Concerns over Hydro-Québec’s vegetation clearing along Highway 640 emerged as the dominant issue during Rosemère’s regular council meeting on July 6. The meeting agenda included the adoption of the town’s Housing Policy 2026-2046, zoning amendments, planning applications and various infrastructure matters, all of which were ultimately approved by council.
Council clarified that while the policy establishes a long-term framework for housing development in Rosemère, individual projects and regulatory changes would continue to follow the appropriate consultation and approval processes. The policy was subsequently adopted by council.
Another file that generated discussion involved a property at 299 Montclair St. The project drew attention from residents as council approved planning measures that would allow the existing home to be demolished and redeveloped. The file was among a number of urban planning items considered throughout the evening.
However, it was the public question period that produced the night’s most passionate exchanges.
Citizens severely frustrated
Several residents who live behind Highway 640 appeared before council to express frustration over Hydro-Québec’s recent vegetation clearing project behind their homes.
According to residents, the work was carried out as part of Hydro-Québec’s ongoing efforts to reduce power outages in Rosemère, a longstanding concern in the community. While homeowners acknowledged the importance of improving the electrical network’s reliability, many argued they have seen little benefit while being left to deal with major consequences.
Rebecca Wright and her husband told council that the project dramatically altered the landscape behind their property. They explained that a large vegetated berm and tree line that once separated their backyard from Highway 640 stood roughly 20 feet high and acted as an effective natural barrier from sound and debris.
Following the clearing work, they said the berm now sits at approximately six feet – roughly the height of a standard backyard fence.
Residents acknowledged they were fully aware of the highway’s presence when they purchased their homes. What they did not anticipate, they said, was losing the natural screen that had protected them from much of the noise, visual impact and debris associated with the busy roadway.
“They only stopped cutting the trees because I went up to the workers crying,” Wright told council.
Now, she says, her property is almost completely exposed.
“My entire backyard is open – where my kids play every day,” said Wright. “They can be hit in the head with flying debris. Something needs to be done as soon as possible.”
Wright also expressed frustration with what she described as a lack of follow-up after earlier discussions with municipal officials.
“We were told by Elmer van der Vlugt that someone from the city was going to pass by, but no one ever came,” she said.
Her concerns were echoed by fellow residents Edith Beaucamp and Pei Ling, who have both found debris in their backyards, including pieces of plastic, branches and metal believed to have originated from the highway. Residents also questioned whether the extensive clearing had achieved its intended purpose, noting that power interruptions have continued in the area despite the loss of the tree line and vegetated berm.
Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre acknowledged their frustrations while emphasizing the municipality’s limited authority over the site.
“We fully understand your anger. I’m a mother myself,” said Pitre. “We have no power over what Hydro-Québec has done,” she added, referring to the area where the work was carried out. The mayor noted that preliminary research indicates most of the vegetated hill where the clearing occurred is owned by the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable (MTQ).
Resident Wright pressed the mayor on what could be done immediately, describing the situation as “very dire.”
“Right now I can’t do anything because I don’t have the information in hand,” Pitre responded.
While the mayor expressed sympathy for the resident’s concerns, no specific solution or timeline was presented during the exchange. Several residents appeared dissatisfied with the response, saying they were looking for concrete measures to address the loss of the natural barrier.
Although Hydro-Québec’s vegetation management activities supposedly fall outside of municipal jurisdiction, residents implored council to continue discussions with both Hydro-Québec and the MTQ in search of a resolution.
Deteriorating conditions on Île Ducharme
Resident Marco Parent raised concerns about the condition of land surrounding the bridge that provides access to his area of Île Ducharme in Rosemère.
While Parent made it clear that he has no objection to people fishing near the bridge, he said overgrown trees and vegetation have increasingly obstructed established fishing spots, making the area both less functional and less aesthetically appealing.
Parent expressed concern that this trend is creating potential safety risks, as people venture into less accessible areas that were not intended for public use. He also warned that the increased foot traffic is having an impact on the surrounding environment, with vegetation being trampled and wildlife habitats potentially disturbed.
In addition to the issues surrounding fishing access, Parent said much of the area’s landscaping, including flowers and other vegetation, appears to have been left unmaintained, giving parts of the site an overgrown and neglected appearance. He asked whether the municipality could improve maintenance around the bridge area to preserve its appearance, better protect sensitive natural areas and help keep visitors within designated access zones.
Municipal business
Beyond the public concerns, council worked through a lengthy agenda that included zoning amendments related to generators, heat pumps, saunas and semi-underground containers. Councillors also dealt with matters involving transportation services for seniors, wastewater treatment operations, infrastructure projects and community grants.
Council also tabled a resident-led petition requesting the installation of a speed bump in the Rose-Alma and Hillcrest area, while several residential planning files moved forward through the approval process.
Despite the range of municipal business on the agenda, the concerns surrounding Hydro-Québec’s vegetation clearing project clearly resonated most strongly with those in attendance.
