North Shore of Montreal. This allows you to acquire more square feet for the same price or less as well as benefiting long term from the positive appreciation in the value your condo will gain.

It is important to work with a realtor that knows the different sectors and choose the one that not only suits your current lifestyle but also has high rentability, in case you want to move and rent it out. This first condo purchase may catapult you into that single home you always dreamed of, if you buy

the right one!

Since condos are so popular now, selling your condo may be a good idea.

If you bought your condo in the right neighborhood at the right time, the value should have gone up over the time you owned it. This could be the perfect opportunity as a seller to liquidate your asset and move onto other investments and projects. You may consider refinancing the property and borrowing against the equity in order to create some monthly cash flow for yourself and keep the condo as an investment.

As a seller you will have an upper hand is some neighborhoods but

keep in mind that not all sectors are in a seller’s market. Speak to an experienced realtor to get your specific neighborhood statistics and find out what condos are selling for before deciding what to do.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, or even an investor, the Montreal condo scene is one to keep your eye on very closely. There are signs of an overheating market according the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), which is defined when the ratio of sales to new listings is more than 70 percent. The growth of the Quebec

economy and certain demographics, specifically the positive net migration and the increased number of permanent workers over the past 3 years are contributing to the strength of the Montreal market. The sales numbers are very strong on the Island of Montreal and the suburbs in the periphery such as South Shore and North Shore have shown increases in Median prices as well but still very affordable. For both buyers and sellers, there is a range of prices from the Eastern tip of Montreal where the median price for a condo is $181 000 to $575 000 for a condo in the city center such as Outremont.

Meet with your trusted realtor to look at all your options according to you needs and budget and make an informed decision.

Helen Akrivos is a Montreal real estate expert who is passionate about educating and inspiring everyone to succeed in real estate! She holds a Chartered real estate broker license and is President of North East Realties agency in Montreal. As a lecturer in the Residential Real Estate Program at College Lasalle, Co-Host of “The Real Estate Show” on CJAD AM800 radio and contributor to the MTL Times newspaper, Helen shares her stories of real estate success to help as many people as possible!

E-mail your comments to eleni@nordestimmobilier.ca

514-999-8888 VILLAGE Certified real estate broker AEO- Agency Executive Officer

20

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eleni.akrivos@gmail.com

March 7, 2020 •

Significant price increases in February on Montreal’s residential real estate market he Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) has just released its most recent residential real estate market statistics for the Montreal Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), based on the real estate brokers’ Centris provincial database.

In total, 5,338 residential sales were concluded in February 2020, a 23 per cent increase compared to February of last year.

This was the 60th consecutive month of sales growth.

Sales by geographic area All six main areas of the Montreal CMA registered an increase in transactions in February.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the South Shore,

T

Laval and the North Shore stood out with respective sales increases of 33 per cent, 30 per cent, 28 per cent and 23 per cent.

Sales in VaudreuilSoulanges and on the Island of Montreal registered a more modest level of activity, as transactions rose by 18 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively.

Sales by property category Across the CMA, the number of single-family home transactions rose by 23 per cent (2,958 sales) in February. The number of condominium transactions also increased by 23 per cent (1,942 sales), while plex transactions jumped by 31 per cent (434 sales).

Prices The median price of single-family homes

across the CMA continued to increase sharply, rising by 13 per cent to reach $360,000, while the median price of condominiums also increased significantly, by 10 per cent, to reach $275,000.

The median price of plexes (two to five dwellings) registered a

13 per cent increase compared to February of last year, settling at $597,750.

For all property categories combined, median prices on the Island of Montreal, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the South Shore and the North Shore registered strong increases of 16

per cent, 16 per cent, 13 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively.

Price growth, while still strong, was slightly lower in the areas of Laval and Saint-Jean-surRichelieu (+7 per cent, +6 per cent).

"A new record was set this year for the number of sales trans-

actions during a month of February, surpassing the previous peak that dates back to 2002," said Julie Saucier, president and chief executive officer of the QPAREB. “Active listings continue to decline, and this further tightening of the market in favour of sellers is leading to double-digit price growth in the tightest sectors," she added.

Number of properties for sale In February, there were 20,619 active residential listings in the Montreal CMA, a 7 per cent drop compared to February of last year.

For February 2020 and year-to-date statistics charts, click herehttps://com.apciq.ca/sa m/pdf/stats/2020/stats202002-en.pdf.

Quality Country Living

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MAR 8, 2 - 4PM WATERFRONT 310 MAIN, HUDSON MLS 25910307 ASKING $839,000 Fabulous country living, lovingly restored 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bth 1850's home with private beach on navigable Ottawa River. High and dry, no danger of flooding.

EQUESTRIAN ST-LAZARE MLS# 24732296 ASKING $1,275,000 Gorgeous 11 arpent equestrian facility with unique 5 bedroom home, separate caretaker's home, 120' x 60' arena, & 30 stall stable in park-like setting; easy access to Highways 40, 30, and 20

Royal LePage Village 35 Wharf rd., Hudson, QC J0P IH0 • March 7, 2020

NEW LISTING HUDSON MLS# 13941062 ASKING $659,000

HUDSON MLS# 11276325 ASKING $479,000

Bright, spacious executive home w/4 bdrm 3 bth in great location, very private. Custom built w/cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors, lovingly cared for by owners. First time on the market.

Bright, spacious 4 bdrm 2 bth home in desirable central Hudson neighbourhood with Open Concept living rm, dining rm, kitchen; featuring three fireplaces, hardwood floors, close to waterfront walking trails.

DOG KENNEL, RIGAUD MLS# 19330323 ASKING $599,000 PLUS GST & PST

LAND, RIGAUD MOUNTAIN MLS 28479041 ASKING $215,000

Great Investment Opportunity! Very Popular kennel facility with custom stalls on 7 acres with large fenced areas, plus a charming 3 bdrm re-built log home. Great location, with easy access just off Highway 40 west of Rigaud.

Desirable buildable lot, one of the last available on Rigaud Mountain, beautiful location, backing directly onto groomed cross country/walking trail network. Easy access to Hwys 40, 30, & 20.

Helen Henshaw 514-703-8981 www.helenhenshaw.ca www.mtltimes.ca

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• March 7, 2020

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New Listing - Senneville

SENNEVILLE - Completely renovated large 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom in one of the most prestigous areas of Montreal. Enjoy your morning coffee outside by your 20’ X 40’ ingound cement pool completely renovated with new unistone deck, walkways and gardens. Walking distance to Train and Public Transit and close to Highway 20 and Transcanada. Wifi 100% efficent electric boiler hot water heating, new windows, wood fireplace, wetbar, granit throughout are just some of these amazing renovations.Call for a private viewing. CENTRIS #17203988 “Making the Deal is an Art Form...”

Eleni (Helen) Akrivos Courtier immobilier Agréé DA - Dirigeante D'Agence Certified real estate broker AEO- Agency Executive Officer

eleni.akrivos@gmail.com https://linktr.ee/mtl_realestatenews 24

www.mtltimes.ca

VILLAGE

514-999-8888 March 7, 2020 •