The Westmount examiner, 4 janvier 2007, jeudi 4 janvier 2007

[" Aimer - Vol 72, no 1 + Thursday, January 4\u201d 2007 - www.westmountexaminer.com + 9,800 copies « MAKING ALL OF WESTMOUNT YOUR HOME Lead the way Tel: 514.935.3344 wishes AS Femders a happy and progperous 2007/ ; 5 Reflections on the first year back T he past year was supposed to represent a fresh start for Westmount, the first year of regained municipal autonomy.It was, to some extent, but it proved to be a far cry from what legions of \"demerger advocates envjsioned throughout their long campaign to secede from the Montreal megacity.One of the recurring news items involved Montreal's agglomeration council and how Westmount Mayor Karin Marks and her fellow demerged mayors remained at constant odds with the new municipal bureaucracy.The year 2006 also saw what was arguably Westmount's highest-profile news story to date\u2014the shooting rampage at Dawson College on Sept.13.The heavy media coverage ensured that the horrors of that one afternoon were broadcast around the world, and the Westmount campus remained in the spotlight for several days afterward.| We also saw à fair amount of debate over local issues, such as the proposal to install à artificial turl in Westmount i Park and the felling of several ÿ dozen trees in Sunnyside Park, beneath the Summit lookout.There were also positive { stories, such as the installation ; of a sound barrier test panel next to the railway tracks and Ville Marie Expressway\u2014 the result of tireless lobbyimg by citizens throughout the area.In this issue, our annual Year in Review feature, The Examiner takes a look back at some of the many events, both major and minor, that {took place over the past vear, 2 Thursday, January 4,2007 The Westmount Examiner www.westmountexaminer.com January \u201cThe year kicked off immediately with a festive occasion as the City of Westmount celebrated its return to municipal status after four years as a borough of Montreal.The finest retirement lifestyle is available ate Westmount\u2019s @ 5) siglo A Quality Lifestyle Good living comes with age.Why not retire in perfect elegance and ultimate comfort?Our caring staff will tend to all your needs 24 hours every single day.Please call us regarding our affordable rentals: 4430 St.Catherine West, Westmount 935-1212 www.placekensington.com [TT TT) 2006: THE YEAR IN REVIEW On New Year's Day, City officials and residents gathered at City Hall to celebrate the first official day of demerged Westmount, under new Mayor Karin Marks.The day was highlighted by a ceremonial flag raising on the lawn of City Hall, followed by a musical celebration in Victoria Hall and a bonfire in Westmount Park.With a federal election scheduled for Jan.23, the Westmount Municipal Association and The Examiner once again co-organized a Meet the Candidates evening in Victoria Hall and question candidates on their respective platforms.Although there were seven candidates on the ballot, and five attending the meeting, the event was dominated by representatives of three parties\u2014the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP\u2014who fielded a wide variety of questions trom the audience.an opportunity for voters to come out \u201cThe City of Westmount looked into the possibility of installing auditory crosswalks for visually impaired pedestrians at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Lansdowne Avenue.The issue was brought up by Jim Griffin, a past-president of the Manoir Westmount seniors\u2019 residence.«The Westmount Historical Association announced that its spring lecture series would be devoted to the accomplishments of one man\u2014noted architect Robert Findlay.who designed several local landmarks.including City Hall, the first Victoria Hall, the Westmount Public Library and the pavilion in King George Park.A series of tour monthly lectures would be based around Findlav's lite and work.\u201cThe Westmount Public Library added a new activity to its list of programs\u2014a Friday night film club that would feature lesser- known films from around the world.\u201ct's not vour Disney Friday might.\u201d said librarian Donna Lach.\u201cIt's a club for people who have a real interest in film and like to discuss films that have real themes and meanings.\u201d *Westmount\u2019s long-time Member of Parliament Lucienne Robillard was returned to office in the federal election\u2014but this time she was facing a term in Opposition, as the scandal-plagued Liberals could not beat the Conservatives under Stephen Harper.Louise O'Sullivan, running on the Conservative ticket, came in second, while NDP hopeful Eric Steedman finished third, ahead of Bloc Québécois candidate Sophie Frechette.*Demerged city officials across Montreal expressed their outrage over the Tremblay administration's revised budget, which they said put an even greater financial burden on the suburbs\u2014raising taxes by 13.3 per cent.\u201cIt shows how wrong the process is,\u201d said an angry Mayor Marks.\u201cThere was no consultation.We could not adjust the taxes to suit our taxpayers.The law will have to be changed so that the budget is done jointly.\u201d February *Westmount's 23rd annual Winter Carnival kicked off the month with many of the old favourite activities and at least one interesting addition\u2014an lrish pub event in Victoria Hall.About 100 people attended the \u2018Raven and the Rose evening, which raised approximately $1,200 for Westmount's new St.Patrick's Day float.«Selwyn House School found itself in the midst of a sex-abuse scandal dating back more than 30 years, when two former students launched civil action suits against the school for incidents they said took place in the 1970s.The Examiner's detense of the current Selwyn House community's reputation prompted outrage from several other alleged victims.Congregation Shaar Hashomayim hosted an evening of local rock with a battle of the bands entitled 'Shul of Rock, featuring a variety of musical talent that included the FACE Blues Band, Moska and Cosmic Granola.Proceeds from the event were donated to the Mimi Najman Rehabilitation Foundation.«Students of The Study were treated to a visit by Montreal Alouettes Luke Fritz and Dave Stala, who spoke to the girls about social issues such as bullying\u2014all part of the team\u2019s \"School is Cool\u201d program.V] \u2018Meet the Candidates\u2019 evening in Victoria Hall. rem A mt all these images flashing into my mind.\u201d \u201cThe Rotary Club of Westmount raised its profile in the