Borough of Mont-Bellevue

Transcription

1 Borough of Mont-Bellevue Your Elected Officials Serge Paquin President, Borough of Mont-Bellevue and Councillor, District of Centre-Sud Tel.: Fax: Borough office Civic address 600 Thibault Postal address P.O. Box 610, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5H9 Hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Recreational activity area rentals Pierre Boisvert Councillor District of Croix-Lumineuse (home) (office) pierre.boisvert@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca The Borough of Mont-Bellevue offers the public the possibility of reserving indoor or outdoor recreational activity areas at reasonable prices. For information, call In addition, two community centres in the Borough also offer hall rental services. For more information: Carrefour accès loisirs, Centre communautaire de loisir Sherbrooke, Robert Y. Pouliot Councillor District of Ascot (office) robert.y.pouliot@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca Upcoming Borough council meetings Monday, January 23, 7 p.m. Monday, February 27, 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, 7 p.m. Jean-François Rouleau Councillor District of Université (home) jean-francois.rouleau@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca Agendas and minutes You can now consult agendas and minutes of council meetings on the Ville de Sherbrooke s Web site at Exhibitions at the Borough office The Borough of Mont-Bellevue offers the public a permanent exhibit of works by local artists, including works by the Artistes-peintres associés de Sherbrooke (APAS) for a period of two months. We invite the public to come and admire these works during Borough office hours. Please call prior to your visit to make sure the room is available. mont-bellevue Your Elected Officials INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter

2 mont-bellevue Borough Services Did you know The Borough of Mont-Bellevue has the largest concentration of teaching institutions in the Ville de Sherbrooke. Here are a few statistics. You ll find: 9 of the 32 public elementary schools (28%), the same number as in the Borough of Fleurimont; 2 of the 6 public high schools (Du Triolet and Du Phare schools); 4 of the 7 private high schools (Collège du Mont-Sainte-Anne, du Sacré-Cœur and du Mont Notre-Dame, and the Séminaire de Sherbrooke); 1 of the 2 specialized public schools, Du Touret school, the only teaching institution for students ages 4 to 21 with medium-to-severe or profound intellectual disabilities; the only two public adult education centres (Centre Saint-Michel and New Horizons Adult Education Centre); the only college-level private teaching institutions (Séminaire de Sherbrooke); and, of course, one of the two universities in the city (Université de Sherbrooke). If it s true that Sherbrooke is a student city, the Borough of Mont-Bellevue is certainly a contributing factor! The above-mentioned numbers are based on information found, between September 20 and 21, 2011, on the following Web sites: Commission scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships School Board, Association des écoles privées de l Estrie, Fédération des établissements d enseignement privés, Survey To obtain feedback from residents on certain topics, the Borough of Mont-Bellevue has developed a Survey section on its pages found on the city s Web site. We invite you to visit to answer the following question: Where does your child (or children), ages 5 to 12, spend most of their time during the summer? We look forward receiving many responses! The following articles were written by Daniel St-Onge. Étudiant et citoyen : An essential Web site By visiting the Web site, anyone coming to study in Sherbrooke who lives in our Borough will discover a wide range of useful information to help make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Browsing through this Web site will familiarize you with the Borough of Mont-Bellevue s geography, attractions, and various services. It offers information on how to get the best use of public transportation offered by the Société de transport de Sherbrooke. A link provides everything you need to know about making a wise choice when renting a room in a singlefamily dwelling. You ll also find pedestrian safety rules along with various municipal by-laws about public order and peace, pets, and cycling trails, among others. An essential Web site for some 80% of students attending the Université de Sherbrooke who are from out of town! Voisinage en fête 2011 This year, the Voisinage en fête event didn t suffer too much from the limitations of its location in the parking area of the École internationale du Phare instead of Parc du Belvédère. Of course a crowd of volunteers, both youth and adults, was critical to its success, which was also made possible thanks to the support of sponsors and partners of Ascot en santé, including Caisse Desjardins du Mont-Bellevue de Sherbrooke, the Borough of Mont-Bellevue, École internationale du Phare, CSSS-IUGS, Métro Belvédère, and Jean Coutu pharmacy. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day, a festive atmosphere, lively music by the Jeunes musiciens du monde, great food and door prizes, as was the case for the previous editions. Community organizations were also on hand to promote their many services. Close to 500 people of all ages enjoyed this afternoon of fun and harmony organized just for them. This bodes very well for the 20 th edition... Entertainment was provided by Jeunes musiciens du monde Sherbrooke Neighbourhood residents turned out in droves for their celebration 150 INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter

3 Downtown 2020: Visionary development Since the Ville de Sherbrooke was founded and until the mid-20 th century, its downtown core played a key role in the socio-economic development of the Eastern Townships. Its devitalization began in the 1970s, with the advent of large shopping centres cropping up on the outskirts of the city. Gradually, Sherbrooke s downtown was transformed into a sad urban landscape with neglected storefronts and multiple for rent signs. This was made worse by the gloom of business people at a loss for how to renew the area s vitality and attraction. The alienation of many of them only accentuated the desertion of the area by the public and potential investors. For many, it was only a question of time when what was once the largest economic centre in the region would become a relic of the past. But this dark scenario didn t come to be. Three key elements helped prevent it: true political will, adequate human and financial resources, and above all, a long-term vision. Today, Shebrooke s downtown is seeing an increasing renewed presence and is enjoying unprecedented economic, urban, and human development. A survey conducted in 2009 noted that 65% of respondents considered the downtown area to be largely improved. Even its borders, traditionally rues Galt and Belvédère and the Magog and St. Francis rivers, have expanded in the last few years. To the east and north, rues Bowen and Montréal are now part of the city s downtown. Many today also believe that the economic centre stretches to Rue Jacques-Cartier, only because an increasing number of merchants and residents wish to be identified with Sherbrooke s downtown. The Centre-ville 2020 project was born from this dynamic. Responsibility for it was given to two Commerce Sherbrooke representatives: Jérémy Dépault, project manager for commercial planning, and Philippe Cadieux, resource person for merchants. Over the long term, the project seeks to continue revitalizing downtown according to a well-structured plan that incorporates sustainable development and ensures that all parties and partners work together. Ultimately, the activities required to pursue the downtown s revitalization will be defined; merchants, elected officials, and various socioeconomic stakeholders will be involved in its development; and strategic directions to carry out the proposed activities will be undertaken. Centre-ville 2020 can rely on the expertise of two committees: a working group made up of three representatives from Commerce Sherbrooke and the Ville de Sherbrooke; and a consultative committee comprised of citizens, elected officials, business people, and city employees. When the project began in May 2011, an initial timetable was developed and concrete actions were implemented. This autumn, Commerce Sherbrooke launched a series of video spots with the theme Centre-ville 10/10, in collaboration with 13 downtown partners. These spots were also uploaded onto social media sites Facebook and Twitter. This was followed by a direct mailing of the Rumeur newsletter to business owners. A Montreal consulting group specializing in urban development, IBI/DAA Inc., was hired and brought with it a new perspective and conclusions on the socio-economic dynamic of the downtown area, revealing both its strengths and weaknesses. Various public consultation meetings were also held to share the results of this work and obtain feedback from residents and local organizations. Rooted in the strategic planning process for the development of downtown Sherbrooke, Centre-ville 2020 is somewhat of an inherited extension of a desire to revitalize that began in It is a strategic project with a vision for a dynamic and attractive downtown that offers those who visit, live and work there, the chance to take ownership of its many heritage, cultural, and environmental features. Philippe Cadieux and Jérémy Dépault, coordinators for Centre-ville 2020 mont-bellevue Borough Services INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter

4 Borough Services mont-bellevue Jn-Guy Saint-Gelais: Sharing Knowledge Jn-Guy Saint-Gelais is recognized for his outstanding social involvement in the community. During his lifetime, he has played a number of key roles within various organizations and government departments as both a manager and a resource person. Mr. Saint-Gelais currently sits on 15 boards of directors, eight of which he chairs, at the local, regional, provincial, national and international levels. It is no surprise that in June 2010, he received the Mérite estrien prize in the Personnalité category. Social involvement well, I d have to say it s hereditary! says Mr. Saint-Gelais, explaining that at a young age, he saw his parents being very active in their community. Following their example just seemed normal, be it with 4-H clubs, singing in the choir, or as an altar boy at the Albanel church in his hometown of Lac Saint-Jean. As an adult, he took over the tradition from his parents by getting involved with his own children at various levels: sports, Scouts, Guides, etc. Jn-Guy Saint-Gelais says he has a natural ability to assimilate knowledge. At the same time, he wants to share his knowledge with like-minded people. It seems as though this altruistic impulse is getting stronger as I age. As though I have this urgency to share everything I ve learned over the years with others! This has led him to devote himself to all kinds of areas: sports, owners associations, community safety, chambers of commerce, theatre, radio, TV, professional photography just to name a few. But the issue closest to his heart is that of seniors, and more specifically, elder abuse. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Award by the US Army and the Quebec Lieutenant Governor s Seniors Medal. Beyond the personal satisfaction from getting involved, Mr. Saint-Gelais is convinced that there is always some kind of an impact. From the moment someone decides to get involved, there s always a certain influence on their friends and family. He believes that citizen participation promotes a better understanding of public needs and serves as a guide in developing and improving services. When asked what he considers his greatest achievement, Mr. Saint-Gelais answers, to have created organizational models that promoted consensus-building and cooperation in the community. He cites, as an example, the Conférence des Tables régionales de concertation des aînés du Québec (17 working groups) that had six different organizational models. Mr. Saint-Gelais designed and had them accept one model for all the groups while respecting the operating mode adapted to each region. With regard to the future of our Borough, Jn-Guy Saint-Gelais remains optimistic, mainly because of its cultural diversity which fosters openness among our fellow citizens. We see an increasing amount of people from diverse backgrounds getting involved in local organizations, and they feel comfortable doing so. If Sherbrooke is cited throughout Canada for successfully integrating immigrants, it s due, in large part, to what is happening in our Borough. Cœur, culture et pédagogie mural The Collège du Sacré-Cœur de Sherbrooke now has a mural with a theme that well represents the institution s values. Painted on the exterior north wall of the school, the mural was inaugurated on September 22, before a cheering crowd of dignitaries, teachers, students, parents, and citizens. Titled Cœur, culture et pédagogie, the mural features a giant bookcase filled with books, some of which are written by Eastern Townships authors, and characters associated with the region s literary and cultural life. Other visual elements refer to the local industrial past and teaching institutions in this part of the city. The college s mural is the 12 th created by the organization MURIRS and will be part of the sightseeing tour Sherbrooke, terre des fresques murales. The Cœur, culture et pédagogie mural Jn-Guy Saint-Gelais 152 INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter

5 Extension of Highway 410: Benefits and disadvantages The Highway 410 extension project, which began in August 2009 by Quebec s ministry of transportation, will no doubt help alleviate traffic in Sherbrooke. Until this major roadway is completed, residents will need to be patient and tolerant with the resulting annoyances. Among them is the noise caused by the incessant comings and goings of trucks and heavy machinery. There is also the need for motorists to use bypass roads, not to the mention traffic slowdown at certain busy intersections, especially during rush hours. This is particularly disruptive to the western district near the Université de Sherbrooke. On the positive side, the section of Highway 410 going through the Borough of Mont-Bellevue will result in significant traffic reductions on rues Dunant and Bel-Horizon, among others. Added to this will be a significant decrease in transport trucks in urban areas. However, residents have other worries. Many have voiced their concerns over the clear cutting of trees required by the new section of highway. While often required, these cuts are still regrettable, especially when they involve mature trees, as was the case in 2010 on rues Galt Ouest and Serge-Garant. The Ville de Sherbrooke and the Quebec s ministry of transportation have worked together to minimize the impact of this type of situation, and have planned various phases of tree planting on the sites cleared for the Highway 410 expansion work. The same applies to their concern to preserve wetlands, which are the object of particular attention, through the Environnement A-410 committee. This committee is composed of members representing various government departments, the Ville de Sherbrooke, Destination Sherbrooke and local environmental protection organizations, including RAPPEL. Finally, the construction of a new cycling path along the boulevard de l Université will link the university campus to the neighbouring residential district on Rue de l Indiana. Combined with the cycling section that will provide access to the 410 overpass crossing boulevard de l Université, this will increase safety by preventing cyclists or pedestrians from using boulevard de l Université. Highway 410 expansion project promoters confirm that, once complete, this work will significantly improve the quality of life for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists in the affected areas. CARA has moved After being forced to leave its location on Rue Belvédère on June 3 for safety reasons, the Centre d activités récréatives des aînés, better known as CARA, was finally able to find a new home. It wasn t easy. We needed a facility with a good location and that was large enough, with affordable rent, said activities director Pierrette Beauchemin. The basement of the Immaculée-Conception church at 1085, rue Adélard- Collette was available and was the space that best met these criteria. CARA moved in fall While this space is not as large as the previous one, it s a warm setting and lends itself well to our activities, added Mrs. Beauchemin. Founded in 2004 by Roland Benoît and Gilbert Gauthier, the non-profit organization has enjoyed much success with seniors in Sherbrooke, in large part thanks to the loyal dedication of its volunteers. Today, CARA boasts close to 450 members. For more information or carasherbrooke@cooptel.qc.ca Borough Services mont-bellevue Highway 410 Highway 410 Pierrette Beauchemin Activities Director at CARA Highway 410 INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter

6 Borough Services mont-bellevue 2011 Volunteer Celebration: Honouring community service Volunteering has become vital in our society, and even more so during difficult financial times. Without volunteer work, many social problems would inevitably worsen. As is the case every year, Borough of Mont-Bellevue officials paid tribute to these men and women for whom serving the community comes naturally. About 100 volunteers from our area were invited to the Complexe sportif Thibault GM on October 12. With friendly Jocelyn Thibault as their guide, guests enjoyed a tour of the new sports facility. This was followed by a hearty meal that allowed for pleasant and lively discussions between representatives of organizations working in our city. Officials from the Borough of Mont-Bellevue made a point of welcoming and talking with those present. During his speech following dinner, Borough President Serge Paquin emphasized the generosity and exemplary behaviour of residents. This was also the occasion to reward the outstanding contributions of two organizations and their staff that were both celebrating their 25 th anniversary: Familifête and Carrefour accès loisirs, that each received a fabulous cake bearing their logo. The celebrations ended with the drawing of about 30 door prizes. The friendly setting and cheerful faces were clear evidence of the well-deserved, happy celebration! This year, Borough officials highlighted the outstanding contributions of Familifête and Carrefour accès loisirs. About 100 people represented various organizations working in our community. Carrefour accès loisirs de Sherbrooke turns 25 This year, the Carrefour accès loisirs de Sherbrooke celebrates its 25 th anniversary a story that began in The Foyer de la culture populaire had created a committee to examine the many problems regarding facilities for several of Sherbrooke s downtown neighbourhood organizations. Its main goals were to strengthen the operating structure in each neighbourhood by creating a service centre and supporting the development of each organization s autonomy. Incorporated on November 6, 1986, under the name Centre récréatif communautaire du quartier centre de Sherbrooke in 2000, the group changed its name to Carrefour accès loisirs. Its mission: to create and operate a living environment that helps each person grow and express themselves, while promoting community development. Over time, the Carrefour accès loisirs built ties with the Ville de Sherbrooke s Services récréatifs communautaires (SRC), while maintaining existing connections with the Foyer de la culture populaire. Since 1989, the Ville de Sherbrooke, and more recently the Borough of Mont-Bellevue, have given the Carrefour responsibility for managing and organizing various activities, including the summer day camp. From 1989 to 2003, the Carrefour expanded its programming with even more activities and events. Its facilities at 400, rue Galt Ouest had become too small, so it moved into the old elementary school at 172, rue Élaine-C.-Poirier. More space allowed the Carrefour to improve its activities program and collaborate with other organizations in carrying out activities. The organizations that benefit from this cooperation with the Carrefour include: Action Plus, Action Handicap Estrie, Service d aide aux Néo-canadiens, and Comité d action locale de Québec en forme. Over 25 years, Carrefour accès loisirs has served thousands of children and adults and continues to do so! Once again this year, children ages 3 to 11 were able to attend day camps, Saturday workshops, and activities during planning days and school breaks. Families can enjoy community suppers, cultural and outdoor excursions, and camping trips. And, for adults, a large number of workshops and fitness activities are offered. Not to mention francization programs for the many immigrants. With its activities, mission, and values, Carrefour accès loisirs is more than just an organization that s important to the community s quality of life it s vital! Carrefour accès loisirs Photo: Carrefour accès loisirs 154 INFOSHERBROOKOIS Winter