News Release / Communiqué de Presse 2008 - 2009

(For English languge articles from 2006 click here or French language articles click here)

(For all articles from 2007 click here)

Return to main page

Download the latest FREE version of Adobe Reader Adobe Reader 7.0.8Adobe Reader for Windows XP or Choose a different version.

 


Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity MESSAGE FROM AHMED DJOGHLAF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO THE G8 ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS MEETING KOBE, JAPAN, 24-26MAY 2008


Quick links - Liens rapides : Letters to the Editor / tribune libre

La Voie Verte :Le bulletin trimestriel de la Coalition Verte
  • Vol. 1 no. 1 - Hiver 2008
  • Vol. 1 no. 2 - Printemps 2008
  • Vol. 1 no. 3 - Été 2008
  • La Voie Verte / The Green Way Winter 2009

    In the News / Actualités


    Now it's eco, now it's not - Even as a chunk of the Bertrand Stream ecoterritory located in Pierrefonds/Roxboro borough is to be stripped of its ecological status to be sold to an unnamed company, the Montreal agglomeration council and borough mayor Monique Worth said the land in question was not really of any ecological value. The Chronicle, by Raffy Boudjikanian Article online since September 5th 2008

    Here are my comments regarding the planned road diversion and diminution of the Bertrand Creek Tributary near Pittfield.
     
    Regarding
     Agglom/Pfds. plans to sell off a part of the Bertrand Stream Ecoterritory to a private developer because

    "it doesn't have value":

     
    1.  On what basis does it claim little or no value when it is the continuation of the Bois de Liesse Natural Park
         which it itself conjures of value?
     
    2.  Montreal has so little in terms of natural space that this forested land should one of the first places to be conserved.
     
    3. If Pierrefonds/St. Laurent and the Agglomeration proceed with this project, that is, the extension of Thimens Blvd.
     from Sartelon, Green Lane, Pittfield, Hwy. 13, etc., it will undercut the promise by the Agglomeration of Montreal
     not to slice through the Bois de Liesse Nature Park with de Salaberry Blvd.  This has been the long standing policy of DDO and has been opposed by the Green Coalition because it would greatly disturb the integrity of Bois de Liesse and its biodiversity.
     
    4.  This plan fits perfectly with the Agglomeration's plans to run a dedicated BRT, (Bus Rapid Transit sevice), on the Doney Spur Right-Of-Way then onto the Thimens/Cavendish corridor on its way to an extended Cavendish to Namur Metro Station.
     
    5.  The Green Coalition has opposed this plan because:
         a) CN would first have to give up freight service on the entire line and has no plans to do so;
         b) Buses cannot share a railway corridor with more energy efficient trains.  Light Rail Trams can share the same track. This is called temporal separation:  A process which schedules freight service late at night when passenger trains do not run;
         c) Buses are viewed as transportation of last resort and will not attract the numbers of motorists as a frequent electric Light Rail System.  Brazil and Ottawa, pioneers in BRT are considering LRTs to improve service and increase passenger loads;
         d) LRTs are more energy efficient, carbon friendly and employ less drivers than buses to carry the same passenger load;
         e)  This road project will undercut the attempt to conserve and revive the Doney Spur as public monies destined for  this road project could be used for an eventual Doney Surface Metro Tram Train;  Why is the Doney constantly being put on the backburner?  Rail transit is a great tool for Transit Oriented Development and redevelopment.
     
         6.   The creation of a greenbelt in Boulder, CO increased property values. Thus, conservation of natural spaces even in the strictest of economic terms have a lot of value and create value for neighboring properties...  Please see the article from The Trust For Public Land, USA:

     

    Avrom Shtern,
    Green Coalition,
    Transportation Issues Critic

    See the latest Pierrefonds urban plan. In particular, objective 22 (page 17) was added after the public consultation when we requested that risk management be added to the plan. Now, knowing that taking out greenspaces will add to risks experienced by citizens, it will be interesting to see how Montreal and Pierrefonds choose to, or not to, manage those risks The plan also contains many other wordings that should, if the plan is important, force Montreal and Pierrefonds to take risks and sustainable development much more seriously. -Lewis poulin


    Supplemental - Complémentaires

    L'environnemt à Montréal

    Favoriser un retour aux usages de contact direct (baignade et planche à voile) et indirect (pêche sportive et canotage) dans les cours d’eau ceinturant l’île de Montréal, voilà l’objectif du Réseau de suivi du milieu aquatique (RSMA).

    C’est en 1984, alors qu’existait encore la Communauté urbaine de Montréal (CUM), que remonte les premières activités du RSMA relatives au suivi de la qualité générale des cours d’eau ceinturant l’île de Montréal. Il semblait alors important de mesurer les impacts reliés aux rejets d’eaux usées traitées de la Station d’épuration de Montréal et de mesurer, par la même occasion, l’amélioration de la qualité des cours d’eau qui découlait de la mise en place du réseau d’interception des eaux usées.

    Depuis, l’équipe du RSMA parcourt le territoire montréalais pour y prélever des échantillons d’eau au large, en rive, dans les ruisseaux et dans les cours d’eau intérieurs à plus de 300 endroits stratégiques localisés entre Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue et Saint-Joseph-de-Lanoraie. Pourquoi se rendre aussi loin? Afin de documenter, entre autres, l’influence des importants rejets d’eaux usées traitées de la Station d’épuration de Montréal sur cette portion du fleuve.

    La Direction des laboratoires est chargée de faire les analyses chimiques,
    bactériologiques et toxicologiques pour la Direction de l'environnement de la Ville de Montréal.

  • Analyses en laboratoires
  • Documents et données
  • Bilan; Environnemental Qualité des cours d’eau de Montréal : RÉSEAU DE SUIVI DU MILIEU AQUATIQUE RAPPORT ANNUEL 2007
  • le programme RUISSO cart
  • Green Coalition's map of the Bertrand Stream


    2009


    Montreal Agglomeration Council question period January 29, 2009.
    Green Coalition member Avrom Shtern speaks with Mayor Gérald Tremblay
    regarding the Agence métropolitaine de transport over improving the
    train service on the Island of Montreal.

    Taking hard line on tardy trains - Freight railroads face fines under new law - Thursday, February 12, 2009 BY ANGELA GREILING KEANE BLOOMBERG NEWS

    Radio interview by Ric Peterson of CJAD with Avrom Shtern - RE: L’Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) - January 12, 2009 (windows media audio file)

  • Supplimental: Two items of interest: MUCTC/CTCUM Rail Schedule / Two Mountains line / Nov. 1983: There were 28 inbound trains. The 7:20 AM started its run from Roxboro.Two other trains, the 8:30 AM & 8:55 AM began their run at Val Royal, (Bois Franc).Operations were between 5:45AM - 2:00AM the following day. CN Rail Suburban Service Timetable/Montreal/Cartierville-Deux-Montagne/Aug. 6, 1979:There were 18 inbound trains. The 07:25 AM started its run at Roxboro. The 7:50 AM began its run at Cartierville. -Avrom Shtern

  • A great new tool is available to calculate your savings when you leave your car at home and take public transportation. Our thanks to the American Public Transportation Association. Calculate now.
  • To get some interesting facts on sustainable transit you can consult the Environmental Defense Action Fund
  • Policy Actions for a 21st Century Transportation System [PDF]
  • Commuter-train riders unimpressed By Andy Riga, Montreal GazetteJanuary 12, 2009
  • Train de l’Est : le BAPE entendra bientôt les opposants par Jean-Louis Fortin Le jeudi 15 janvier 2009
  • Train de l'Est: aux citoyens de s'exprimer par Jean-Louis Fortin Le jeudi 15 janvier 2009
  • GO Transit unveils strategic plan. 22 Jan. 2009
  • Map of Montreal area railways including the Doney Spur.
  • Suburban Commuter Rail in Toronto and Montréal. Justin Bur April 1984
  • A History of Commuter Railroads in Montreal. Joseph Barr, Civil engineering graduate, Northwestern University. September 1992
  • North-west to Deux-Montagnes: Where it all started. by Ricard Wanderlöf
  • Une virée dans le puits de ventilation du tunnel Mont-Royal. by Marc Dufour
  • Le tunnel, à l'arrivée du puits de ventilation ; suivi d'une brève explication historique du tunnel et des environs de l'ancien terminus. by Marc Dufour
  • Rail et transports urbains. by Marc Dufour
  • Page principale de Marc Dufour
  • Transportation and Environment Factsheet: Surface Transportation Policy Project
  • OneRail Coalition Statement of Principles
  • The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
  • Clean Air, Energy and Transportation

    Biodiversity and Transportation

    Environment and Federal Transportation Policy

  • Energy Use & Environmental Protection


     

    'No cut in service,' transit chief pledges - ANDY RIGA, The Gazette March 11, 2009

    AMT's Rigaud/Dorion line gets funding pittance - Hudson Gazette March 4, 2009

    PQ demands answers from transit head - By Andy Riga, The Gazette February 19, 2009

    'Get it right': AMT commuters - By Alycia Ambroziak, The Gazette February 18, 2009

    Gauthier who? - By Kevin Dougherty, The Gazette February 18, 2009

    Confusion over AMT discounts - CTV Montreal February 18, 2009

    AMT: une compensation qui coûtera cher - Agence QMI Jean-Louis Fortin 18/02/2009

    « Si l’AMT continue comme ça, elle va tuer le service » - L'Étoile par Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski 17/02/2009

    A tale of two train stops - By Andy Riga, Montreal Gazette February 17, 2009

    Wondering what AMT stands for? Another Missing Train - By MIKE BOONE, Montreal Gazette February 16, 2009

    Les demandes de l'AMT restent lettre morte - Bruno Bisson La Presse Publié le 15 février 2009

    Commuter train pass discount period gets extension - Montreal Gazette February 14, 2009

    Faulty equipment delays morning train commute - By Andy Riga, Montreal Gazette February 13, 2009

    Stimulus Roadblock? - NOW on PBS - (The LRT line featured shows what could be done with the Doney Spur...) February 13, 2009

    Saying sorry won't fix commuter-rail crisis - Montreal Gazette February 12, 2009

    AMT : Conférence de presse du 10 février - communiqué et fiches techniques - L’AMT FAIT LE POINT - Ligne Deux-Montagnes Services d’autobus alternatifs - Mécanisme de compensation

    Compensation, old skeds for commuter train users - By Shuyee Lee, CJAD 2009-02-10

    Bills from commuters come due for AMT - By Andy Riga, Montreal Gazette February 10, 2009

    AMT gives back: Discounts announced - By Andy Riga, Montreal Gazette February 10, 2009

    Train de banlieue: rabais et horaires modifiés - Bruno Bisson La Presse Publié le 10 février 2009 à 13h00

    Trains de banlieue: Québec s'en mêle - Bruno Bisson La Presse Publié le 06 février 2009

    Les voyageurs à bout de patience - Agence QMI Jean-Louis Fortin

    Ice stalls train service: AMT - By Andy Riga, The Gazette February 5, 2009

    Commuters could use a little shelter - Most train stations no longer open to provide users with shelter from cold and wind. By MAX HARROLD, The Gazette February 5, 2009

    Trains de banlieue: la série noire se poursuit - Bruno Bisson La Presse Publié le 04 février 2009

    CITY: Train delays have McGill students missing class. Added departure times lengthen commute from the West Island Sheila Giffen McGill Tribune - Montreal,Quebec,Canada 1/27/09

    Trains back on schedule for evening rush hour CTV Montreal - Jan. 26 2009

     

    Re: "Improvements would get commuters on track" (Editorial, Jan. 26).

    Your assertion that freight trains have priority over passenger and commuter trains is incorrect. CN endeavours to respect passenger and commuter train schedules when managing traffic on its lines.

    For example, the on-time performance for the Agence métropolitain de transport's commuter trains on the CN Montreal/St. Hilaire line, one that has 14 commuter trains every week day and almost the same number of freight trains and Via trains, was 96.5 per cent in 2008 and 99.2 per cent since the beginning of 2009.

    Also, CN's access to the Port of Montreal is totally unrelated to AMT performance. CN is not subject to monetary penalties if trains arrive late at the Port of Montreal.

    Anthony Marquis

    General manager

    Champlain Division

    CN

    Tremblay's rail plan off track, critics say

    CP fires back at transit boss on train woes Criticized for maintenance; Real problem is in age and incompatibility of commuter equipment, railway argues By ANDY RIGA, The Gazette January 26, 2009 alternate link HERE

    CP fires back at transit boss on train woes

    Criticized for maintenance; Real problem is in age and incompatibility of commuter equipment, railway argues

     http://www.montrealgazette.com/fires+back+transit+boss+train+woes/1199959/story.html
    By ANDY RIGA, The GazetteJanuary 21, 2009Comments (13)
     
     

    Blamed in part for an embarrassing series of recent commuter train delays and cancellations, Canadian Pacific Railway yesterday shot back at the Agence métropolitaine de transport, denying responsibility for the Montreal's regional train authority's woes

    CP said the problems were not caused by poor maintenance of AMT trains by CP, as suggested by the AMT. Instead, CP blamed the AMT's "aging and not easily compatible or interchangeable" train cars and locomotives.

    On Sunday, AMT chief executive Joël Gauthier blamed last week's service problems on the cold weather, mistakes in operating the trains and problems with switching systems on the tracks, which are owned and maintained by CP and CN.

    He also suggested there may be deficiencies in train maintenance by CP and CN. "We are paying big bucks - millions of dollars every year - on maintenance, and we want to be sure that we receive the quality of service that is expected," Gauthier said. He said he would meet with CN and CP to ensure trains are properly maintained.

    Yesterday, CP spokesperson Michel Spénard said, "AMT managers and inspectors (already) regularly visit our facilities to ensure maintenance, and repair work is completed according to their instructions."

    CP, he added, is "disappointed the AMT has chosen to link the mechanical failures of last week with the work completed by (CP's) trained and experienced shop workers."

    "Unfortunately, the commuter equipment that is used on CP's lines - now five different types of coaches and four types of locomotives - is aging and are not easily compatible or interchangeable."

    Equipment the AMT recently leased from New Jersey Transit has added to incompatibility problems.

    On Monday, in response to the controversy, CN said it will work with the AMT to resolve possible problems. But like CP, it noted "rail and equipment maintenance are only part of the challenges facing the AMT."

    Last week, the AMT added 76 departures to its service to ease overcrowding but the move was overshadowed by delays and cancellations that angered passengers already frustrated by poor service and packed trains.

    Most of last week's problems were on two lines that operate on CP tracks - Dorion/Rigaud and Blainville/St. Jérôme.

    AMT spokesperson Marie Gendron said the AMT, which carries 67,000 passengers every weekday on five lines, admits the debacle was partly due to aging trains and cold weather.

    "It's not exclusively linked to" CP, she said.

    But some problems were CP's fault, she said, including a switching error that left a train on a wrong track at rush hour one day; it took an hour to correct the mistake, causing delayed trains and a cancellation.

    And maintenance problems caused other delays and cancellations, Gendron said, adding that by 2011, the AMT will have its own maintenance facility and do its own maintenance.

    By year-end, the AMT expects to start receiving the first of 160 new double-decker cars and 20 new locomotives. The provincial Liberal government has also said it will invest $200 million in the AMT system over the next four years.

    The AMT's problems continued yesterday.

    At least one evening Dorion/Rigaud train was cancelled after its locomotive broke down a few minutes after it left Lucien L'Allier station. Passengers were transferred to the next train, which was already packed.

    ariga@thegazette.canwest.com

    © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

     

     

    AMT looks to buy train line from CN Deal might include Doney Spur. Move would improve shoddy service now being offered By MAX HARROLD, The Gazette January 22, 2009 Teamsters Canada Rail Conference CTY CP EAST

    AMT's shopping list Upgrading proposals for suburban trains will be welcomed by passengers By HENRY AUBIN, The Gazette January 22, 2009

    Commuting by train is a crap shoot these days

    Trains should be sent back to ease congestion

    AMT offers excuses for latest breakdowns. by Andrea Richer Hudson Gazette/Jan. 21, 2009

    Making a fuss sometimes works Editorial, The Chronicle Article online since January 20th 2009.

    Two more train cars for Deux-Montagnes line. The Chronicle by Raffy Boudjikanian Article online since January 20th 2009

    Train blues arrive on time 'What a joke,' delayed commuter says; Problems persist despite AMT's apologies; agency says it's considering offering refunds By ANDY RIGA, The GazetteJanuary 20, 2009

    There's light at the end of the tunnel, AMT says Train authority expresses remorse commuters can expect service to improve in coming weeks, contrite agency vows By KATHERINE WILTON, The GazetteJanuary 19, 2009

    cbc daybreak podcast featuring Joel Gauthier (RealPlayer audio fiile) Monday, January 19, 2009

    Back to the car

    Frustation et mécontentement sur les trains de l’AMT Deux maires de la région prennent position Article mis en ligne le 16 janvier 2009

    Pierrefonds-Roxboro fait appel à l'AMT Article mis en ligne le 15 janvier 2009

    Minister calls AMT on the carpet Listen more to commuters, boss told. Investigation ordered into train delays

    Commuter-train riders unimpressed By Andy Riga, Montreal Gazette January 13, 2009

    'What service improvement?' Riders angry; Mechanical foul-ups create long delays on the first day of expanded service

    Nouvel horaire de l’AMT: où est l’ajout de service? Les utilisateurs de la gare Roxboro-Pierrefonds se mobilisent pour garder le train de 8h vers Montréal. Article mis en ligne le 9 janvier 2009

    Trains de banlieue: l'AMT convoite l'emprise du CN


    Trainspotters By Andy Riga, Gazette transportation reporter March 14, 2009

    City borrowing $12 million to buy more green space By MICHELLE LALONDE, The Gazette, February 28, 2009

    Dorval Circle overhaul: Traffic chaos worth it by Karen Seidman, The Gazette Thursday, February 26, 2009

    Les pertes sont irréversibles L'Étoile, par Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, le 17 février 2009

    CSL, Mo West mayors urge Agglomeration to buy Meadowbrook The Chronicle, by Martin C. Barry February 12nd 2009 The Monitor

    Pierrefonds farm land set for sale The Chronicle, by Raffy Boudjikanian February 11nd 2009

    La MRC indique ses besoins urgents d’infrastructures routières L'Étoile, par Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, le 30 janvier 2009

    Corporate Knights Magazine announces Canada’s most sustainable cities Toronto, Canada, January 29, 2009

    Quebec boosts protected land in urban areas CBC News, Friday, January 23, 2009

    Le CP doit étudier son impact aux Cèdres L'Étoile, par Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski, le 20 janvier 2009

    Québec finance la conservation volontaire Radio-Canada, jeudi 22 jan, 17 h 11

    Pierrefonds Blvd. to be extended westward The Gazette, Thursday, January 15, 2009

    We're not out of the woods yet - A section of forest in Ste. Anne de Bellevue has been saved from development - no easy feat. Here are some tips from the experts about saving an urban forest near you. The Gazette, Michelle Lalonde January 12, 2009



    2008

     

    Montreal moves to protect 8-hectare section of Ste. Anne woods - Delevoper will be paid $5.2 million. Michelle Lalonde The Gazette West Island Plus Saturday, January 3, 2009


    Un beau cadeau à tous - Agrandissement de l’écoterritoire de la rivière à l’Orme Première Édition, par Elizabeth Caron le 2 janvier 2008


    Un cadeau pour les écolos - Les environnementalistes se réjouissent de l’achat d’un boisé par la Ville de Montréal. par Marie-Claude Simard Cités Nouvelles le 18 décembre 2008


    En bref - Un peu plus vert -La Presse canadienne Édition du mercredi 17 décembre 2008


    MRCs new tree policy incites public action - by Mathew Brett, Hudson Gazette Nov. 19, 2008


    MRC's new tree policy far from panacea - by Mathew Brett, Hudson Gazette Nov. 19, 2008


    CSL insufficiently impacted to join airport night flight protest, says Housefather - by Martin C. Barry The Monitor - Article online since November 19th 2008


    Montreal expands Ecoterritory - The Chronicle: by Marc Lalonde September 19th 2008


    Huge nature park expansion planned - JASON MAGDER, KATHERINE WILTON of The Gazette contributed to this report, The Gazette September 18th 2008


    l'Anse à l'Orme to be expanded - Next step is securing swath of Angell Woods


    Federal candidates wade into CP complex debate - Hudson / St. Lazare Gazette; also serving Vaudreuil - Dorion / Pincourt


    Remblayage de milieux humides - Moratoire réclamé sur l'émission de permis


    Québec autorise tous les travaux dans les milieux humides


    Des reins pour la planète


    Development - 81 Wetland preservation - 0


    Time to protect the 'green lace doily' of Montreal, environmentalists say - Coalition is pressing Quebec to create a provincial park joining endangered lands. Sunday, September 7, 2008 MICHELLE LALONDE, The Gazette


    CP intermodal site waterway usage questioned. - Wednesday, September 03, 2008. by Matthew Brett

  • Demande de modification au schéma d'aménagement de la MRC de Vaudreuil - Soulanges
  • La MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges
  • Map: The Location of Rivers and Streams within the proposed CP Complexe Intermodal Les Cèdres
  • La Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec Numéro du dossier # 356808


    Greenspace audit identifies 63 natural sites. - Wednesday, September 03, 2008. by Matthew Brett


    CBC Radio 1 Montreal. - September 1, 2008 broadcast - Sabrina Marandola interviews Avrom Shtern about the dumping of waste at the St. Jacques Escarpment. (Windows audio media).


    Dumping on escarpment is slippery slope. - The Falaise St. Jacques, a lush linear greenspace ranging along the southern border of Côte des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce, is in danger of reverting to its former state as a hillside dump because of abuses some businesses are alleged to be committing, according to local conservation activists. by Martin C. Barry


    Citizen involvement thrives in the West End August 19th 2008


    Studies unnecessary for building under power lines, says CSL mayor August 19th 2008


    Les espaces verts au premier plan le jeudi 14 août 2008


    Greens: Faulty installation disrupts ecosystem. - Town of St. Lazare has asked for a survey of work on culverts under Chemin St. Louis as a result of complaints. by Matthew Brett


    Airport branded green by international real estate association - In a move that has long-time critics scratching their heads at just how green the airport can truly be, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the federally appointed authority which runs Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International in Dorval, was recently awarded a certificate marking the environmental friendliness of its terminal building. The Chronicle, July 25th 2008, by Raffy Boudjikanian


    Recycling fervour outpaces facilities public hearing told - 'We're victims of our own success'. By MAX HARROLD, The Gazette Published: Friday, June 13, 2008


    Montreal vague on bridge toll plans - The toll proposal recently floated by the city of Montreal received a cold reception from off-island mayors, and its' effects on the region remain uncertain. July 9, 2008 VAUDREUIL-DORION


    Protect Montreal region greenbelt: MoWest - Montreal West was the first Quebec municipality last Tuesday to declare its support for the creation and protection of the Montreal Archipelago Ecological Park, a greenbelt for southwestern Quebec and "mosaic of forests and floodplains" stretching from Sorel to Mirabel to the U.S. border. By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban 2008-06-04


    No Golf Crisis in Dorval, city says - The Chronicle, July 3rd 2008 by Raffy Boudjikanian http://www.westislandchronicle.com/article-228019-No-Golf-Crisis-in-Dorval-city-says.html


    Tremblay's environmental record gets mixed reviews - The real test will come in the mayor's plan to reduce the number of cars on the road HENRY AUBIN, The Gazette Published: Saturday, May 31 2008

    NOTE: The Website for the Mayor's Conference - Local Action on Biodiversity is http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=6802 whence the attachment below and more. Under Urban Biodiversity and City Cases (briefcase)you can "Download a series of local case on biodiversity" profiling other cities as well as Montreal.

    David Fletcher
    Vice President and Spokesperson
    Green Coalition


    Les milieux humides menaces de disparition. - Des écologistes des trois rives métropolitaines ont réclamé hier du gouvernement Charest un «moratoire législatif complet et immédiat» sur le remblayage des milieux humides dans la grande région de Montréal où le saccage des derniers bastions de la biodiversité atteint le «niveau d'une catastrophe écologique» qu'il faut contrôler d'urgence. LOUIS-GILLES FRANCOEUR , le Devoir Édition du vendredi 30 mai 2008


    Night flight plan over Lachine could be dropped - Problems with new path. A decision will be made during a meeting next month JASON MAGDER, The Gazette Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008


    Le parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno gagnera plus de 220 hectares - La superficie du parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno augmentera sous peu de 35%. Il ne reste qu'une formalité pour régler ce dossier vieux de 15 ans Nathalie Côté Le Journal de Saint-Bruno - Édition du 28 mai 2008


    T.M.R. joins no-fly fight - Pressure mounts on Trudeau airport CHERYL CORNACCHIA, The Gazette Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008


    Not out of the woods yet - Montreal wants to preserve a mature forest, but Ste. Anne de Bellevue argues tax revenue doesn't grow on trees MICHELLE LALONDE, The Gazette, May 25, 2008


    Solution of l'Anse- al'Orme woods in the works: mayor - Will polar bears wander l'Anse-à-l'Orme? West Island Gazette, May 22, 2008, P.F7


    Close call above Trudeau airport - Air Transat Flight 996, an Airbus 310 taking off for Edmonton from Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Dorval,... The Gazette Published: Thursday, May 22 © The Gazette 2008


    Airport protesters snubbed - MONTREAL - Carrying placards saying "stop the massacre of Lachine," a group of citizens concerned about night flights from Trudeau airport were snubbed by both federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and airport CEO James Cherry Thursday night. Jason Magder, The Gazette Published: Thursday, May 22 2008


    Why wait to start composting - Concern about global warming is making people increasingly think about ways to reduce their environmental footprint on the planet. By Irene Chwalkowski, The Suburban 2008-05-21


    Le député Camil Bouchard annonce la création des Distinctions en environnement du député de Vachon - Le député et porte-parole en environnement, Camil Bouchard, annonçait vendredi dernier la création de bourses de reconnaissance pour l’engagement environnemental d’écoles primaires et secondaires de l’arrondissement de Saint-Hubert. www.pointsud.ca 16-05-2008


    Les Partenaires du Parc Écologique de l'Archipel de Montréal en demandent plus au gouvernement - Les Partenaires du Parc Écologique de l'Archipel de Montréal (PPÉAM) félicitent les ministres du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) Line Beauchamp, et des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Claude Béchard pour la création de 23 nouvelles aires protégées en territoire public, une annonce qui porte à 6 % l’ensemble du territoire naturel protégé uniquement dans le nord du Québec. www.pointsud.ca 16-05-2008


    Les rivières Dumoine et Rouge protégées - La Dumoine et la Rouge, deux rivières très appréciées des pagayeurs, font partie des zones ayant reçu une protection hier. Charles Côté La Presse Le jeudi 15 mai 2008


    It's time to save L'anse-à-l'Orme woodlands - Recent reports in the media indicate that yet another piece of the Rivière à l'Orme eco-territory is slated for development in Ste. Anne de Bellevue. RYAN YOUNG, Freelance Published: Thursday, May 15 2008


    L’Anse a l’Orme land contested - Conservation risks loss of future funds, Tierney says The Chronicle, May 13, 2008, BY ELYSE AMEND http://www.westislandchronicle.com/article-212291-LAnse-a-lOrme-land-contested.html


    Trudeau night flights might be rerouted - Decision in june; Airport authority would abandon new flight paths Cheryl Cornacchia The Gazette Friday, May 9, 2008


    Des citoyens en colère veulent que Mirabel reprenne du service - A la centaine de citoyens en colère présents à l'assemblée annuelle d'Aéroports de Montréal (ADM)Par Rollande Parent, LA PRESSE CANADIENNE 08 mai 2008


    Airport bosses face noisy protest - Night flights. Fed-up residents joining forces to fight air traffic CHERYL CORNACCHIA The Gazette Thursday, May 8, 2008


    Un immense quartier va surgir - Dix fois plus grand que Griffintown et encore plus coûteux à créer, un immense quartier va naître dans des zones inexploitées de Pierrefonds-Roxboro, a appris La Presse. Ce projet de 1,7 milliard est greffé à la création d'un parc de 169 hectares. Éric Clément. La Presse Le samedi 03 mai 2008


    Coalition of the greening - With Earth Day—Tuesday, April 22—quickly approaching, many of us are trying to make up for years of ecological neglect by turning off the tap while brushing our teeth...STEVE ZYLBERGOLD, The Mirror Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2008 Vol. 23 No. 43


    Ontario's greenbelt a model for the world - Toronto-area protected zone earns high marks for its vastness and for the strong government support it has. Globe and Mail by MARTIN MITTELSTAEDT Published: April 10, 2008


    Côte St. Luc 'better not fluoridate the water,' fluoride opponent tells mayor - A Côte St. Luc environmentalist has warned Mayor Anthony Housefather that he better do his homework before taking any serious steps towards having fluoride injected into Côte St. Luc's drinking water. West End Chronicle by Martin C. Barry Published: March19, 2008


    Clipping their wings - Air travel produces more greenhouse gases per passenger than any other form of travel, yet it keeps expanding HENRY AUBIN, The Gazette Published: March13, 2008


    Improvements to public transportation needed - About 17 per cent of West Islanders use public transportation to get to work. Census figures no surprise The Chronicle West End Edition, BY ELYSE AMEND March 12nd 2008


    Trees Can Cool Islands of Heat - The Citizen Scientist March 07, 2008


    Network of green spaces could save Meadowbrook, say activists - Members of les Amis de Meadowbrook, a group that is spearheading efforts to save the Meadowbrook Golf Course, want to create a network of linked green spaces in southwestern Montreal in order to help keep the site from being redeveloped. The Chronicle West End Edition, by Martin C. Barry February 27th 2008

    Many sides to Meadowbrook - A public meeting was held last Thursday regarding the potential future development of the Meadowbrook Golf Course. By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban West End News February 27, 2008

    Green Battle : the battle of a treasured piece of land in Montreal West end is heating up. - This ia a link to the Global TV website. To launch the video on this page click on the "My Favorites" link or search the site for "Green Battle". NOTE: the video is slow to display but will play smoothly thereafter. Global News on Thursday, February 21st 2008.

    Do think a new flight path over Lachine is a good idea? - A proposed new early-morning flight path from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport over Lachine has raised the ire of Lachine borough mayor Claude Dauphin, who says he will wage "the fight of his life" to stop it if it looks as if it will disturb residents. Most of the heavy commercial aircraft using the flight path would be taking off between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., but smaller planes could also use it throughout the night. What do you think about it? The Gazette Published: Thursday, February 21, 2008

    Airport looking at night flight path over west end - Aiming at Meadowbrook. Another reason not to build homes on former golf course, conservationists say By CHERYL CORNACCHIA, The Gazette Published: Thursday, February 21, 2008

    So many wonders to keep track of - Tracking animals is a dying art. It is an art and a science I have always been fascinated with. Its purpose, I suppose, arose out of humans' need to find and kill animals to eat. Increasingly, though, even the famous Bushmen in the southern Kalahari desert are using their tracking skills to work in ecotourism because they are no longer hunting and gathering. By RYAN YOUNG, Freelance. Published: Thursday, February 07 The Gazette West Island section

    ADM: 'It's not our role to preserve city's greenspace' - The Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) is still at war with environmental activists over the development of Golf Dorval’s land for airport use. By Kristin Morency, The Suburban February 6, 2008

    $150,000 Grant for Bordelais Bog: Rare Fern and Frogs Saved - The Bordelais bog in Saddlebrook will be spared from the bulldozer and made into St. Lazare's first nature park thanks to a $150,000 grant from la Fondation Hydro-Quebec pour l’environnement. L'Étoile, par Irene Chwalkowski le 5 février 2008

    JUST THE TICKET CITY HALL TO ROLL OUT 3 PROJECTS - MAYOR’S PRIORITIES Extension of métro’s Blue Line, rapid bus route on Pie IX Blvd., downtown-airport link LINDA GYULAI GAZETTE CIVIC AFFAIRS REPORTER January 18 2008

    No migratory birds on Golf Dorval, government says - West Island Gazette by ANNA BRATULIC, Freelance : January 10, 2008


    Letters to the Editor / Tribune libre

    Published

    Letter To The Editor Re: At last, good news that's green. The Gazette June 19, 2009 - David Fletcher
    Letter To The Editor Re: Selling VIA would be a mistake. The Gazette June 15, 2009 - A. Shtern
    Letter To The Editor RE: Recommendation for eco-territory or regional park/Agglo Natural Spaces Program. The Monitor, May 28, 2009 - A. Shtern
    Letter To The Editor Re: Wrong priority. The Gazette May 19, 2009 - A. Shtern
    Letter To The Editor Re: City isn't that green. The Gazette April 27, 2009 - David Fletcher
    Letter To The Editor Re: Bring on the trolleys. The Gazette March 24, 2009 - A. Shtern
    Letter To The Editor Re: CPR Intermodal Terminal February 26, 2009 - A. Shtern
    Letter To The Rutland Herald Regarding Loss Of Rail Service - A. Shtern & Paul-Andre Larose.
    LttE Trains should be sent back to ease congestion January 22, 2009 - Letter to the editor Re: Trains should be sent back to ease congestion
    LttE No due diligence - Letter to the Editor Re: "New train cars are safe despite closed doors: MTA" (Gazette, January 8, 2009).
  • LttE Burlington Free Press Editorial: Amtrak not exempt from threat of budget ax
    LttE Passenger train routes may be cut - Letter to the Editor of the Burlington Free Press Re: "Passenger train routes may be cut" By Dan McLean, Free Press Staff Writer December 5, 2008. The proposed Amtrak cuts do not make sense in an environment when the service is becoming more and more popular. A Shtern Montreal, QC. Read other's reactions to this story.
  • The Quebec Railways Historical Research Institute
  • Boston to Montreal High-Speed Rail Planning and Feasibility Study: Phase 1
  • A map of the proposed HSR service between Mtl & Bos. (Pg.2).
  • Amtrak - Vermonter Route Map
  • Amtrak - Ethan Allen Express Route Map
  • Review from Railroad History Review, August 2005; Tracks Lost in the West By: Frederic H. Abendschein
  • Books and reports to foster understanding of urban planning, transportation and the economics of cities. (DePaul University)
  • When the Railroad Leaves Town Volume I: "American Communities in the Age of Rail Line Abandonment: Eastern United States"
  • Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development
  • America's long history of subsidizing transportation
  • Similar "rationalization" of Canadian railway line figures... Although not as severe until the late 1990s: Please see page 3; Running the System
  • Trainriders NorthEast
  • Comments on the Railway Safety Act Review Act: Conservation of rail rights-of-way, and proximity guidelines

    Opinion: Be careful what you wish for - The Gazette Published Friday, December 12 2008.
    LttE AMT Seeks Investors For Dedicated Rail Line - Letter to the Editor Re: "AMT Seeks Investors For Dedicated Rail Line" Hudson-St. Lazare Gazette Oct. 29, 2008.
    LttE More trains are the solution - Letter to the Editor: Re: "$155 million for transit is money well spent" (Editorial Oct. 22, 2008) (The Gazette Published: October 25, 2008).
    LttE Dion should back new railways - Letter to the Editor: Re: "Dion allocates $900 million for fuel-saving incentives" (Gazette, Sept. 4).
    LttE Using Doney Spur could solve transit problem; - Letter to the Editor: As has been reported in the media, Quebec intends to implement an emergency transit plan because of the high cost of petrol. Published Letter A Shtern The Gazette, 17 Jul 2008.
    LttE New bus link to downtown, Old Port; - Letter to the Editor RE: New bus link to downtown, Old Port; To blaze path for tramway sources say, Linda Gyulai, The Gazette, Wed., June 4, 2008, Pp.A1, A6.
    LttE What's wrong with being an apostle? - Letter to the Editor RE: "Solution of l'Anse-à-l'Orme woods in the works: mayor" (Letter, West Island Gazette, May 22). Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008
    LttE RE Cars are more risky - Letter to the Editor RE: Cars are more risky. Published Saturday, May 24 2008
    LttE RE Solution of lAnse a lOrme woods in the works mayor - RE: "All rational argument is drowned in emotion. It's believers versus unbelievers..." Solution of l'Anse- al'Orme woods in the works: mayor, by Bill Tierney, Mayor of Ste. Anne de Bellevue, West Island Gazette, Thursday, May 22, 2008.
    LttE ADM construction at Golf Dorval must stop - Letter to the Editor RE: ADM construction at Golf Dorval must stop. West Island Gazette May 01, 2008
    LttE Re: Night flight buzz reaches Ottawa - Letter to the Editor RE: "Night flight buzz reaches Ottawa". The Gazette Sunday, April 13, 2008
    LttE Re: New Canadian Pacific Railway IMS Terminal Issues - Letter to the Editor RE: "New Canadian Pacific Railway IMS Terminal Issues: New CPR yard should be built in Mirabel" The West Island Gazette - April 10, 2008
    LttE Re: Keep railways viable - Letter to the Editor RE: "Keep railways viable" The Suburban 2008-03-19.
    LttE Re: No one has a problem with plan for light rail line - Letter to the Editor RE: "No one has a problem with plan for light rail line", The Gazette, West Island, March 13, 2008.
    LttE Re: Improvements to public transportation needed - Letter to the Editor RE: "Improvements to public transportation needed." BY ELYSE AMEND, The West Island Chronicle, March 12, 2008.

    LttE Re: The Conservation of Meadowbrook - Letter to the Editor Re: Many sides to Meadowbrook By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban, 2008-02-27. See partial inventory file as compiled by Marie-Anne Hudson of Macdonald College, 2006
    LttE Re: Golf course needs protection - Letter to the Editor Re: "Airport must justify night flights" (Editorial, Feb. 26). The Gazette Published: Friday, February 29, 2008
    LttE Re: Airport must justify flights - Letter to the Editor Re: "Editorial: Airport must justify flights; Flight changes that could have a major effect on residents' health and property values should get a full public airing.", The Gazette, Tues., Feb. 26, 2008

    LttE Re: Canadian Pacific Railway Inland Port - Letter to the Editor Re: "Highway 30 Spinoffs: Coming Full Circle -- To An Inland Port; Coteau Du Lac -- Five Centuries After European Explorers first came searching for a Northwest Passage to China, a reverse sort of passage through Canada from China is taking shape.", and "Sheer scale of projects means more noise, traffic.", David Johnston, The Gazette, Saturday, February 16, 2008.

    LttE Re: ADM in denial - Letter to the Editor Re: Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) is in denial (re: ADM: ‘It’s not our role to preserve city’s greenspace’ (West Island edition, Feb. 6). The Suburban.

    LttE Re: Privatization: Competition in transit system would save money; - Letter to the Editor Re: "Privatization: Competition in transit system would save money; Other cities have found PPPs improve service and lower costs." Wendell Cox, The Gazette, Mon., Feb. 4, 2008.

    Unpublished


    Letter To The Editor Hudson Saint Lazare Gazette - RE: The Irony Of The Suroît February 12, 2009. - Rethinking cities: Moving the farm indoors
    LttE RE Those 10 missing trains? Blame CP's freight traffic - Letter to the Editor Re: Those 10 missing trains? Blame CP's freight traffic. "MTA Had Promised 20 Extra Runs; West Island commuter service limited", The Gazette, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, P.A2.
    LttE RE New train line for Mascouche - Letter to the Editor Re: New train line for Mascouche is wrong track to take; The line would drain people from Montreal and contribute to urban sprawl
    To the Ministère des Transports Québec Re : la Falaise St- Jacques & Turcot Complex / Public Comments and Concerns Regarding Design Process. September 5, 2008.
  • - Commentaires transmis et intérêt porté a projet/Turcot/MTQ le 23 septembre 2008.
  • - Request for Clarification September 27, 2008.
  • - LttE Henry Aubin RE Quebec transport planners hold on to their love of cars. November 25, 2008.
  • - (NECN: Greg Wayland, Boston, Mass.) - Boston area drivers may soon be paying higher tolls. Today, Governor Deval Patrick made his case for a toll hike in a Boston Globe op-ed.
  • - Probing Boston's Big Dig Disaster
  • - Big Dig's red ink engulfs state. Cost spirals to $22b; crushing debt sidetracks other work, pushes agency toward insolvency.
  • - Letter to the Bergen Record; New rail tunnel: region's 'Big Dig'? December 6, 2008.
  • - LttE RE: A St. Henri Coalition wants Quebec to look again at its $1.5-billion plan to rebuild the highway interchange.
  • -

    To the attention Of the Environment Critic of the Official Opposition David McGuinty, MP - Green Shift Break For Truckers reply.
    LttE RE Countering heat islands - Letter to the Editor Re:Countering heat islands
    LttE Re: Close more farms - Letter to the Editor Re: William Watson wants to eliminate public funding of Canadian agriculture. Financial Post, 1/17/2008.