The Town of Montreal West has taken the necessary measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We continue to assess the situation as it evolves and follow all recommendations issued by the public health authorities.

Steps for limiting the spread of COVID-19

  • Monitor your symptoms
  • Follow the self-isolation instructions
  • Protect the most vulnerable
  • Get vaccinated
  • Wear a face mask
  • Practise respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene

Visit the following resources for up-to-date information on the virus.

Starting December 31, 2021, a curfew will be in effect between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. throughout Québec.

 

In compliance with government guidelines that came into effect on September 1, 2021, please note that the COVID-19 vaccination passport will be required to participate in indoor classes for everyone age 13 and older.

You can show proof of vaccination in one of three ways:

  • On paper
  • In a PDF on your mobile device
  • On the VaxiCode application

Please note that photo ID will be required for all persons age 16 and over regardless of format. ID without photo will be accepted for people 75 and over.

Should you require assistance downloading your QR code, please contact Recreation at 514-484-6186.

For more information on the vaccination passport, visit www.quebec.ca.

As of Friday, May 28, 2021, the curfew will be lifted and restaurant terraces will reopen (a maximum of two adults with minor children from two different households, or all members of one household per table).

As of Wednesday, March 17, 2021, the curfew will be in effect between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. Quebecers must not leave their homes except in cases that justify travel.

More info

As of Saturday, January 9, 2021, a curfew will be in effect. Between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Quebecers must not leave their homes except in cases that justify travel.

More info

As confirmed by minister Legault during last night’s press conference, the greater Montreal area has now entered the red zone alert. This means more restrictive measures that extend to prohibiting non-essential activities in situations where risks cannot be contained. Consult the Quebec government’s website for more information on the colour-coded alert system.

The Town continues to assess the situation as it evolves and follows all recommendations issued by public health authorities.

We urge all residents to continue being vigilant and to respect government guidelines and directives.

Vaccination campaign

As of Thursday May 13, people aged 18 and over can register and make an appointment to get vaccinated:

Online at quebec.ca/vaccinCOVID

As of Friday March 12, people aged 65 and over can register and make an appointment to get vaccinated:

Online at quebec.ca/vaccinCOVID
By phone at 514-644-4545

Learn more

As of Monday March 1, people aged 70 and over can register and make an appointment to get vaccinated:

Online at quebec.ca/vaccinCOVID
By phone at 514-644-4545

Learn more

As of Thursday February 25, people aged 85 and over can register and make an appointment to get vaccinated:

Online at quebec.ca/vaccinCOVID
By phone at 514-644-4545

Learn more

Masks

Wearing a mask or face covering that covers the nose and mouth will be mandatory in enclosed or partially enclosed public places from July 18, 2020 for people age 10 and over. This obligation, with exceptions, will apply in the following places:

  • a retail business;
  • a service company;
  • a professional’s private office;
  • a place where municipal or government services are offered;
  • a personal care business (e.g., hairdressers, beauty care) ;
  • a shopping mall;
  • a place of worship;
  • a place where cultural or entertainment activities or services are offered (e.g., movie theatre, concert hall, etc.);
  • a rental room or other venue used to host events, such as conferences and conventions;
  • a place where sports or recreational activities are practiced;
  • a restaurant or bar;
  • a common area, including an elevator, of a tourist accommodation establishment;
  • educational institution (except pre-school, primary and secondary schools), including colleges and universities;
  • a train or bus station, a river station, a metro station or an airport.

For more information

Gradual resumption of activities

The Town is pleased to reopen the Arena as of February 27. In an effort to ensure everyone’s safety, registration is required for access. You can register for spots on Amilia. 

More info

The Town is pleased to allow access to our indoor skate park located in the Legion Memorial Rink as of August 9. In an effort to ensure everyone’s safety, registration is required for access. Parents can register for spots on Amilia. A supervisor will be on site during opening hours.

Schedule
Sunday: 2 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday:  5:30 to 8 p.m.

To follow all public health guidelines please take note of the following:

  • Limited spots are available per day
  • Masks are required to and from the skate park floor for all participants aged 12 and up
  • Washing your hands upon entry and regularly is required
  • No equipment will be available for borrowing
  • Helmets are mandatory
  • Only participants will have access to the skate park floor

The Town is pleased to announce that all playgrounds in Montreal West are now open to the public. 

We’d like to remind you that it is important to respect a 2 metre distance at all times and to follow the recommendations issued by public health authorities. Residents are encouraged to bring along their own water bottles and hand sanitizer. An enhanced cleaning schedule will be carried out by our Public Works crew.

Notice to dog owners, the dog park will reopen on Monday, June 15 at 7 a.m.  

Due to COVID-19, new guidelines have been put in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Additional signage will be posted in and around the dog park as a reminder. The Town will increase surveillance of the dog park to ensure compliance with these measures.

The Town to advantage of the closure to carry out improvements to the dog park.

For more information

Council is proud to announce the opening of the municipal pool on June 28. In light of the COVID pandemic, new protocols and updated programming respecting public health guidelines will be implemented. Further information will be communicated in the next few weeks.

Following the recommendations from the Direction régionale de la santé publique, the provincial government has authorized the reopening of playgrounds in public parks this summer. The Town is pleased to announce a gradual opening of its playgrounds. Starting Friday June 5, you will be able to enjoy the playgrounds at:

  • Davies Park
  • Strathearn Park
  • Rubgy Park and
  • Ronald Park.

The playgrounds and play areas in the other parks remain closed for the moment.

We’d like to remind you that it is important to respect a 2 metre distance at all times and to follow the recommendations issued by public health authorities. Residents are encouraged to bring along their own water bottles and hand sanitizer. An enhanced cleaning schedule will be carried out by our Public Works crew.

Preventing infections is a collective responsibility.

As of June 1st, 2020, Public Works resumes special pickups.

Special pickup is a paid service the Town provides to collect items prohibited in regular garbage pickup, including construction material and permanent household fixtures (sinks, toilets, etc.).

For more information

Regular parking restrictions will be reinstated throughout the Town of Montreal West on Tuesday, May 19. This includes overnight parking as well as the 4 hour limit for parking on our streets, unless signs indicate otherwise.

It is also important to respect the parking restrictions on certain streets allowing for the free passage of the street sweeper.

Parking restrictions and parking permits in Montreal West

Public Security will be handing out courtesy notices until May 31 at 11:59 pm.

Dino Mazzone
Councillor, Public Security and Special Projects Fundraising

Update on May 8: Premier François Legault announced a one-week delay in the reopening of non-essential stores in the Greater Montreal area. Initially scheduled to reopen on May 11, owners of these stores will finally have to wait until May 25, to resume operations.

Following the provincial government’s announcement on April 28, retail stores in the Montreal metropolitan community with a direct exterior entrance will be able to resume operations as of May 25. Employees and clients must continue to observe health recommendations to limit the spread of the virus.

All businesses will remain closed on Sundays throughout the month of May, with the exception of pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery delivery services and take-out counters.

For more information: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/gradual-resumption-activities-covid19-related-pause/

Town outreach programs and assistance measures

The Town of Montreal West has put an economic measure in place to help citizens face the economic challenges related to COVID-19. We will be deferring payment of the first instalment of municipal taxes to May 25 and the payment of the second instalment to August 27.

The Town of Montreal West has put an economic measure in place to help citizens face the economic challenges related to COVID-19. We will be deferring payment of the second instalment of municipal taxes to August 24.

For more information

New this month, the council meeting held on May 25 will be live streamed to Youtube. The link to watch the meeting will be shared on the Public meetings page on our website as well as on our Facebook page at 8:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

In order to facilitate citizen participation, citizens are invited to submit their questions for the question periods through an online form. The form for the first question period will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the council meeting and may bear on any topic of public interest.

Another novelty this month is that citizens will now be able to submit their questions for the second question period. The form for the second question period will be available on our website during the meeting. Questions asked during the second question period must pertain only to items on the agenda.

Thanks to a growing collaboration between the Town and the Montreal West Merchants Association, we have now created a web page dedicated to promoting local businesses that have continued their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated regularly. If you are the owner of a Montreal West business and would like to be added to the list, please fill out this form.

Despite social distancing, we remain a tight knit community in Montreal West. Let’s support our local merchants!

Special thanks to Action Sport Physio for its leadership and involvement in this partnership.

We’re in the midst of our 6th week of confinement because of the COVID-19.  Though we continue to hear of new confirmed cases from Premier Legault, Dr. Arruda and Minister McCann almost daily, we see and hear some signs that may help buoy our flagging spirits.  On Westminster, many of our shops are operational in some form – whether it means reduced hours, delivery only, reduced number of shoppers in the store – I choose to see that as a positive sign.  Our merchants are doing what they can to continue providing service to our residents.  And, I’m happy to see our residents are doing what they can to shop local and support our merchants.  I also noticed a few other shop owners preparing their places for the day they too are allowed to resume some modified form of business.  I am also sensing some optimism there.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I feel it imperative to remind everyone of the rules we can probably now recite from memory: stay home, practice 6-foot social distancing, wash your hands frequently and self-isolate if you’re returning from abroad.  If you experience any symptoms of flu, gastroenteritis or COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), contact the COVID hotline at 514-644-4545 or 1-877-644-4545 for more guidance. 

This is not the time to let our guard down. In our day-to-day lives, social distancing is one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus as we try to adapt to our new normal.  Please be mindful of the pedestrians on the sidewalks as you go out for your walks, runs or bike rides – do what you can to keep 6 feet away from them.  And though you may have enjoyed walking along some of our alleyways, please be mindful these narrow alleyways are adjacent to other neighbours’ backyards.  Sometimes these backyards are the only safe haven those residents have.  It is easier to keep socially distant when walking on the roads and sidewalks.  Our local number of cases is still very low and we must continue to be extremely vigilant.

No one can say when things will return to normal – the guesstimates are all over the calendar – but suffice it to say we will not get back to normal in the next few weeks.  So let’s continue adapting to this new normal, let’s continue looking out for our vulnerable neighbours, let’s continue to offer our help wherever we can, let’s continue to be thankful our number of cases is still low, let’s continue to look forward to the day things return to normal and let’s remember the good changes we have had to make as we live through this crisis together.

On a different note, we have lowered our flags to half-mast in honour of those who lost their lives in the senseless tragedy in Nova Scotia and extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

Be safe, stay safe.

Beny Masella
Mayor

P.S. I thought you may enjoy a picture of Lincoln doing what he can to ensure those around him maintain an almost-normal social distance…

Earlier this month, we launched our Senior Outreach initiative for residents aged 70 and over who have been asked to self-isolate during this COVID-19 outbreak. Here is an update of our efforts.

The Town has 718 residents aged 70 and over, spread over 496 households.  All residents for whom we had phone numbers were called by an employee of the Town to provide information, see how they were doing, and enquire if they needed assistance during this period of self-isolation. We are pleased to report that the vast majority of those contacted are already being cared for by family, friends or neighbours. However, all were appreciative, and we do have some residents who will be paired with volunteers and followed up.

The volunteer response has also been amazing, with more than 50 people signing up. In fact, the number of volunteers outweighs our demand at the moment. If the period of self-isolation is extended, however, we may very well see an increase in the demand for requests from our seniors.

We are now training our volunteers and matching them with seniors. To ensure the security of our seniors, the Town will once again call those who have requested assistance with the name of the volunteer assigned to them. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a volunteer of Montreal West and have not received a call from the Town with this individual’s name, we  ask you to check with us at 514-484-6186 before making any arrangements.

Also, if you are either over 70 and have not yet been contacted by the Town, or if you are in a vulnerable situation where you must self-isolate due to other health issues and could use some assistance, you are also invited to call the above number. We are here for you.

We encourage you to visit the special webpage on the Montreal West website where you can find information from all levels of government on the Coronavirus, including the English version of the Self-Care Guide published by the Government of Quebec.

Today I would like to thank in particular our Montreal West merchants who have done an incredible job putting together a variety of food options which will be incorporated into our Senior Outreach plan. More details will be available in the coming days. Also in the coming days, the Town will announce the launching of a webpage for our merchants so residents can easily see the services they are offering at this time. We encourage you to continue to support each other and our local businesses as we all work together to keep our town safe, secure and thriving.

Colleen Feeney
Chair, MADA Steering Committee

It has been heartwarming to hear stories of Montreal Westers heeding the call to help each other out during this COVID-19 crisis. Kudos to all of you!

As the situation evolves, and access to some necessities becomes more difficult and prolonged isolation more stressful, we are concerned that some of our more vulnerable residents may still be in need.

We are therefore embarking upon a new initiative to reach out to our seniors aged 70 and over who have been asked to self-isolate. Starting this week, Town employees will be phoning them to see how they are managing during this stressful time and to enquire if they need assistance.

We are also looking for volunteers who may have some time to help with the follow-up to these calls. This might take the form of assistance with placing, picking up or delivering a grocery order, or simply a friendly call during this time of isolation. If you would like to volunteer to help out, please complete the volunteer form online.

Lastly, we want to remind residents of the special webpage on the Montreal West website devoted to Senior Services. It lists numerous social and community resources which can be particularly useful at a time like this.

Thank you in advance for your support, and thanks to the MADA Sub-Committee, our Director General and members of Council who have been working with me on this project to ensure our seniors are safe, secure and cared for during these difficult times.

Being an age-friendly community is one of the things that makes Montreal West so special.

Colleen Feeney
Chair, MADA Steering Committee

The narrow sidewalks on the Westminster overpass made it difficult for residents to respect social distancing when crossing the overpass.  In order to remedy this situation, the Town asks that residents use the sidewalks in one direction only, in the same direction as the cars. Signs have been posted at the entrance of the overpass clearly indicating which sidewalk to use.

In order to facilitate citizen participation, citizens are invited to submit their questions for the question period through an online form. The form will be available from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30th.

Submit your questions

There are a couple of local Facebook groups dedicated to young Montreal West families. For Saint Patrick’s Day they organised an outdoor shamrock hunt for kids! These groups provide a great way to keep in touch virtually when we can’t touch literally. Check them out.

Elizabeth Ulin
Councillor for Recreation, Culture and Communication

The provincial government has asked all those over age 70, and those whose medical conditions may put them at higher risk, to stay at home to lessen their chances of contracting the Covid-19 virus.

As a Town, we are concerned that some of our vulnerable residents may be in need.

We encourage everyone to reach out to their neighbours who may be in self-isolation to ensure that they are okay and don’t need anything. Offer to help if you can.

These are exceptional times. Let’s pull together and support each other as Montreal Westers are known to do.

Thank you.

Colleen Feeney
Chair, MADA Steering Committee

Due to the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Town of Montreal West and its Public Safety Department have decided to temporarily suspend parking restrictions such as overnight parking and the four (4) hour limit for parking on Montreal West streets until further notice.

Our Public Security Officers will continue to enforce infractions deemed illegal or dangerous such as vehicles that don’t respect signage, emergency lanes, handicapped parking zones, no parking zones, hydrants, etc.

Please respect any temporary no parking signs (orange no parking signs) at all times should they appear in the event of a snow storm or for any urgent road work.

Message from the Mayor

Like so many other health care professionals, I deal with COVID-19 daily. But the numbers in the past few days are daunting. They are exploding and it is worrisome. I am not trying to pit vaccinated versus unvaccinated, believers versus skeptics. When you look at the numbers objectively, it’s eye-opening – no matter where you stand.

Like so many of you, I was looking forward to a regular Christmas; in my case, a Christmas where my wife and I could spend time in relative normalcy with our kids visiting from out of town. But this new explosion of cases threatens to put the kibosh on our plans again this year. And I hate that.

I want to stress two things: don’t let your guard down and don’t give up hope. The first may actually help achieve the second. Maybe you’ve become less vigilant with the sanitary measures: distancing, hand washing, masking and restricting visits. But please, get back on the straight and narrow. Last year, around this time, we were all keenly following the guidelines and maybe this year, we’re not. Following the guidelines closely will help us ride this new wave.

Let’s rely on the creativity we discovered during the first phases of this pandemic. We found ways to stay connected – we discovered Zoom, we rediscovered the beauty of small groups, we prioritized phone calls, cards and emails. And we strengthened our community spirit as we supported one another. Say what you want, it helped us through last year and it will again.

Rest assured that as your Mayor, I will continue to work with our Town Administration to stay abreast of the changing rules to ensure we keep you as safe as possible during our Town activities.

Believe me, I too am fed up of this ride – one wave after another – but we really don’t have a choice. I believe that our vigilance with the guidelines last year helped us navigate through these extraordinary circumstances. And I know it will again. That’s my hope for my family and that’s my hope for all of you.

Here’s to a better 2022. Please stay safe, stay vigilant and stay healthy.

– Beny Masella

We’re well into 2021 and, unfortunately, its more of the same old same old. We’re in the middle of a government mandated curfew that limits our time outside the home, especially from 8pm until 5am. We’re all adjusting daily and figuring out how to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, during these extremely trying times. We’re making changes in our home lives, our work lives, in our social activities, in our community. But let’s remember that we’re not going through this alone and that it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out for help. We’re a community that is used to helping our fellow neighbours.
 
I wanted to answer a few questions that have arisen in the New Year:

  • Yes, Montreal West will delay the due dates for our property tax payments. It was not a question of it being automatic just because Montreal went that way. The demerged municipalities payments to make to the Agglomeration Council for shared services and until I negotiated (on behalf of the ASM) an extension of the entente we had with Montreal, those Agglo payments were still due as usual. So now, if a demerged Town delays due dates for its residents, it can delay its Agglo payments. Our new due dates are May 25th and August 27th. The tax bills themselves are already printed with the original dates but the new due dates will be formalized in a bylaw that will be adopted shortly. 
  • No, the curfew rules should not hamper when you put out your bins for collection. Normally, we ask that bins only be put out late in the evening before collection. Obviously, you do not need to chance going out at 8 p.m. on Mondays to put out the recycling and compost or 8 p.m. on Wednesdays to put out your garbage. Put them out before the 8 p.m. curfew. 
  • Yes, the garbage collection day has been changed to Thursdays and even though we have sent out 3 different communications to that affect, we still have some citizens putting out their garbage on Thursday nights for a Friday collection. Please ensure your garbage is put on by very early Thursday morning.
  • No, the light at Westminster and Avon has not become a permanent flashing red light. There is something defective in the control box and we are working with KPH, the Turcot contractor, to address the problem.
  • Yes, the outdoor rinks are huge success. Kudos to our teams that have developed new configurations, new places and have stepped up the maintenance to allow more residents to enjoy the outdoors more fully. 
  • No, its never the right thing to try and impede our teams from undertaking their tasks. If you think that a decision that Town has made is incorrect, it is never acceptable to try and stop the work by blocking the employee or equipment. Instead, get in touch with the Town administration or an elected official who covers that particular portfolio. Our team members know that respect for our residents is part of their job requirement so the converse should be de rigeur as well.

And finally, let’s continue to stay safe. As have most places, we’ve experienced a bump in our numbers – without any explanation of how or why. But let’s not drop our guard. And remember to reach out if you need a hand.
 
Be safe and stay safe.
 
Beny Masela
Mayor

As you may be aware, the alert level for the island of Montreal changed from yellow to orange on Sunday evening. This means further restrictions on public gatherings, new measures for specific activity sectors, and a general request for people to be more vigilant when they are out and about and participating in social activities.
 
Private indoor events are now capped at a maximum of 6 guests or 2 different families, down from 10 guests from 3 different families. Activities in a public location (such as places of worship) are capped at a maximum of 25 people. There are no current restrictions or changes to our recreation activities. We will keep you posted if anything changes.
 
Public health authorities say it isn’t too late to minimize this second wave, but everyone needs to do their part! As we have continued to promote: wash your hands, respect physical distancing, avoid gatherings, wear a mask in indoor public spaces and when a 2 metre distance from others is not possible. The fact that we have some of the lowest number of cases on the island shows that MoWesters have been doing what it takes to stay safe and healthy. Let’s keep it up and get past this next daunting step together.
 
Be safe and stay safe.
 
Beny Masella
Mayor

In this 17th week of confinement, we have seen the potential downside of a too-rapid sprint towards a previous version of normal. However, rather than things getting back to normal, many states are facing daily record numbers of new cases. And that’s leading to significant steps backwards.  I am not sure that’s what we want and not likely what our economy needs. As such, I will continue to advocate for a slow and steady progression. And I will continue to advocate for maintaining certain small measures that have had immensely positive effects on controlling the spread of the virus. Let’s continue to follow proper sanitary guidelines including physical distancing and frequent hand washing. And, when you cannot respect the guidelines for physical distancing, wear a face mask.

Some residents have asked if we intend to legislate mandatory face masks with a bylaw. As we evaluate how the landscape is continuing to evolve, I’d like to continue to advocate for wearing a face covering and count on our collective intelligence to realize it’s an easy and positive step we can take. I will continue to remind people to wear a face mask when you cannot maintain physical distance.  And I’ll continue to try and lead by example. When I’m out shopping, whether in Town or outside, I always have a mask with me. When I see that my fellow shoppers are too close, I put on my mask.  No fuss, no stress – it’s become second nature. I wear a mask all day at work and I’m wearing one when I’m out and about.  I spent 4 hours in the hot Canada Day sun driving through Town and donning my mask. It’s just not that difficult.  So please, be safe and stay safe – for the benefit of us all.

Beny Masella
Mayor

We’re in the midst of our 8th week of confinement and, personally, I’m finding it challenging to get into the swing of things and to get used to this situation. I’m positive many of you feel the same way. Part of my job is to help ensure we all continue to make an individual and communal effort to stay focused while working towards our end goal.

We read the notice the Town sent out Wednesday about maintaining the public health guidelines to help limit the spread of the virus.  And, as the weather improves and actually resembles spring, it’s just not as easy.  However, we cannot stop now, we cannot let our guard down yet, we cannot return to our pre-COVID habits.  So go for that walk, do your gardening, prepare your pool, ride your bike – but do it intelligently and keep in mind the guidelines we have to respect.

I think it wise that I mention a few points that have been conveyed to me from our fellow residents:

  • We must share the sidewalks and they are wide enough to do so.  However, when you see another person approaching, do your part to give each other distance.  If you’ve been walking with a friend and were maintaining physical distancing, fall into single file when you come across another pedestrian to ensure there is plenty of room for everyone.
  • If you use part of the street, please do so wisely and safely.  I love seeing parents going for bike rides with their kids but please do so responsibly.  It is not safe to spread 3 or 4 abreast and take up the whole street.  Stay in single file so everyone has room.
  • I’ve seen neighbours having street-side chats and they do it responsibly by staying 2 meters apart from anyone else not living under the same roof.  I’ve seen the same in the parks: people stopping to chat with their neighbours while still maintaining physical distancing.  Thank you for that!
  • While we’re in the local stores and businesses, I appreciate seeing fellow customers giving each other the space they need.  Keep that up.

The use of face coverings
Despite somewhat confusing messages on the topic of face coverings, let me be clear and direct: get a mask and wear it when you are out in public and cannot respect the 2 meter distance.  It’s not terribly comfortable or convenient but I’m wearing a mask and sometimes a visor for the 50 hours a week I’m in the pharmacies.  Believe me, you get used to it.  Its not a panacea but it will help.

Spring cleanup
Spring is usually the time when our Public Works begin the busy job of cleaning up winter damage: fixing potholes, cleaning catch basins, repairing lawns damaged by the sidewalk tractors, etc.  Because of our new reality of a reduced Public Works team on duty at any one time, things may take longer than usual.  Please be patient with them – it will get done but it may be longer.  In fact, all of our departments are adjusting and working to adapt our practices and work flows so as to best maintain the services we need.  Thank you to the whole Montreal West team.  I know and appreciate the work you’re doing to ensure our Town continues to function.

Thank you to all nurses
And finally, I want to take a moment to recognize Nurses’ Week.  While they are always angels of mercy, I think during this pandemic, we need to make a special point of recognizing the work they are undertaking to keep us healthy and to get us safely through to the other side of this pandemic.  One of my oldest and dearest friends is working in a COVID unit at the MUHC.  Another friend is working the front lines in the ER at St-Mary’s.  And another is working as a community nurse running 6 ways from Sunday, as they usually are, to address our needs.  I know these three nurses are going above and beyond their usual duties during this tough time.  And I’m sure you know nurses doing the same.  So join me in saying thank you.  Thank you from all of our community in Montreal West.  You really are angels.

Keep your chins up, MoWesters.  No one can say when it will be over.  But we’re in this fight together and we need to support each other as we battle through.

Be safe and stay safe.

Beny Masella
Mayor

We’re in the midst of our 6th week of confinement because of the COVID-19.  Though we continue to hear of new confirmed cases from Premier Legault, Dr. Arruda and Minister McCann almost daily, we see and hear some signs that may help buoy our flagging spirits.  On Westminster, many of our shops are operational in some form – whether it means reduced hours, delivery only, reduced number of shoppers in the store – I choose to see that as a positive sign.  Our merchants are doing what they can to continue providing service to our residents.  And, I’m happy to see our residents are doing what they can to shop local and support our merchants.  I also noticed a few other shop owners preparing their places for the day they too are allowed to resume some modified form of business.  I am also sensing some optimism there.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I feel it imperative to remind everyone of the rules we can probably now recite from memory: stay home, practice 6-foot social distancing, wash your hands frequently and self-isolate if you’re returning from abroad.  If you experience any symptoms of flu, gastroenteritis or COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), contact the COVID hotline at 514-644-4545 or 1-877-644-4545 for more guidance. 

This is not the time to let our guard down. In our day-to-day lives, social distancing is one of the best ways to limit the spread of the virus as we try to adapt to our new normal.  Please be mindful of the pedestrians on the sidewalks as you go out for your walks, runs or bike rides – do what you can to keep 6 feet away from them.  And though you may have enjoyed walking along some of our alleyways, please be mindful these narrow alleyways are adjacent to other neighbours’ backyards.  Sometimes these backyards are the only safe haven those residents have.  It is easier to keep socially distant when walking on the roads and sidewalks.  Our local number of cases is still very low and we must continue to be extremely vigilant.

No one can say when things will return to normal – the guesstimates are all over the calendar – but suffice it to say we will not get back to normal in the next few weeks.  So let’s continue adapting to this new normal, let’s continue looking out for our vulnerable neighbours, let’s continue to offer our help wherever we can, let’s continue to be thankful our number of cases is still low, let’s continue to look forward to the day things return to normal and let’s remember the good changes we have had to make as we live through this crisis together.

On a different note, we have lowered our flags to half-mast in honour of those who lost their lives in the senseless tragedy in Nova Scotia and extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

Be safe, stay safe.

Beny Masella
Mayor

P.S. I thought you may enjoy a picture of Lincoln doing what he can to ensure those around him maintain an almost-normal social distance…

As stated in recent days by the provincial government, the number of confirmed cases continues to increase. The shut down of non-essential services has been extended to early May. The local, provincial, national and global economies seem to be grinding to a halt. There seems to be widespread gloom.

This is a time when we must stick together and focus on the positives that are present around us.

In my own home, we’re all working hard to ensure we live together in a confined space, safely and peacefully.

In our town, when I walk around, I see neighbors talking across driveways or from curb to stoop. I see some signs of normalcy with families biking together or walking the dog.

I feel the strengthened sense of community. I know we’ve all heightened our awareness and willingness to help our neighbours more intently affected by this. Our provincial and national leaders are disseminating the information and implementing the measures we hope will get us through this as quickly as possible.

So we can’t let up. We must continue to follow the guidelines that will help stop the propagation of this virus. Keep washing our hands, keep rigidly following the 2-meter social distancing mandate, keep respecting a 14 day quarantine if we’ve returned from abroad. If we experience symptoms that may be associated with this virus, get in touch with the health authorities for further instructions.

But let’s keep finding and appreciating the positives. Let’s stay home and appreciate the time with our families. Let’s continue supporting our local businesses that are supporting us. Let’s continue to appreciate the frontline healthcare workers from our community doing what they can to help us stay healthy and contain this menace. Let’s remember all the workers still driving, delivering, cleaning and maintaining the essential services we still need. Let’s be thankful our community has not yet been hit as hard as others and let’s hope it never will. And let’s take pride in our Town. We are all stepping up our game to ensure our community comes through this together.

Although the daily updates provided by the government continue to worsen, they will eventually get better. While some of us are approaching a very important religious period, we can emphasize faith. Let us have hope for better days to come. I have faith that our community will emerge stronger. Be safe and stay safe. 

Beny Masella
Mayor

The situation with COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) has been a challenge to manage. We have had to manage the need to provide services to our residents while balancing the need to provide a safe environment for employees and residents. Given the number of actors involved, ranging from the federal government, the provincial government, the agglomeration and public health authorities and each providing information that is not always clear or complete, it’s been a stressful time for all involved. The Town is continuing to monitor this rapidly changing situation closely.

And while we strive to maintain an information stream and service to residents, we have always chosen to err on the side of abundant caution.

We urge our residents to be vigilant and to stay away from public places if they believe they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. At all times, residents may contact the Town by telephone or through the Contact Us form on our website.

We thank our residents for their understanding and cooperation and thank our directors, administration and all of our staff for their diligence in this extremely trying time.

Beny Masella
Mayor of Montreal West

Temporary closures

Following the government’s latest announcements on December 20 that all non-essential workers be mandated to work from home, the Town of Montreal West wishes to inform its residents that all municipal offices will be closed to the public as of December 21 and until further notice. Working remotely, our employees will remain available to answer questions and requests from citizens by phone or through the Town’s website. 

Montréal’s parks and dog park now close at 7:30 p.m. to allow residents to obey the curfew imposed by the Québec government.

Residents are permitted to walk their dogs after 8 p.m., but not in a park or dog park.

Considering the current situation and the new restrictions related to the decree of last January 6, the Town of Montreal West has to close the Arena and apply new measures to slow down the COVID-19 spread. These measures will be in effect from Saturday, January 9 to Monday, February 8.

More info

The Town of Montreal West has made the difficult decision to cancel its popular Day camp and Summer Adventures programs this summer. This decision was not made lightly as over 400 children and dedicated employees look forward to these programs every summer.

For more information

The household hazardous waste drop off scheduled for May 17 and the compost giveaway have both been postponed. Although the ecocentres in the Greater Montreal area remain open at this time, residents are asked to postpone their visits when possible. It is important not to put household hazardous waste in the garbage.  Thank you for your collaboration.

The collection of large branches with a diameter over 5 cm and/or length over 1 m has been suspended until further notice. The Town is working on an alternative procedure to collect branches while respecting social distancing measures and ensuring the safety of its employees. More information will be communicated at a later date. In the meantime, we ask that you do not place branches on the curb but instead keep them on your property.

Effective Monday, March 29 and until further notice, the Town has decided to close the dog park in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting gatherings to maintain proper social distancing. Please note that dogs must be kept on leash at all times when out for a walk.

We thank you for your understanding and collaboration.

The Recreation programs that were set to begin on Monday, March 30 are being postponed indefinitely due to the social distancing measures recommended by public health authorities. More information will be shared with participants as the situation evolves.

Within the context of the COVID-19 outbreak and following the decision of the provincial government to prohibit all indoor and outdoor gatherings, the Town of Montreal West announces that all playgrounds in Montreal West are closed to the public, effective immediately and until further notice.

The Town continues to assess the situation as it evolves and follows all recommendations issued by the Direction régionale de santé publique.

The Town council would like to remind you that infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Citizens are asked to follow all public health recommendations issued by the Direction régionale de santé publique.

The Town of Montreal West wishes to inform its residents that the Town Hall will be closed to the public until further notice as a preventive measure to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our employees are still available to answer questions and requests from citizens and many services can be offered by phone or through the Town’s website.

You can send us your questions at all times using the Contact Us form on the website.

General information: 514-481-8125

Coffee with the Mayor scheduled for March 26 has been canceled.

A message from The Informer

Exceptionally this month, the March-April issue of The Informer will not be printed and distributed to residents in order to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

A digital version of the paper is available on the Town’s website. If you have non-computer literate individuals nearby, you could perhaps print a copy for them.

Read the March-April issue.

Take care and do everything you can to prevent COVID-19.

Heather Baylis
Editor-in-chief

The waste collection schedule remains as is until further notice. Regular garbage is picked up once a week on Friday mornings starting at 7:00 a.m. Recycling and organic waste is picked up on Tuesdays starting at 7:00 a.m.

Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the directive adopted by the provincial government on March 13, the next council meeting scheduled on Monday, March 30 will be held in camera. This exceptional measure will serve to minimize the risk to elected officials and to residents and will help prevent the spread of the virus. The council meeting will be recorded and we will post the audio recording to the website the next day. As per usual, the minutes will be posted on the website.

Citizens will have the opportunity to submit their questions to Council through an online form that will be available on our website on March 30. Additional details on this process will be shared in the days before the meeting.

The Town of Montreal West was informed that due to COVID-19, the Adult Library Board has decided to follow suit and close the library until further notice. If you have any questions, please contact the organization directly.

(sent by e-bulletin)

Yesterday, the Town of Montreal West decided to follow the City of Montreal’s lead and closed its sports and recreation facilities as a preventive measure following the latest updates surrounding the coronavirus. The following municipal buildings are closed to the public as of Friday, March 13, 2020 and until further notice.

  • Legion Memorial Rink
  • Davies Park chalet
  • John A. Simms Community Center

The service counter at Town Hall will remain open to the public. However, the Town recommends that non-essential travel to public places be avoided. At all times, residents may contact the Town by telephone or through the Contact Us form on our website.

Canceled activities

All Town activities remaining in the winter semester are cancelled and will be refunded. Refunds will be issued by cheque and mailed to the address on file. The following events are also canceled and refunds will be issued when applicable:

  • Cotton Tail Party
  • Threshold: an ice skating show
  • Pub Night

It is still possible to register to spring and summer activities. We ask participants to stay tuned for future communications from the Town concerning possible cancellations.

This is an evolving situation that the Town of Montreal West is monitoring closely.

“In order to ensure the safety of our citizens and employees, the Town of Montreal West has chosen to err on the side of caution and to follow the preventive measures taken by the Centre de coordination des mesures d’urgence de l’agglomération de Montréal. We thank you for your understanding.”

– Beny Masella, Mayor

Further communications will be shared on our website and by e-bulletin.

For more information concerning the coronavirus :
Santé Quebec
Santé Montréal

Maintained services

According to the latest announcements from the Government of Québec, several companies will be able to resume their work as early as tomorrow, April 15. This is very encouraging! That being said, this news must be greeted with the highest level of caution to ensure that measures in place to limit the spread of the virus continue being maintained. By coming together as a community and continuing to respect preventive measures we will make it possible for everyone to eventually resume their activities in a safe environment.

List of essential services

Beny Masella
Mayor

Landscaping and landscape maintenance

In accordance with by-law 2011-002, a landscaping permit is required for all landscapers working in the Town of Montreal West. When hiring a landscaper, you must first verify that they have a valid permit from the Town.

With Town Hall being closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adapted the process to issue permits.

For more information

Applications for urban planning permits must be completed online until further notice. The permit application process has been adjusted while the Town Hall is closed to the public.

Revised application process

The Town is taking the necessary measures to encourage social distancing by holding the next Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting through video conferencing. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, as scheduled.

Taking into account the present situation related to COVID-19, the Town of Montreal West has decided to adapt the process concerning the request for participating in a referendum pertaining to the second draft of “By-Law consolidating the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Montreal West and modifying various other provisions”. Therefore, the process exposed in the public notice published in the Suburban, on March 18, 2020, and available online on the Town of Montreal West website, will be adapted in order to allow that the consultation of the documents and the requests for participating in a referendum be online.

For more information

Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the directive adopted by the provincial government on March 13, the next council meeting scheduled on Monday, March 30 will be held in camera. This exceptional measure will serve to minimize the risk to elected officials and to residents and will help prevent the spread of the virus. The council meeting will be recorded and we will post the audio recording to the website the next day. As per usual, the minutes will be posted on the website.

Citizens will have the opportunity to submit their questions to Council through an online form that will be available on our website on March 30. Additional details on this process will be shared in the days before the meeting.

Screening clinics nearby

The mobile screening clinic will be stationedat Mountainview School (7450 Côte-Saint-Luc Road, Côte Saint-Luc).

Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, 
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Depending on how busy the clinic is, registration may end before closing time.

Priority groups: 

  • Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
  • Asymptomatic individuals who have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

FREE – NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

For more information: CIUSSS West-Central

The mobile screening clinic will be stationed at Judith-Jasmin School (4575 Mariette Avenue, NDG) :

Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.*

*Depending on how busy the clinic is, registration may end before closing time.

Priority groups: 

  • Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
  • Asymptomatic individuals who have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

FREE – NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

For more information: CIUSSS West-Central

The mobile screening clinic will be stationed in the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park (6975 Mackle Road, Côte Saint-Luc):

Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Priority groups: 

  • Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
  • Asymptomatic individuals who have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

FREE – NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

For more information: CIUSSS West-Central

The new COVID-19 screening clinic is located in the parking lot of the Quartier Cavendish at 5800 Cavendish Boulevard. The clinic will be open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A person must have an appointment before arriving at the test centre.

For more information