Côte St. Luc launches CSL-TV

By Joel Goldenberg

Côte St. Luc recently launched an Internet video channel that features highlight of special events in the city, such as can be seen at city hall itself when entering the city hall part of the Bernard Lang Civic Centre.

The videos are produced by the city, and have been made since 2007. Some of the events highlighted include the recent swearing-in ceremony of the council as a result of the Nov. 1 municipal election, Victory in Europe ceremonies from May 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the unveilings of a plaque on the Human Rights Walkway at Trudeau Park. So far, there are six videos on the site, accessible by clicking on the CSL-TV icon on Côte St. Luc’s website, www.cotesaintluc.org.

The site that the city’s site links to, http://www.vimeo.com/channels/csltv, gathers all the videos in one place.

“Video is becoming a standard communications tool in business and government as the cost of producing quality videos decreases,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “There is an opportunity for municipal governments to show what we do in a visual way.” City officials pointed out that the White House and British prime minister “use video extensively to communicate directly with the public.”

“Communicating through video is something that would have been prohibitively expensive or even impossible for municipalities 10 years ago,” says councillor Mike Cohen, who is responsible for the communications portfolio. “But new tools have leveled the playing field and we can do more for less. Our Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Darryl Levine, has a background in recording and editing videos, so we’re able to do everything in-house.”

However, city officials also confirmed that city council meetings will not be featured on CSL-TV, despite their occasional entertainment value whether from audience members or the quick wit of some council members. So the minutes of meetings or Suburban reports will have to do for those who do not attend the regular monthly meetings.