Survival Guide 2001

>> The Mirror's annual student survival guide

Please note: Although much time and energy was put into this guide, a few errors may have escaped us. All corrections or grievous omissions should be submitted to the Mirror office no later than Monday, Sept. 17 for publication in the [e]Mail section of our Sept. 20 issue.



LIVING IN MONTREAL



Housing

Traditionally, one of Montreal's longstanding selling points has been the plethora of awesome, affordable lodgings throughout the city. It was enough to draw something akin to hero worship from visiting friends from more troubled towns. In the last few years, of course, the Plateau region has seen its vacancy rates tumble, leading to duke-'em-up battles among desperate apartment seekers and significant rent hikes. And now, with Montreal's overall vacancy rate down to 1.5 per cent--its lowest in 15 years--this formerly localized battle is spreading throughout the city. Still, with a bit of determination and flexibility, decent digs might still be found.



McGill Off-Campus Housing Computer housing listings for McGill students with valid student numbers. Online is best, as it is updated daily: www.residences.mcgill.ca/offcampus. Or ask for a print-out at their office at 3641 University (in the basement), Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, 398-6010. Up-to-date listings will also be e-mailed to you if you e-mail them at: offcampus@residences.lan.mcgill.ca

Concordia Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank Jobs and apartment listings. Online is best, as it is updated almost every day. http://alcor.concordia.ca/~housjob

Or you can go in person--with valid Concordia ID--to 1455 de Maisonneuve W. (Hall bldg.) #H260 (mezzanine) 848-7476. Open Mon-Thu, 10am-6pm; Friday 11am-4pm. Posted listings are updated only once per week but current printouts will be provided if you ask.

NDG Info Depot This user-oriented project of the NDG Community Council is an information centre on low-cost housing, welfare and more. 2121 Oxford (at de Maisonneuve), Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am-3pm, 483-5346



Government subsidized housing

With around 8,000 people currently on the waiting lists for subsidized housing, this formerly viable option might not be as fruitful, but everything's worth a try.

Societé d'habitation et de developpement de Montreal (SHDM) Owns about 5,000 residential rental units that it rents out at slightly lower than market value. Students are eligible. Call 380-7436

Office municipal d'habitation de Montreal (OMHM) Has 16,922 subsidized rental units, offered to those below the poverty line. Full-time students are not eligible unless they have children. Three branches: east Montreal 872-2235, central Montreal 872-2277, west Montreal 872-3368



Co-ops

Fédération des coopératives d'habitation de l'Ile de Montréal (FÉCHIM) Represents co-op members and provides the master list of the roughly 400 housing co-ops on the Island of Montreal. They'll provide this either in person or by mail. For mail, send a cheque or money order for $7 to FÉCHIM, 1000 Amherst #201, H2L 3K5. Include your name, address and phone number. You can also call to check the dates for upcoming information sessions, offered in French. Currently most co-ops having waiting lists of more than 100 names. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, service slow at lunchtime, 843-6929



Tenants' Rights

Keeping abreast of your rights and obligations is even more advisable in today's housing crunch, and recently some changes have been made to Quebec's tenant-landlord legislation. Under the new rules, if a landlord files at the Régie (rental board) to recover unpaid rent or to evict a tenant for non-payment, the tenant must contest this claim in writing at the Régie within 10 days. If you don't, a clerk can make a decision based solely on the landlord's sworn statement and the documents in their file. On the plus side, you can now avoid eviction by paying the rent you owe before the Régie's decision "becomes enforceable," instead of "before judgment." By and large, tenants now have one month from the date of judgment to pay up.

It's also good to keep in mind that Quebec leases make you and your roommates "jointly and severally responsible" for paying the rent and generally keeping your apartment in the condition you got it. Second, it's a good idea to get any promises your landlord makes or other agreements between you on paper. There are many salient points worth having under your hat, and a number of places to seek enlightenment.



Régie de logement

This is a regional body of the Quebec government that exists to resolve landlord-tenant disputes in a court-like process. It also provides basic information on tenants' and landlords rights and obligations. They'll give you a general overview of what you can apply for and do, without getting into specifics. They also have a publicly accessible computer database of all previous Régie decisions, which means you can study your landlord before signing or messing with him or her. Re-read your lease and gather all relevant documents before attempting to deal with rental disputes. Contacting any of the following organizations before creating an open conflict or starting an official process is highly recommended. 5100 Sherbrooke E. #2095, 873-2245, www.rdl.gouv.qc.ca

Arnold Bennett's Housing Hotline Bennett's name has become synonymous with tenants' rights in Montreal. His Tenants' Advisory Clinic is every Sat from 11am-1pm at 5584A Sherbrooke W., Sun at 11am-1pm at the downtown YMCA, Rm 517 (1440 Stanley). Also every Wed 3:30-6:30pm at the Westmount YMCA (4585 Sherbrooke W.) with tenants' rights activist Ted Wright. Hotline is open weekdays from 9am-9pm, call 488-0412/990-0190.

Le Regroupement des comités logements et associations de locataires du Québec is an umbrella organization that can inform you of the Comité de logement closest to you. Each Comité offers information and advice on how to deal with housing problems such as discrimination, insects and unreasonable rent increases. Call 521-7114 to get the local member group closest to you, or you can contact them directly:

Comité logement Centre-Sud Open Tue-Thu, 1:30-4:30 pm. 1710 Beaudry #2.6 (métro Beaudry), 521-5992

Comité logement de la Petite Patrie Open Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm (métros Beaubien or Jean-Talon). 6747 St-Denis 272-9006

Comité logement du Plateau Open Mon-Fri, 9-12am and 1:30-5pm but closed Tuesday mornings.4450 St-Hubert #328, (métro Mont-Royal), 527-3495

Comité logement Rosemont Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. 5095 9th Ave., 597-2581

Association des locataires de Villeray Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-4:30pm. 7378 Lajeunesse #213 (métro Jean-Talon), 270-6703

Comite d'action de Parc-Extension Open Mon-Fri, 9am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm. 7745 Champagneur #102 (métro Parc), 278-6028

POPIR Open Mon-Thu, 9am-12pm and 1:30-4:30pm but closed Wed mornings. 4281 Notre-Dame W. (métro Place St-Henri), 935-4649



Other housing groups

Project Genesis Open Mon-Wed, 9am-5pm; Thur 9am-7pm; Fri 9am-3pm. A community activist group focusing on housing issues, particularly in Cote-des-Neiges. Offers services in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, German, Greek, Italian, Dutch and Yiddish. 5940 Victoria (métro Plamondon), 738-2036

L'OEIL de Côte-des-Neiges. Advice on landlord-tenant disputes and issues. Open on a walk-in basis Mon 9:30am-12pm, Wed 9:30am-12pm and 2-5pm, Fri 9:30am-12pm, or call to make an appointment for other times. 3600 Barclay #344 (métro Cote-des-Neiges then take 165 or 535 bus north to Barclay), 738-0101

NDG Community Council Landlord-tenant advice. Open Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm. 6580 Sherbrooke W., 484-1471



Other useful numbers

City of Montreal Public Works Department Provides information about garbage collection, recycling, sidewalk repairs, information on drinking water and a schedule of dangerous materials collection etc. 872-3434

Tandem Montreal is a city-run crime-prevention service that sets up neighbourhood-watch programs and offers information and advice on home security. Call 872-6155 to find the one nearest you.

Access Montreal Store-front bureaucracy! Basically an agency set up by the city to allow Montreal residents to take care of business like paying taxes or tickets without going all the way down to city hall. The telephone information service is 24 hours, and gives the addresses of their 13 offices and info on other available services. The Access Montreal membership/discount card costs a fiver and entitles you discounts on both city and partner services--from tennis court rental to Place des Arts tickets. You need to prove you're a Montreal resident to get one. Call 87-ACCES 24/7 or 872-1111, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Communications Québec Offers info on Quebec government programs and services. Call 873-2111, or for more complete info but limited English options, check out their Web site at www.comm-qc.gouv.gc.ca

Reference Canada Toll-free info service giving names and office numbers of Government of Canada employees, services and departments. 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-O-Canada) or check out http://canada.gc.ca



WORKING IN MONTREAL



Finding a job

Once a near-hopeless task, finding a job in town has become much easier over the last few years. But those who don't speak French can still have a tough time. Jobs in phone sales are popular with students and Montreal has no shortage of telemarketing positions up for grabs. Unfortunately, a lot of them are carefully disguised commission-only sales gigs. Although the best job opportunities will always come through personal contacts, most newspapers now put their job ads on the Web for all to see and there are of course the usual online job sites, which relieve the job searcher of a bit of leg work. Try heading to www.imahal.com, a career and education info site aimed at students and started by a Concordia University alumnus. It includes links and a ratings chart of the better known online job banks.

Canada Employment Centre It's wise to check in every few days at your local branch. Call 496-1161 for locations or to speak to someone about employment insurance or a SIN card. Posted listings and computerized job bank machines are available at each of the CEC locations. You can also find CEC job listings on the Web at www.hrdc-drhc.qc.ca

Emploi-Québec Has many listings not on the federal site, as well as employment and training programs that are administered provincially. Call 1-888-367-5647 or check out http://emploi.mess.gouv.qc.ca

Access Montreal (see Tenants' rights for address)

Concordia Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank (see Housing for address)

McGill Career and Placement Service Job service for McGill students. Job listings are only available on their Web site, but they have numerous programs based at their office including free computer use for Internet access and CV creation. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, 3600 McTavish #2200. Call 398-3304 or try www.caps.mcgill.ca

Youth Employment Service Started by Alliance Quebec, this group caters specifically to anglophones, usually between 18-35, looking for jobs. Besides the job search, they offer an entrepreneurship program and an introductory business French course. 630 René-Lévesque #185 (métro Square-Victoria), 878-9788, www.yesmtl.org



Keeping a Job

Commission des normes du travail Provincial office which makes sure employment laws are observed, investigates complaints and offers employee mediation. For information on vacation pay, salaries, wrongful dismissal. Call 873-7061 or try www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) is the Quebec equivalent of the Worker's Compensation Board. As the provincial agency mandated to improve health and safety in the workplace, it provides compensation for work accidents and parental-leave benefits, and investigates accidents. English communication is sometimes a problem. 1 Complexe Desjardins, South Tower, 34th fl., 906-3000, www.csst.qc.ca (currently French-only)

Action travail des femmes du Québec Resources and support for women workers in non-traditional jobs. 4706 Wellington, Verdun, 768-7233

Centre d'aide aux travailleurs et travailleuses accidenté(e)s de Montréal Lobbies the government for better labour laws and provides aid for injured workers. The Centre d'aide also deals directly with the public through education, information sessions and consultations on workplace safety and labour laws. They'll also help claimants at CSST hearings, distributes newsletters and pamphlets. 3661 St-Hubert, 529-7942



Welfare/EI

If you are a student and wish to apply for welfare or employment insurance, it is a good idea to consult with one of the following groups before contacting a government office.

Comité chômage de l'est de Montréal Information on unemployment and welfare laws as well as free legal representation. 1691 Pie-IX #302, 521-3283, www.axess.com/ccem

Comité chômage Sud-Ouest Publishes a guide to Employment Insurance in English, French and Spanish. Organized information sessions on employment law available on request. Web site includes a condensed version of their guide including info on student EI regulations. Open Mon-Thurs, 1-4:30pm, 819 du Couvent, 933-5915, www.comitechomage.qc.ca

Mile-End Community Mission Welfare rights info, advocacy and referrals. They'll also help you fill out applications. Call first. 99 Bernard W., 274-3401

Mouvement action-chômage de Montréal Informs you of your rights while receiving EI benefits. Weekly information meetings. 6839 Drolet #304, 271-4099

NDG Anti-Poverty Group Welfare advocacy and networking. Also offers clothing, computer access and an emergency food pantry. 6525 Somerled #7, 489-3548

St. Columba House Welfare Rights Committee Run by and for people who are either on welfare or have been. Info and advocacy services. In Pointe St-Charles at 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-6202

Association pour la défense des droits sociaux A politically oriented group that will advise and assist individuals. 2125 de la Salle, 252-0788

Centre sociale d'aide aux immigrants Helps immigrants with welfare, EI and other issues. 4285 de Maisonneuve W., 932-2953

Welfare Hotline Social-aid info and complaints line run by Quebec's Ministère de la solidarité sociale. 1-888-643-4721 or try www.mss.gouv.qc.ca for extensive info offered in both languages.



CV Creation and Copy Centres

Don't go a-hunting without a snappy résumé. There are countless options for making copies of your existing CV, but if you need to make one from scratch and don't have a computer or printer at home, there are a number of options beyond your school's computer lab--which is likely to be chock full of madly coding computer geeks who refuse to give up their stations.

Atwater Library Provides on-site rental of computers and printers--perfect for putting together your CV. They have 10 PCs and one Mac with a wide variety of software and nine high-speed, DSL Internet stations. Prices are $4/hour for non-members, $2/hour for members. Student memberships are $25 per year for a computer membership and $60 for computer and other library services. There are two black-and-white laser printers available ( 25c/page) and one colour inkjet (50c/page). There's even a scanner you can rent for $2/day. No time limit but they highly recommend calling to make an appointment and for hours. 1200 Atwater (métro Atwater), 935-7344

Concordia Copy Centres Concordia students have access to three university copy centres. Beyond mere photocopying services, they'll print your CV from a PC file (common applications supported) and can also scan images. Hall Copy Centre H-118 (1455 de Maisonneuve W.), 848-3483; Loyola Copy Centre CC-201 (7141 Sherbrooke W.), 848-3484; Super Centre LB-119 (1400 de Maisonneuve W.), 848-3488

Jonathan and Elyce Joy Berman Multimedia-Centre At the Jewish Public Library, members presenting a valid library card can surf for $1/hour and have free access to MS Office 97 software, CD-ROMs and databases. Non-members are welcome to use the Internet and e-mail for $3/hour and use MS Office 97 programs for $1/hour. Other services include scanning, laser printing and computer courses. 1 Cummings Square, 345-2627 ext. 3001

Youth Employment Service (see Finding a Job for address) Offers one hour/day of free computer use for job-hunting on the Web and word processing. $5 deposit required. They'll also translate your CV into French; the charge is $20 for a two-page CV and $10 for a one-page cover letter. Pay in advance, translation takes about one week.



Try also:

Copies Ressources Everything you need to make a document or CV look great, including Mac services by the hour. They can laserprint from your disk in most formats, and fax out a copy as well. There are also several other good copy centres on St-Laurent between des Pins and Rachel. 3822 St-Laurent, 982-9435

M.C. Copy Provides 24/7 copy services and computer/Internet use right by Concordia's downtown campus; 2019 Bishop, 842-6817. Copie 2000 has two locations which rent computer time as well, at 5041 Parc, 277-2000 or 1115 Sherbrooke W., 845-8229. Students will be familiar with either Copies Nova (1015 Sherbrooke W., 844-5910) or Copies Concordia (1520 de Maisonneuve E., 931-3063), and Copie Express has several locations around Montreal, including 680 Sherbrooke W., 499-9966; 945 de Maisonneuve E., 526-0057; 5315 Sherbrooke W. in NDG, 485-4632. Those sequestered in the west can also try Envoy Services d'Affaires at 5764 Monkland, 483-6869.



GETTING AROUND IN MONTREAL



Transportation

Montreal is a fairly easy city to navigate and, with an extensive transportation system, it's manageable even in the depths of winter. There are over 300 kilometres of bike paths crossing the city, and bus and métro lines covering most of the island and beyond. STCUM, our bus and métro system now offers a Monday-to-Sunday pass at $13.50. The strip of six tickets ($8.50) is still the budget option, but if you commute every other day or more, a $48.50 monthly pass works out cheapest. These can be bought at any station's ticket booth. If you're lucky enough to be under 18 and a student, you can use STCUM transit for about half the regular adult fares if you have the appropriate STCUM ID. Check out their Web site for details. For other information, dial A-U-T-O-B-U-S (288-6287), and to know when a bus is coming before running out to catch it, dial the number on your bus stop sign. The phone service is often subject to agonizingly long delays, so a better bet for route and schedule information might be www.stcum.qc.ca.



Buses

Bus lines are less expensive than taking a plane or train out of the city, but not necessarily by as much as you might like. Student fares are available for many return fare tickets, though a round-trip ticket to T.O. costs a bit over $100 even with the standard student discount (ISIC card not required) of 25 per cent. A 25 per cent discount is also available for many trips to the U.S. and Western Canada. Buses leave from the Station Centrale at 505 de Maisonneuve E., (métro Berri-UQÀM). Call 842-2281 for schedules and prices.



Trains

Via Rail. An international student identification card (ISIC) will get you a 35 per cent discount off regular prices for destinations in Canada. A regular student ID will not get you any discount on Via Rail. But anybody can get 30 per cent off economy fares for a return trip and 20 per cent off a one-way trip if they book at least six days in advance, provided economy seats are still available. If you travel to one destination a lot, you might consider the VIA Six Pack. Purchase three round-trip tickets to the same destination up-front and you'll save around 50 per cent off the full price; par exemple, a Six Pack to T.O. will set you back $300. Central Station (métro Bonaventure), 989-2626, www.viarail.ca



Planes

Dorval and Mirabel Airports If you are beginning your journey from downtown Montreal, airport shuttle buses cost much less than a taxi, which can cost $30 to Dorval or $50+ to Mirabel. For Dorval, buses leave every 20 mins from 7am-11pm from the Berri bus station (Station Centrale, see Buses) and 10 minutes after the Station Centrale departure from 777 de la Gauchetière (394-7369). The trip to Dorval costs $11 one way or $19.75 for the round-trip; the Mirabel bus-- which leaves only from the Station Centrale--costs $20 one way or $30 for the round-trip. Mirabel schedules are complicated so call for info.



Automobiles

Many car rental agencies require that you have a credit card, be at least 21 (sometimes older), and they might also freeze anywhere from $500-1,000 on your credit card depending on your age. However, there are a few other options.

Driveaway Call three or four days before you want to leave for a distant destination and they just might have someone else's car for you to drive. The trips are usually one-way and destinations are more often westward. But all you pay is a refundable deposit and gas, which differs depending on the car. Know when you want to go before you call. You must be 21 or older. 345 Victoria, 489-3861

Allô Stop A carpool organization that matches riders with drivers at cheap rates. It costs $6 a year to become a member as a rider plus a small variable fee for each trip, which is paid to the driver. Joining as a driver costs $7. The service now offers trips only within Quebec and the maritime provinces. Also have a new classifieds posting on their Web site where you can check for others looking for long-distance travelling companions and even house-swapping in other cities. Allô Stop assumes no responsibility for contacts made via their classified section. 4317 St-Denis, 985-3032, www.allostop.com

CommunAuto This car-sharing service can help if you're the type who can't afford a car, but needs one now and again at lower-than-rental rates. Based in the Plateau, they have about 60 cars to share for errands, day trips or short holidays. A $500 deposit--refundable after one year if you opt out--is the big initial expense, but you're charged just $1.50-2 per hour for trips within the city (max $15-20 per day) plus a few cents per kilometre. Gas, insurance and other perks are included. Call 842-4545 or try www.communauto.com for more info.



Cycling

If you have a bike, chances are you'll find it one of the handier modes of transportation in Montreal. For one, it'll save you bus/métro fare and cut your walking time by hours. Below are some of the places to go for new or used bikes, and you'll find a few places that do cheap tune-ups and even store your bike for the winter months.

ABC Cycle and Sports Upscale shop that's been around since 1932. Pricey, but they do have top-of-the-line equipment. 5584 Parc (corner St-Viateur), 276-1305

Bicycletterie JR Cyclery Offers repairs, parts and accessories. In the heart of the Plateau: they provide storage space for your bike for $5/month. Specials for students. 151 Rachel E., 843-6989

Cycle Pop The people's bike shop. Buys and sells used bikes (at Recycle Pop). Cheap repairs (maximum $24/hour) and 10 per cent student discounts. For $35 you get a complete tune-up. Also offers bike storage and sessions in "spinning" --or indoor bicycling with your bike on special rollers--for $10 a session. 1000 Rachel E. (by Lafontaine Park), 526-2525

D'un sport à l'autre A Mile-End treasure chest of used sporting goods including bikes, biking gear and accessories. Regular tune-ups are $24.95. 173 Bernard W., 278-1909

Lazy Walker Bicycle Company A bicycle recycling store with tons of used and vintage bikes. Also has scooters and much paraphernalia. 5526 Sherbrooke W., 481-5159

Right to Move (La Voie Libre) A working group of Concordia QPIRG, RTM offers bike repair workshops to the general public. Workshops are free, but the organization will gratefully accept donations. Volunteers are on hand to help you fix your bike on the spot. They also recycle bikes. Located at Concordia's downtown campus, call 848-7585/999-4885, e-mail rtm@pirg.ca or go to http://concordia.pirg.ca/~rtm for more info.

Techno Cycle The ultimate in girl pedalling power, this small shop near the Atwater market was founded and is run by two women. Prices are competitive, and they teach a range of courses on bike mechanics and repair. Spring tune-ups start at $30. Winter storage is available. 2713 Notre-Dame W., 937-3626



EATING IN MONTREAL



Markets

Fresh produce is never far off. Four markets in Montreal give farmers a chance to sell their stock--home-grown fruit and vegetables as well as local cheese, meat, fish--you name it. It can be a little pricey, but the quality is excellent. At Marché Atwater 138 Atwater (métro Lionel-Groulx) try the Ferme Michaca stall for organic produce, they also have a stall at Marché Jean-Talon (7075 Casgrain at métro Jean-Talon). You can also try Marché Jean-Talon's Épicerie Alfalfa for more organic goods. Other markets are Marché Maisonneuve 4445 Ontario E. (métro Pie-IX) and Marché Saint-Jacques 1125 Ontario E. (métro Berri-UQAM). Official hours are Mon-Wed 8am-6pm, Thu-Fri 8am-9pm, weekends 8am-5pm, although some farm-stalls may open earlier. The markets are open year round, but Marché Saint-Jacques sells only flowers and other plants during the winter months.



Health food stores

À votre santé As well-stocked as any good grocery, except everything's organic. 5126 Sherbrooke W., 482-8233

Club Organic Specializes in organically raised vegetables, some meats, and sells bulk foods. 4341 Frontenac, 523-0223

Fleur Sauvage Also has cosmetics, supplements, herbs. 5561 Monkland, 482-5193

Frenco Bulk food with vitamins, herbs and spices and some organic foods. 3985 St-Laurent, 285-1319

Health Tree 7133 Cote-St-Luc, 484-5031

Kilo-Naturel 201 St-Viateur W., 278-3377

Le Frigo Vert A non-profit health foods store operated by Concordia University boasts the lowest prices on health foods and organic produce in town. A $15 membership fee applies for non-Concordia students. 2130 Mackay, 848-7586

Optimum Also runs an organic restaurant around the corner at 2090 Union. 630 Sherbrooke W., 845-1015

Rachelle-Béry Organic foods, cosmetics and vitamins. 505 Rachel E., 524-0725; 2510 Beaubien E., 727-2327; 1366 Ontario E., 525-2215; 4660 St-Laurent, 849-4118; 1332 Fleury E., 388-5793

Tau Carries a lot of rare and hard-to-find organic produce. Also has a great selection of cold drinks. 4238 St-Denis, 843-4420

Teva 5143 Décarie, 486-5542



Ethnic foods

There's no sense in alternating between Kraft Dinner and burgers all year in a city so abundantly stocked in the foods of the world. And though it would be nice, you can't possibly eat out every day. Success lies in finding the right ingredients which, in Montreal, simply means knowing which area to shop in.

Chinatown is an obvious place to start when looking for Asian-cuisine ingredients; there are countless groceries and specialty shops between Viger, St-Denis, René-Lévesque and St-Urbain. Authentic Japanese products can also be found at Miyamoto, 382 Victoria (481-1952).

If you're looking for the real Italian thing, then a trip to Little Italy (métro Jean-Talon) is in order. Many groceries, butchers and cheese shops can be found along St-Laurent a few blocks south of Jean-Talon, with plenty of places to stop for an espresso along the way. Italian grocery Latina in Mile-End (185 St-Viateur W., 273-6561) is slightly closer to downtown and is a lovely, if high-end, place to shop.

From about Fairmount toward the north, the Mile-End district is packed with great restos, cafés and groceries. St-Viateur packs restaurants plus several groceries--including Latina (see above), a great little Polish deli call Euro-Deli Batory (115 St-Viateur W., 948-2161) and Kilo-Naturel (see Health Food)--as well as cafés and empañada outlets like Barros Luco (204 St-Viateur W., 273-7203) in the five-block stretch between the Main and Parc. Though you'll find a taste of every culture up and down these blocks, the area has an increasingly Latin feel. Get your fresh tortillas, nachos and chipotles at Tortilleria Maya (5274 St-Laurent, 495-0606). It all makes the neighbourhood a relaxing alternative to the well-stocked but crowded strip of St-Laurent between des Pins and Mont-Royal. But in that strip, two places of note are Boulangerie St-Laurent (3830 St-Laurent, 845-4536), an old-style East European style bakery with amazing fresh bread and La Vieille Europe (3855 St-Laurent, 842-5773), a lively and affordable delicatessen, cheese shop and specialty store.

One of Mile-End's favourite café/deli/bakeries is Navarino, at 5563 Parc, 279-7725. They sell great baklava as well as croissants, sandwiches and filling, nutritious salads.

Other specialty food stores include Les Aliments Exotiques (733-7577, 6695 Victoria) for West Indian products, Marché Adonis (9590 l'Acadie, 382-8606) is a good bet for Middle Eastern fare, and don't try going to either Kosher City (4765 Van Horne, 733-2838) or the Kosher Quality Bakery (5855 Victoria, 731-7883) after sundown on Friday. You can find the world "pour emporter" at Le Faubourg Ste-Catherine in the heart of downtown. 1616 Ste-Catherine W., 939-3663. Across the street is Almanar (1631 St-Catherine W., 938-8533) specializing in East Indian foodstuffs. P.A. Super Marché, sells some organic meat and produce, stays open to 11pm nightly and offers free delivery within the neighbourhood if your grocery load is too heavy to carry (5029 Parc, 273-8782).



Late-night groceries

4 Frères Late-night hunger has met its match--leave the club and head straight there. Food of all shapes, sizes and colours await. Open 24 hours at 3701 St-Laurent, 844-1474. Up in Mile-End, the other 4 Frères location is open 8am-11pm every day, though the quality and selection are more limited.

Provigo A late-night grocery to satisfy the most monstrous munchie sufferers. Open 8am-2am daily. 1953 Ste-Catherine W., 932-3756; or their other location open until midnight at 3421 Parc, 281-0488



Cheap Eats

Another Montreal blessing is the fact that it's not hard to get fed for less than a tenner. This, plus the great selection of ethnic restaurants, means even those on a modest budget can afford a good sit-down meal now and again.

The following list of restaurants is by no means exhaustive, and gives preference to those in or near student neighbourhoods.

Amazona Family-style Greek place with great prices and better food. Among the best tzatziki in town. Not to be confused with other Amazonas. 5525 Côte-St-Luc, 484-2612

Amelio's An institution in the McGill Ghetto for 25 years. Their specialties are pizza and pastas served in generous portions in comfortable surroundings, and at student-friendly prices. 201 Milton, 845-8396

Basha A Montreal centre for shawarma, falafel and shish taouk long before these foods became trendy. There are four locations, with one at 2140 Guy near Concordia (932-6682), and three on Ste-Catherine in the downtown core. The best is their flagship location across from the Paramount Cinema, 930 Ste-Catherine W., 866-4272.

Binerie Mont-Royal 1940s-style diner where you can eat like a lumberjack. Very small place with cheap, homey, meat-oriented food. 367 Mont-Royal E., 285-9078

Boustan Notable falafel two steps from Concordia. 2020A Crescent, 843-3576

Café Electra Cozy Italian panini place where the delicious sandwiches are with fresh ingredients and prepared with great care. 24 Pins E., 288-0853

Café Presto Offers home-style Italian cooking in heart of downtown, which is a rarity. Great prices. 1244 Stanley, 879-5877

Chez Gatsé Montreal's only Tibetan restaurant offers exotic food from the "Roof of the World," at low-altitude prices. 317 Ontario E., 985-2494

Cosmos Snack Bar A noisy, friendly greasy spoon specializing in crude but effective mega-calorie breakfasts. 5843 Sherbrooke W., 486-3814

Cristal de Saigon This Vietnamese diner is often packed with an assortment of local Chinatown residents and visitors. Disarmingly inexpensive, the meal-sized Tonkinoise soups contain all the necessary life-sustaining ingredients. 1068 St-Laurent, 875-4275

Le Faubourg Technically speaking it's a mall, but their international 3rd floor food-court has a few gems, including Bangkok, a Thai delight and Maison du Bédouin, which offers North African food. (see Ethnic Foods for address)

Jardin du Cari Simple East and West Indian menu is not extensive but offers some delicious bargains. 21 St-Viateur W., 495-0565

Just Noodles New addition to the local scene, this noodle emporium lets you watch your food being prepared. The price is right and the food's always fresh. 2061 Ste-Catherine W., 989-5826; 355 Bernard W., 274-7452; and 3711 St-Laurent, 288-9593

Kilo Resto A nice place to meet and eat, especially if you like coffee and decadent desserts. 5206 St-Laurent (277-5039), 1495 Ste-Catherine E. (596-3933)

Luck Hop Foo (5214 St-Laurent, 948-5503, see Delivery eats)

Maison de Cari Golden Easy to miss just before Luck Hop Foo, this Indian restaurant offers a tasty selection of tandoori and curries. Some vegetarian options and superb Nan bread. Their Dinner for Two easily feeds three or four. Take-out available (5210 St-Laurent, 270-2561)

Mazurka Like having a home-cooked meal prepared by Polish relatives. This family-run restaurant has been around since the '60s. Some vegetarian dishes have been added to the menu. The $5.75 special ($6.25 on weekends) is a real bargain. 64 Prince-Arthur E., 844-3539

La Paryse Enjoy one of the best burgers in town, in comfortable neo-retro surroundings. 302 Ontario E., 842-2040

Sara Well-placed falafel spot, après club or on the run. 4495 St-Laurent, 843-9014

Schwartz's Legendary. The Mirror readers' 2001 Best of Montreal pick for best smoked meat. The tables are crammed together, the waiters are often surly and line-ups aren't uncommon, but regulars will swear it's all worth it. 3895 St-Laurent, 842-4813

Soups & Noodles Would civilization be what it is without Asian-style noodle shops? Good, cheap eats in a hurry. Take-out too.1871 Ste-Catherine W., 933-0531

Titanic If you're in Vieux Montréal, try this lunchroom sandwicherie for tasty concoctions and the cooler-than-cool staff. Free delivery within the cobbled quartier. 445 St-Pierre, 849-0894.

Wilensky's Light Lunch Where Mordecai Richler hung out as a kid. This 60-year-old institution is famous for its hand-pumped sodas, rickety wooden stools, and "The Special." Closes early and is never open on the weekend. 34 Fairmount W., 271-0247



Vegetarian Restos

Remarkably thorough listings of Montreal restos and other vege-head resources are available online at various locations. Try following the Végé-Guide links at www.vegetarianisme.org, or the geographical link at www.happycow.net.

Bio Optimum Totally organic. 2090 Union, 843-8940

Café les Entretiens A small café that has a large menu with a variety of salads and a table d'hôte every day. 1577 Laurier E. (near Papineau), 521-2934

ChuChai An all-vegetarian Thai restaurant. 4088 St-Denis, 843-4194

Faim du Monde Vegan-friendly selection with creative blends of ingredients. Now licensed to serve alcohol. 300 Duluth E., 281-9825

Le Commensal A tasty variety of foods, but be aware that you will pay for this vegetarian buffet by the gram. 1720 St-Denis (845-2627), 1204 McGill College (871-1480), 3715 Queen Mary (733-9755) and three other locations.

Les Vivres Leisurely organic vegan restaurant with specialties like mock bacon, mock lox and home-made chapatis. 4434 St-Dominique, 842-3479

Pushap Exotic Indian fare including lotus root and great Indian deserts made on-site. 5195 Paré (Namur métro), 737-4527. Also at 11991 Gouin W., 683-0556

Spirite Restaurant and Lounge Only one meal on the menu each night and a $2 penalty for not eating everything on your plate (donated to charity). Most ingredients are organic; vegans and those with allergies are happily accommodated. An eating registry keeps track of when you came and what you ate so you don't get served the same meal twice. 1201 Ontario E., 524-5264

Végé-Deli Sandwiches, salads. 845 Ste-Catherine E, 287-3564



Study-friendly cafés

Café Vienne (Guy & de Maisonneuve) Café Vienne has 11 other outlets on the island, many within other student areas. This one near Concordia has student specials and a sunny terrasse when the weather permits. Smoking. 7am-8pm, 6pm on weekends. 2153 Guy, 932-4832

Café Santropol Unique setting, ideal for reading, writing term papers or just procrastinating. Filling sandwiches with exotic ingredients, hearty soups and famed selection of house-blended herb teas. Beautiful garden in back when the weather's nice. One per cent of all profits goes to charity. Open 11:30am-midnight, 3990 St-Urbain, 842-3110

Ciné Express (Ste-Catherine & St-Marc) Open 24 hours. Whether you need coffee around the clock, a place to screen the film you made in school or just somewhere to watch the Simpsons between classes, Ciné Express is the place. Frequently hosts art exhibitions and stand-up comedy, and they show a movie every night. They have chess and backgammon boards. Licensed, with student specials. Smoking. 1926 Ste-Catherine W., 939-CINE

Croissant Royal (St-Laurent & Guilbault) Drop in late and stare menacingly at the non-smokers across the street. A good place to watch the teeming mass of the Main go by or grab a snack at the food counter which supplies more than your average café fare. 3685 St-Laurent, 288-9515

Open Da Night Great coffee, and more Ray Bans and Gauloises than a cheap French movie. This laid-back neighbourhood hangout opens early and closes when the last person leaves. Don't be confused by the spanking new "Café Olimpico" awnings. 124 St-Viateur W., 495-0746

Second Cup (Parc & Milton) Unlike the above, Second Cup enforces a strict no-smoking policy, with a few exceptions made for Montreal's sizable smoking population; namely the 24-hour café in the McGill Ghetto, which has a lot of terrasse space that transforms itself into a heated smoking section in the winter months. 3498 Parc, 288-2903

Tim Hortons (Guy & de Maisonneuve) There are two Tim Hortons locations downtown, both within a two-block radius. This location has been so successful that an adjoining store was bought out to furnish a separate dining room, this one for the non-smokers. A load of newspapers are free for perusing in each of the rooms. 24 hours. 2081 Guy, 935-1942



Cybercafés

Unfortunately for the technologically deprived, the number of these places has dropped dramatically. With computer prices dropping, and the idea that everyone should have a home computer on the rise, only the strong cybercafés will survive.

Cyberground Café Internet Featuring 17 PCs with ADSL Internet access, network multi-player games and time to rent on word-processors as well as Photoshop and CorelDraw. 21" and 17" screens. $3.50 for half an hour, 15c a minute after that, $7+tax/hour or $5.85+tax/hour for a four-hour block. 3672 St-Laurent, 842-1726

Network Café Choose from bagels, sandwiches, muffins and a huge selection of coffee at this trendy café. Great for dessert. ADSL Internet access costs $8 for the first hour and $5.25/hour after that. Three computers, closes at midnight. 5120 Queen Mary, 344-0959

M.C. Copy (see CV copy centres for address) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Internet access, calculated in 10 minute chunks. Reasonable rates.

Press Café Four computers with Internet access for $5/hour or $3.50 for a half an hour. Open 24 hours. 1263 Ste Catherine E. (Gay Village), 528-9530



All-night & late-night eats

Arahova Souvlaki A plethora of tasty Greek delights in simple surroundings. These two locations have different owners. Open until 2am Sun-Thu, until 5am Fri-Sat 256 St-Viateur W., 274-7828; 1425 Crescent, 499-0262

Ben's A mainstay of late-night eateries, where the all-night crowd used to wait for the morning papers to read the racing results. Smoked meat, photos of stars who visited and even poetry on occasions. Open Sun-Wed 7:30-2am, Thu 7:30-3am, Fri-Sat 7:30-4am. 990 de Maisonneuve W., 844-1000

Café Souvenir Eclectic neighbourhood bistro menu. Breakfast served all the time. Open 24 hours Fri-Sat; until 12am Sun-Thu. 1261 Bernard W., 948-5259

Chez Claudette Diner food with vegetarian touches. Open 24/7. They serve breakfast all day and have a selection of freshly squeezed juice drinks. 351 Laurier E., 279-5173

La Banquise Poutine heaven, open 24/7. 994 Rachel E., 525-2415

Euro Deli is offers good, cheap, Italian-style eats for the hipster crowd. Open Mon-Wed 8:30-2:00am, Thu-Fri from 8:30am-4am, Sat 9-4am, Sun 10-4am. 3619 St-Laurent, 843-7853. Shorter hours at the downtown location (1206 Peel, 878-3354).

Green Spot Classic casse-croute fare in the liveliest part of St-Henri. Open 5am-midnight Mon-Thu, 24 hours on weekends. 3041 Notre-Dame W., 931-6473

The Main Good smoked meat, blintzes and latkes, or breakfast depending on your mood. Open Sun-Thu10-5am, Fri-Sat 10-5:30am. 3864 St-Laurent, 843-8126

Picasso Open 24/7. 6810 St-Jacques, 484-2832 (see Delivery eats)

Presse Café (see Internet Cafés)

Salonica Farther north than you might ordinarily wander up St-Denis is this all-night casse-croute with a variety of poutines and other good, debauched fare--their Small poutine feeds at least two. Delivery until 6am. 5261 St-Denis (one block north of Laurier), 274-9319/274-9310



SHOPPING IN MONTREAL



Low-budget Clothes

Avenue du Mont-Royal Fripe out! The blocks on this street between St-Laurent and St-Denis are lined with second-hand stores. Stock varies wildly, so it's hard to recommend one shop over another. But as the strip's popularity rises, so do the prices.

Chabanel Street Just north of the Métropolitain between St-Laurent and Parc is schmataland. Montreal still has a large textile industry, most of which is located in this district. Here you'll find factory outlets that sell to the public directly, but only on Saturday mornings.

Eva B A great selection of leather and women's clothing, much of which is made on-site. For the theatrically minded, they also rent costumes at reasonable rates. Costume shop visits require an appointment. 2013 St-Laurent (at Ontario), 849-8246

Friperie pour femmes, hommes et enfants A small shop, chock-a-block with vintage-wear for the whole family. Everything from footwear to headwear, including a fair selection of leather jackets. Cash only. 206 St-Viateur W.

Friperie St-Laurent Second-hand clothing boutique with great '40s ties and other treats. 3976 St-Laurent, 842-3893

Fripe-Prix Renaissance This smaller, lesser-known discount chain is actually cheaper than Village des Valeurs, with a $1-10 price range tax included and a 30-per-cent-off sale on Mondays. At the branch on the Main, there's the bonus of a used book, record and computer basement. Various locations including 7250 St-Laurent, (corner Jean-Talon), 276-3626

Le Château Warehouse All the stuff you saw in the regular outlets that didn't sell. They slash the prices. 5255 Jean-Talon W., 341-5301

Lolita This friendly and boutique-y frip on the St-Viateur strip offers an extremely affordable selection of women's fashion and accessories from a variety of eras; a decent jeans selection but also a wide array of dress-up gear ranging from kooky-fun to über-sophisticated. 274 St-Viateur W., 270-5858

Twistencore Always a Mirror BOM winner, meaning people seem to like it, so why not take a look? 3972 St-Laurent, 842-1308

Village des Valeurs An institution for Montrealers on a budget, there are five locations in the greater Montreal area and stock is not limited to clothing. Don't just go to the store closest to downtown--it'll be the most picked-over. 4906 Jean-Talon W. (métro Namur), 739-1962. 6779 Jean-Talon E. (métro Langelier to connecting Northbound bus), 254-0433; 2033 Pie-IX, 528-8604; 7401 Newman, 595-8101; 5630 Henri-Bourassa (corner Lacordaire), 327-7447



Low-budget Furniture

Ameublements Côte-des-Neiges All kinds of new furniture and appliances. 4964 Queen Mary, 344-3273

City of Montreal Public Auctions Call for the schedules and details. 969 Louvain E., 872-2340

Duvet Ungava Good selection and prices for futons and duvets. 10 des Pins W., ground floor, 287-9276

Ikea Hard to get to without a car (if you're going by bus it's a good idea to call their switchboard for detailed directions before setting out). The usual do-it-yourself furniture fare at moderate prices awaits. 9191 Cavendish (off the Métropolitain), 738-2167

Salvation Army Used furniture and a wicked array of clothes and household goods at insanely low prices. Get everything you need, and the cash goes to a good cause. 1620 Notre Dame W, 935-7425; 4890 Jean-Talon W., 738-1796; 5762 Sherbrooke W., 488-8714



Books

Abya-Yala Librairie des Amériques Loads of books and info on Latin America are hoarded away in this little textual cave. 4555 St-Laurent, 849-4908

Academic and General Book Shop New and used books on a range of topics, and what they don't have, they can order. 385 Sherbrooke W., 849-3833

L'Androgyne Queer book store. Sadly deserted its higher rent location on the Plateau for new digs in the Village. 1436 Amherst, 842-4765

Argo Eclectic collection of used books. 1915 Ste-Catherine W., 931-3442

Bella Shares a shop with Mojo (see CDs/Records), specializing in obscure fiction, comics, and other arty books. 3968 St-Laurent, 282-7730

Chapters Three huge floors of books, magazines and the only downtown Starbucks café. Occasional launches and signings. Open late. 1171 Ste-Catherine W., 849-8825

Diamond Bookstore When Russell Books gave way to the new Palais des Congrés, these folks picked up a bit of the stock. Second-hand, remaindered and rare stock. 5035 Sherbrooke W., 481-3000

Double Hook Canadian Books Canadian literature is this Westmount store's specialty; occasionally also hosts readings. 1235a Greene, 932-5093

L'Échange Buy and sell books (mostly francophone) as well as music and comics. 713 Mont-Royal E., 523-6389 or 3694 St-Denis, 849-1913

Indigo As they say, it's "books, music and café." Second, smaller location by the Loblaws at Parc & Jean-Talon (métro Parc). The store at McGill College & Ste-Catherine is well-stocked, roomy, and open to 11pm nightly. 1500 McGill, 281-5549

Librairie Allemande German bookstore has everything from children's novels to biographies. 3488A Côte-des-Neiges, 933-1919

Librairie Alternative Bookstore Collectively run bookstore offering books and magazines on alternative media, environment, animal rights, labour, anarchy, feminism, sexuality and queer literature. 2035 St-Laurent, 2nd fl., 844-3207

Librairie Astro Used books, comics and trading cards. 1844 Ste-Catherine W., 932-1139

Librairie Italiana Italian books, magazines, video rentals and records. 6792 St-Laurent, 277-2955

Librairie Las Americas Spanish books. 10 St-Norbert (off St-Laurent just below Sherbrooke), 844-5994

Librairie Michel Fortin Inc. Specializes in language books, but also serves as a general bookstore. 3714 St-Denis, 849-5719

Librairie du Moyen-Orient Specializes in books from the Arab world. 877 Décarie, 744-4886 Librairie Ulysse Excellent selection of travel books, guides and maps. 4176 St-Denis, 843-9447

McGill Bookstore A comprehensive selection and more McGill paraphernalia than one could ever need, with a cybercafé upstairs. Closed Sun. 3420 McTavish, 398-7444

Mélange Magique Metaphysical, holistic and occult books. They also carry incense and crystals. 1928 Ste-Catherine W., 938-1458

Nicholas Hoare Highbrow champions of bookstore feng shui. Also sell CDs. Ogilvy basement, 1307 Ste-Catherine W., 499-2005; 1366 Greene, 933-4201

Odyssey Buys and sells used and rare books, especially art, literature and history, plus used and classical and jazz records. 1439 Stanley, 844-4843

Paragraphe Good selection of new books, including a great children's section; if it's not in stock, they'll order it for you. Attached to a Second Cup. 2220 McGill College, 845-5811

Stage Theatre Bookshop Great selection of theatre, film, music, dance and visual arts books. 2123 Ste-Catherine W., 931-7466

S.W. Welch Used and rare books bought and sold; good prices offered for used books. Will make house calls, but they can be picky about what they take. 3878 St-Laurent, 848-9358

Vortex Mostly used books, but the owners take great care to make sure they're in the best condition. A lot of rare and first-edition stock. Name your subject. 1855 Ste-Catherine W., 935-7869

The Word Buys and sells art, philosophy and literature books, and has all of last year's McGill textbooks. 469 Milton, 845-5640



Magazines/Newspapers

Au Tabasoir Sturdy selection, and a good film rack. Loud opera music makes this place a strange oasis. Across from métro Mont-Royal. 425 Mont-Royal E., 845-5727

Maison de la presse internationale A great selection of up-to-date newspapers and magazines from around the world. Found all over the city: 550 Ste-Catherine E., 1393 Ste-Catherine W., and 1645 Ste-Catherine W.

Medi@phile Independent newsstand with excellent selection of international newspapers and magazines, as well as gifts, greeting cards and cigars. Will do special orders. 1901 Ste-Catherine W., 939-3676

Metropolitan News Agency The place is tucked away, the shop is small and messy, but they have just about any newspaper and lots of foreign-language magazines. 1109 Cypress (south of Ste-Catherine between Peel and Stanley), 866-9227

Multimags Magazines and newspapers from all over the globe, all over Montreal including 1570 de Maisonneuve W., 5236 Queen-Mary, 352 Ste-Catherine W., 2058 Ste-Catherine W. and 3552 St-Laurent.

Photo-Mag Rachel One of the few photo development places with student discounts on the Plateau. Also carries magazines and offers faxing, lamination and photocopying services. 30 Rachel W., 985-0990

Point Vert Strong on artsy mags, design & music. May have titles the others don't. 4040 St-Laurent, 982-9195



CDs/Records

Archambault A huge selection of CDs, from classical, jazz and world to francophone, rock and pop. 500 Ste-Catherine E., 849-6201

BPM Muzik DJ store with variety of dance music. Techno, house, R&B, reggae on vinyl and CD. 1154 Ste-Catherine E., 527-5912

CD Plus Second-hand CDs tucked away up on Parc. 5128 Parc, 273-1088

CDément Mostly used, and some new rare stuff. Good prices. 388 Ste-Catherine W., 866-7616

Cheap Thrills New and used CDs, as well as used books. 2044 Metcalfe, 844-8988.

Disquivel New and second-hand vinyl and CDs. Covers everything, especially electronic music. One listening post. 1587 St-Laurent, 842-1607

DNA, Science, Moog Audio Techno/drum 'n' bass, hip-hop and sound equipment. Three stores come together under one roof, making it the place come to for all your urban music and the stuff that makes it loud. 28 des Pins E., 284-7434

L'Échange (see books)

HMV You'll have to forge past the Top-40 display units at the front to get to the CDs, but the selection is good for all tastes. Many locations, but there's a generous return policy at 1020 Ste-Catherine W., 875-0765

Inbeat Specializing in house and techno on vinyl. A great start for club DJs. 3814 St-Laurent, 499-2063

In Side Another techno-oriented shop in the basement of the clothing store Aritmetik. 2011 St-Denis, 844-8519

L'Oblique A touchstone for francophone musicians and scenesters looking to upgrade their collection with new, used and rare discs. 4333 Rivard, 499-1323

Le Pick-Up Buys and sells everything from CDs and 45s to vintage magazines and posters. Big funk and soul selection. 262 Mont-Royal E., 849-9484

Marché du disque Cheap vinyl, and a great selection of CDs from soundtracks to rockabilly to exotica. 793 Mont-Royal E., 526-3575

Mars The store is like a spooky attic, but has some finds. Also posters, magazines, etc. 537A Ste-Catherine W., 844-4329

Mojo Rare vinyl re-issues with emphasis on jazz. Also funk, pop, groovy soundtracks, and a used CD rack. 3968 St-Laurent, 282-7730

Musicworld Caters to the popular in us all. In the Eaton Centre 286-3779

Noize Expanded digs on the Main offers a rich collection of new and used discs and vinyl, many musical genres. Two couches, two decks. 3697 St-Laurent. 985-9989

Phantasmagoria Alternative, classical and jazz specialist, has some hidden treasures. 5018 Sherbrooke W., 488-2004 and Place Versailles, 355-1474

Phantasmagoria/RMP All styles for all tastes. 300 Bates, 739-5622

Primitive Second-hand CDs, tapes and records. Great prices. 3828 St-Denis, 845-6017

Rayon Laser CDs in the main room, vinyl in the back room. Reasonable stock of import drum & bass, plus house, trance and a little breakbeat. One deck and staff will also play your selection on request. Look for Centre Records techno stuff in the back room. 3656 St-Laurent, 848-6300

Rotation Techno, house, deep house, drum & bass, breakbeat and a little hip hop. Vinyl and CDs. Four decks. 30 Prince Arthur W. (corner St-Laurent), 848-9562

Ricochet New garage, mod, punk, as well as collectibles and rare vinyl. 372 Ste-Catherine W. #105, 393-6410

Sam the Record Man Same ol' Sam's, plus new section for gamers upstairs. 399 Ste-Catherine W., 281-9877

Stomp Ska & garage rock, plus a selection of mod clothes. 78 Rachel E., 842-5887

Tabou International DJ Club The city's HQ for club DJs: techno, house, jungle, rap, R&B, dance. 1021-A Ste-Catherine W., 288-5609

Tabou 2 Jungle, house, break-beat, hip hop and French rap can all be found on the walls of this very underground shop. 1604-B St-Laurent, 844-4481

Underworld Music Hardcore, punk, ska specialist. 271 Ste-Catherine, 284-6418



Instruments & sheet music

Archambault The one stop for all the classical music you could ever want to have on paper. Pianos too. 500 Ste-Catherine E., 849-6201

Italmelodie Sales, leasing, service, trade-ins and lessons. Large selection of instruments and sound systems. 274 Jean-Talon E., 273-3224

Steve's Guitars, drums, keyboards, rock songbooks and rental sound equipment for that big gig. 51 St-Antoine W., 878-2216



TIME OUT



Repertory cinemas

Cinéma du Parc A great mix of second-run flicks, new indie films, documentaries and re-released classics. Three theatres, still undergoing renovations to both projectors and seating. A $45 membership card gets you 10 movies. Students $5.50, general admission $6.75. 3575 Parc (basement of Galeries du Parc), 281-1900 or www.cinema.ca

Cinéma Impériale Headquarters for Fantasia, 3D movies and other film fests. 1432 de Bleury, 848-0300

Cinémathèque québécoise Originally fashioned after the Cinémathèque française in Paris, our version screens an eclectic mix of rare foreign and documentary films, animation, mini-retrospectives and classic québécois TV. The membership card ($100/year, $35/3 months) gives you 50 per cent off a Boîte Noire membership and other discount benefits. Admission for most screenings is $5. Also has exhibits. 335 de Maisonneuve E., 842-9763

Ex-Centris Three cinemas offering the old, the new and the foreign. It also houses the Cinema Parallèle, which moved from its intimate space up the street. Students pay $6. A Ciné-carte is $35 for admission to six movies. 3536 St-Laurent, 847-3536

Goethe-Institut has been promoting German culture for more than 30 years. Classics from German cinema, retros on directors and avant-garde premieres grace the screen; 418 Sherbrooke E., 499-0159

IMAX The six-story screen at the Old Port shows mostly short films made expressly to show off IMAX technology. 2 de la Commune (496-4629 or try www.isci.com). The new Cinema Paramount also has IMAX films, and screens other feature-length films on ultra-modern screens downtown. 977 Ste-Catherine W., 878-9100

NFB If it's an NFB doc or animated short you need, look no further. The Robothèque offers you on-site access to the entire NFB catalogue. Student rates are $2/hour. Most NFB films are also available to rent at $3/night. 1564 St-Denis, 496-6887



Video stores

Blockbuster Convenience is its strong suit, with many locations and multiple copies of new releases. 4501 St-Denis, 982-9363; 3745 St-Dominique (at des Pins), 285-8868; 1132 Ontario E., 598-5838; 5655 Parc (near Bernard), 279-3522; 2110 Ste-Catherine W., 932-0063

Boîte noire The most complete selection of auteur films in the city, shelved by director. Many hard-to-find indie films and international selections. Great choice of experimental cinema, documentaries, animation and TV shows, which are always free with regular films. Rentals cost $4.50 per day, 2 for 1 Tue-Thu. $14.95 membership is worth it ($12.95 for students), your first movie is free and you'll get a complementary Video Guide too! 4450 St-Denis, 287-1249; and smaller location at 380 Laurier W., 277-6979.

Le Club International This Village video store is a living room away from home, with couches, coffee and candies galore. 1150 Ste-Catherine E. 598-7527. Other location at 3560 Van Horne (733-3090).

Movieland Doesn't specialize in any one area, but solid in most departments. Sun-Thu 3 films/$7.25 two-day rental. Fri-Sat 3 films/$6 one-day rental--except new releases. 1972 Ste-Catherine W., 937-1231; 4154 Ste-Catherine W., 933-2384; 3575 Parc (in La Cité), 843-5206; 1161 Bernard W., 278-1517

SuperClub Vidéotron This location has a surprisingly interesting selection for a chain outlet, with films categorized by director, decade and country. Other notable sections include queer, horror & exploitation. Also has games & DVD. Wed is 2/1. 1330 Mont-Royal E., 596-2606. 305 Sherbrooke W., 288-4447. 5253 Parc, 276-7303

Vidéo Cité has a very good selection considering they aren't part of a chain. 5123 Parc, 270-3217



Pool Halls

Bacci 20 high-quality tables at its St-Laurent location, and 32 on St-Denis. Has a pro-shop and a late-night kitchen open until 1:30am. More geared to scenesters than serious pool players. $11.50 /hour. Members play free from 11-5pm. Non-members expect to wait during peak hours. Open until 3am. 3553 St-Laurent, 287-9331; 4205 St-Denis, 844-3929

Club de Billiard du Québec 26 tables, lots of classic rock and Elvis murals, but this is a good place to go to if you just want to play pool. $9.50/hour, half-price from 10am-2pm. Open 10-3am. 551 Mont-Royal E., 525-5091

Metropool Very cheap depending on when you go. Home to many serious-minded players. Student special on Sun-Wed after 5pm: $2.50/hour if you buy two drinks. 32 tables, a full bar and a "private room." 1197 St-Laurent, 392-1458

Sharx Underneath the Faubourg. Upscale steel and concrete joint, with lots of bar space, kitchen and 36 tables, but waiting is not uncommon. $9-11/hour for 2-4 players. Now also houses 10 swanky Cosmo bowling lanes. 1606 Ste-Catherine W., 934-3105

Le Swimming Painfully hip spot, with a window looking out onto the bustle of St-Laurent glitterati. Trendy space with 12 tables, a bar and lots of TVs, foosball tables and live music on weekends. 3643 St-Laurent, 282-7665



Bowling alleys

Au Drome 16 alleys of duck-pin action. Sometimes overrun with leagues and closes early most nights except Saturday. 1688 Mont-Royal E., 521-7651

Boulevard Lanes If you absolutely have to go bowling at 4:30am, this place has 54 10-pin lanes and 18 duck-pin alleys. Best to drive to this remote location in St-Leonard. Open 24 hours Wed-Sun. 4400 Jean-Talon E., 729-2829

Le Forum Neighbourhood place with fun graphics to indicate strikes and spares, a loud beep when you step over the line and mysteriously greasy balls. Bring a towel. 920 St-Zotique E., (near St-Hubert) 274-0797

Paré Lanes A bit out of the city at métro Namur, but one of the very last old-style 10-pin alleys. 30 alleys in all. Pricing varies. $20/hour for Cosmo bowling, Fri-Sat, 9:30pm-3am. 5250 Paré, 731 9626

Rose Bowl Lanes The Best of Montreal winner for best bowling alley. 72 lanes split democratically between 10-pin and duck-pin. The aluminum-sided exterior disguises a garish mauve interior. Open 24/7. 6510 St-Jacques (at Cavendish), 482-7200

Salon de Quilles International Quiet, place to bowl on the outer reaches of Mile-End. 26 computerized lanes, student specials before 6pm. Open until 3am on weekends. 6590 Parc, 276-7222

Sharx (see Pool Halls)



SERVICES IN MONTREAL



Laundry

Buanderie du Village Clean place where the staff will do your washing and folding for about $5 per load. 1499 Amherst, 526-4084

Buanderette Villeneuve Rarely overcrowded thanks to the number of washers they have. $1.50 per load for self-serve and kept very clean. Will do your washing for you for a $1.50 service charge per load (keep in mind you probably sneak in more per load than they will). Also a dry-cleaning service. Open 8am-8pm. 28 Villeneuve W., 845-5620

Buanderie du Parc Flat rate for washing, drying and folding: $6 per load. Also provides self-service machines. 3486 Parc, 844-4648

Buanderie Net-Net will wash, dry and fold your laundry (usually with a 24-hour turnaround) at a rate of $0.69 per pound. A normal load ends up costing $6-$7. A pick-up and delivery service is also available. 310 Duluth E., 844-8511

Buanderie St-Viateur Has several machines where you can wash cold loads for 50c a pop. The endless stream of resident kitties is a draw for catlovers, but consider this a caveat to allergy sufferers--fur abounds, though folding table and machine surfaces are kept clean. Best to avoid on weekends, when it's often overcrowded. Open to 8pm daily. 104 St-Viateur W.

Lavorama charges 70c per pound of clothes washed, dried, folded, and wrapped. 5872 Sherbrooke W., 489-7701

Nettoyeur Daoust Nice clean launderette at the back for the lower-St-Laurent set. They'll wash and fold for $6.50 a load. 3654 St-Denis, 844-4763



Physical fitness facilities

In Montreal, it's never too early to start thinking about winter sports. In total, the city has 170 outdoor ice rinks, seven alpine skiing centres, 66.3 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 13 tobogganing hills and seven snowshoeing courses. The Access Montreal card (see Tenants' Rights) gives you discounts on tennis court fees, public skating prices and the like. Ski lessons are provided by L'École de ski de Montréal. Lessons available in alpine, cross-country and snowboarding. Call 872-2237 for more info on these or any of the city's winter sporting facilities. Additionally, Angrignon Park (10-km trail) offers cross-country skiing courses. 872-3816

Arenas 872-2237 is also the number to call to find out the hours and days the arena closest to you is open. The rates for public skating are fixed, however: $2.75 for weekends, free through the week. Anyone can skate any day of the week--winter or summer--at the Bell Amphitheatre (1000 de la Gauchetière W., 395-0555). The cost is $5, call for the "free skate" times.

Indoor pools (Montreal has 30) offer swimming courses for all ages and levels, along with public swimming sessions and training facilities. Info: 872-2237

Cycling A generous autumn in Montreal will let you cycle into November. Of course, there are ambitious bikers who will go all year round, but they inevitably lose Montreal's cycling paths to the encroaching snow. Besides wonderful access along the Old Port and Lachine Canal, exclusive paths for cyclists and in-line skaters can take you all around the island, literally. A bike trail circumnavigates the island of Montreal, taking you by Dorval and Laval, from Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue to Rivière-des-Prairies. Depending on your level of fitness, you can bike it in one day. Call 872-2237 (press # and 313) for more details. For a map call Vélo-Québec at 521-VELO (8356).

YMCA has many locations around town for students on the move. Purchasing a regular membership to the Y costs $31.50+tax/month . Membership benefits include all activities and facilities at all Y locations--like squash and racquetball courts, badminton and basketball, aerobics and swimming. The Y on Parc offers a discounted membership for full-time students who are Montreal residents $22.50+tax per month but requires a minimum membership of one year. They also offer free swimming periods for the general public. The newly revamped downtown branch offers a range of high-end equipment, programs and services along with "significant discounts" for the financially challenged. Call individual locations for equipment and facilities offered. 1440 Stanley (métro Peel), 849-8393; 200 René-Lévesque W. (Complexe Guy-Favreau), 845-4277; 5550 Parc, 271-9622; 4585 Sherbrooke W., 931-8046; 4335 Hampton, 486-7315

YWCA Not so glam, but does the trick. 1355 René-Lévesque W., 866-9941



Pet care

Berger Blanc Acts as the pound service for various municipalities, houses dangerous dogs, euthanizes. Worth calling if your furry companion's gone astray (Web site posts some photos of retrieved pets). Now open at new downtown location, Tues-Fri, 12-6pm at 2229 Ste-Catherine E. ,527-9191. Headquartered at 9825 Henri-Bourassa E., Rivière-des-Prairies, 494-2002, www.bergerblanc.com

Club K-9 NDG pet food supply, has everything for fussy pets, and they deliver. 6004 Sherbrooke W., 489-4004

Vétérinaire Côte-St-Luc By appointment only animal hospital, but has a 24-hour emergency service as well. 5330 Patricia, 489-6845

Domesti-Serve (426-7277) and Housesitters (426-4215) Offer dog walking, pet care while on vacation and other home-related services.

J.E. Mondou Low prices for bulk cat and dog food. 90 Jean-Talon E., 271-5503

Katsou Pet-care and food products available in various sizes. Free delivery in the neighbourhood. 160 Roy E., 848-0304 and now Katsou II at 4740 Côte-des-Neiges, 737-0880

Médecin vétérinaire St-Louis 3928 St-Hubert, 282-1161

Mobile Veterinary Clinic Will make house calls. 389-1462

MUC Animals Laws and Licensing info line, 872-3181

SPCA 24-hour emergency service and adoption. Large selection of animals, shots included. Adoption service open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week, minimal costs, donations appreciated. 5215 Jean-Talon W., 735-2711

Vacation Watch Bonded pet care and plant watering while you're on vacation. 489-7777



HEALTH CARE IN MONTREAL



Emergency numbers

Gas leaks If you think there might be a gas leak in your residence, call 598-3111

Québec Poison Control Centre, with information and help concerning any type of poisoning, 1 800 463-5060

Referral Centre of Greater Montreal, who can help with questions about health, addiction, social services and welfare, 527-1375

Suicide Action Montreal (see Support Lines & Groups) 723-4000



CLSCs

If you're not a student or don't want to rely on student Health Services (an option for students registered at any of the universities, check your student handbook), CLSCs are government-run community health clinics that provide a range of services to Quebec medicare card-holders. CLSC hours are generally 8am-8pm; the times to drop in unannounced are listed below. But these may change, so call first to confirm. Some CLSCs insist you be a resident of their area before offering services. This is a partial list, so if there isn't one here near you check the phone book for other locations.

CLSC Des Faubourgs (527-2361 for all three locations): 1250 Sanguinet, 8am-8pm to see a nurse without appointment, for a doctor it's 8:30am-12:30 noon; 1705 de la Visitation, 1pm-4pm; and 2260 Parthenais, 1pm-6pm. CLSC Côte-des-Neiges (731-8531 for both locations) Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, but always call ahead. 5700 Côte-des-Neiges, and 1271 Van Horne. CLSC Parc-Extension Mon-Fri 8am-8pm. 469 Jean-Talon W., 273-9591 CLSC Plateau Mont-Royal Mon-Fri 8am-8pm to see a nurse, or make an appointment to see a doctor. 4689 Papineau, 521-7663 CLSC St-Henri To see a nurse: Mon-Fri 8am-10pm. To see a doctor without appointment: Mon-Thu 1-5pm, Fri 1-5pm. (If you arrive after 3pm you may be refused if there is a line-up.) 3833 Notre-Dame W., 933-7541 CLSC St-Louis-du-Parc To see a nurse without appointment: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. To see a doctor without appointment: Mon-Fri 9-11:30am. 155 St-Joseph E. 286-9657 CLSC Métro To see a nurse without appointment: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. To see a doctor without appointment: 8am-2pm.1801 de Maisonneuve W., 934-0354 CLSC NDG/Montreal West Open Mon-Fri 8am-8:30pm. Doctors available Mon-Fri 5-8:30pm, but you must see a nurse first if you don't have an appointment. 2525 Cavendish 485-1670. CLSC Verdun Two locations in Verdun: 1090 de L'eglise, 766-0546; 6045 Monk, 765-0413. Call first. CLSC La Petite Patrie To see a nurse without appointment: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm. You cannot see a doctor without an appointment. 6520 de St-Vallier, 273-4508

The Vendôme Emergency Clinic is privately owned but their services are free to medicare card holders. The waiting times are very short, and service good. Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. 5175 de Maisonneuve W. (right by métro Vendôme) 484-4711.



Dentistry clinics

Côte-des-Neiges Dental Clinic They prefer you to call first, but you can drop in Mon 8-11am, Wed and Fri 8am-6pm. 3550 Côte-des-Neiges #350, 935-5145

Jewish General Hospital Mon-Fri. 8:30am-12pm and 1-4:30pm. 5750 Côte-des-Neiges (east entrance) 340-7910

McGill University Student Dental Clinic At the Montreal General Hospital. Reasonable rates for supervised student dentistry, by application only. 934-8021.

Montreal General Dentistry Department By appointment: 937-6011 ext 2475 Emergency Walk-in clinic Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. 1650 Cedar, 934-8397 After-hours emergencies: 934-8075



Pregnancy & Parenting

Birthright 4100 St-Antoine W., 937-9324

Centre conseil grossesse 7394 19th Ave Montreal 593-1720

Centre des femmes de Montréal A drop-in centre; free clothes and food for women with families in need. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-4780

Elizabeth House A rehabilitation centre for pregnant teens and young mothers in difficulty. Preparation for independent living or returning home. English services only. 2131 Marlowe, 482-2488

Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances 110 Ste-Thérése #405, 866-3721, www.cam.org/fqpn

Grossesse secours Hotline provides information about pregnancy (health, prenatal etc.). Baby toys and clothing available. Also contraception info and free pregnancy tests. If you need to talk, they'll sit a volunteer down with you. It's pro-woman, not pro-life or pro-choice. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 11am-3pm. 79 Beaubien E., 271-0554

Head & Hands Walk-in clinic, Mon-Thu 6-9pm, Fri 1-4pm. Sign-up for an appointment a half-hour before clinic hours. They provide excellent abortion consultation. Doctors are friendly and sincere. 2304 Old Orchard, 481-0277 or 481-3643

Head & Hands Young Parents' Program Baby clothing, furniture exchange for under-24 mums and dads. Wed registration, Fri drop-in, 1-4pm. Babysitting provided. Wesley United Church, 5964 NDG Ave., 482-7910

McGill Women's Union Various birth control available at cost (e.g. condoms are 5 for $1). Pill not available since they're not licensed. Post-abortion support group. Sole women-only space on campus. Referrals, library and files on women's groups all over Canada. Men are welcome for birth-control and library services. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-3pm, 398-6823

Montreal Diet Dispensary A volunteer organization that provides nutritional counselling to pregnant women. Also distributes vitamins, one litre of milk and an egg a day to pregnant women. Call for an appointment, but priority goes to women with pregnancies at risk. 2182 Lincoln, 937-5375

Montreal General Hospital Family Planning 934-8076

Morgentaler Clinic Call for appointments, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. The clinic is located at 30 St-Joseph E. #710, 844-4844. For fees and further information: www.morgentaler.ca/montreal

Mouvement retrouvaille Help in finding biological parents. 660 Villeray, 278-1744

St. Columba House Lunch program for families with pre-school age children, welfare rights, nursery school, clothing room, food distribution once a month. Homework help for kids and more. 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-6202



HIV/AIDS

AIDS Community Care Montreal One-on-one buddy system for support, self-help groups for people with AIDS and their family and friends. Bereavement groups. Confidential message and information line: 859-9032. Office and general info at 2075 Plessis, 527-0928

Centre d'action SIDA Montréal pour femmes Support for women and children with AIDS including home or hospital visits, child care, crisis funds, workshops, information sessions, addiction and legal counselling and social activities for members. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-3pm. 1750 St-André, 3rd floor, 495-0990

Centre SIDA secours Info on housing and resources for people with HIV/AIDS. 3702 Ste-Famille, 842-4439

Centre québécois de coordination sur le SIDA Coordinates all activities concerning AIDS for the Quebec Ministry of Health. 201 Crémazie #RC-03, 873-9890

Clinique de l'alternative Confidential HIV testing by appointment, medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS, referrals. Also pregnancy tests (no follow-up), abortions and STD tests. Different times for different services, call first. 2034 St-Hubert, 281-9848

Clinique l'actuel Confidential testing for HIV by appointment. Medical treatment and follow-up after diagnosis. Specializes in all STDs. Counselling available, referrals to other groups. Make an appointment. Open Mon-Thu 8am-9pm; Fri 8am-4pm. 1001 de Maisonneuve E. #1130, 524-1001

Clinique médicale Mont-Carmel Anonymous testing for HIV. Medical treatment and home visits by doctors for people with AIDS. Referrals. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm with appointment. Walk-in without appointment Tue mornings 8-9am. 933 René-Lévesque E., 282-9197

Coalition des organismes communautaires Québécois de lutte contre le SIDA Quebec-wide coalition of AIDS-related groups. They can refer you to the AIDS group nearest you. 1 Sherbrooke E., 844-2477

Concordia Health Services Offers HIV/AIDS info, referrals for testing (Concordia students only). Mon-Fri 9am--5pm. 2155 Guy, ER-407, 848-3565

GAP-VIES Public awareness, info line and listening service, resources and support for people with AIDS, their partners and families. 2577-A Jean-Talon E. #101, 722-5655

Info-SIDA Info on HIV/AIDS. Resources, medical info, prevention and treatment. 521-7432

Jewish General Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic Gives confidential HIV tests, counselling for HIV/AIDS, teaches medical treatment to home-care patients for self-administration. Walk-in clinic in mornings for all STDs. Mon-Fri, 9-11:30am. No appointment necessary. 3755 Côte-Ste-Catherine, Pavilion G, Room 148, 340-8222, ext. 8230

Maison d'Hérelle Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. 3742 St-Hubert, 844-4874

Maison Dehon Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. 2830A Gouin E., 384-0450/388-5750

Montreal Chest Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic Resource centre for scientific publications about HIV/AIDS. Deals with AIDS-specific symptoms in out-patient clinic. Referrals for support groups and home care. Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm. 3650 St-Urbain #803, 843-2090

Montreal General Hospital Immune Deficiency Treatment Centre Latest available clinical trials in HIV treatment. Up-to-date diagnostic and treatment methods, daily out-patient care for people with HIV/AIDS. Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. 1650 Cedar #A5-123, 934-8070

SIDA Centre-Ville 1250 Sanguinet, 847-0644



GETTING HELP IN MONTREAL



Legal

Legal Aid Free legal counsel and representation for criminal, youth and some civil cases for individuals on welfare or with incomes around $165/week or less. Also low-cost legal services for those slightly less poor. 864-2111

McGill Legal Information Clinic Law students will provide free legal information to the general public, including referrals to legal aid or low-cost lawyers. 3480 McTavish B-12 (basement of Student Union Building), 398-6792

Concordia Legal Information Service Law students, supervised by a lawyer, provide free legal information to Concordia students, staff and faculty only. Call to get an appointment, no legal information given over the phone. 7141 Sherbrooke W. AD-130, 848-4960

Head & Hands Lawyer available to advise-for free--members of general public on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Under 25s call to make an appointment for a different time. Also, Do-lt-Yourself Divorce Cooperative--a self-help group for people who want to prepare their own uncontested divorce without hiring a lawyer. 2304 Old Orchard, 481-0277 or 481-3643

Inform'Elle Telephone information concerning family law, services of mediation, divorce and alimony. Mon-Fri 9am-4:15pm, (450) 443-8221



Discrimination

Commission des droits de la personne du Québec The Quebec Human Rights Commission. To report incidents of discrimination or sexual harassment. Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, 873-5146

Groupe d'aide et d'information sur le harcèlement sexuel au travail The only one of its kind in Canada. Free support to men and women who have been victims of sexual harassment at work. Will file complaints in your name with the Quebec Human Rights Commission, keep you company if it goes to criminal court, help with EI problems. Support groups (must be a client). 4229 de Lorimier, 526-0789

Ligue des droits et libertés Very helpful non-affiliated advocate of human rights. Strengths are First Nations' rights and racism, social justice, international and immigration. 4416 St-Laurent #101, 849-7717



Support lines & groups

Al-Anon Meetings for friends and family of alcoholics. Provides moral support. 866-9803

Alerte Centre-Sud Coalition of different social support groups. 1710 Beaudry, 521-0467

Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI) Support groups for people with mental illnesses and their families. 5253 Décarie, #150, 486-1448

Auberge Transition Shelter for women and children who are victims of conjugal abuse. Up to six-week stays. Counselling, child-care and follow-up services. 24-hour crisis centre. 481-0495

CHOC Centre for violent men. Provides sensitization and group therapy with the aim of stopping all forms of conjugal violence. 205 81st Ave., Chomedey, 450-681-6335

Face à Face Listening and referral service. Also has a welfare bank for the homeless and self-help classes. Anonymous, no appointment necessary. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. 3465 Côte-des-Neiges, 934-4546

Gambling: help and referral 24-hour help line operated by the Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montreal, 527-0140

Jeunesse j'écoute Kids' help phone. 24-hour national bilingual counselling and information service. Confidential and free, age 19 and younger. Unfortunately, very hard to reach. 1-800-668-6868

Parents Line Offers a listening service for parents having trouble dealing with their children. They can also refer you to support groups in your area. 24 hours, 7 days a week. 288-5555

Mary's Recovery Bilingual self-help groups for people dealing with anxiety, depression, stress and more. Weekly meetings, call 933-1904

Missing Children's Network They'll help you find kids who have run away or disappeared. 843-4333

My Brother's Keeper Across-the-board consultation in many fields, such as education, jobs and human relations. 855-1927

One-Parent Family Organization Support, public speaking and other activities. 334-5918

Option A help service for violent partners. Provides counselling; first step is group counselling, then possibly couple or family therapy. 527-1657

Suicide Action Montreal Hotline for suicide intervention, referrals and support group for those who have lost someone to suicide. Usually bilingual. 723-4000

Tel-Aide Confidential listeners. Staffed by volunteers, so if there's no one there who speaks English, they will refer you to the next shift or try to find someone to help you. 935-1101

Tel-Jeunes Hotline for under-20 year olds. Professional counsellors. Open 24 hours. 288-2266

Trêves pour elle Listening service and crisis line for women who are victims of sexual assault. Individual and group follow-up. Open 24 hours (except during the summer). 251-0323



Addiction

Alcoholics Anonymous Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm. 1480 Belanger #101, 376-9230

Centre Dollard-Cormier Rehab for drug, alcohol and medication addictions. 950 Louvaine, 385-0046

Cocaine Anonymous Support groups for friends and family of people addicted to behaviour-altering substances. Meetings seven days a week. 527-9999

Douglas Hospital Eating Disorder Clinic In- and out-patient services for adult anorexics and bulimics. Referrals necessary. Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm. 6605 Lasalle, 761-6131, ext. 2895

Gamblers' Anonymous Listening service as well as referrals. 484-6666

Narcotics Anonymous A fellowship of men and women helping each other stay clean. For info on meetings, committees and other services call 490-0333.

Nicotine Anonymous A support group for people who want to quit using tobacco and nicotine. Weekly meetings. 849-0131

Overeaters Anonymous Helps those with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating). Call for the resource person nearest you. 488-1812

Portage Rehab centre, residential care. Parent-and-child program. Treatment for addicted adolescents and pregnant women. Daycare centre. 1640 St-Antoine W., 939-0202

TRASH Volunteers help people kick heroin with natural methods. 278-7274

Urgence Toxico 24-hour emergency service for substance addicts. 288-1515



Self-Defence for women

ACTION Operated by the Montreal Assault Prevention Centre. Travelling women's self-defence course, 12-15 hours, based on wendo. Taught by women instructors. Call for more details: 284-1212

Centre des femmes de Montréal Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (Tue nights open 'till 9pm) Courses with an emphasis on verbal as well as physical skills. They also offer assertiveness training in English and French. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-1066



Food banks

Also see above under Welfare/EI for anti-poverty groups.

Accueil Bonneau Food and clothes. Food: Mon-Fri 9:30-11:15am, 2-3:15pm. Sat-Sun 10-11:30am. Clothes, Mon, Wed 8-11am, 1-2:30pm. 427 de la Commune E., 845-3906 or 845-6009

Chez mes amis A volunteer-run service that provides meals to low-income people. There are three meals a day, seven days a week. Integration is emphasized, so the public is encouraged to visit and pay what you can for good homemade food. 5942 Sherbrooke W., 482-2210

Mile-End Community Mission (see Welfare/EI for address.)

Multi-Caf Multi-cultural community cafeteria and food depot. Coffee at 9:30am, lunch at noon. Food-basket distribution on Tue, Wed, Thu at 9-10:30am for CDN residents. Office open 9am-4pm. 6585 Côte-des-Neiges, 733-0554

NDG Food Depot Food and a referral and advice service. Mon 5-7pm, Wed, Fri, 10am-2pm. 2121 Oxford, 483-4680

Old Brewery Mission Supper from 5-5:30pm after the 15th of the month and on Sundays. An emergency shelter. Walk in anytime from 6:30-9pm. 915 Clark, 866-6591

Sun Youth Food and clothes, as well as many social services. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. 4251 St-Urbain, 842-6822



Shelters

Garde-Manger pour tous Provides assistance to the homeless. Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm. 2520 Lionel-Groulx, 931-8830

L'Issue Shelter for men (18+) who have had problems with the law. Group and individual therapy as well as psycho-social follow-up. Residents pay a small percentage of their salary if accepted. 1819 Rosemont, 270-6633

Logifem Shelter for women in difficulty. Counselling and accompaniment. 939-3172

Maison Flora Tristan Shelter for immigrant women who are victims of conjugal violence. With or without children; children can stay with their mother. 939-3463

Maison du père Shelter for homeless men 25+. Group and individual therapy. Social reintegration and food. Clothing distributed. 550 René-Lévesque E., 845-0168

Passages A shelter for girls and women aged 16-22 who are either runaways, prostitutes or in danger of becoming prostitutes. 24-hour emergency shelter; specializes in education, employment and personal counselling. 875-8119

Salvation Army Men's residence and hostel, 880 Guy, 932-2214. Women's residence, 4102 Dorchester, 932-5306. Women's emergency shelter, 2000 Notre-Dame W., 934-5615

Secours aux Femmes Shelter for immigrant women. Services in many languages (Spanish, Arabic, etc.). Up to 45-night stay but they won't throw you out onto the street if you have nowhere to go. 593-6353

West Island Women's Shelter For victims of conjugal violence. Child-care and follow-up programs. 620-4845



COMMUNITIES IN MONTREAL



Lesbian/Gay

L'Androgyne (see Books)

Anglo Gay & Lesbian Alliance of Quebec Social group meets on weekends. Leave message between 10am-10pm for more info, 899-5582

Association des pères gais de Montréal Telephone services, weekly meetings and discussions. Call for schedule. CP 5667, Station C, Montreal. 990-6014

Concordia Lesbian, Bi, Queer Women's Discussion Group 2020 Mckay (in basement), 848-7431

Diffusions Gaies et Lesbiennes du Québec Organizes Image&Nation annual gay and lesbian film festival, this year Sept 20-30. 4067 St-Laurent #404, 285-4467 or log on at www.image-nation.org or through e-mail: info@image-nation.org

Équipe Montréal Umbrella group of 19 different gay and lesbian sports associations featuring over 800 members. 990-1998

Fugues Free French publication for the gay community. Guide to gay establishments. Offices at 1210 St-Hubert, 848-1854

Gay/Lesbian AA 376-9230

The Gay and Lesbian Centre Assists in community development work in the Gay community, and gives references to those who need info. Also has a documentation centre. For info, call 528-8424 info@ccglm.qc.ca , www.ccglm.qc.ca

Gai-écoute Info and counselling, provides referrals in the gay community. Open every day 11am-11pm, 866-0103, 1-888-505-1010. Also www.gai-ecoute.qc.ca

Gayline Same as above, but in English. Mon-Fri 7-11pm, 866-5090

Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgender and Gays of McGill Groups meet in the daytime; a help-line operates at night. 3480 McTavish #432, 398-6822

Project 10 For people 14-25 who are in the process of coming out, have come out or just questioning. Offers discussion groups, one-on-one counselling, referral line, info on AIDS and STDs Mon-Fri 1-5pm free confidential services in English and French. 989-4585



Women

Auberge Shalom Crisis intervention centre for all women in abusive situations. 731-0833

Centre de documentation sur l'éducation des adultes et la condition feminine Library. 110 Ste-Thérèse, 876-1180

Centre des femmes de Montréal Psychological and social services, various courses, resource and referral centre. Legal-aid clinic, free clothes and emergency food. 3585 St-Urbain, 842-4781

Centre des femmes du Plateau Classes for women in various areas; programming changes every six months but the standards include creative sewing, relaxation, yoga and self-defense. Documentation and resource centre, collective action, provides space for women's groups and activities. 1022 St-Joseph E, 527-2295

Chez Doris Assistance for women. Clothing available; breakfast and lunch served on-site. 8:30-4pm (Mon-Thu), 8:30-1:30pm (Fri), 8:30-3pm (Sat-Sun) 1430 Chomedy, 937-2341

Co-op Olier Will help find lodging for women. Monthly clothing bazaar. Also runs a family summer camp for low-income families and a children's clothing exchange. 772 Rachel E., 525-1829

Concordia Women's Centre Women-only drop-in space. Referrals and resource centre. Activities and events, open to all women, in and outside of the Concordia community. 2020 Mackay, 848-7431

Info femmes Workshops, daycare and more. 2185 des Ormeaux, 355-4529

Women/Aware Support for women dealing with conjugal violence. 489-1110

Women's Aid Inc. Help centre and lodging for women victims of conjugal violence. 270-8291

YWCA Athletic programs, hotel, residence, day care and tons more. 1355 René-Lévesque W., 866-9941



Native

Centre for Native Education Concordia facility which offers support services and resources to native students. Also has a documentation centre. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, 2110 Mackay, 3rd floor. 848-7327

Intercultural Institute of Montreal Two publications: Horizons Interculturels, bilingual, twice a year; and Interculture, a journal, four times a year. Public education on First Nations and multiculturalism. 4917 St-Urbain, 288-7229, www.iim.qc.ca

Native Friendship Centre Info, referrals, counselling, communal meals. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Rec room, library, food and clothing depot, job bank, visits to patients in hospital. 2001 St-Laurent, 499-1854

Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec Provides native court workers, will find lawyers for anyone going to court, helps with information on legal procedures. Prison liaison program for federal inmates. 868-0910/868-0907, www.spaq.qc.ca

Native Women's Shelter Shelter for native women and children in difficulty (alcohol, conjugal violence, homeless, etc.). Daily workshops on all kinds of subjects. 933-4688

Quebec Native Women's Association Provincial organization with a special focus on family violence and day-care services for the native community around Montreal. 460 Ste-Catherine W. #610, 954-9991



Black

Black Coalition of Quebec 5201 Décarie, 489-3830

Council for Black Aging An advocacy group for black seniors as well as offering health services. 3021 Delisle, 935-4951

Black Theatre Workshop 1827 Ste-Catherine W., 932-1104

Black Women on the Rise Offers support group for mothers 18-30. Tues and Fri meetings. 5775 St-Jacques, 485-7814

Centre international de documentation et d'info haïtienne, caribbienne et afro-canadienne Library and documentation centre. Mon-Fri10am-5pm. Small fee. 359 St-Pierre, first fl., 845-0880

Jamaica Association Offers community services in several areas. 4065 Jean-Talon W., 737-8229

McGill Black Students Network/McGill Southern African Committee Provides volunteer tutors, discussion groups, film screenings. Focuses on social and political issues at McGill and in the community. Information on the situation in several countries in Southern Africa. Shared office at 3480 McTavish, 4th fl., 398-6815

Montreal Association of Black Business Persons and Professionals 2425 Grand #20, 486-8030



Jewish

Canadian Jewish Congress 1590 Dr-Penfield, 931-7531

Canadian Jewish News Major newspaper with a focus on Jewish issues and events. 6900 Décarie, 735-2612

Federation of Jewish Community Services The central fundraising, allocating, co-ordinating and planning body of the Jewish community. This umbrella group provides services in health, welfare, education, recreation and culture through 20 member groups. 5151 Côte-Ste-Catherine (1 Cummings Square) 735-3541

Jewish Community Council 6333 Décarie #100 Victoria, 739-6363

Jewish Information Referral Service Referral line for Jewish organizations and centres in the city. Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm, 733-1818

Jewish Public Library 5151 Côte-Ste-Catherine (1 Cummings Square) 345-2627

Jewish Singles Registry 450 Kensington, Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue, 937-2049 Ask for Dora

McGill Hillel House Social, political, cultural and religious activities for Jewish students. 3460 Stanley, 845-9171. Web site: www.hillel.montreal.qc.ca/zionet.html

Rodal's Hebrew Book Store & Gift Shop 4689 Van Horne, 733-1876

Saidye Bronfman Centre Theatre, art programs and an art gallery. 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine, 739-2301, box office, 739-7944



Handicapped

AlterGo Association régionale de loisir pour personnes handicapées, fighting to make Montreal more accessible. 525 Dominion, #340, 933-2379, www.altergo.net

Hand in Hand A group for English-speaking intellectually challenged adults, promoting literacy and other life skills. Run through the St. Columba house community centre. 2365 Grand Trunk, 932-6202

MAB Hotline Provides a recorded 24-hour information service of events and sales for the visually impaired. 483-2626

Montreal Association for the Blind (MAB) Helps the visually impaired. Provides training in Braille, computers, typing, writing skills etc. Also provides employment program. 7000 Sherbrooke W., 489-8201

Nous nous intégrons en commun Disabled rights group. 3680 Jeanne-Mance #328, 288-3852

Montreal Association for the Intellectually Handicapped 633 Crémazie E., 381-2307

MUCTC Wheelchair Transport 280-5341, some info also available at www.stcum.qc.ca



Other community groups and cultural centres

Action réfugiés Montréal 1410 Guy, 935-7799

Association latino-américain et multi-ethnique de Côte-des-Neiges Information and referral centre for Latin Americans. 5307 Côte-des-Neiges, 737-3642

Canadian Palestinian Foundation Social and cultural organization, lobbying, social action, works with refugees. Arabic school for children. 4030 Côte-Vertu #100, Ville St-Laurent, 956-1685

Centre communautaire arménien Organizes several Armenian community activities. 3401 Olivar-Asselin, 331-4880

Centre communautaire des femmes sud-asiatique 1035 Rachel E., 3rd floor, 528-8812

Centre culturel communautaire des iraniens Cultural activities, plays, concerts, picnics. 3680 Jeanne-Mance #323, 842-4626

Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal Social and cultural services. 987 Coté, 4th fl., 861-5244

Communauté vietnamienne Social and cultural services. 6338 Victoria #11, 340-9630

Corporacion culturelle latino-americain de l'amitié Classes, translations, a women's discussion group and a food service. 1600 de l'église, Ville St-Laurent, 748-0796

Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations Houses many services and organizations. 6000 Côte-des-Neiges, 341-2122

Hellenic Community of Montreal Runs cultural events and provides social and legal counselling. Services, support groups and referrals for families and individuals with problems. Several offices around the city, head office is at 5777 Wilderton, 738-2421

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Gives language and cooking courses, has an extensive library in Japanese, English and French. 8155 Rousselot, 728-1996

Librairie Las Americas (See Books)

Libraria Italiana (See Books)

Librairie Allemande (See Books)

Middle East Bookstore (See Books)



COMPUTERS

by Michael Citrome

Finding a reputable computer store isn't the easiest task: there are lots of shops ready to take you for a ride. Stick with these recommendations, and your megabytes won't cost you megabucks.



Windows

MicroBytes, with six locations in the Montreal area, is one of the best and cheapest places to buy a Windows computer. The city's number-one provider of PC clones (non-branded computers), their system specials change week to week. They offer great deals on complete systems, and their parts selection is unbeaten. These guys have nothing to hide, so you can check all of their prices on their Web site at www.microbytes.com.

If clones aren't your flavour, you can pick up a brand-name Windows machine at one of the many Bureau En Gros locations around town. If it's a notebook computer you're looking for, this is the place, stocking top brands like Compaq, Toshiba and Hewlett-Packard. Find them on the Web at www.staples.ca.



Mac

Utterly dedicated to Apple Macintosh computers, B.Mac, with locations downtown, in the west end and Laval, is a high-end store that stocks everything a Mac addict needs. Their shelves groan with an extensive selection of Macintosh software and accessories, and they carry the full hardware line, including desktops and Powerbooks. They're also an authorized Apple service centre. Check them out at www.bmac.ca.

If you know exactly what you want, you can also order your Macintosh computer directly from Apple Canada at www.apple.ca. Apple's Web store lets you customize your machine to your exact specs and offers quick delivery--but students beware, you'll need a credit card with a hefty limit for that.



Etc.

For games, joysticks, printers and whatever else, one good place to start is Future Shop, with locations downtown and in many malls. They stock almost every current game and printers and Webcams galore.

CompuSmart, located in the former location of Crazy Irving's in Phillips Square downtown, and Compucentre, in many malls including the Eaton Centre, also have a great selection of games and accessories for both Mac and Windows, and frequent sales so you can pick up last year's big hit for a song.

As well, if you're a student at McGill or Concordia, both schools operate computer co-ops and you might qualify for hefty student discounts on software like word processors and other productivity tools. Inquire on campus, or go to Camelot. With two locations to serve you, this venerable computer bookstore is a geek institution and can often provide student discounts as well. www.camelot.ca