"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Voltaire (1694–1778)

Is Democracy in Danger in Montreal West?

Dear Editor:


Montreal West Mayor Campbell Stuart likes to come across as an affable and approachable guy. He also writes on the Montreal West portal that,


“The buck always stops at the mayor’s desk. If you have any concerns, complains [sic] or suggestions, please do not hesitate to voice them to me directly at cstuart@montreal-west.ca. You are also warmly invited to participate in our Council meetings. The more the merrier!"

Going From Merchant to Merchant on Westminster Street

by John Symon

August 22, 2008 - I spent much of Thursday afternoon going door to door, visiting Westminster Street merchants and distributing the below letter about how the Broughton Street (BS) Barrier affects their business. Many business owners were shocked to hear that their customers in Lachine risk a $154 ticket by driving the shortest way to Westminster Street. They also understood that once we drive out to the corner of Milton and Avon/St. Jacques, we are likely to bypass Westminster and go shopping elsewhere.

Letter to Montreal West Merchants

Dear Merchants / Chers commerçants: Just a brief reminder that the next Montreal West town hall meeting will be held Tuesday, August 26 beginning at 8 PM. Do you agree with the recently-erected traffic barrier on Broughton Street where it becomes des Erables Street in Lachine? With that barrier, your town council is making it difficult for some 300 Lachine residents to shop on Westminster Street. And, with two hundred new homes currently being built at the bottom of Des Erables, a whole new market of customers will also likely bypass Westminster Street businesses and go shopping elsewhere. Mayor Campbell Stuart defended his erection of the barrier in early June by claiming to be following the recommendations of the CIMA traffic study, but that study does NOT recommend erecting a two-way barrier as has now been put in place. The CIMA study and two other independent traffic reports show Broughton and Easton have neither excessive nor dangerous traffic. And while Mr. Stuart claims to be promoting public safety, many of you may have noticed that his administration has not yet deemed repainting of crosswalks on Westminster Street to be a priority this year. If you question or disagree with or how this town is being run, let your voice be heard! Unless the populace speaks up, nothing will change. The next Town Hall meeting is on August 26 with another one on Tuesday, September 30. Writing a letter to your councilors is another, but less effective, way to be heard. Yours truly, Maureen Marovitch John Symon 154 Hillcrest Street 111 Rosewood Street maureen@picturethis.ca

FACTUAL - what the CIMA report really says!

What the CIMA study says;
Has Mayor Stuart Read the Report he so Often Cites?

Montreal West (MW) Mayor Campbell Stuart and other pro-barrier figures often cite the CIMA study on Cut-Through Traffic on Ainslie Drive and Easton Ave (2002) to justify their actions in erecting a traffic barrier where Broughton Avenue turns into des Erables Street and crosses into Lachine. This corridor has been the principal road access onto Hillcrest, Rosewood, and Mount Vernon Streets in Lachine for about 100 years.

Montreal West