Tuesday 17 March 2009 Westmount Ind The small white painted red brick, stone house with the steeply inclined metal roof sits on a triangle of land at the corner of Rosemount Cres. (number 70) and Mountain Ave. In trying to trace the origins of this house, I first looked at maps.
The small house is clearly marked on the Charles A. Goad map of 1890. The house is not on the 1868 Fortification Survey from the National Archives of Canada. In fact, there were only 50 residents of Westmount listed in the 1868 Montreal Directory.

Rosemount Estate
The house was part of the original Rosemount Estate. The estate is there in all its glory. The directory shows the houses built by John Young, now number 16 and 18 Severn, set in a thickly forested area. Does that mean that the house did not exist in 1868 or that it was too small to be shown on a survey map?
A wide driveway, today’s Rosemount Ave., is shown coming north from Sherbrooke St., continuing in a large sweeping curve west to Mountain Ave. where the house stands. Then, the driveway turns History quiz: Mystery of Gate Keeper’s Lodge northeast and ends along the north side of the Rosemount house.
Let us trace back the owners of the famous Rosemount Estate. The first owner of the land was William McGillivray, fur trader, who purchased 154 arpents of the Bouchard farm.
The second owner was Asa Goodenough, the owner of the Exchange Coffee House, an informal stock exchange on St. Paul St. in Old Montreal. He acquired the estate in 1843 and named it Rosemount.

John Young
In 1852, John Young, who contributed to the development of the harbour, bought Rosemount to become the third owner.He and his wife, Amelia Jane, had thirteen children and liked to entertain. They needed more space, so John Young demolished the existing house to construct a new grey stone one that is now 16 Severn Ave. today.
He also enlarged his living space by adding another three-story house to the west, 18 Severn Ave. today. Could he have built the Gate House at the same time as he was enlarging his own? The stables on the Rosemount Estate, built sometime in the 1860s, are still standing at 52 and 60 Rosemount Ave. They were converted to residential houses in 1917 and 1918. On a recent tour of this house, the new owners, Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal, told me of their plans to incorporate some of the dark grey stones retrieved from a basement wall into an exterior landscaped garden.
Thus the neighbours will be able to view an otherwise hidden treasure. I admired two original carved brackets at each side of the bay window in the living room and discovered that the beams supporting the main part of the house were trunks of trees.
The bark had been stripped but the trees remain round, not squared. This house has found new owners who are charmed by its structure and dedicated to bringing every feature, such as windows and woodwork, back to its origins.
Doreen Lindsay is
the president of the
Westmount Historical Association.

Raccoons vs. Green Bins Ever wonder how those little masked rascals get into your green bins to make that mess? To find...

2008

Strong government needed for coming economic crisis, says Chagnon

Saturday 01 November 2008 No rise in Westmount property taxes expected
In spite of a devastating winter last year, which cost the City of Westmount $1.2 million more for snow removal, the City's 2008 financial picture looks good and tax bills next year will be at roughly the same level as in 2008.

The Westmount Examiner

Westmount bids adieu to retiring director general

"There couldn't be a tougher act to follow than Bruce St. Louis," says John de Castell

by Martin C. Barry
View all articles from Martin C. Barry
Article online since September 23rd 2008

Employees, elected officials and residents of Westmount bade their formal, often emotional farewells to Director General Bruce St. Louis on Monday evening as he attended his final city council meeting before his official retirement next week. "I'm trying to think today, why has Bruce been so appreciated?" Mayor Karen Marks asked during an informal 'roast' held prior to the regular council meeting. Residents were invited to step forward and relate personal experiences they'd had with their...

Westmount’s finest
One of my rare bouts with the flu prevented me from attending this week’s city council meeting, at which out-going Director General Bruce St. Louis was given a fitting tribute by City officials and residents alike. I had intended to add my own two cents to the public accolades and glowing testimonials, but it was just as well, for the outpouring from Mayor Marks, councillors and residents said it all.

$2,000,000.00 view

Voters get a close look at candidates

Article online since August 28th 2008 )

By Salvatore Ciolfi

Westmount voters got their first real chance to see and hear the candidates in the Sept. 8 federal by-election on Wednesday night at the traditional Meet the Candidates evening, put together by the Westmount Municipal Association and the Examiner. Reaction, for the most part, was mixed. Because...

The candidates

The Gazette

Marc Garneau Liberal

Age: 59

Background: Garneau earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, England, before beginning his career in the Canadian navy in 1973, where he worked as a combat systems engineer. He was promoted to captain in 1986. Garneau became the first Canadian astronaut in 1984, flying a total of 677 hours in space during three missions. In 2001, he became president of the Canadian Space Agency, leading many complex projects. He is a companion of the Order of Canada.

Accomplishment: Garneau lists his biggest personal accomplishment as his family. He has four children. "That's what I'm most proud of."

Guy Dufort Conservative

Age: 65

Background: A graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Université de Montréal, Dufort has been a partner at Heenan Blaikie since 1973 specializing in labour and employment law. He has appeared before the Supreme Court, the Federal Court and all the lower courts. He was president of the Quebec wing of the Progressive Conservatives from 1994 to 1999 and ran for the Tories in 2000 in Hull-Aylmer. In December 2003, he chaired a meeting of the Progressive Conservatives that led to the formation of the Conservative Party.

Accomplishment: Dufort lists his family, two children, as his greatest accomplishment. Both are lawyers like him and his father before him.

Charles Larivée Bloc Québécois

Age: 22

Background: A graduate of Collège Jean de Brébeuf, Larivée earned a bachelor of arts in political science from McGill University, where he was the first francophone president of the political science students' association in the university's history. Since 2007, he has worked as an business development assistant for Larivée International. In 2004, he managed a student painting franchise.

Accomplishment: Larivée said one of his proudest accomplishments is his participation in an exercise in direct democracy like a by-election. It is his first federal campaign.

Anne Lagacé Dowson NDP

Age: 49

Background: Raised in Toronto, Lagacé Dowson moved to Montreal in 1987, living in Westmount and later Mile End. After studying sociology and women's studies at the University of Ottawa, she earned a masters of arts degree from Carleton in Canadian studies. The award-winning broadcaster was host of the CBC radio show Radio Noon. She is married to documentary film producer Brian McKenna. They have two daughters.

Accomplishment: "Tommy Douglas said, 'Courage, my friends. It is not too late to make a better world.' I think that in large part what I have been able to do in my life has been inspired by that motto. It applies to my life, my love and my children. I am proud to be part of that tradition."

Claude-William Genest Green Party

Age: 45

Background: Hollywood-born son of actor Emile Genest, who played Napoléon Plouffe in the 1950s téléroman La Famille Plouffe. Genest is vice-president of the federal Greens in Quebec and has run for them in several elections. He is founder of the Green Mountain Permaculture Institute in Vermont, where he teaches. He hosted the CTV show Travel Travel and starred in the police drama Sirens. He was one of 230 Canadians chosen to be trained to deliver Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth slide show.

Accomplishment: "I made a commitment to teach, lead and inspire great green change. What I am most proud of is that my values and ethics, my passions and abilities are all aligned."

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2008

Genest’s roots are entrenched in Quebec, although he was born in Hollywood, California and he owns a home in Vermont, where he teaches at the University of Vermont as well as produces and hosts an Emmy-nominated TV show.

Growing up in a big shadow

Genest’s father was actor Emile Genest, one of the first French Canadians to make it in Hollywood. Emile got his start during the 1950s, when he was a leading character on the French Canadian television show Les Plouffe, a satire on life in Quebec. He was also a broadcaster in both languages for CBC radio, before the call of Hollywood, specifically a contract with Disney Studios, beckoned him west. There Emile and wife Anita became a family with the addition of their sons Claude William and Eric.

September 18th 2008 Genest spreads environmental message
Many Westmounters saw him in action at the Aug. 27 Meet the Candidates evening, and many more have seen his face on election posters throughout the riding. But just who is this Claude William Genest? And what motivated him to be so passionate about sustaining the environment that led to...

High society, 12,000 homeless
WESTMOUNT PROPER is only part of the picture in what is, in fact, a sprawling urban riding0

Friday Aug 8, 2008 An act of kindness - or a dirty plot?
JULY 21 marked the beginning of the end of weedy chaos in a community garden
On or about the 21st day of July, 2008, in the city of Westmount, an offence - or a rare act of kindness - was committed by person or persons unknown. Weeks later, the good or dastardly deed was done again. more

Tories' Dufort advocates for the homeless

Article online since June 18th 2008 )

By Martin C. Barry

Guy Dufort, who is running for the Conservatives in an upcoming federal by-election in Westmount-Ville Marie, hopes to alleviate the plight of the homeless if elected, but also stands behind his party's 'get tough' stance on crime. Although the by-election hasn't yet been announced, Prime Minister...

> Hello,
> My name is Claude William Genest. Deputy Leader of the Green Party and 
> candidate in Westmount. I produce and host the Emmy nominated tv show 
> "Regeneration - The Art of Sustainable Living", was one of 200 
> Canadians chosen for personal training by Al Gore and I teach a system 
> of ecological design called Permaculture for the University of 
> Vermont. Your name was given to me by Megan Dunford after she heard me 
> speak to a group of her friends. I would love to come speak with you  all!
> Warm Regards,
> Claude


> Dear Mr. Genest,
> Thank you for your message. We would be delighted to have you join us 
> for one of our Wednesday Night salons, as it is our tradition to 
> invite each candidate at some point during the campaign. It would 
> likely be of more interest for you sometime in August, or early 
> September (depending, of course, on when the by-election is called) as 
> many of our "regulars" who live in the riding are away during parts of the summer.
> I suggest that you contact us in early August and we can select a 
> mutually convenient Wednesday. In the meantime, you might like to 
> familiarize yourself with Wednesday Night by having a look at our two 
> websites: > www.wednesday-night.com and www.dianaswednesday.com 
> We look forward to > meeting you and welcoming you to Wednesday Night.
> Kindest regards,
> David T. Nicholson
 

Sir,
The websites are just astounding. I will be honored to share with you all.
Thank you for your leadership and initiative.
Kind Regards,
Claude William

Friday 12 September 2008 Independent candidates bring unique ideas to the table
...Régent Millette, David S. Rovins and Andrew Wattie have run in elections before. Wattie, who bills himself as an independent, also claims on his campaign posters to be affiliated with a political organization known as the Conservation Party.

Saturday 30 August 2008 OTTAWA: OCT. 14 LIKELY FEDERAL ELECTION DATE
Senior officials in the office of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper say he'll likely call an election next week for Oct. 14. The sources say his Conservative Party's main campaign theme is that competent managers are needed at the helm as the country's economy approaches tough times. The officials also say the Conservatives will seek to convince voters that they must choose between stability and certainty with the Conservatives or the risk involved in giving Liberal Party leader Stéphane Dion control of the treasury.

Saturday 13 September 2008

The Monitor

Police, Public Security on alert in Hampstead, following wave of break-ins

by Martin C. Barry
View all articles from Martin C. Barry
Article online since September 9th 2008

After a rash of break-and-enter incidents over the recent long weekend at Town of Hampstead homes, Mayor William Steinberg is urging residents to call Public Security if they think they are being robbed ? because "Public Security in all probability will get to your home much faster than the police will, and speed is crucial." Following six break-and-enter incidents during the Labour Day holiday, and two others the previous weekend, town council was confronted the following Tuesday by...

Friday Jun 13, 2008 Suburbs gingerly upbeat: 'A bit of a new start'
Suburban mayors were cautiously optimistic yesterday about what the proposed new amendments to Bill ... more Montreal.asp

Thursday 12 June 2008 Garneau looks forward to by-election

Jan 30, 2008 wi Bruce St. Louis to retire
Westmount’s director general cited for integrity and respect

2007

The Westmount Examiner

Architecture guide mines riches of aesthetic heritage

by Wayne Larsen
View all articles from Wayne Larsen
Article online since December 20th 2007

Ever wonder why there are so many winding outdoor staircases in Montreal's most densely populated neighbourhoods? Have you ever passed Ravenscrag, the imposing Sir Hugh Allen mansion near the head of Peel Street, and asked yourself why anyone in their right mind would build a tower atop their home? These and many other questions are answered in Montreal Architecture: A Guide to Style and Buildings by François Rémillard and Brian Merrett. If the title sounds a bit familiar, it's because...

Saturday 27 October 2007 QEHC revamps walk-in clinic Starting on Nov. 4, Priority One will be replaced by a new entity called Queen Elizabeth Urgent Care. And whereas Priority One has been operating on shortened hours and is closed on Sundays, the new clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

According to Dr. Mark Roper, a Westmount physician who is also the director of primary care at the McGill University Health Centre, the Montreal Health Agency, which manages health services across the island, is implementing a new concept called a clinique réseau.

Saturday 15 September 2007

Still feeling the effects

Article online since September 13th 2007 )
The lingering hangover of the Montreal megacity mergers refuses to go away. Now weary Westmounters have woken up to learn they were overtaxed to the tune of $1,000 per resident during their four-year ?lost weekend' as a Montreal borough. As Examiner columnist Don Wedge broke the news two...
by Wayne Larsen View all articles from Wayne Larsen

Message of Condolences
James Wright

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The City of Westmount has lost a remarkable resident and one of its most ardent supporters with the untimely passing of James Wright, who was killed in a tragic accident on Saturday, September 1. His passing has left a significant hole in the fabric of our community.

If you would like to share your thoughts on Jim Wright, we invite you to use our special Web forum. Perhaps you'd like to share a special anecdote or other heartwarming message

The Westmount Examiner

Council welcomes new city clerk Gerbeau

By Martin C. Barry

Article online since August 30th 2007

The City of Westmount has formally welcomed a new staff member, who'll be playing a key role especially during meetings of city council. Mario Gerbeau, who was hired as City Clerk following a lengthy search for the right candidate, worked for the City of Outremont, before it merged five years ago with the City of Montreal. He was most recently director of the borough office in Outremont. In addition to his clerk's duties in Westmount, Gerbeau will also be the City's Director of Legal Services. Earlier...

Saturday 01 September 2007 Who's going to Ottawa?
Are the Dion Liberals taking Westmount for granted?
...Considering the high calibre of some Westmounters whose names have been whispered as potential candidates for MP — former mayor Peter Trent prominent among them — it seems that we may once again be denied the personal and familiar brand of official representation in Ottawa that residents of so many other ridings take for granted.
by Wayne Larsen City imposes overnight curfew in parks

Local news : City imposes overnight curfew in parks

Article online since May 30th 2007
As a result of an escalating number of incidents involving vandalism, substance abuse and other forms of public mischief in municipal parks, the City of Westmount has decided to impose a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew in all its parks. Announcing the measure during city council's monthly public meeting last Monday evening,...

Local news : Westmount green thumbs dig in for Communities in Bloom contest
Local news : Preparing the decision

mayor Karin Marks. Photo: Laureen Sweeney Marks sweeps mayoral vote Karin Marks wears the mayoral chain of office Photo: Charles Montgomery

Each of the three women and five men on council bring with them a wealth of experience.
Patrick Martin, who is an electrical engineer and has worked in 55 countries, expects to lend his knowledge to technical issues, such as the looming water supply contract.
A first-time councillor, Kathleen Duncan believes that taking control of the budget is key to “establishing the community’s priorities.” Asked what she thought was the biggest challenge facing council in the next few years, the former president of the Westmount Municipal Association answered, “Making sure that, with the megacity, we are not charged anything unnecessarily. Most importantly getting our financing back in order.” George Bowser, another first-time councillor, agreed.
The subject is “not unfamiliar to me,” he said. “The proposals for this particular water supply issue are two and a half feet deep. I’m not entirely looking forward to reading that, but probably I can read it quicker than most.”
Nicole Forbes, who has operated behind the scenes in Westmount politics for almost three decades, is less interested in administrative and financial issues than she is in artistic issues.

NETWORK soon come

Marks sweeps mayoral vote

De Castell wins battle for Ward 8 council seat

Article online since 10 novembre 2005 à 9:06 and was viewed 24 times
By Martin C. Barry
Acknowledging her decisive victory in last Sunday’s municipal election, Karin Marks told supporters and other residents who gathered at City Hall the night of the vote that “it’s pretty humbling” to be elected mayor of Westmount.“It’s a remarkable community and it’s a huge responsibility,” she said.
“And as I look around the room to those pictures,” she added, referring to the
portraits of past Westmount mayors that adorn the council chamber, “I’m even more aware of the traditions a…

Westmount residents turned out at polling stations this past Sunday to address their concerns about the city by voting in the municipal election. The polling station at Victoria Hall had a steady, if sparse, stream of people coming through its doors and the concerns that topped people’s agendas seemed to focus on Westmount retaining its decision-making autonomy.
Dr. Henry Olders, president of the Westmount Municipal Association, said he wants Westmount to return to the way it was. “Many people in the city, I th…

Westmount Examiner
latest news

Sunday Mar 12, 2006 Ex Westmount’s not to blame for tax tangle: Bowser There’s no point blaming Westmount... That was the reaction of acting mayor George Bowser to remarks made last Friday by City of Montreal executive committee chairman Frank Zampino.

Saturday Oct 15, 2005 gaz Five mayoral candidates win by acclamation; 4 return to old job Tough task ahead: Pointe Claire leader; 'We want to put everything back the way it was before mergers:' Montreal East mayor
Westmount: Voters will barely have to sharpen their pencils: Seven of nine seats on council were filled by acclamation. The mayor's seat is contested by two candidates: borough mayor Karin Marks and Gerald Glass.
The acclaimed councillors are: Patrick Martin, Thomas Thompson, Guy Charette, Kathleen Duncan, George Bowser, Nicole Forbes, Cynthia Lulham.