Dollard-des-Ormeaux

DDO restaurant destroyed by suspected arson

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A restaurant on Sunnybrooke Boulevard in Dollard-des-Ormeaux was struck by fire early Friday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Montreal Police (SPVM) arrived at the scene located near Kingsley Street while Montreal firefighters were combating the flames.

A perimeter was established as firefighters worked to control the blaze, which caused significant damage to the structure.

The incident occurred during non-operational hours. No injuries were reported.

According to early information obtained by authorities, at least one suspect was observed fleeing the location following the fire’s outbreak, prompting the transfer of the investigation to the SPVM’s arson section.

Technical investigators conducted evidence collection throughout the day to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the suspicious fire. Surveillance footage will be reviewed and any potential witnesses will be met.

No arrests have been made as of press time.

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Three suspicious car fires in DDO

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a tranquil neighbourhood of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO), a series of vehicle fires has sparked concern and prompted an investigation by Montreal police (SPVM).

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, when a vehicle parked on Louis-Riel Street was engulfed in flames. This marks the third vehicle fire on the same street in just two days, leading to heightened scrutiny from law enforcement, with high suspicions of arson.

Residents were awakened by the sounds of the blaze around 3:50 a.m., with the SPVM summoned to the scene minutes later. Officers discovered a vehicle completely destroyed by fire, and the initial reports stemming from the early stages of the investigation suggests suspicious circumstances, according to SPVM spokesperson Veronique Dubuc.

This unsettling pattern began the previous evening, when two other vehicles were allegedly similarly set ablaze on the same street around 8 p.m.

In response to these incidents, the SPVM has ramped up their presence in the area, deploying additional patrols to maintain public safety and gather information. The SPVM’s arson unit has taken charge of the investigation, examining the scene for evidence to determine the cause of these fires.

The local DDO community finds itself on edge, with residents eager for answers. As authorities continue their investigation, locals remain vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to these mysterious and troubling incidents.

Kirkland residents living on the same street have recently experienced a similar scare, with multiple arson attacks occurring at three residences on the same street. 

West Island residents, commenting to The Suburban, have raised various concerns about the rise in crime in different neighbourhoods which have previously been considered generally “safe” in comparison with other sectors in the Greater Montreal Area (GMA). 

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Cinema Des Sources in DDO to close

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The closure of Cinema Des Sources in Dollard-des-Ormeaux marks a significant moment for Cinemas Guzzo, Quebec’s largest chain of independent movie theatres. Vincenzo Guzzo, the entrepreneur behind the chain, has acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, particularly in light of recent financial pressures.

Recently, Quebec Superior Court Judge Michel Pinsonnault placed Cinemas Guzzo under interim receivership, necessitating financial transparency with Raymond Chabot, a firm specializing in financial recovery. This move is part of CIBC’s efforts to seek liquidation over an outstanding $38 million debt, with the bank expressing frustration over extended payment delays.

Guzzo, while refraining from discussing the specifics of the ruling, has assured compliance with the court’s directives, stating, “I’m doing my job. We’re getting it done.” He clarified that the decision to close Cinema Des Sources was made prior to these proceedings, citing an expiring lease as the primary reason.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the cinema industry, with prolonged closures severely affecting revenue streams. Guzzo acknowledged this impact, noting the nearly two years of restrictions that have challenged theatre operators.

Beyond his role in the cinema industry, Vincenzo Guzzo is well-known for his appearances as a “Dragon” on the Canadian reality television show Dragons’ Den, where he invests in and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. His dynamic personality and business acumen have made him a popular figure on the show.

In addition to his business ventures, Guzzo is recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable activities, including significant donations to healthcare institutions in Quebec, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Guzzo’s contributions extend to his active participation in community development, where he supports initiatives aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and services. His involvement in both business and community efforts reflects a multifaceted approach to leadership and social responsibility. n

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DDO revitalizes Civic Centre

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (D.D.O.) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly renovated Civic Centre last week. The event was attended by elected officials including D.D.O. Mayor Alex Bottausci, D.D.O. City Councillors Laurence Parent, Errol Johnson, Mickey Gutman, Tanya Toledano, Morris Vesely, Valerie Assouline, Ryan Brownstein and Anastasia Assimakopoulos along with representatives of various local organizations.

“The Civic Centre, the heart of the community life of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, has always been a privileged place to meet, exchange and enjoy activities for residents of all ages. With modernized facilities and redesigned spaces, it now meets even better the daily needs of our community, offering a warm and versatile atmosphere,” the city stated.

The revitalization of the centre includes new teleworking spaces, convivial relaxation areas, redesigned activity rooms and improved access for people with reduced mobility.

“With these renovations, the vision was to create a welcoming and functional space, where every resident, whether they are here for an activity or not, can feel at home,” Bottausci said. “The Civic Centre embodies the spirit of Dollard-des-Ormeaux as an inclusive and dynamic city. We are delighted to invite you to come and discover or rediscover this reinvented space.”

The Civic Centre stands as a local hub that plays an essential role in promoting sports, cultural and social activities. These renovations will ensure the efficiency of the Civic Centre as it continues to play a central role in community life as it offers modern and accessible infrastructures for current and future generations. n

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DDO teacher gets two year prison term for sexual abuse

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Robert Charpentier was sentenced last Thursday to a two-year prison term for sexually abusing two students in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

The 77-year old former West Island teacher at Emmanuel Christian School in Dollard-des-Ormeaux was convicted in December 2022. The victims were so traumatized by the events that it took them nearly three decades to draw up the courage to come forward.

The victims expressed themselves during their victim impact statement explaining how the abuse had affected them throughout their lives, living with a sense of shame and betrayal. One of the victims stated that the trauma led him to drug and alcohol abuse.

Quebec Court Justice Guylaine Rivest stated in the sentencing the importance of an incarceration period for the crime despite that the accused was a first-time offender. The defence was seeking a lighter sentence of time to be served in the community, while the Crown was seeking a 24 to 30-month prison term.

“The need for denunciation and deterrence is so urgent that those objectives can be achieved only by incarceration. This prioritization must be even more rigorously applied when the offences were committed over an extended period and in a context of trust or authority,” the Judge wrote.

Following his prison sentence, Charpentier will be placed on probation for three years. He must provide a sample of his DNA and will be logged on the registry of sex offenders for a period of 10 years. n

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West Island coach found guilty of sexual assault

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Robert Litvack was found guilty of sexual assault and sexual interference on a 13-year-old late last week.

The 44-year-old Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) man who coached various sports teams throughout the West Island was handed the guilty verdict by Justice Josée Bélanger of the Quebec Court.

As a direct result of his trusted position, Litvack managed to attack the young aspiring athlete who faced his aggressor in court, sharing his testimony last July alongside his parents.

At the time that the assaults occurred, Litvack was giving personal baseball training lessons to the teen in preparation for the next season. As part of the training session “preparations” Litvack massaged the teen’s legs, then told him to lower his underwear at which point he proceeded to massage his exposed buttocks for an average of 15 seconds during each session.

Litvack also invited the teen to participate in a disturbing version of a driving lesson, first allowing him to steer his car, then asking him to sit on his lap. During some car rides, Litvack tickled the teen on his inner thigh and repeated the same unwanted tickling while the teen was cornered in a baseball batting cage.

The privacy of the training sessions was further enhanced by the Covid-19 regulations coupled with the colder weather which stipulated that the teen could not be accompanied by his parents while participating in a private indoor training session.

According to the teen’s testimony, the unwanted gestures made him feel uncomfortable to the level where he was apprehensive each time he crossed paths with Litvack. “It’s not that I dreaded the practices, but when they were about to start, I was counting down the minutes,” he told the court last summer.

The ongoing sexual assaults ended after the youngster found the strength to talk about it to his mother, who in turn discussed the issue with his father. Together, the family decided to file a police report.

The AA bantam baseball coach was arrested in DDO in May 2021. The case caused a stir in the West Island due to Litvack’s involvement as an administrator in the Lac-Saint-Louis baseball organization. He was also a hockey coach. n

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DDO seniors club celebrates 25th Anniversary

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) Seniors Club marked its 25th anniversary with a Gala that was held at the banquet hall located in the DDO Civic Centre last week.

The celebratory event was attended by more than 160 members and volunteers. Elected officials in attendance were DDO Mayor Alex Bottausci, MNA for Robert Baldwin Brigitte Garceau along with DDO City Councillors Errol Johnson, Mickey Guttman, Tanya Toledano, Morris Vesely and Anastasia Assimakopoulos.

Founded in 1999, the DDO Seniors Club has been a cornerstone for seniors in the community, offering a welcoming space for social connection, personal growth, and well-being. Over the past 25 years, the club has grown to serve more than 800 members annually, providing a wide range of physical and social activities, and opportunities for seniors to stay engaged and connected.

During the event, special recognition was given to the club’s founding president, Joyce Sweeney, for her visionary leadership, and the current president, Francine Lamotte, highlighted the dedication of the board, volunteers, and members who continue to sustain the club’s success. “I want to pay tribute to all those who have passed through the club, who have evolved with it and who have enabled its sustainability and achievements over all these years. I am talking here about each of you, the members, all the volunteers, the boards of directors and employees as well as our partners, the main one of which is the city of Dollard-des-Ormeaux,” Lamotte stated.

As the club enters its next chapter, it remains committed to its mission of providing a space for seniors to thrive, build friendships, and stay active. With the ongoing support of the City of DDO and valued sponsors, the DDO Seniors Club looks forward to many more years of making a positive difference in the lives of its members. n

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A rainbow of joy at West Island Blues Fest

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The West Island Blues Festival took place in Dollard-des-Ormeaux last Saturday with its first free outdoor event for 2024. Tone 11 kicked off the festivities while the BBQ’s were fired up at 3 p.m. Attendees “trickled in”, the term WIBF co-founder DDO Councillor Errol Johnson used to describe the first hours of the event to The Suburban. “I just love this part, watching everyone come in as we greet them at the entrance.” With a smile on throughout the entire day, side by side with WIBF co-founder Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis, each attendee was given a warm welcome. “We are excited to be back here again this year where it all started,” Beis told The Suburban. DDO park was the first location at the launch of the WIBF 21 years ago. “When we started, we did not even have a stage, but we had fun and it just keeps getting better and better,” Johnson explained.

Local talent, Rachel Dara performed several songs in between band set-ups. Fans were drawn in by her guitar and vocal solo performance. Later in the afternoon, Salah & Family Steel Pan Band rocked the dance floor while the smell of jerk chicken and Caribbean spices breezed through the park. “This is a family affair. My father figured, ‘how do you keep six kids busy?’, so we started a band,” Rachel Wilson, the eldest sibling and member of the band told The Suburban. In total, twenty-two family members belonging to four generations have joined the band intermittently over the years.

Inus Aso Raggae Band kept the party going strong with upbeat, downbeat and side-beat tunes through the suppertime hours. A rainbow came across the sky for the last thirty minutes of their performance creating a picturesque scene that generated a sense of awe for attendees.The Mike Goudreau Band took over the early evening performance slot at sundown followed by Jack De Keyzer.

The 2024 beneficiary representatives came on stage and included Denise Hupé for ABOVAS, Jacquie McGowan for the West Island Woman’s shelter, Joan Lee for the West Island Community Black Association, Leslie Carr for Literacy Unlimited and Christian Dubé for Centre Bienvenue. “It is such a privilege to be counted for the first time this year as one for the beneficiaries for this awesome festival,” Hupé told The Suburban. n

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DDO parish celebrates 60 years

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

St-Luke’s Parish celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Mass held at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux arena last week. Some 900 parishioners attended the event along with 300 live-stream viewers. Dollard-des-Ormeaux Mayor Alex Bottausci and the MNA for Robert-Baldwin Brigitte Garceau were in attendance.

The Mass led by St-Luke’s own Father Bertrand Montpetit was presented with an opening statement from parishioner and volunteer at St-Luke’ Luc Milette. Bishop Bob Harris, Episcopal Vicar Father Jean-Marie Billwala and Abbot Gilles Surprenant were honoured with special mentions for their contributions and support to the parish.

Deacon Tony Rettino’s team of alter servers assisted the clergy in the Mass set-up and ceremony. The lead choir headed by Vladimir Popean enchanted attendees with traditional songs of worship. The youth choir directed by Anna Graham sang upbeat songs, delighting attendees with their youthful voices.

Following the Mass, parishioners and attendees “broke bread” together, sharing meals provided by multiple local businesses. Members of the St-Luke’s youth group headed by Angela Milette and Nicole German volunteered at the event, entertaining youth with various activities.

Special attention was given to seniors and persons with specific needs in finding seating and assistance in getting to and from the event.

The live-stream of the event was recorded and is available for viewing on the St-Luke’s Parish webpage. n

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DDO man arrested and faces extradition to U.S.

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A private residence in Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) was searched as part of an investigation related to drug smuggling. Montreal police (SPVM) officers assisted RCMP investigators as they executed the search at the home located in a quiet neighbourhood on Tecumseh Road, near Montevista.

Investigators were searching for evidence related to the sale and distribution of Ketamine as part of an ongoing investigation that began last February. According to RCMP spokesperson Charles Poirier, no arrests were made in connection with the search in DDO that is part of a larger investigation where a total of eight residential properties were searched. However, police officers did arrest Jonathan Massouras who is wanted in the U.S. in connection with a case where he and four other people from the West Island were indicted in California in 2020 for their alleged participation in a telemarketing scam targeting seniors in the U.S., primarily in the state of California.

Massouras was arraigned just hours after his arrest and will remain detained until his hearing on the U.S. request for his extradition. n

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Three West Islanders arrested in major drug and firearm bust

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Three West Island suspects were arrested during a drug search last Thursday that took place in three residential homes located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pointe-Claire and Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Montreal police (SPVM) seized 11 military-style weapons and 10,000 rounds of ammunition of different calibers along with large quantities of drugs during the search following a lengthy investigation targeting a drug trafficking network led by the West Narcotics Section of the SPVM. Supported by the Quebec Provincial Police (SQ) Tactical Intervention Group, officers arrested the three men aged 33, 43 and 48 while the search was underway at their residences.

The three alleged accomplices are suspected of having belonged to a network which allegedly sold large quantities of drugs every week. During the search of the three homes, police officers seized approximately 13,000 methamphetamine tablets, two kilos of cocaine, 380 grams of crack cocaine and various quantities of other narcotics.

The suspects are facing numerous charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offences.

Two of the accused will remain incarcerated until the next stage of legal proceedings. The third alleged trafficker was released after agreeing to comply with strict conditions.

The SPVM stated that investigation files involving firearms are always treated as a priority, with each seizure potentially preventing numerous violent crimes. n

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Bottausci furious after “bogus” invite to CMM

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Dollard-des-Ormeaux mayor Alex Bottausci is fighting tirelessly through what he calls “disjointed” planning by the Montreal Agglomeration and the Communauté Metropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) to push forward the interests of his residents. The CMM, headed by Montreal mayor Valérie Plante, met last spring to put together its urban planning proposal for the Greater Montreal Area, including demerged cities.

Following its revisions of the CMM’s proposal, next to its own plans created and revised through public consultations with its own residents, DDO has not only rejected the majority of the proposals but has presented their own plans to the Plante administration. “After the last Agglo meeting (last March), I positioned a request for the Jacques Bizard corridor. I directly asked for a sit down meeting with Sophie Mauzerolle, responsible for infrastructure to discuss which was publicly acknowledged and agreed to. I fired off an e-mail the next day to request a lock-down on a date. We have yet to get a response,” Bottausci told The Suburban.

Meanwhile, the CMM invited the demerged cities to the table last Monday, April 29, to review the PMAD (Plan métropolitain d’aménagement et de dévelopment) plans. “As far as DDO was concerned, there was nothing in the PMAD for transport, nothing for Sources, St-Jean and Saint-Charles in terms of transit oriented designations,” Bottausci said to The Suburban. Without the designation, the only three existing North-South arteries are not considered in the plans as public transport roads. “So no more buses,” Bottausci highlighted.

When asked about the CMM’s revision on DDO’s density proposals derived from public consultations, Bottausci replied that the consideration given went “in one ear and out the other.” The Jacques-Bizard corridor that “mysteriously disappeared”, as Bottausci puts it, from the plans last year was not included in last week’s revision meeting at the CMM either.

Bottausci requested explanations as to why his city’s proposals have not been considered, to which CMM representatives responded “We are in revision now.” According to Bottausci, the idea that the revision was happening before their eyes and that the demerged cities were made part of it at that table is an illusion, as revisions were clearly already made before he sat at the table. “They did revise and changed things around but none of that includes the plans we made derived from our findings at public consultations,” Bottausci explained.

Bottausci summoned the head of urban planning, Sylvain Boulliane, to send out a letter to make DDO’s requests known. “Our answer is ‘N…O…’ NO, we want what our residents want. We govern our own affairs and we know what our population needs. I don’t need them to make demands, especially while offering no support. Asking for densification in the wrong places, meanwhile offering no transportation plans? It is mind boggling. They want their cake and to eat it too. It does not make any sense and we are not having it,” Bottausci said to The Suburban.

When asked what the next Agglo meeting will look like given the “disconnect” between DDO’s plans and the PMAD, Bottausci said he would not comment save for the following — “We will align at the next Agglo in accordance with the response from CMM and the meeting with Sophie Mauzerolle. We are looking for answers and hopefully we get them before the next Agglo meet- that will determine how we engage there. If they don’t want to consider what we are asking, why should we consider what they are offering?” n

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Ex-DDO coach accused of sexual abuse will stand trial

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Robert Litvack, a former sports coach from Dollard-des-Ormeaux, accused of sexually assaulting a minor in 2021, tried to have the case thrown out based on the argument that he waited too long for the case proceedings to reach a trial. On Thursday, Quebec Court judge Jean-Jacques Gagné rejected the 43-year old’s request citing the Supreme Court of Canada’s established standard acceptable delay in provincial court cases set at 30 months. Litvack was less than two weeks short of the arguments made by his lawyer Claudel Trudeau-Nepton. The trial is set to begin in July.

Trudeau-Nepton argued that the delays put this case close to eight months over the established limit, however Justice Gagné eliminated certain periods from the calculation as it was not attributed to the Crown or institutional delays.

Shortly after Litvack was charged with touching a child under 16 for sexual purposes and sexual assault of a minor, Montreal police issued a press release in hopes of enabling other potential victims to come forward. Via his attorney, Litvack requested that the Crown turn over any related evidence that would justify the release. Significant delays took place as a result as the Crown prepared to move forward. Justice Gagné decided that since the delay was caused by the defence, the time period would be withdrawn from the calculation of overall delays related to Litvack’s request for dismissal. n

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“This is our DDO!” Bottausci says at urban consult

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The city of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) is inviting residents to the civic centre on April 4 and 6 for another round of public consultations on its development plans. Following two workshops with residents in the fall as well as two information sessions hosted by DDO’s urban planning department, a draft plan has been reviewed and presented to the public via the city’s website.

With the recommendation of the monitoring committee, made up of seven residents and three city officials, a booth will be set up at the entrance of city hall on a busy weekday and weekend day where residents can meet with the city’s urban planning staff to review and discuss the plans. “We are setting up at the entrance in order to be as visible as possible. Transparency is the key to this process as we rely heavily on the input of residents. We placed invites at every residence in DDO and announced the dates on our billboards,” Kerri-Lynn Strotmann, section chief — urban planning and territorial management, told The Suburban.

DDO urban planning director Sylvain Boulianne told The Suburban that this process is essential to the city preparing its propositions to the Agglo to avoid it sweeping its brush blindly across the West Island canvas. “It is our best shot at having the residents’ voices heard and maintaining their interests. We review the recommendations of residents and we determine the feasibility as part of an overall plan. This is what we want to show them and hear their feedback before finalizing the plans.”

“We have had a lot of input from our residents prior to the revision (by the city’s urban planning department) and we want to share this collective vision with all of our residents and answer their questions,” administrative assistant to the director general at the city of DDO Myriam Simani told The Suburban.

“We have not done a full review since 1982. This was one of the first projects on my to-do list when I was elected in 2017 and I wanted community engagement to be at the heart of this process. This is OUR Dollard-des-Ormeaux. It does not belong to the mayor or the city councillors. Development is one of the driving points for a city and we are really looking forward to seeing our residents’ dreams and aspirations come to life,” DDO mayor Alex Bottausci told The Suburban. n

“This is our DDO!” Bottausci says at urban consult Read More »

DDO’s Bar B Barn is closed after 44 years

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By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Bar B Barn owner, Tom McQueen, announced at the beginning of March that he had decided to close the West Island’s iconic restaurant after 44 years in business in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. After a week-long non stop line up, following the announcement, McQueen was forced to close earlier than planned as the restaurant ran out of ribs.

McQueen said that as an Irishman, he chose St. Patrick’s Day as the restaurant’s last day of operation to go out with a “bang”. Reservations filled up almost every table and time slot leading to St-Patrick’s day, but with pick up orders still available for one “last supper” just a few weeks before the Easter holidays, the restaurant’s inventory was cleaned out a week early.

Not all visitors could even make their full pilgrimage down the line up’s memory lane into the Barn as sentimental clients wanting a last visit were sent home each evening because not all could be served by closing hour.

Bar B Barn was founded by Manny Barnoff in 1967. The downtown location closed in 2020 after 53 years in business due to the financial effects of COVID-19 restrictions.

The West Island location had at least five employees who have been employed at the restaurant for 20 years or more. The family friendly atmosphere was always a hit in the West Island.

The iconic yellow barn sits on an ideal commercial corner lot, owned by the McQueen family on Sources Boulevard facing the Sources mega center. McQueen told said that he is not sure what the future of the lot and Barn holds. For the time being, it will remain a memorial edifice for multi-generational passersby. n

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