A Year that inspires Collaboration and Continuity
2017 will be no ordinary year and has already got off to a stunning start, as recent political events so clearly indicate. There are all sorts of moments in life when we must rise to the occasion, both individually and collectively, n'est-ce pas?

As for BOMA, we intend to seize all sorts of opportunities so that 2017 will prove to be a positive, encouraging period rich in new accomplishments.

Happy Anniversary, BOMA Quebec!
Things are already well underway to celebrate 90 years of collective effort and exemplary collaborations among players in the industry. There is much to be proud of, so let's celebrate! What has been accomplished so far is important, and what remains to be done is just as important. We intend to keep BOMA Quebec in the avant-garde and in service to the real estate industry. BOMA Quebec must remain a relevant and important association open to one and all.

We have a few surprises in store to celebrate our 90^th anniversary in grand style, so stay tuned to our website for upcoming announcements.

Things are hopping at boma-quebec.org!
Speaking of communications and joint efforts, I'd like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the fact that our website now includes a Friend Events section that lists interesting activities for you that are organized by third parties with whom we are happy to collaborate. A good example is the New Ways of looking at Buildings and Transportation symposium, presented by Développement économique St. Laurent and MOBA, that will take place on February 22.

Similarly the In the Media section, added in 2016, presents several articles and news stories involving real estate and property management, both locally and internationally. Be sure to consult this section regularly, as we are constantly updating it.

In addition, all information regarding the 15^th edition of the BOMA Awards has been online since January 17. If you haven't already done so, why not register your organization for this prestigious competition? It provides a great opportunity for networking and to promote your firm. Remember, this event occurs only once every two years. Think about it.

Also, details about the Annual General Meeting on April 5 are now online. Its cocktail hour sounds quite promising, given that this year we are meeting in the new multi-sensory space at UQAM, one of the research projects developed by the Ivanhoe Cambridge Real Estate Chair, an important BOMA Quebec partner. This unique space is worth discovering.

City of Montreal's Sustainable Development Project
As regards long-term collaboration, please note that BOMA Quebec is working closely with the City of Montreal on a municipal sustainable development project. The City of Montreal has also indicated its interest in being involved in our Energy Challenge project (Race to Reduce), one of whose aims is to reduce greenhouse gases. We are very excited about this project, and will keep you informed of future developments.

If the unthinkable happens, are you ready?
I would have liked to conclude this first message of mine on an enthusiastic note, but cannot. At the time of writing, Quebec City is reeling from the shock of a savage terrorist attack on a Muslim mosque in the suburb of Ste. Foy. In Quebec City? So much hatred that you're willing to kill?  I am shocked by this terribly sad event.

It has also led me to reflect on the importance of establishing well-structured security measures and contingency plans that have been tried and tested, that can either prevent or contain this sort of situation. Without succumbing to paranoia or panic, I do not think that we can ignore this sad reality. As building owners and managers, it is our duty to do as much as we can to protect those who live in and work in our properties.

I am going to review my own approaches and processes regarding such a possibility. How about you?

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Mario Poirier
President