Angel >> Mayor Pierre Bourque to reopen Cinema V. NDG was thrown a few bones this weekend, when the mayor announced plans to purchase and restore the old repertory theatre on Sherbrooke. During the same event in NDG park, Bourque also revealed a project to convert a vacant McDonald's restaurant on Walkley and Côte-St-Luc into a much-needed community drop-in centre for local youth. The Cinema V restoration plan was originally announced during the '94 mayoral elections. Plans were delayed due to negotiations between the theatre's original owners. Local Cinema V Action Committee member Steve Laudi said that, after many delays, he was "happy that it might finally happen."

Insect >> Bourque: it was too good to last. Mayor Bourque has also revealed plans to turn over the management of the Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium and the Botanical Garden to a non-profit organization funded by the province. The $160-million deal will give Montreal a financial break of $53 million per year over the next three years. But in the long term, critics charge, the project will be a losing proposition. According to MCM leader Michel Prescott, "This (project) will cost Quebec taxpayers $300 million. That is unacceptable." Chairman of Montreal city council Luc Larivée infuriated opposition members by quickly adjourning a special meeting to analyze Bourque's deal with the province, many of whom believe any future administration will be stuck with it.