Letters to the editor

Don't blame the City

To the editor:

The Westmount City Council announced last October, that in order to accommodate the increased demand for soccer-playing facilities in Westmount, they were considering replacing the natural grass of two soccer fields with a durable synthetic surface, south of Westmount park.

There was a skirmish against this idea instituted by some residents of Melville Avenue, whose homes face the park. This has developed into a “turf war.” At several recent city council meetings, practically all the question periods have been taken up by questions and comments opposing the idea. A 1,000-strong opposition petition was presented at the last meeting. Even very young daycare children were brought into this so-called 'tempest in a teapot'.

Though when I questioned people who had signed the petition, they did not know the reason why the City was considering the action. Much space is devoted in the local press to the topic and there was even an article in the Montreal Gazette about it. Not since the “Anti-Westmount Merger” actions have so much efforts of our citizens been mobilized.

I suggest the opponents refer to the article in the Examiner of May 3, headed “Report backs artificial turf proposal.” It referred to artificial turf installations in Dollard des Ormeaux and Kirkland, concluding that the environmental and health risks are negligible. Also, as reported in the Examiner on May 23, according to Frederick Law Olmstead expert Dr. Charles E. Beveridge, there are “…..sports facilities and venues, where the artificial grass, as I understand it, is becoming very successful.”

Furthermore, not all the people who spoke at the consultation meeting on the subject were against the proposed use of artificial turf.

We are fortunate in having an excellent, conscientious and responsible mayor and city council in Westmount — and we can rely on them to act in a judicious way with this matter. A certain group of Westmounters should stop challenging them.

Stanley Baker

De Maisonneuve Boulevard



Rotary sale not best ever

To the editor:

Thank you for the picture and article in the June 7 edition of The Examiner, but I must correct some of the information.

This year's auction and garage sale was definitely more of a financial success this year than last, but it was not the best ever as implied by the headline and article. We had a string of years in the late 1990s when we managed greater returns; but we are very happy with this year's result.

Thank you also for the personal praise, but I must insist that this was a team effort by most members of our club and a very dedicated group of community volunteers and Rotaract Club members from McGill and Concordia. Many people put in long hours during the year doing pickups and then during the week long preparations before the sale.

This event is a great example of recycling in many aspects. First the kind donations from Westmounters and others of useful items they no longer need. Then the Rotary club sells them in our auction and garage sale at reasonable prices to people who re-use them, providing the articles with a second life.

Then, finally, The Rotary Club of Westmount recycles all the money raised to worthwhile local and worldwide projects that might not otherwise get done. For example, our smoke detector program, support for local youth, the fight to eradicate polio from the world and much more.

Ever thought of being a Rotarian? Call 514-935-3344 or e-mail info@rotarywestmount.org.

Thanks to everyone involved, including the great co-operation we get from the City of Westmount.

Ted Sancton

Chairman, garage sale committee

The Rotary Club of Westmount



Marianopolis is a good neighbour

To the editor:

I live in the area of Westmount into which Marianopolis College is moving. I'm also a member of the College Board. From both perspectives, I've seen for many months now the excellent collaboration between City and College officials in preparing for the arrival of Marianopolis in Westmount. It's a collaboration that will continue during the first settling-in year.

The Examiner has covered the Marianopolis move in its May 17 and June 7 issues, letting residents know about changes being introduced in parking and traffic patterns in particular.

I'm writing to report that Marianopolis also has taken the initiative of delivering two Bulletins to houses located between Cote St. Antoine Road and The Boulevard, and Lansdowne and Claremont avenues. Our student volunteers have gone door-to-door with bilingual folders addressed to neighbours, explaining what is happening and what will happen on site, and answering potential questions regarding the campus.

A third Bulletin will be distributed in August, and it will include an invitation to tour the campus during the official inauguration in early September. Westmount residents can look forward in the future to opportunities to use some campus facilities for learning and leisure activities.

Patricia Roman

Lansdowne Avenue