NEWS AND ANALYSIS

NDG says rec centre closure just an idea

Applebaum pledges to find the money to keep it open

By Dan Delmar The Suburban A plan to close recreation facilities in Côte des Neiges-NDG is simply a sign borough officials are "reflecting" and residents shouldn't panic, according to Mayor Michael Applebaum. Dozens of concerned eastern-NDG residents packed into the borough council meeting last week to show their displeasure with the plan, which would see the closure of the NDG Maison de la culture, along with the adjoining pool. Applebaum said there was "never a question to close the Botrel library," which is also within that complex on Décarie Blvd. at Côte St. Antoine Rd. "A lot of people take this as a decision made by elected officials. We're not there yet," said Applebaum, trying his best to reassure citizens. "I'm meeting community representatives. We won't adopt the plan until we have good meetings this summer." The new master plan for culture, sports, recreation and social development would, it seems, favour the centralization of services for NDG at Benny Farm, where the new sports complex is under construction and where a new library will also be built. As NDG resident Isabelle Letourneau pointed out, this is despite Applebaum's promises over the past few years that the new facility would not be built at the expense of existing facilities. He recently said it was more a question of money: "I just have a problem finding the $8 million it will

AROUND THE TOWNS

Cont'd from page 2 and neighbours to our annual kickoff summer extravaganza. All our favourite activities and many new surprises await, so come out and enjoy," said Councillor Bonnie Feigenbaum For more information, call the Irving L. Adessky Community Centre at 514-369-8260 or visit www.hampstead.qc.ca. Last week's council meeting was packed with upset residents, young and old. cost to keep the centre open." The facilities slated by borough officials for closure are being used at 35 percent capacity, according to the mayor, and the pool is in need of repair. For now, it won't close, but, "if there is a major break and it costs three, four or five million to repair, that's another question." "Wasn't it predictable that other facilities would need investment?" asked Letourneau, speaking on behalf of the Comité Citoyen de NDG, formed recently in response to the recreation policy shift. "Why wasn't this planned in advance?" Applebaum blamed his predecessors. "We have inherited many buildings in bad condition," he said. "In eight years, we've invested enormously." Also involved with the Comité are members of Project Montreal and Arlyle Warring, who is the president of Vision Montreal's borough association. She turned the conversation toward another underused cultural

HAMPSTEAD SURVEY

Hampstead's community services and recreation Department is asking residents to fill out an online survey regarding its fall and winter schedule, as part of the department's review and revision of programming and activities. "The objective is to offer a variety of programs, which accurately reflect your interests and needs as Hampstead residents," says a town announcement. "By completing

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DAN DELMAR PHOTO facility: The Empress Theatre. Applebaum suggesting Warring's criticisms were a partisan attack and said it just was not feasible to purchase and operate the Empress, when the city of Montreal is losing money on other local theatres, like the Corona Theatre. It is difficult to operate recreation facilities without help from higher levels of government or donors in the private sector, Applebaum said. "I would like for the pool and community centre to stay open, and be at full capacity," he added. "I will guarantee - (councillor Marvin Rotrand interrupted, suggesting he instead say 'commit') I will commit to finding the necessary funds to bring the building up to standards. We'll find the funds if that is the will of the community." "There hasn't been a decision made. It's a consultation," he emphasized. "Some people think that the decisions are made before consultations - not here." n this survey, you will be providing us with the tools to effectively meet our objective: quality services. By taking the time to complete this survey and returning it by June 24 at the Community Services and Recreation Department (30 Lyncroft, Hampstead, H3X 3E3, 514-369-8260), you will be enrolled in a draw where you could have the chance to win a prize." Check out http://www.hampstead.qc.ca/upload s/files/docs/community_services_de pt_survey_2010.pdf. n since 1995 514 BLINDS UP TO50 Valid until June 30/10 % OFF You can REDEEM your AIR MILES and pay off your vacation this way. We organize Weddings Abroad & Honeymoons. Ask for Patricia. Over 20 years experience. SALVATORE MASTANTUONO

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