It is always difficult to find the balance between a council's role to lead and have a vision for the community and the citizen’s desires and abilities to be part of this evolving process. In an attempt to find the best ways for us to balance these two elements, we are proposing a different schedule of public meetings and the distribution and availability of information on the arena project.

• At the last Council meeting held on April 6, the architectural firm Lemay and Associates made a presentation of the proposed Arena/Pool project to Council. This presentation was well attended and offered residents their first opportunity to view conceptual sketches of the proposed new facility.

• Council confirmed the dates of the first two upcoming public information meetings on the Arena/Pool Renewal Project:

o Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 12 p.m.

o Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7 p.m.

• These meetings will take place at Victoria Hall. In preparation for these meetings, residents are invited to consult a series of documents providing background information on the web at Westmount.org. Information packages will also be available at the library and City Hall. Residents are invited to take part in either session, as the same presentation will be made at each meeting. Comments and suggestions will be documented and made available on the City’s website.

• Council has agreed to delay the mailing of a complete information package to after the public information meetings. This information guide will include detailed background, a discussion of options available, overall cost estimates and the potential property tax implications. It will also integrate valuable suggestions made by residents during the two information sessions.

• A third information session will be held after the documents have been received and any changes have been made, by mid to late May.

• An Arena blog has been launched. Please visit www.Westmount.org to participate in constructive conversations between the Office of the Mayor and the population of Westmount.

• A telephone poll on the project will be conducted later on. It is intended to help Council understand its residents’ perceptions and opinions regarding the project. In addition, concrete numbers will enable Council to dispose of an exact measure of public opinion.

• In order to receive regular e-mail messages on the Arena/Pool Renewal Project or other information related to Sports and Recreation activities, we invite you to complete your personal E-Westmount profile at www.westmount.org.