Autumn leaves with snowflake decorations.
Westmount Park
Westmount Park
One last walk before tomorrow’s rain speeds up the falling leaves.
Westmount Park – Autumn Colours
The Westmount Police Department -Part 2
Punished – https://www.westmountmag.ca/westmount-police-department-2/
THE SAGA OF WESTMOUNT’S POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM 1929 TO 1972
By Michael Walsh
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Police uniform button
Chief of Police William Wren was elected President of the Police and Fire Chiefs Club of the Island of Montreal in 1929. The formation of this club had already led to better co-operation between the Police and Fire Chiefs on the Island and, as time passed, would prove to be productive of the greater good towards a better Police and Fire protection on the Island. In 1936, he was elected President, Chief Constables’ Association of Canada.
By 1929, the police force comprised 43 members. The City was very well served as their functions included: Chief of Police and Fire Inspector of Police, Captain of Police, Lieutenant of Police, Sergeants, Parks Constables, Motor Cycle Constables, Traffic Constables, Sanitary and Milk Inspectors, Captain of Detectives and Plain Clothes Constables.
“There’s a cop in Westmount who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. And when he saw a portly figure in red, long white whiskers, and a sack on his back, walking along Sherbrooke Street Wednesday, the arm of the law had his suspicious especially about the sack. So he towed Santa off to the clink. But the sergeant on duty at the station knew better, and sent the jolly saint on his way to keep a very pressing engagement with a lot of children…”
– Montreal Gazette, December 27, 1935
Improved radio communications occurred in 1935 with the installation of police shortwave call system (call sign CY2J). Previously, radio transmissions were received by the Montreal police department and dispatched to Westmount police through a series of 29 telephone boxes throughout the municipality.
Westmount Fire Department badge
After many years of service, William Wren retired in 1938 as was replaced by Walter Gough as Chief of Police.
Labour organization by members of the police and fire department occurred in 1943. Members formed The Canadian Association of Police and Firefighters of Westmount, which was affiliated with the Canadian Congress of Labour. This move caught the City by surprise, stating they always had a cordial relationship with these municipal departments. Following lengthy negotiations into the following year, an agreement was reached between the City of Westmount and the Canadian Brotherhood of Policemen.
Further changes occurred in the police department, in 1946, following the death of Chief William Gough at the age of 47. Following his death, Council separated the police and fire departments and appointed R. Byford as Chief of Police and W. Cobb, Fire Chief. Interestingly, the Police Commissioner was an appointed member of Council.
Labour organization by members of the police and fire department occurred in 1943. Members formed The Canadian Association of Police and Firefighters of Westmount, which was affiliated with the Canadian Congress of Labour.
“Found: Crate of Poultry. Same can be had by applying at the Westmount Police Station.”
– Montreal Gazette, January 7, 1947
This new organizational structure led to further labour negotiations in the early 1950s – resulting in the formation of the Westmount Police Association and Westmount Firefighters Association (A.F.L. Local 981).
“Westmount Police are looking for the person who abandoned a three-week-old baby in the vestibule of an apartment house at 225 Melville Avenue about 12:30 a.m. yesterday… ”
– Montreal Gazette, September 29, 1951
Stanton Street police and fire headquarters – Image: Michael Walsh
The police and fire department’s headquarters at 21 Stanton Street were remodelled in 1952 and accommodated 48 police officers and 52 members of the fire brigade. Further changes in leadership occurred with the appointment of R. J. Edmonstone as Chief of Police, followed by Edward Christopher Harper.
‘The police and fire department’s headquarters at 21 Stanton Street were remodelled in 1952 and accommodated 48 police officers and 52 members of the fire brigade.’
The 1960s saw the creation of a Municipal Emergency Measures Committee with the Mayor as Chairman, the Commissioner of Police and Fire as Vice-Chairman. In 1962, the Department of Public Safety was formed comprising Public Safety Officers, the Police and Fire Departments with Edward Harper, Chief of Police and Fire appointed director.
Further construction occurred at the Fire and Police Station on Stanton Street. In 1963, an extension and a new building were erected. Designed by Perry and Patch in association with Durnford, Bolton, Chadwick and Ellwood, a portion of the existing structure was utilized.
“Opened in November 1964, at a cost of $900,000 replacing its predecessor opened in 1895 as the Westmount Academy. The building contains: a bomb-proof shooting range which can house 100 people in times of disaster, the second floor can be used as a civil defence command centre containing a scale model of the city showing every building, a municipal courtroom with teak wood furnishings and a radio communications room.”
– Montreal Gazette, November 1964
In 1963, the City of Westmount was shocked by the placing of dynamite sticks in residential mailboxes. The Westmount Police force played a vital role in protecting citizens during this difficult period. They had no idea that, in three years time, the provincial government would pass legislation that would result in the disbanding of the 95 members of their municipal police department.
‘In 1963, the City of Westmount was shocked by the placing of dynamite sticks in residential mailboxes. The Westmount Police force played a vital role in protecting citizens during this difficult period.’
“… In addition to the bomb sites mentioned… the following additional locations were shown on the city plan prepared by the Westmount police: Sunnyside and Lansdowne Aves.; Upper Belmont and Devon Aves.; Westmount Blvd. and Lansdowne Ave.; St. Catherine St. and Hallowell Ave.; Dorchester St. and Gladstone Ave.; St. Catherine St. and Lewis Ave.; and Sherbrooke St. and Claremont Ave…”
– Montreal Gazette, July 4,1963
Westmount Fire Department badge
The “beginning of the end” occurred when the Montreal Metropolitan Corporation was created by the Provincial Parliament’s Bill 75. This Bill was created to “control, guide, direct or coordinate the various matters or problems that are common in all the Municipalities in the Metropolitan area of Montreal”.
Not surprisingly, City’s response to the Bill’s passage was that “The present Council has no intention of entering into any agreement with the Metropolitan Corporation pertaining to control of the fire and police departments… debts of constituent Municipalities should be their responsibilities…”
Nevertheless, in 1971, the Public Security Council of the Montreal Urban Communityrecommended the integration of the police forces throughout the Island. By January 1972, police forces, island-wide, were forced to integrate. Municipal police force members were transferred to the Montreal Urban Community Police Force.
‘… in 1971, the Public Security Council of the Montreal Urban Community recommended the integration of the police forces throughout the Island. By January 1972, police forces, island-wide, were forced to integrate.’
In addition, René Daigneault’s report, known as the Daigneault Report, recommended that the Director of the Montreal Urban Community Police Department reports to the Public Security Council of the Montreal Urban Community required by Article 53 of Bill 281 (1972) and is responsible for the integration of the police departments:
“… d’informer toutes les municipalités, qu’en vertu de l’article 72-3 44 de la loi constituant le Service de Police de la Communauté urbaine de Montréal et modifiant la loi de ladite Communauté, celles-ci doivent, jusqu’à ce que le Conseil de sécurité les avise du contraire, continuer de fournir au Service de Police de la Communauté urbaine de Montréal les services de conseillers juridiques, dans la même mesure qu’elles les fournissaient à leur propre service de police jusqu’au 31 décembre 1971.”
COPIE CONFORME
(Signed) Jacques Coderre
Juge Jacques Coderre,
président, Conseil de sécurité publique,
Communauté urbaine de Montréal.
A short time later, the City received a bill from the Montreal Urban Community amounting to $622,691 for their share of police department expenses from September 1970 to December 1971. On their part, the Montreal Urban Community acquired a loan of $16,750,000 to cover police costs.
“BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Westmount hereby requests the Public Security Council of the Montreal Urban Community to ensure that the services identified and described in the attached lists continue to be provided by the same police personnel and that provision to this effect be included in the overall plan of the Police integration.”
“The friendly atmosphere which now exists between the Police and the public is based on the close contact which results from the willingness of Police Personnel to provide services to individuals – services which the Police are uniquely qualified to supply. Returning a lost child or senile person to his home, helping someone to put an aged person or invalid back in bed, providing an escort for a theatre manager or other business person with late closing hours – these are examples of services provided by the Police in minor emergency situations or crime prone situations which convince the individual citizen that the Policeman is, indeed, his friend. For the maintenance of this excellent relationship between the Police and the citizens, it is essential that the individual policeman possess a detailed knowledge of the area in which he works and of its citizens.”
– Council Proceedings, April 1972
Police on park patrol – Image: Michael Walsh
Surprisingly, Westmount was the only municipality to submit suggestions to the Public Security Council. In fact, the City did not oppose the integration plan provided the same services and personnel were retained.
Westmount was also the only municipality to point out that no island-wide police communications system was in place. Taking the lead, Westmount engaged the services of Eltech Corporation (communications consulting engineers) to address this issue. They presented a final report to the Sub-Committee on Police Communications established by the Conference of Montreal Suburban Mayorsbased on the 911 police communications system used in New York City’s five boroughs and the U.K.’s 999 system that coordinates the 47 Police Forces in England and Wales.
“In order to maintain understanding and cooperation between the citizens of Westmount and the Police, it is essential that the citizens know their Policemen. It is therefore strongly urged that the plan for the implementation of Police Integration include a statement of policy limiting transfer of Policemen from district to district having the principle of neighbourhood identification and knowledge in mind.”
“WHEREAS by resolution passed on the 18th April, 1972, the Council of the City of Westmount requested the Public Security Council of the Montreal Urban Community to ensure that the services identified and described in the lists attached thereto continue to be provided by the same police personnel and that provision to this effect be included in the overall plan of the Police integration; WHEREAS the City of Westmount is in favour of establishing island wide police operations relating to regional police functions and considers that any plan of integration for this purpose should be made only after consultation with area municipalities and outside expert.”
“WHEREAS a proposal for the integration of police radio communication systems on the territory of the Montreal Urban Community has now been submitted by the Director of the Montreal Urban Community Police Department, WHEREAS this proposal included a report on an experiment with a centralized system in the municipality of Montreal North over a period of 14 days.”
Westmount Fire Department badge
It is difficult to understand how any of the parties involved in this forced integration did not predict the spiralling costs. At the provincial level, Mr. Jérome Choquette, Minister of Justice, raised concerns about rising police costs that started with a $10,000,000 deficit. This had grown $156,000,000 in 1976 to $275,000,000 in 1980. In fact, this was the second largest item in the MUC’s budget. This resulted in the Conference of Suburban Mayors urged the Provincial Government for a loan of $30,000,000 to cover police costs.
The Daigneault Report, released in 1974, took financial control of the police department away from the Public Security Council. Westmount contested the report resulting in the City retaining its police station.
To control rising police costs, services were curtailed, station hours reduced, the number of personnel at each “poste”, staffing levels kept to a minimum and the abandoning by police of ambulance services and its takeover by the C.S.S.S.R.M.M. (One artefact of these austere measures are the City’s current “silent policemen” – also known as “speed bumps”.)
‘By 1978, a new emergency police telephone number was initiated (934-2121) for the entire Montreal Urban Community region. In 1981, the number was changed to 911 – nine years after Westmount first proposed its usage.’
Further changes involved the transfer of long-serving members away from Westmount. In addition, the police communications system prevented Westmount residents from contacting their police station directly. Those officers that did accept direct calls at the station were reprimanded by their supervisors.
Police bicycle patrol – Image: Michael Walsh
By 1978, a new emergency police telephone number was initiated (934-2121) for the entire Montreal Urban Community region. In 1981, the number was changed to 911 – nine years after Westmount first proposed its usage.
In 1982, police costs, although high, were somewhat stable. However, it became apparent that cities would have to rely on public security forces instead of the police for crime prevention. More concerning was proposed closure of Westmount’s police station 23. The City’s station was granted a last-minute reprieve by the chairman of the MUC public security committee Michel Hamelin in 1986. However, the same issue reappeared, in 1992, with the MUC’s proposal to recast the police division map.
“Indeed, as the MUC power continues to build, we have to defend Westmount against the homogenizing and centralizing forces across the Island of Montreal. Having 27 messy little cities in the MUC probably offends Quebec City’s sense of neatness. Yesterday, we lost our police force. Today, our police station is in peril. Tomorrow, will we have to fight for our Fire Brigade?”
– Mayor Peter F. Trent, November 12, 1991
In July 1992, copies of a petition signed by (152) residents of the City of Westmount requesting Mayor Trent to transmit their concern to keep the Westmount Police Station (Station 23) in the City of Westmount and not a mere storefront substation. By 1995, the Police division map was finalized and Westmount retained its police station.
By 1986, following 14 years of a turbulent integration, there was a proposal to give Westmount’s Public Safety Unit additional powers:
This force consists of individually selected, rigorously trained and closely supervised patrolmen with a strong sense of dedication to the community they serve. In keeping with the high expectations of the citizens, these departments, in order to enhance their services, should have greater powers within the municipal limits. This should include the powers to enforce parking and traffic by-laws, to make arrests and lay charges under the Highway Safety Code (R.S.Q., chapter C-24.1) and all municipal by-laws. This authority would make a major contribution to the effectiveness of the forces such as Westmount’s P.S.U. in applying municipal by-laws and ensuring a greater degree of peace, order and security on streets and in parks in the municipality.
Modern-day Montreal police cruiser with red and blue lights – Image: Michael Walsh
Despite their strong argument, the Montreal Police Brotherhood would not grant powers of arrest, nor enforcement of the Highway Safety Code to PSU officers. In addition, their emergency lights could not be the same red and blue colours used by police vehicles.
In terms of monetary costs, in 1966, Westmount’s budget (including salaries and benefits) for policing its municipality was $455,268. By 1999, the City of Westmount’s police budget was $11,102,836.
Despite their strong argument, the Montreal Police Brotherhood would not grant powers of arrest, nor enforcement of the Highway Safety Code to PSU officers.
One must agree, this story has been quite a saga. In fact, to date, it is still ongoing. Lessons learned? Aside from the massive financial costs, integration (of municipal services, municipalities and even airlines) is without exception at the cost of the “personal touch”. For that, one cannot place a cost.
Further to the point, ask yourself the following questions: How many Public Security officers (current or former) can you name? Then ask yourself to name Westmount’s local police station. (Ville-Marie Ouest, PDQ 12). Who is the current Director of PDQ 12? (François Labonté). Finally, how many local SPVM officers (from a current total of 56) do you know by name or even recognize by sight? If you are like myself, I would fail in answering the last four questions. In the end, it is all about personal human interactions – nothing else matters.
FOOTNOTES
Following the Island-wide police integration, many of the City’s police department’s archival records were moved (by the SPVM) from Westmount to an undisclosed location.
I would like to thank Peter F. Trent for taking the time to ensure the accuracy of the financial costs cited during the police integration period.
Feature image: Jean Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Westmount Park
Autumn’s yellow colours…
Westmount Park
Shorter autumn days bring a different type of afternoon sunlight throughout the park.
Greene Avenue
Sunday afternoon on Greene Avenue.
Westmount Police – Part One
Westmount’s Police Department
Part One
Published in Westmount Magazine:
https://www.westmountmag.ca/westmounts-police-department-part-one/
THE SAGA OF WESTMOUNT’S POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS FROM 1876 TO 1928
By Michael Walsh
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
“The Fire Department of this Town shall be comprised of the Chief of Police of the Town, and of the different members of the Police Force of the Town, and the Chief of Police shall be known as the Chief Engineer and other members of the Police force as firemen. And said force shall be called the Town Fire Police…”
– By-Law 54, Town of Westmount, March 18, 1895
One of my fondest childhood memories is living in a small mining town in British Columbia close to the Alberta border. The town had one policeman known as Constable George. He drove through the streets in a motorcycle with a sidecar – presumably to transport offenders to his goal. He always carried a long pole, similar to today’s selfie-stick, with a large piece of white chalk attached at one end. He would use this apparatus to mark the tires of cars to calculate parking time limits along the various residential streets.
The one thing that was striking about Constable George was the close relationship he had with the town’s residents. Driving along his route, residents would wave and always be greeted by their first names. On more than one occasion, I was scolded by him with the warning “Michael, if I catch you doing this again, I will speak to your mother!”
By 1875, Council realized that the growing crime rate and number of municipal infractions necessitated the need for a municipal police force.
This, of course, was in direct contrast to the RCMP officers that had provincial jurisdiction. Their polished cruisers with rolled up windows would, occasionally, drive through town, driven by faceless officers. Perhaps they were concerned that developing any sort of relationship with the community would somehow undermine their authority.
The Village of Notre Dame de Grace (today’s City of Westmount) also had a sole policeman named John Kennedy Kerr. From all accounts, he was the direct opposite of Constable George from my childhood. As we will see, he was untrained, impulsive, unscrupulous and somewhat arrogant. For some reason, Council bowed to his bullying tactics and promoted him to Chief of Police. His performance in that role was a disaster, resulting in his arrest and the dismissal of the Town’s entire police force.
Before we get ahead of our story, let us step back in time and become acquainted with the origins of policing in Westmount.
The bucolic village of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce depicted in a painting of Greene Avenue by J. Duncan – Image: courtesy of City of Westmount
In its beginning, the Village of Notre Dame de Grace has been described a bucolic area comprised of vast farmlands traversed with streams and deep ravines dotted with acres of bountiful orchards. Its proximity to neighbouring Montreal made it a prime attraction for those wishing to escape the challenges associated with residing in a growing metropolis.
Some contributed to their new residential area by investing their wealth in the construction of large estates; a minority, however, viewed this growing village as an opportunity for crime.
By 1875, Council realized that the growing crime rate and number of municipal infractions necessitated the need for a municipal police force.
“… that in consideration of the police being required immediately, the committee be empowered to engage suitable parties to act as police…”
– Council Minutes, Village of Notre Dame de Grace, July 5, 1875
There was one detail: crimes were localized in specific areas of the Village. Council had the powers to create and maintain a police force at the cost of the municipality; however, if their duties are confined to a particular area, it would require an approval of a majority of rate-payers in that region.
Moving forward on this proposal, Council enacted By-Law 9 in 1876 that established a police force confined to the municipality’s eastern portion. This was funded by a largely unpopular municipal “Police Tax”. To start, the new force would consist of one policeman whose accommodation was arranged through the Trustees of the Dissentient School. In 1887, Council hired P. C. Enright, a municipal policeman whose duties were confined to the winter season provided he resides within the municipality.
‘… he [John Kennedy Kerr] was untrained, impulsive, unscrupulous and somewhat arrogant. For some reason, Council bowed to his bullying tactics and promoted him to Chief of Police.’
One year later, Council hired Policeman Loyd as the second member of the force. His contract was for a period of three months; after which he resigned. He was replaced by John Kennedy Kerr in August 1877 at a salary of $7.00 per week.
By November 1880, the municipality’s police force was reduced to a sole policeman, John Kerr, following the death of P.C. Enright due to an illness. At that point, Council decided a uniform was in order and, in 1881, Constable Kerr was provided one at the Corporation’s expense.
The police force added a second member, P. C. Conroy, in 1882. His performance was far from stellar – drawing concern amongst several council members. Added to this, was John Kerr’s arrest for violent assault, the following year. For reasons that were never recorded, Council sided with Constable Kerr and paid his legal expenses that led to an acquittal.
At this point, Council started to define the duties of the municipal police force. They concluded that, while not keeping the peace, policemen should assist in other municipal services. As such, Constable Kerr’s duties expanded to ploughing snow during the winter months.
By March 1884, Constable Kerr had an assistant policeman. His name was Mr. Fortin, a former lamplighter. The municipality hired him to attend the lamps, water the streets, work on the roads and sidewalk and act as a policeman when required. Not surprising, he objected to this varied list duties and received no sympathy from council members. They reminded him “that he was to work 10 hours a day at whatever he was ordered to do” and that he was “employed at the pleasure of the Council”.
‘Added to this, was John Kerr’s arrest for violent assault, the following year. For reasons that were never recorded, Council sided with Constable Kerr and paid his legal expenses that led to an acquittal.’
It appeared that Constables Kerr and Fortin were quite successful in apprehending individuals breaking the law. There was, however, an unforeseen problem – where should they be held? The City of Montreal refused to accept Westmount’s prisoners at their station on St. Catherine Street. In 1884, the Town of Saint Henry agreed to provide temporary accommodation for prisoners at fifty cents a head. In addition, Saint Henry’s Chief of Police provided services for both municipalities.
Mr. Fortin’s policing tenure came to an end, two years later, when he was dismissed for unsatisfactory performance as a lamplighter. The same year, George Lee was hired as the municipal lamplighter and assistant to Constable Kerr. Clearly, policing the entire municipality couldn’t be performed by two individuals – as such Council hired Robert Bennie to bolster the force. In addition, a Police Committee was formed to oversee the operational duties of the force.
Their first report, in February 1888, gave Constable Kerr an unsatisfactory rating for his performance in his municipal duties. (Aside from his police duties he was also responsible for snow ploughing and providing oil for a streetlamp at the corner of Greene Avenue and St. Antoine Street). Kerr took affront to the criticisms and promptly resigned – a turn of events that Council didn’t foresee. As a “parting gesture” he was awarded $100 in severance pay and a glowing letter of reference.
This turn of events left the Town with two constables: Robert Bennie (a new hire) and George Lee. Surprisingly, they were not supplied with uniforms, nor were they accountable to the Police Committee for the nature of their arrests. Two years later, to create a formal reporting structure, Council defined the duties of the police that included the reporting of all arrests and other matters coming under their notice.
‘Their first report… gave Constable Kerr an unsatisfactory rating for his performance… Kerr took affront to the criticisms and promptly resigned… As a “parting gesture” he was awarded $100 in severance pay and a glowing letter of reference.’
The Town’s force, still without a Chief of Police, rehired John Kerr, in September 1890, to that position at salary of $11 per week and uniform. One month later, Constables Bennie and Lee resigned – hardly an auspicious beginning for the Town’s new Chief of Police.
The Town’s Mayor filled these vacancies with John Musgrove and John Robertson at a salary of $10 per week. In addition, Council adopted a formal series of police regulations causing the resignation of both newly hired policemen and another Constable named W. Ralph.
These events foreshadowed a larger issue concerning the police force, specifically Council’s dismissal of the entire constabulary and the forced resignation and arrest of John Kerr.
“Gentlemen, The Police Committee beg to submit the following report.”
“Since the last meeting of Council it has been found necessary to make a thorough investigation as to the condition of the Police Force of this Town… The evidence was taken under oath, and disclosed we regret to say a lamentable state of affairs; and after the conclusion of the evidence the Police Committee unanimously resolved that it would be impossible to continue to trust the protection of the Town to the late members of the Police Force, who were called upon to resign and all did with the exception of Chief Kerr who was dismissed.”
“The evidence… was of such a serious character that it not only justified them in discharging the members of the Force but compelled them in the interests of the Town to do so forthwith.”
“Your committee would also report that Chief Kerr has been arrested at the instance of Mr. Ralph, in connection with one of the charges made, and in the opinion of your committee, proved against Constable Kerr.”
– Council Proceedings 1892
In retaliation, John Kerr sued the Town of Cote St. Antoine, in 1893, losing in a judgement passed by the Superior Court of Montreal. The judgement also included costs, which the Town taxed at $233.20. Failing to pay the monies owed, the Town placed a lien of Kerr’s properties – 94 acres in the Township of Ascot. By 1894, the Town decided to suspend all actions to recover the costs and discharged all hypothecs against Kerr’s immovable properties.
With his professional life in tatters, John Kerr relocated to Sherbrooke where he sustained an accident that left him seriously injured for the remainder of his life.
‘… the Town placed a lien of Kerr’s properties… By 1894, the Town decided to suspend all actions to recover the costs and discharged all hypothecs against Kerr’s immovable properties.’
At this point, the Town needed to rebuild its police force. Council hired James Harrison, a former Grand Trunk Constable, as Chief of Police, and two additional policemen:
“Your committee, after careful investigation has appointed Mr. James Harrison, as Chief of Police, at a salary of fifteen dollars per week, and Harkness and Racey as policemen at a salary of ten dollars per week. The engagement of the Chief is subject to termination at any time by giving thirty days notices, while that of the Policemen requires one week’s notice.”
– Council Minutes, June 6, 1892
This period of uncertainty did not go unnoticed by people with criminal intent. The number of burglaries in the town increased, forcing the hiring of additional constables and the posting of cash rewards.
One year later, Westmount established their first Court and appointed Mr. Mahon as the first magistrate. By 1885, a Court clerk was hired and a Juror List compiled.
Now that the newly re-established Police Department seemed to be operating smoothly – Council turned their attention to the construction of a Fire and Police Station. In terms of its location, the members had three options under consideration. The first was on Olivier Avenue, where they purchased two lots from Dr. Elder and Mr. J. Smith, and contracted Alexander Cowper Hutchinson for the building’s design. The second option was a location on Clarke Avenue; the third was on Greene Avenue where the McCall Brothers had a local business.
‘… Council viewed Stanton Street as an area where, over time, additional building would occur for municipal services, specifically in November 1895, when Walter Wardle was prevented from building houses on Stanton Street.’
In the end, by August 1894, Council decided to purchase 37,900 square feet from the School Commissioners on Stanton Street, referred to as the “School House” at a cost of $16,500. A few months later, Council moved their offices to the former schoolhouse renaming the building “Town Hall”.
Interestingly, Council viewed Stanton Street as an area where, over time, additional building would occur for municipal services, specifically in November 1895, when Walter Wardle was prevented from building houses on Stanton Street. The Town expropriated the lot and sub-division where the proposed buildings were to be erected. In October 1898, the Town settled with the estate of the late Walter Wardle that involved an absolute cession of all property adjoining Stanton Street as well as a private road named Thornhill Avenue.
A formal reorganization of the Fire Department occurred in 1895 with the adoption of By-Law 54:
“The fire department of this Town shall be under the direction of the Fire Committee of the Council.”
“The Fire Department of this Town shall be comprised of the Chief of Police of the Town, and of the different members of the Police Force of the Town, and the Chief of Police shall be known as the Chief Engineer and other members of the Police force as firemen. And said force shall be called the Town Fire Police…”
– By-Law 54, Town of Westmount, March 18, 1895
Stream fire engine similar to one used by the fire department in the late 1800s – Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
It appears that bicycles played a role in funding the Police Department. They were used for urgent calls, however, residents owning these were imposed a bicycle tax with funds going directly into the department’s operation budget.
The breast star of a Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem – Image: Dave Boven, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1896, the Police Department formed a branch of the St. John’s Ambulance Association to provide front-line emergency care.
As the Police Department’s list of duties grew to include stray animals, gardens with decaying vegetables and the enforcement of an evening curfew for children, it became apparent additional personnel were required. The solution was a new position “Special Constable”; and, in 1898, the first members came from the scavenging force, park night watchmen and park caretakers who were also trained in the use of fire apparatus.
In 1898, plainclothes policemen joined the force for special duties and By-Law 92 was adopted, providing job descriptions for the police department that outlined their duties in the enforcement of municipal by-laws. In addition, the department was placed under the jurisdiction of the Police, Fire and Health Committee. Strangely, this reorganization resulted in a reduction of the police force and the salaries moved to the Health Departmentfor the upkeep of their horses. The remaining personnel were issued revolvers, holsters, and ammunition as part of their uniforms. In addition, Council provided Chief Harrison with a subsidized residence above the police station.
By 1903, fire hydrants were installed (rented from the Montreal Water and Power Company) and fire alarm boxes (provided by Northern Electric Company) were placed at strategic locations throughout the municipality.
Fire truck manufactured by the Waterous Engine Company. A similar model, pulled by a team of horses, was purchased by the fire department in 1901 – Image: dave_7, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It did not take long for the City of Montreal (already in a dire financial situation) to take notice of the additional funds acquired by Westmount through the imposition of fines. In 1903, looking for a source of additional funding, the City of Montreal requested an accounting of all monies collected:
“Submitted and read letter… from Misers Gervais and Rainville advocates, on behalf of the Sheriff of Montreal requesting an account of all fines collected since 1867 through the Recorders Court or in any other way, also report from the Chief Constable… showing amount of such fines so collected.”
– Council Proceedings, July 1903
Over the next several years the municipality’s population increased placing additional requirements upon the police department. In 1907, a new position was created – Sub-Chief – and filled by Thomas Moffit. One year later, Council authorized the appointment of a “Police Matron” to perform such duties as may be specified by the Committee. Additional funding from this growth was collected from cabmen’s license fees.
Former fire station, Victoria Avenue – Image: Michael Walsh
Council attention turned to the construction of a second Police and Fire Station; and, by 1909, selecting a location on Metcalfe Avenue. Council abandoned this option following residents’ protests by having these services located on their residential street. As such, Council acquired a $25,000 loan and relocated the proposed construction on city-owned property at Victoria Avenue near The Boulevard.
Very few images exist of the Westmount Police Force in uniform. In 1911, their winter uniform was comprised of Persian lamb caps, black leather mitts, badges for their caps, riding gauntlets and boots.
During that period, their duties also included the inspection of foods, drugs and agricultural fertilizers under the Adulteration Act. In addition, they were provided with rifles and trained in the use at the rifle range in the basement of Victoria Hall.
By 1915, municipal services had outgrown their current buildings. In fact, the Health Inspectorwas alarmed at the growing number of sick days taken by staff due to the damp and unhealthy conditions in the former schoolhouse. To this end, the City issued bonds totalling $350,000 for purchasing a site and erection of a City Hall, department offices and a Fire Station and Police Station. These bonds were payable in forty-four years at an interest rate of 4.5%.
This period was during the Great War and serving police members were given life insurance policy through Aetna with premiums paid by the City. In addition, relatives they were supporting were awarded a monthly allowance. Records indicate that one police force member, Donald Bernie, was killed in active service with the 60th Battalion, C.E.F. during December 1914.
As an enticement to retain qualified personnel, the City adopted By-Law 313 in 1916, creating the Police and Firemen’s Pension Fund. The employee contributes five percent of their salary and the City adds an additional $1,000 per year. One could draw their pension (one third of the average salary) at 50 years of age and having 25 years of service.
A similar model of the American La France Fire Engine Company was used by the fire department in the 1900s – Image: Public Domain
Former police and fire boxes. When they were operational these boxes were topped with green and ruby coloured glass globes – Image: Michael Walsh
By 1917, the Chief of Police, Thomas Moffitt, Inspector William Wren, Sergeants of Police, Charles Vickers and William Gilhooly were given powers to prosecute all offenders of the Act Respecting Motor Vehicles – later renamed the Quebec Motor Vehicle Act.
During November 1920, the police force came under criticism after two stray children were found – one of whom died under the steps of a house on St. Catherine Street. Apparently one child spoke to a policeman who offered no assistance. The police department denied the accusation and stated they knew nothing about the stray children. This explanation satisfied Council who did not pursue the matter any further.
The Chief of Police, Thomas Moffitt retired in 1922. Following his retirement, the Fire and Police separated into two departments headed by a Chief of Police (William Wren) and a Chief of Fire (Charles Vickers). That same year, City services moved from 21 and 23 Stanton Street to the new City Hall building. By 1923, the police department moved into the former City Hall on Stanton Street leaving their old quarters to the Fire Department.
Chevrolet touring vehicle, the mode of police transportation used in the early 1920s – Image: Lglswe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Westmount Park
Nearly deserted on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Westmount Park
An early autumn walk through the park while taking advantage of a surprisingly warm afternoon.
