Please note that the aqueduct project began with phase 1 in October 2012 and that this final phase, phase 3, is scheduled for completion at the end of August, 2013.

More on the Project:

The City of Montreal is reconstructing water mains as part of a major project to update the waterworks distribution system in the downtown core which will affect, at various times, McTavish St., Dr. Penfield Av., and Av. des Pins during approximately a one year period, with this final phase 3 beginning on April 29^th and scheduled for completion at the end of August 2013. All other underground services (sewers, gas lines, hydro, etc) will also be upgraded at the same time as the water pipes.

Please note that Phase 3 will commence on Monday, April 29th, 2013. It will be affecting Av. des Pins from the intersection at Durocher to the intersection at Av. du Docteur-Penfield until the end of August 2013. The work will begin on the south side of the street and will move to the north side of the street at a later point in time. There will be alternating closures of the intersections at Durocher, Aylmer, and University as the work at those intersections will be done separately. Information about the dates of these intersection closures and when the work will affect the westbound lane has not yet been made available to our office.

We encourage you to visit the McGill website dedicated to the project for information: http://www.mcgill.ca/mctavish-reservoir/

You may also obtain more information about the project by emailing: mctavish.reservoir@mcgill.ca

A translated map relating to phase 3 is available on our website:http://www.mcgill.ca/transport/parking/downtown/announcements

Information about the project and a map detailing phase 3 is available in French on the Ville de Montreal website:

http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=7097,99775587&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Please note the following regarding traffic disruptions:

• One lane westbound will be open on Av. des Pins; the eastbound lane will be blocked between Av. du Docteur-Penfield and Durocher. At a later date, the westbound lane will be closed and the eastbound lane will be opened. Information about the date for the westbound lane closure and reopening of the eastbound lane has not yet been made available to our office.
• Av. du Docteur-Penfield will be open for local circulation only from McTavish to Av. des Pins for McGill University, the Royal Victoria Hospital, and the STM. Vehicles will have to turn left onto Av. des Pins when they reach the top of Av. du Docteur-Penfield.
• Traffic congestion is expected. Police officers and traffic control agents will be on site to assist with security and vehicular traffic flow.
• Sidewalks on Av. des Pins will also be affected by the work at different times. Each side will be done separately so that one side will always be accessible.

McGill University is not permitted to open the gates connecting Middle Field (MNI Lot area near the arena) to the lane leading to Av. du Parc. This lane is controlled by the City of Montreal and they do not want non-emergency vehicles circulating on it.

If you require any additional information about this project that is not related to the University or parking at McGill, please direct your inquiries to Info-Travaux (City of Montreal)

Info-Travaux (City of Montreal)

Tel: (514) 872-3777 (8h30 to 16h30, Monday to Friday)

Web: http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=7097,99775587&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Web: http://www.twitter.com/Mtl_Circulation

Parking related inquiries should be directed toparking.services@mcgill.ca or by phone at (514) 398-4559.

Please note that occasionally circumstances may arise where workers mandated by the city to effectuate the work may need to alter the original plans issued by the City of Montreal. Please pay special attention to road and detour/temporary signage and city employees or contractors directing traffic. Any complaints and/or concerns about this should be directed to Info-Travaux, not the Parking & Transportation Services office.

This years Old McGill is on pre-sale now at the SSMU office and also online!

The yearbook is $15 and the physical copies should be available within two weeks. You will be able to pick it up at the SSMU office during convocation season or have it shipped to a residential address of your choice.

Be sure to keep an eye out on our Facebook and Twitter feed for further updates!

Montreal municipal bylaw P-6 was modified in May 2012 to require that all demonstrations, parades and assemblies provide an itinerary to the police ahead of time. It also contains a vague clause banning the wearing of masks or other face coverings during demonstrations, parades and assemblies “without reasonable cause”. Since mid-March, this bylaw has been used as an excuse to kettle and arrest over 800 demonstrators in 3 major protests. Some people were arrested even before the demonstration actually began.

On April 11, the SSMU Legislative Council passed a motion opposing bylaw P-6., in that its use in this manner infringes on the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression. The bylaw has also been condemned by the Association des Juristes Progressistes and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

Today at 6 pm in front of Montreal City Hall there will be a demonstration asking for its repeal. SSMU encourages its members to attend.”

Read the Motion Regarding Municipal By-Law 6 here.

Your Old McGill will be available by May 2013 – just in time for convocation!

Enjoy the memories and thank you for purchasing the Old McGill

– Your Student Society

For the second year, the Orientation Planning Group is proud to invite student groups at McGill to collaborate on programming and offerings during Orientation Week, as well to use this week to publicize their group to incoming students.

If your group is interested in hosting an event during or after Orientation Week and/or being promoted on the Orientation Week website, please go to http://www.mcgill.ca/engage/overview/orientation-special-events/collaborate for more information on the different opportunities available and how to get involved.

La période de mise en candidature pour les positions de Secrétaire général, Vice-secrétaire général (finances et administration) et Vice-secrétaire générale (communications et relations internes) est présentement en cours!

Remember the famous McTavish flood this past* winter? We have some updates about what is being done towards fixing the issue – all to prevent another case of unwanted urban icy water slide!

Image credit: news.msn.ca

The city of Montreal has commenced work towards fixing the water mains and sewer affected by it – mainly the McTavish Reservoir. Therefore, we need to inform you of the upcoming plans about these upcoming constructions, how they will affect the outside perimeter of the Shatner Building and solutions around it.

The city will be commencing Phase III of the project – specifically the installation of a temporary water surface on the avenue Des Pins, between the intersection of Dr. Penfield avenue and Durocher Street as well as towards University Street, between Prince Arthur and Des Pins.

This work will take place on weekends only, April 13-14, April 20-21 and 27-28 between 7 am and 20 pm.

Conditions Affecting Traffic Circulation

• Circulation maintained in both directions on Des Pins but localized obstacles.

• A way of entrenched on University Street. Parking prohibited in the work area.

• Remember that avenue Dr. Penfield is still barred.

• The flaggers will be on site but traffic delays are expected.

• To avoid the sector, alternative route through Parc avenue , Sherbrooke avenue and the Côte-des-Neiges Blvd.

PARKING

During construction, certain restrictions are in force on the surrounding streets. Access to homes, businesses and institutions will be maintained at all times.

DRINKING WATER

No interruption of drinking water is provided.

* The word “past” is rightfully used  as the nice weather is officially here to stay… well, we hopes so. It is Montreal after all!

SSMU’s Legislative Council has voted to endorse a “yes” vote in the motions regarding fee levies for the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Students’ Society, the Equity Fund, and McGill Student Services.

The text of the motions passed last night are as follows, and can be found along with all other motions and reports discussed at SSMU Council here:

Motion Regarding Endorsement of the SACOMSS Fee Referendum Question 

Whereas, the Sexual Assault Centre of McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS) is one of the 21 student-run services operated under the SSMU;

Whereas, students have chosen to fund SACOMSS since 1994;

Whereas, the fee is now up for renewal;

Whereas, SACOMSS provides support to survivors of sexual assault and their allies through Crisis Intervention, Support Groups, Accompaniment, and Community Outreach;

Whereas, these services are essential to many members of the SSMU and wider McGill and Montreal communities;

Resolved, that the SSMU Legislative Council officially endorse a “yes” vote in SACOMSS’ fee renewal referendum in the Winter 2013 Referendum period,

Resolved, that this endorsement be publicly announced in the SSMU listserv and displayed prominently on the website during the Winter 2013 referendum campaign period.

Motion Regarding Endorsement of the Equity Fee Referendum Question

Whereas, in the Winter 2013 Referendum period a referendum question regarding establishing a SSMU Equity Fund has been proposed;

Whereas, the SSMU has a long-standing history of leadership on issues of Equity;

Whereas, given the fact that McGill University is home to students from over 150 countries, issues of equity and inclusiveness on campus are critical and have to be acknowledged and addressed;

Whereas, the Equity Fund will empower campus members to engage in initiatives that foster leadership, encourage civic engagement, and make observable and/or measurable differences in the representation or experiences of individuals who are members of historically and currently disadvantaged groups;

Whereas, the Equity Fund, which will be administered by the SSMU Funding Committee,will be the only student-regulated equity fund on campus, and therefore prioritizes students;

Resolved, that the SSMU Legislative Council officially endorse a “yes” vote for the Equity Fund fee levy referendum question in the Winter 2013 Referendum period,

Resolved, that this endorsement be publicly announced in the SSMU listserv and displayed prominently on the website during the Winter 2013 referendum campaign period

Motion Regarding Endorsement of Student Service Ancillary Fee Referendum Question

Whereas, the Student Services Fee supports Career Planning Services (CaPS), Chaplaincy, Counselling, First People’s House, First Year Office (Orientation), Health Services, International Student Services, Leadership Programs, Macdonald Campus Student Services, Mental Health, Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), Tutorial Services, and Scholarships & Student Financial Aid;

Whereas, the listed student services funded by this fee are fully devoted for the well-being of all McGill students;

Whereas, the fee increases would allow the listed Student Services to adequately operate and keep pace with increasing student demand;

Whereas, SSMU has a general mandate to care for the well-being of every undergraduate student;

Resolved that SSMU Legislative Council endorse a “yes” vote to the Student Services Ancillary Fee Referendum Question in the Winter 2013 SSMU referendum period,

Resolved that this endorsement be posted on the SSMU website and listserv during the Winter 2013 referendum campaign period from March 15, 2013 to March 22, 2013.