by ERIC HATCH
Montreal is failing its commitment to its children, if the lack of safety and physical activity in urban centres is any indication.
That's the gist of a recent study by Canada's Vanier Institute of the Family,showing that – due to the effects of urban sprawl – more children living in urban communities are becoming less active and less safe.
As cities continue to grow, cars are becoming more fundamental and are discouraging the use of active modes of transportation.
According to the Vanier study, more than 80 per cent of Canadians live in urbanized communities. Only 7.7 per cent use active, non-motorized modes of transportation, such as walking and cycling, to get around on a regular basis.
The Vanier study noticed that, since urban sprawl has made it essential for households to use cars as their main source of transportation, the congestion levels in traffic have increased, making it more dangerous for children to walk or ride bikes in urban centers. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that 83 per cent of households have at least one car.
“The results of urban planning are rather disappointing,” said Juan Torres, an urban planner and professor at the Université de Montreal's Institut d'urbanisme.
Torres's portion of the study, Children and Cities: Planning to Grow Together, looks at how urbanization has changed to accommodate the needs of motorized transportation and the unhealthy impacts it has on urban-childhood development.
As stated in his study, Torres believes that children nowadays have become only the “users” of public spaces. “Children play an important part in urban population, but they are rarely taken into consideration in city planning,” he said. “It's adults who give shape to these places and control how children should use them.”
“The car is the main tool to help the mobility of the modern family,” said Torres, “and its overuse has made public spaces dangerous.”
With adults being the prime constructors of urban spaces, most communities are only being constructed with adult intentions. This also has a major impact on younger people's lives, since it confines them to environments where they can be less autonomous.
In Vanier's second study titled Caution! Kids at Play?, Carlton University psychology student Belinda Boekhoven stresses that the loss of autonomy gears children down an unhealthy path.
“The dependency on their parents leads them to not having the desire to leave their home,” said Boekhoven. “Instead, children come home from school, grab a snack and turn on the television., only to wait for their parents to come home and feed them more.”
With this inactive, dependent nature, children are more likely to suffer the effects of obesity.
A 2009 study produced by Quebec's statistics institute reports that more than 21 per cent of Montreal children are overweight or obese.
Instead of finding their own methods of active transportation, Boekhoven believes that children have been relying more on their parents to drive them. Since their dependency relies on their parents, children are starting to remain indoors, or remain in spaces that require the least amount of activity.
“Malls have become the new urban hangout,” said Katherine Scott, director of programs at the Vanier Institute of the Family.
As a mother, Scott has seen the lack of physical activity in her own children. “My own children have 20 minutes of [daily physical activity] at school and that's it,” she said. “More has to be done in urban communities in order for them to gain control over their lives and realize how important physical activity is.”
With Montreal's child community at serious health and safety risk, a program like Vélo Quebec's On the Move to School may help change things.
Founded in 2005, On the Move to School is a free program available to all children teaching the importance of daily physical activity. The program also tries to keep children fit, refine their motor skills and teach them to become more self-sufficient.
“On average, kids live about one kilometer away from school,” said Vélo Quebec Development Agent Edith Martel. “With cities constantly growing, it becomes harder for kids to find active ways to get to school because roads have become too dangerous.”
In a study produced in 2002, Vélo Quebec saw that 70 per cent of Quebec children did not fulfill the minimum level of physical activity by healthcare professionals.
“This is also caused by being driven to school everyday,” said Martel.
Since the program started, Martel has noticed a dramatic change in children involvement. “We started with eight Montreal schools signed up for the program,” she said. “Today, almost 105 schools have become involved in different regions around the province, and 40 of them are in Montreal.”
Proud of the programs achievements, Martel said that its work is only half done.
“What we want to see are children continuing to be active and to continue doing so until they become adults,” she said. “This way children will become more empowered and autonomous in their communities and in their everyday lives.”
Although physical activity programs will help children understand its importance, is that the only thing that should be brought forward?
“If children are dependent on their parents, family outings should become weekly a [thing],” said Boekhoven.
She also believes that children who become familiar with their neighborhood and surroundings will become more interested in physical active.
With additional solutions, Torres believes that many Montreal children would like to participate in their community's urban development. “Children bring a unique and important perspective to the planning of our neighborhoods and cities,” said Torres, “and they should be more involved with how they want things to be.”
With more physical activity programming and more constructed urban planning, Torres and Boekhoven find it refreshing to see that people still have hope for today's youth.
“There is a saying that says 'it takes a whole town to raise a child,'” said Torres. “I'd like Montreal to become the town; raising our children rather than scare them away.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Human Interest Story
The Trouble for Convenience -
Montreal dépanneurs fined for their safety
Although it has been three years since the incident, Hua Chen still talks about what happened to him in August 2006.
“All I remember was the knife,” he said. “I didn’t care what they took […] I was scared for my life.”
At Dépanneur Hua Chen, his independently-run convenience store in Verdun, Chen experienced what most dépanneur workers dread; he was robbed.
But what unnerves him more is what happened after the incident.
During the robbery, the 54-year-old businessman managed to hit a panic button underneath his counter, which linked to a local police station. Forty-five minutes after the robbery took place, the police finally showed up.
“I was very upset. They should have helped me faster like police officers should,” he said.
The delayed help that Chen received was not caused by laziness, but from a number of previous false alarm calls the police received from his dépanneur, he said.
According to Montreal police, once a panic alarm is triggered, the call is only justified if the robber is armed or caught after the act of stealing. If not, the store’s owner can be fined as much as $700.
In Chen’s case, police officials had four false alarms on record from his convenience store. A year before the incident, he paid off two fines issued from false alarm panic calls; one of which was caused by accidentally triggering his security system.
“They didn’t think I was really in trouble,” he said.
Although Chen was not fined for this particular call, the suspect still managed to steal nearly $200 from Chen’s cash and take off with two cases of beer, while holding him at knifepoint.
“Working as store owners, we are always at risk of being robbed,” he said.
Another Verdun dépanneur owner knows too much of these situations. Iris He, a 32-year-old business graduate from Concordia University, said she has been robbed “more than 10 times” since she took ownership of the Dépanneur du Coin last year.
Similarly to Chen, He has been fined two other times in the past, both on the counts of her security system malfunctioning. In both cases, Alarme de Surete de Laval, the company responsible for wiring He’s security system, has reimbursed her portions of these fines.
“We do take a certain amount of responsibility,” said ASL chief inspector Francois Leblanc, “but we are never fully responsible for these systems malfunctioning.”
But getting fined from a faulty wire is rare, says He. The majority of the fines being distributed today are from panic calls that do not meet police law requirements.
“It really happens often. I have a lot of friends who have had the same experience,” she said.
Last March, He pushed a panic button when she felt her life was in danger. A man in his 40s or 50s entered her store early in the afternoon and suspiciously put two one-litre bottles of wine in his own plastic bag. When asked to pay, the man reached into his bag.
“I was scared – my heart jumped out of my chest,” she admitted, thinking that the man was pulling out knife or gun.
Before the police arrived, the suspect quietly left without any trouble. Last month, He was hit with a $636 fine, accused of not properly following the panic system’s codes.
“I feel like I am being taken advantage of,” she said. “I feel that City Hall is after my money.”
He is contesting the fine at Montreal’s City Hall and will be heading to Small Claims Court. She believes that, as a smaller business, the city is “strategically picking those that may be willing to shut down”
“The city won’t go banging on the doors of the big grocery store chains,” she said, “so why not start at a smaller business. Especially at those places which are run by immigrants. It’s easier for immigrants to lose their place.”
According to a study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, most convenience stores in Montreal are independently run, with nearly 81 per cent of them owned by immigrants. He thinks that the city has gone too far with fines and is merely taking advantage of “minority groups.”
“I work 50 hours a week, 364 days in a year. I don’t have the time to cause problems with the city. But if they won’t treat me like a human being, I won’t stay quiet,” she said.
Although Chen was lucky in getting away without a fine three years ago, he still doesn’t feel safe in his working environment.
“Things have to change now. I am here all the time and need to know that if I need help, I can get it,” he said. “Feeling uncomfortable in your own business is very wrong.”
Montreal dépanneurs fined for their safety
Although it has been three years since the incident, Hua Chen still talks about what happened to him in August 2006.
“All I remember was the knife,” he said. “I didn’t care what they took […] I was scared for my life.”
At Dépanneur Hua Chen, his independently-run convenience store in Verdun, Chen experienced what most dépanneur workers dread; he was robbed.
But what unnerves him more is what happened after the incident.
During the robbery, the 54-year-old businessman managed to hit a panic button underneath his counter, which linked to a local police station. Forty-five minutes after the robbery took place, the police finally showed up.
“I was very upset. They should have helped me faster like police officers should,” he said.
The delayed help that Chen received was not caused by laziness, but from a number of previous false alarm calls the police received from his dépanneur, he said.
According to Montreal police, once a panic alarm is triggered, the call is only justified if the robber is armed or caught after the act of stealing. If not, the store’s owner can be fined as much as $700.
In Chen’s case, police officials had four false alarms on record from his convenience store. A year before the incident, he paid off two fines issued from false alarm panic calls; one of which was caused by accidentally triggering his security system.
“They didn’t think I was really in trouble,” he said.
Although Chen was not fined for this particular call, the suspect still managed to steal nearly $200 from Chen’s cash and take off with two cases of beer, while holding him at knifepoint.
“Working as store owners, we are always at risk of being robbed,” he said.
Another Verdun dépanneur owner knows too much of these situations. Iris He, a 32-year-old business graduate from Concordia University, said she has been robbed “more than 10 times” since she took ownership of the Dépanneur du Coin last year.
Similarly to Chen, He has been fined two other times in the past, both on the counts of her security system malfunctioning. In both cases, Alarme de Surete de Laval, the company responsible for wiring He’s security system, has reimbursed her portions of these fines.
“We do take a certain amount of responsibility,” said ASL chief inspector Francois Leblanc, “but we are never fully responsible for these systems malfunctioning.”
But getting fined from a faulty wire is rare, says He. The majority of the fines being distributed today are from panic calls that do not meet police law requirements.
“It really happens often. I have a lot of friends who have had the same experience,” she said.
Last March, He pushed a panic button when she felt her life was in danger. A man in his 40s or 50s entered her store early in the afternoon and suspiciously put two one-litre bottles of wine in his own plastic bag. When asked to pay, the man reached into his bag.
“I was scared – my heart jumped out of my chest,” she admitted, thinking that the man was pulling out knife or gun.
Before the police arrived, the suspect quietly left without any trouble. Last month, He was hit with a $636 fine, accused of not properly following the panic system’s codes.
“I feel like I am being taken advantage of,” she said. “I feel that City Hall is after my money.”
He is contesting the fine at Montreal’s City Hall and will be heading to Small Claims Court. She believes that, as a smaller business, the city is “strategically picking those that may be willing to shut down”
“The city won’t go banging on the doors of the big grocery store chains,” she said, “so why not start at a smaller business. Especially at those places which are run by immigrants. It’s easier for immigrants to lose their place.”
According to a study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business, most convenience stores in Montreal are independently run, with nearly 81 per cent of them owned by immigrants. He thinks that the city has gone too far with fines and is merely taking advantage of “minority groups.”
“I work 50 hours a week, 364 days in a year. I don’t have the time to cause problems with the city. But if they won’t treat me like a human being, I won’t stay quiet,” she said.
Although Chen was lucky in getting away without a fine three years ago, he still doesn’t feel safe in his working environment.
“Things have to change now. I am here all the time and need to know that if I need help, I can get it,” he said. “Feeling uncomfortable in your own business is very wrong.”
Editorial
This is a piece I wrote for my print class. We had to write an editorial and I decided to do it on the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street.
Sesame Street:
Standing the test of time, 40 years later
40 years ago, Neil Armstrong was televised live around the globe as he made the first man-made steps on the lunar surface. Apollo 11’s moon landing is remembered as a once in a lifetime event in history. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of another television phenomenon; the premier of Sesame Street – one of the longest running children’s television show of all time. As the first moon landing remains a moment caught in time, Sesame Street has evolved in its 40 years and has, quite possibly, gotten better.
With an array of role models who are multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies, the urbanized community of Sesame Street has coexisted in peace, teaching valuable life lessons to young viewers and bringing forth the idea that everyone can add a unique trait to their community.
Sesame Street has never changed its dedication to children around the world, explaining why it has spanned the globe and has become a household name in more than 120 countries. Parents love it because it teaches children about their physical and social environment and children love it for its colorful characters, skits and memorable songs (who can forget Put down the Duckie?).
In fact, the program has evolved by promoting present day situations and expands on the issues, making them understandable for children of all ages. For example, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, producers of the show made it a priority that their next season would discuss issues from terrorism to the loss of family members. It is rare to find children’s television shows that value the well-being and emotions of its viewers.
The presence of Sesame Street in our society has become pertinent in children’s everyday life, preparing them for the ‘real world.’ What the program effectively does is reflect everyday situations and uses them as a launch pad for the issues children may face as they get older. Some issues may be more relevant within different cultures.
In 2002, the South African Sesame Street introduced a character named Kami, Sesame Street’s first HIV-positive Muppet. Kami was created to provide a better understanding about the HIV virus and what life is like living with it. Sesame Street gladly takes on heavy subject matter in order to help parents discuss these issues with their children.
Perhaps the most recent evolution Sesame Street has engineered is its online community. Its website launched a new program called “Family Connections”; an interactive, on-line community specialized for children dealing with familial changes brought on by war. While dealing with effects of deployment, a parent returning home or the death of a family member, children are encouraged to share their stories, photos and videos with each other to help explain that no one is alone in their situation.
Looking back, Sesame Street has remained a constant for millions of children worldwide. Instead of celebrating one moment in time, we are able to celebrate its continuing evolution. Whether you’re on Plaza Sesamo, Sesamstrass or Bonjour Sesame, the same applies even 40 years later – that the sun will never set on Sesame Street.
Sesame Street:
Standing the test of time, 40 years later
40 years ago, Neil Armstrong was televised live around the globe as he made the first man-made steps on the lunar surface. Apollo 11’s moon landing is remembered as a once in a lifetime event in history. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of another television phenomenon; the premier of Sesame Street – one of the longest running children’s television show of all time. As the first moon landing remains a moment caught in time, Sesame Street has evolved in its 40 years and has, quite possibly, gotten better.
With an array of role models who are multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies, the urbanized community of Sesame Street has coexisted in peace, teaching valuable life lessons to young viewers and bringing forth the idea that everyone can add a unique trait to their community.
Sesame Street has never changed its dedication to children around the world, explaining why it has spanned the globe and has become a household name in more than 120 countries. Parents love it because it teaches children about their physical and social environment and children love it for its colorful characters, skits and memorable songs (who can forget Put down the Duckie?).
In fact, the program has evolved by promoting present day situations and expands on the issues, making them understandable for children of all ages. For example, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, producers of the show made it a priority that their next season would discuss issues from terrorism to the loss of family members. It is rare to find children’s television shows that value the well-being and emotions of its viewers.
The presence of Sesame Street in our society has become pertinent in children’s everyday life, preparing them for the ‘real world.’ What the program effectively does is reflect everyday situations and uses them as a launch pad for the issues children may face as they get older. Some issues may be more relevant within different cultures.
In 2002, the South African Sesame Street introduced a character named Kami, Sesame Street’s first HIV-positive Muppet. Kami was created to provide a better understanding about the HIV virus and what life is like living with it. Sesame Street gladly takes on heavy subject matter in order to help parents discuss these issues with their children.
Perhaps the most recent evolution Sesame Street has engineered is its online community. Its website launched a new program called “Family Connections”; an interactive, on-line community specialized for children dealing with familial changes brought on by war. While dealing with effects of deployment, a parent returning home or the death of a family member, children are encouraged to share their stories, photos and videos with each other to help explain that no one is alone in their situation.
Looking back, Sesame Street has remained a constant for millions of children worldwide. Instead of celebrating one moment in time, we are able to celebrate its continuing evolution. Whether you’re on Plaza Sesamo, Sesamstrass or Bonjour Sesame, the same applies even 40 years later – that the sun will never set on Sesame Street.
Moving Day Feature
Moving Day:
One man’s burden, another man’s treasure
While the majority of Montrealers celebrated in Canada Day festivities this past Wednesday, others were taking part in another yearly tradition: moving day.
Verdun’s 4th Ave., between Wellington and Verdun streets, was lined with four trucks from the early morning. The temperature slowly rose as impatient residents lugged their heavy boxes up and down their second-or-third-floor apartments. By four in the afternoon, all four trucks were gone, leaving cars to drive freely along the street.
The sidewalks were another story. Not only was it ‘moving day’ in Verdun but garbage day as well. Garbage bags and broken furniture were piled on both sides of the streets, almost like a barricading wall from a war movie – forcing people to walk alongside parked cars and oncoming traffic.
But there were two particular soldiers who ventured out into the overflowing chaos. One called himself Monsieur Chou-Chou, 65, and the other, his trusty side-kick, Madame Café, a 10-year old white – haired Shih Tzu. “The only reason I love moving day is because I can go shopping for free right in front of my house,” Chou-Chou said.
It was film director Woody Allen who said, “In Beverly Hills, [people] don’t throw their garbage away, [but] make it into television shows.” In Montreal, some people turn it into new – found treasure. It has been three years since Chou-Chou started the tradition of roaming the streets of Verdun on moving day to find new additions to his apartment.
“I would say that a quarter of the furniture in my house was found on the street” said Chou-Chou. Last year, he found a fully functional television that was three times bigger than the one he already owned. “There is nothing wrong with owning used things,” he said.
With pride, Chou-Chou explains it all started three years ago when he found a small stuffed animal lying upon a garbage bag that he wanted to give to Madam Café. Along the same way home, he found a rug, a lamp, and an old frying pan. “I was so excited to find things that were better then I already had” he said, “and I never owned a rug.”
Passers-by often stare at Chou-Chou. “He looks homeless,” one citizen said. First impressions of Chou-Chou can be stereotypical. An elderly bearded man with greased back hair, wearing slacks two sizes too big and a stained button-down shirt scrounging through trash.
“It doesn’t really bother me,” said Verdun resident Helene Boudreault. This year, Boudreault threw out a bedside table, which Chou-Chou gladly took. “He’ll get better use out of it then me,” she said.
Although moving day can be stressful for many Montrealers, it is also a day for one man to feel like a king. Like Chou-Chou, many Montrealers cannot afford the things they really need. If it means finding it in other people’s trash, why not save that extra bit of cash? “It’s like boxing day” he said.
Every year, as tradition holds, Chou-Chou’s day of searching for new treasures is never complete until he finds a toy for his beloved Madame Café. “She benefits from it too” he said.
One man’s burden, another man’s treasure
While the majority of Montrealers celebrated in Canada Day festivities this past Wednesday, others were taking part in another yearly tradition: moving day.
Verdun’s 4th Ave., between Wellington and Verdun streets, was lined with four trucks from the early morning. The temperature slowly rose as impatient residents lugged their heavy boxes up and down their second-or-third-floor apartments. By four in the afternoon, all four trucks were gone, leaving cars to drive freely along the street.
The sidewalks were another story. Not only was it ‘moving day’ in Verdun but garbage day as well. Garbage bags and broken furniture were piled on both sides of the streets, almost like a barricading wall from a war movie – forcing people to walk alongside parked cars and oncoming traffic.
But there were two particular soldiers who ventured out into the overflowing chaos. One called himself Monsieur Chou-Chou, 65, and the other, his trusty side-kick, Madame Café, a 10-year old white – haired Shih Tzu. “The only reason I love moving day is because I can go shopping for free right in front of my house,” Chou-Chou said.
It was film director Woody Allen who said, “In Beverly Hills, [people] don’t throw their garbage away, [but] make it into television shows.” In Montreal, some people turn it into new – found treasure. It has been three years since Chou-Chou started the tradition of roaming the streets of Verdun on moving day to find new additions to his apartment.
“I would say that a quarter of the furniture in my house was found on the street” said Chou-Chou. Last year, he found a fully functional television that was three times bigger than the one he already owned. “There is nothing wrong with owning used things,” he said.
With pride, Chou-Chou explains it all started three years ago when he found a small stuffed animal lying upon a garbage bag that he wanted to give to Madam Café. Along the same way home, he found a rug, a lamp, and an old frying pan. “I was so excited to find things that were better then I already had” he said, “and I never owned a rug.”
Passers-by often stare at Chou-Chou. “He looks homeless,” one citizen said. First impressions of Chou-Chou can be stereotypical. An elderly bearded man with greased back hair, wearing slacks two sizes too big and a stained button-down shirt scrounging through trash.
“It doesn’t really bother me,” said Verdun resident Helene Boudreault. This year, Boudreault threw out a bedside table, which Chou-Chou gladly took. “He’ll get better use out of it then me,” she said.
Although moving day can be stressful for many Montrealers, it is also a day for one man to feel like a king. Like Chou-Chou, many Montrealers cannot afford the things they really need. If it means finding it in other people’s trash, why not save that extra bit of cash? “It’s like boxing day” he said.
Every year, as tradition holds, Chou-Chou’s day of searching for new treasures is never complete until he finds a toy for his beloved Madame Café. “She benefits from it too” he said.
Business Profile
This was one of my first articles I wrote at school. It's about a videostore/cafe located in the Plateau of Montreal. I really enjoyed writing this piece, interviewing the characters... and basically getting out there as a journalist.
The Facts on TorréFiction:
Plateau video store provides food, films and friendliness
MONTREAL – Walking into a video store was always a pet peeve for Francois Bourcier. “They are dirty and they smell bad and you never feel welcome. That’s not friendly,” said Bourcier.
Often confronted with this problem, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
TorréFiction was Bourcier’s response. A self-proclaimed ‘video-café’, TorréFiction takes a unique approach to video rental stores. Bourcier, 34, wanted choosing a film to be an interactive experience where customers can sit, have a cup of coffee and bite to eat.
Its name became a play on words. From the French ‘torrefaction,’ the act of roasting coffee beans, Bourcier also wanted to depict his love for cinema, in which the ‘fiction’ comes into play.
It was 1998 when Bourcier and co-owner Pierre-Olivier Masse began work on the project. Writing a proposal for a video store was difficult, knowing they are located on every major street in Montreal. “We also knew that seven out of ten video stores close within the first year of business,” said Bourcier.
In 2004, Masse and Bourcier entered their proposal in the Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest and won the $500 Coup de Coeur prize. Along with their $145,000 from bank loan and savings, Bourcier took out an additional loan from his own insurance to get started.
TorréFiction set up shop in the Plateau on Laurier Ave., an area that is “young and hip” said Bourcier. “The people are well educated,” he adds, perfect for young cinéphiles who appreciate the art of cinéma répertoire.
New customers are pleasantly surprised to see a café at their disposal after being greeted by a row of vintage theater seats in the front window and classic film posters along the brick wall. “I have lunch here once a week” said customer Stephanie Lacoste. “The soups and Paninis are always good.” The café also offers a myriad of drinks, salads and tarts.
Bourcier gets his food supply from local stock houses, using any extra cash for ordering more films from local video vendor Videoglobe.
The majority of the films are from Bourcier’s personal library. Collecting films when he managed a video retail store, TorréFiction is home to every genre. You not only find the most recent blockbusters but a range of classic American and international films, from Hitchcock to Fellini to Rohmer and Allen.
Since opening, TorréFiction has managed to increase its weekly profit by $200, an annual profit of roughly $34,000. But Bourcier still faces new challenges. “Since 2004, six video stores in the area have closed,” said Bourcier, who still hasn’t upgraded to Blu-ray format.
Although internet downloading and digital cable threaten the existence of video outlets, Bourcier is not afraid of change. “You have to try new forms of management to make money.”
TorréFiction‘s friendly demeanor takes itself seriously. Every year, TorréFiction hosts an annual meet and greet for all customers to get to know each other better. “This way we can thank them personally,” said staff member Enrique “because the best part of my job is working with the customers. They make my job fun.”
TorréFiction
807, avenue Laurier Est,
Montréal
The Facts on TorréFiction:
Plateau video store provides food, films and friendliness
MONTREAL – Walking into a video store was always a pet peeve for Francois Bourcier. “They are dirty and they smell bad and you never feel welcome. That’s not friendly,” said Bourcier.
Often confronted with this problem, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
TorréFiction was Bourcier’s response. A self-proclaimed ‘video-café’, TorréFiction takes a unique approach to video rental stores. Bourcier, 34, wanted choosing a film to be an interactive experience where customers can sit, have a cup of coffee and bite to eat.
Its name became a play on words. From the French ‘torrefaction,’ the act of roasting coffee beans, Bourcier also wanted to depict his love for cinema, in which the ‘fiction’ comes into play.
It was 1998 when Bourcier and co-owner Pierre-Olivier Masse began work on the project. Writing a proposal for a video store was difficult, knowing they are located on every major street in Montreal. “We also knew that seven out of ten video stores close within the first year of business,” said Bourcier.
In 2004, Masse and Bourcier entered their proposal in the Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest and won the $500 Coup de Coeur prize. Along with their $145,000 from bank loan and savings, Bourcier took out an additional loan from his own insurance to get started.
TorréFiction set up shop in the Plateau on Laurier Ave., an area that is “young and hip” said Bourcier. “The people are well educated,” he adds, perfect for young cinéphiles who appreciate the art of cinéma répertoire.
New customers are pleasantly surprised to see a café at their disposal after being greeted by a row of vintage theater seats in the front window and classic film posters along the brick wall. “I have lunch here once a week” said customer Stephanie Lacoste. “The soups and Paninis are always good.” The café also offers a myriad of drinks, salads and tarts.
Bourcier gets his food supply from local stock houses, using any extra cash for ordering more films from local video vendor Videoglobe.
The majority of the films are from Bourcier’s personal library. Collecting films when he managed a video retail store, TorréFiction is home to every genre. You not only find the most recent blockbusters but a range of classic American and international films, from Hitchcock to Fellini to Rohmer and Allen.
Since opening, TorréFiction has managed to increase its weekly profit by $200, an annual profit of roughly $34,000. But Bourcier still faces new challenges. “Since 2004, six video stores in the area have closed,” said Bourcier, who still hasn’t upgraded to Blu-ray format.
Although internet downloading and digital cable threaten the existence of video outlets, Bourcier is not afraid of change. “You have to try new forms of management to make money.”
TorréFiction‘s friendly demeanor takes itself seriously. Every year, TorréFiction hosts an annual meet and greet for all customers to get to know each other better. “This way we can thank them personally,” said staff member Enrique “because the best part of my job is working with the customers. They make my job fun.”
TorréFiction
807, avenue Laurier Est,
Montréal
Monday, March 1, 2010
Coffee and Tea Documentary
This is a documentary I made with a group of journalism students about coffee and tea culture. It was a very lengthy process in filming, editing and scripting, but it came together nicely. I was primarily involved with the camera work and some of the editing.
The team I worked with was great, we all worked very hard. There are a number of things I would like to change (sound quality for one thing, and the hummer sequence (...don't ask)) but all in all, I am very proud of it.
Can't wait to work on the next documentary!
Enjoy!
The team I worked with was great, we all worked very hard. There are a number of things I would like to change (sound quality for one thing, and the hummer sequence (...don't ask)) but all in all, I am very proud of it.
Can't wait to work on the next documentary!
Enjoy!
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