Robert BordeleauChief of PSC
The PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN is a municipal political party created in January 2006 by citizens of Laval and led by Robert Bordeleau.
Robert Bordeleau is a businessman in Laval, working as an international commerce consultant. He was born in Laval-des-Rapides in 1958, the 4th of 5 children. He is himself a father of 2 boys; therefore he has strong family values and knows how to take responsibility.
Coming from a family of modest income, his parents prioritized education, hard work and independence.
Robert Bordeleau grew up with strong values such as helping others, generosity and sharing. Respect for himself and others, honesty, truth and tenacity are his main personal traits.
Robert Bordeleau is particularly proud of being born in Laval. He speaks of his city with affection and devotion. He is passionate about Laval’s history and to this day, remains strongly rooted in his city. He knows Laval inside and out. The streets, the neighbourhoods, the merchants and all that makes Laval the city it is hold no secrets for him.
Critical observer of the municipal scene over the past 16 years, he questions the governance of his city. He is preoccupied by what Laval has become. More than once, he has brought up the issue of the lack of an official opposition at city hall and how this gives too much freedom and flexibility to the current administration.
In the name of democracy, he chose to become actively involved, to make a commitment and thus, work towards a mission; that of giving back to citizens and city councillors their rightful place in their city’s administration.
Since January 2006, Robert Bordeleau and his collaborators have been working non-stop, recruiting new party members and putting together a team of qualified candidates. On Election Day, November 1st 2009, this team will be part of the race to become Laval’s new administrative team.
In the following pages, we present the PSC’s commitments that have been divided into 8 themes.
We are particularly proud to present these commitments to you. We sincerely believe that they respond to the preoccupations and expectations of Laval’s citizens. For the past 3 years, we have been identifying and validating the needs of our city’s citizens.
We have listened, we have planned and the time has come to take action.
Enjoy your reading,
Robert Bordeleau
Art, communication and culture are important components of municipal life. Laval is the 3rd largest (approximately 380,000 people, 2006 census) city in Quebec.
These are the components that mould our lifestyle and contribute to our history.
The City of Laval is an accurate reflection of this, a portrait of Quebec society that is in constant evolution. Multiple and diverse origins as well as numerous spoken languages, identified through census, are found throughout Laval’s territory. Similar desires were expressed by long-time and newly arrived residents coming from all over the world.
Let us help our citizens identify with one another and unite. Let us support all actions that contribute to developing a strong sense of belonging in our neighbourhoods and our city.
Art, communication and culture are certainly means to facilitate a harmonious and stimulating integration.
The following are our main commitments in these 3 areas.
SUPPORT local artists by giving them the tools necessary to create a local network, to meet and work together in our neighbourhoods and in the 6 administrative regions of our city.
EQUIP the city with a professional Centre for Artistic Creativity.
CONTINUE providing support to organize international scope events such as the Mondial Choral.
CREATE, with the help of local partners, a “soirée des Lauriers” to showcase excellence in visual arts and support the organization of a visual arts recognition program.
IMPLEMENT a Laval pro-heritage policy.
SUPPORT projects that will perpetuate the fact that Laval is the Horticultural Capital of Quebec.
A city’s finances are like the sap that pours from the maple trees in the spring; depending on the years, the harvest can be plentiful or not.
When it is abundant, we must invest in our collective heritage in such a way that allows all the citizens of Laval to profit. We cannot assume that we know what the future holds and spend everything in the same year.
This the why the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN, a party that listens and serves its citizens, has developed ways to let you profit from this plentiful harvest.
MANAGE the city’s FINANCES with tight control.
PROMOTE job creation.
MAINTAIN the residential renovation program and include residences for people with reduced mobility.
CREATE a program to improve / build sports complexes.
IMPLEMENT a new, GREEN public transit system (see transport section), which will be more efficient and silent, create less pollution and, most importantly, cost less than a subway or trolleybus system. This will propel Laval into the 21st century…. The TRAMWAY … is part of Laval’s future.
CREATE an incentive program to attract new residents to our city and, more importantly, to keep them here.
In the start of the 21st century, the environment is a main concern of our citizens. The PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN wants to leave behind a rich and prosperous heritage in order to guarantee a GREEN future for our successors. Currently, our heritage is rather sad and limited, with less than 1% (0.0763) of our territory protected. These numbers are well below the Kyoto standards (international standards) that have been set at approximately 13%.
With the goal of respecting our children’s future, we will do all that is in our power to achieve these standards. In addition, because we listen to our citizens’ needs, here is what we are proposing.
WE will:
o IMPLEMENT a citywide DEVELOPMENT PLAN, since the current plan was created in April 1989.
o WORK TOWARDS achieving international standards (Kyoto) for the protection of our territory.
o IMPLEMENT a MORATORY on all construction in our island’s wooded areas, forests and wetlands.
o IDENTIFY and PROTECT all our island’s wooded areas, forests and wetlands.
o NEGOCIATE with the provincial government to TURN Île St-Joseph, Île Aux Vaches and Île St-Pierre, into a NATIONAL PARK accessible to all.
OFFER a CHOICE to our citizens regarding the PAYMENT of MUNICPAL TAXES. Instead of having to pay our taxes in 2 instalments (March and June), we will offer the following possibilities:
o Complete payment in 1 instalment = 1.5% credit ..... or
o 3 instalments: February, April and June ………........... or
o 10 instalments, with an annual interest rate (bank rate+ 1,5%).
PUT ASIDE $3.00 of every 100.00 $ of our municipal taxes in order to redistribute it into our new assistance programs.
CONTINUE the city’s debt reduction program.
INCREASE fines for delinquents that cut down trees without authorization. The current fine is of $400.00. With our administration, penalties will be stricter, and include an obligation to restore the location to its previous state, with the possibility of prosecution.
INCREASE fines for delinquents that build without permits. The current fine is of $300.00. With our administration, penalties will be stricter, and include the immediate destruction of the unauthorized construction and an obligation to restore the location to its previous state. 
OBLIGE, using rules and guidelines, all developers building new homes, industries and businesses to bear the costs related to infrastructure (sewage, streets, sidewalks) in the vicinity of their constructions.
MAINTAIN (if applicable) the tax credit program for residential renovation projects for 5 years.
SELL the COSMODOME to private investors, since it has been in deficit since its creation in 1994.
Laval is a big city, and like all big cities, it is made up of homeowners and tenants. Just as there are good landlords and good tenants, there are also bad landlords and bad tenants.
Other Quebec cities, such as Quebec, Montreal and Gatineau, have adopted a housing code.
We want to implement a housing code in Laval with all the necessary tools. A housing code is a means that a city uses in order to ensure that all the buildings on its territory are adequate, salubrious and safe. The City of Laval figures poorly in terms of accessibility of affordable housing. According to certain statistics, more than 16,000 households are in a crisis situation. We believe that we must take action rapidly in this issue.
Here is what we are proposing to begin;
WE will:
IMPLEMENT a housing code in Laval that will regulate, among other things, the salubrity, security and upkeep of rental housing and develop the tools necessary to apply this code.
IMPLEMENT an ACTION PLAN to improve our supply of affordable rental housing (accessibility for all, increase salubrity and security).
SPEED UP the construction of affordable housing, in partnership with local construction companies, for the seniors (65 years old and above) and for families in need.
Like the author Juvénal said in 1842 “mens sana in corpore sano”, which means “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. In order for a citizen to fulfill this reality, a municipality such as Laval must be able to count on more high quality facilities.
The PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN believes that Laval is behind compared to many surrounding cities.
Citizens that were consulted over the past 3 years have clearly stated that: “We deserve a fair return of our tax money”.
A portion of this tax return must certainly be re-invested into sports and activities. We all need to be active, to play, and to relax.
The City of Laval needs well-maintained sports facilities and activities that meet the citizens’ needs. We must take into account all of our citizens.
The following are the proposals of the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN:
RENOVATE our 9 arenas.
CREATION of a MEGA SPORTS COMPLEX (we had already announced this project in November 2007) 
o 4 ice rinks.
o Aquatics centre.
o Boulodrome.
SUPPORT the return of a high calibre hockey team.
CREATE of a SAFE NETWORK of BICYCLE PATHS throughout the city.
RESTORATION of all baseball, football and soccer fields as well as tennis courts in all parks. 
REVIEW the existing skateboard, BMX and roller blade facilities in our parks and, if applicable, expand this program to other parks.
Significantly INCREASE budgets for SPORTS CLUBS in order for them to decrease REGISTRATION FEES and allow more parents to register their children.
Significantly INCREASE budgets for ACTIVITIES in order for them to decrease REGISTRATION FEES and allow more people to register.
REVIEW swimming schedules (according to the weather) in our city’s outdoor municipal pools. 
OFFER free swimming lessons for children from less fortunate families.
CREATE DOG PARKS in various neighbourhoods.
BRING BACK the NEIGHBOURS DAY festivities in each neighbourhood.
WORK TOGETHER with private companies in order to IMPLEMENT family projects that bring people together, such as a bike fest (tour de l’île), a Santa Claus parade, soapbox races, etc.
In the vision and mission of the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN, community life is defined through the implication of citizens.
In order the achieve this, the PSC is proposing to do things differently, with City Councillors being actively involved in their neighbourhoods, in their activities and working closely with the community and its citizens.
Here is what we are proposing to begin:
TAKE AN INVENTORY of all available meeting areas.
INCREASE the availability of meeting areas and sign long-term leases with various Laval organizations.
INCREASE financial aid for community-based organizations.
SHARE knowledge between organizations and the city.
REDUCE wait times for projects presented to us.
ENSURE the necessary representation before federal authorities in order to convert the old St-Vincent-de-Paul prison into social housing and into meeting areas for community-based organizations.
The PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN TEAM is a mirror IMAGE of its CITY. We are also parents, children and elderly. Therefore, we have considered every one of you.
Our history in Laval allows us to understand your preoccupations and to stimulate the search for effective solutions.
You will certainly recognize yourself within our various commitments and themes.
MAINTAIN the WATER TAX REIMBURSMENT program.
INCREASE TAX CREDITS up to $ 300.00 for people aged 65 and + who are eligible according to their income.
Significantly INCREASE budgets for clubs organizing activities for the elderly, in order to allow them to be more independent.
INCREASE safety in public places.
ACCELERATE the construction of affordable housing for the elderly (65 years and +) and for families in need.
OFFER FREE public transit on our buses from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for the SENIOR (65 years and +) on weekdays.
CREATE FAMILY HOUSES or family meeting areas, in the east and west ends of the city.
INCREASE COMMUNICATION with our elders.
CREATE a COMMITTEE for the elderly in each neighbourhood.
COVER the outdoor PETANQUE courts in the various parks of our city.
BUILD a real BOULODROME in our city.
Here are a few additional commitments:
CREATE a FAMILY CONSULTATION COMMITTEE in all of our city’s neighbourhoods.
OFFER FREE public transit in our buses from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for PARENTS travelling with young children on weekdays.
OPENING of a neighbourhood Councillor’s office in each of the city’s 21 districts (Laval owns numerous buildings all over the territory; therefore this will not bring about a tax increase).
CREATE an ETHICS COMMISSIONARY position (an ethics code exists for employees and elected officials since 1990, but not for the supervisor).
CREATE an OMBUDSMAN position.
COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:
- Move the citizens’ questions period to the beginning of the session;
- Slower reading of the city council meeting agenda;
- Better explanation of the city rules;
- Transparency;
- A question from a citizen to his neighbourhood Councillor will be answered by his neighbourhood Councillor.
CHANGE the layout of City Council meetings (the council will sit facing the citizens rather than with their back turned to them, as is the case with the current disposition).
CREATE, through a new rule, an obligation to inform all citizens affected by a zoning change in their neighbourhood, and give them all the information necessary to understand the decision.
RESTORE the citizens’ sense of belonging to their neighbourhood and to their city (a study conducted by Statistics Canada in 2005 showed that out of all the big cities in Canada, the citizens of Laval came in last, with only 1 in 5 citizens claiming that they enjoy living in Laval)
ENSURE a follow-up with citizens who have used the 311 service.
COMMEMORATE the day the CITY of LAVAL was FOUNDED. (August 6th 1965).
For the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN, community life is the essence of the city’s foundation.
As we have mentioned many times throughout this platform, our commitments reflect your preoccupations and respond to your needs.
Here are a few commitments that will answer these needs:
ENSURE a better UPKEEP of our NEIGHBOURHOODS:
- BY better CLEANING of our streets and parks.
- BY better PARKING in our STREETS.
- BY better SNOW REMOVAL in our STREETS.
- BY better GARBAGE COLLECTION (2 times per week in summer [June, July, August]).
- BY better WASTE MANAGEMENT (recycling, composting, etc.).
MAKE LAVAL a GREENER CITY:
o BY the creation of funds dedicated to burying the electric cables that spoil the look of our city.
o BY a new rule that will oblige constructors of new homes, industries or businesses to only cut down those trees that are necessary for their construction.
o BY a new rule that will oblige business, industry and mall owners to plant trees or bushes in order to attenuate the heat island effect.
o BY planting flowers all over the city (Laval is the horticultural capital of Quebec).
EQUIP the city with “ÉCO-QUARTIERS” (environmental committees):
- CREATE green neighbourhoods connected to one another through a green network.
- CREATE community gardens in certain neighbourhoods.
In its vision, the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN wants to create, with your help, a NEW CITY, a SAFE CITY.
We want to adequately respond to the preoccupations mentioned by many citizens of Laval from all over its territory. We care about everyone’s well being. Whether you are a child, adolescent, young adult, woman, man and/or grandparent, we are aware that our citizens would like to live their lives in a quiet environment that is, above all, safe.
CREATE a public safety BRIGADE composed of volunteers, so that they can patrol our streets, parks, bicycle paths and other locations, in order to make our city a safer place to live. 
ADAPTstreetlights in the city’s older neighbourhoods to today’s reality.
INCREASE the length of time for pedestrian crossing at street lights in busy intersections.
REVIEW the alternate parking system that is currently in operation in Laval.
COMBINE all efforts aimed at reducing excessive speed on the roads of our territory.
o Implement an electronic PHOTO-RADAR system in the vicinity of schools, parks and other problematic areas.
o Install SPEED BUMPS on roads that surround schools, parks and certain residential streets, if they are not equipped with the photo-radar system.
o Intensify radar operations, with the goal of reducing speed on our streets.
MAINTAIN the zone parking system in sectors where it is in operation, but make it free of charge for the residents of this sector.
ADD, after conducting studies, other sectors to the list of those with zone parking.
GIVE each resident living in sectors having zone parking enough stickers to cover every vehicle belonging to members of their household (with proof) and 2 additional visitor stickers.
TRANSIT in the 21st century:
The public transit system in operation in our city costs us a lot of money ($ 134 million in 2008) and does not meet the needs of our citizens. Despite the opening of 3 metro stations on our territory, our system continues to be criticized by many citizens of Laval. This criticism is valid, since in addition to expensive fares, the schedules and routes need to be harmonized with the users’ needs. We are still using 40’-long buses that run on biodiesel, which is, from an ecological standpoint, an energy source that gives off a lot of pollution. You must also have noticed that our buses are running empty outside of the morning and evening rush-hour periods.
Laval must undergo a certain change of direction towards sustainable transportation over the course of the next few years, and turn towards novel projects. A GREEN project that is environmentally friendly since it will be running on clean energy, electricity.
According to the PSC team, a physical connection is missing in our city; a connection that would unite east and west.
The GREEN project we are proposing here is to implement a TRAMWAY network on the main streets of our city. Over the world, the tramway has revolutionized travel within cities. A worthy replacement for buses on the busiest circuits, the tramway offers numerous advantages. It is more aesthetic, faster, more comfortable, more reliable, silent and respectful of the environment.
Better yet, it runs on a ground-generating system that is still almost unique in its kind across the world. It avoids using unsightly electrical cables.
The tramway transports tens of thousands of users on a daily basis, all of which appreciate its speed that is up to three times greater than that of a bus. Since it is silent, it can run through the streets until late in the night, if needed.
The TRAMWAY costs approximately 7.75 times less per km than the metro, the metro being evaluated at a cost of approximately 155 million per km if it were to be built today.
Another important point is that this type of public transit system can eventually be expanded to serve many municipalities surrounding Laval.
From the standpoint of implementing a network, the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN will encourage the Quebec government and the municipalities of the north and south belts to project the tramway network towards their territories, with the objective of turning the tramway into one of the main public transit systems of the 21st century, thus reducing the use of automobiles and the emission of greenhouse gases.
The 1st plans for the Laval tramway will be carried out through the centre of autoroute 440. This will not require any expropriation. It will be the starting point of the whole network. It will eventually connect to the Montreal – St-Jerome train as well as to the Deux-Montagnes – Montreal train, that passes through Ste-Dorothee. In the future, a train connecting to the east end will also go through Laval.
Many additional stops will be analyzed and we will implement incentive “green” parking lots equipped with camera surveillance.
In order to fulfill this goal, the PARTI au SERVICE du CITOYEN has set the following objectives regarding public transit:
- To harmonize the Laval-Longueuil fares within the AMT network;
- To establish a “no fare” program for our bus system
- To improve public transit services;
- To improve users comfort;
- To improve the vehicles;
- To install a display system in our buses;
- To favour an intermodal system;
- To plan a complete tramway network for LAVAL;
- To implement 45 km of the tramway circuit between now and 2012;
Harmonize the Laval-Longueuil fares within the AMT network
Currently, citizens of Laval who use the metro and buses are paying twice the fare; therefore, we will put the necessary pressure on the authorities in order to stop this over-charging, which regards us as second-class citizens.
Establish a “no fare” program for our bus system
In order to allow the seniors of Laval to go out more and come out of isolation, as well as to allow young families to travel across our territory, the Parti au Service du Citoyen will implement a “no fare” program in our buses outside of rush hour periods on weekdays between 9:00 am and 4:00 for:
a) All citizens 65 years old and +.
b) Parents travelling with young children.
c) Day-care services.
Improve public transit services
Better serve employment nodes, especially industrial parks.
Improve the night service by offering a more frequent service on the current routes, by reviewing and improving connections, and, if needed, by creating new routes.
Evaluate the relevance of replacing buses with lower-capacity shuttles in the numerous and various isolated areas of the city.
In addition, we will implement priority measures (traffic lights devoted to buses, reserved lanes, etc.) on roads travelled by our major bus routes, which would clearly give priority to public transit and its users.
Improve users comfort
Improve the waiting conditions for public transit users by installing safe and comfortable bus shelters all over the network. To promote cleanliness in these shelters, we will increase the number of garbage bins surrounding bus stops.
Allow our users to catch up on the news by installing electronic display systems in bus shelters. These displays will also allow users to be aware, in real time, of the state of the transit network.
Improve the vehicles
Gradually replace the current fleet of diesel buses with more silent and low-emission vehicles, potentially hybrid and ideally electrically powered.
Install a display system in buses
We want to install a display system in our buses that would be similar to the Metro-Media. This system, which would be connected to a GPS system, would inform passengers regarding the upcoming stops. Equipped with voiced system, it would help the visually impaired, passengers who are unaccustomed to a certain sector, and would be useful at night or when the windows are fogged, making it difficult to situate oneself.
In addition, such a system would allow STL administrators to record, in real time, an increased demand on a certain bus route or to localize a vehicle undergoing an emergency.
Favour an intermodal system
Install bicycle racks on buses.
Offer a transit pass giving access to all types of transport.
Develop railway infrastructure.