The September 14 meeting of Rosemère Town Council opened with an appeal for civility as councillors prepared for another evening of debate on some of the municipality’s most contentious issues.
Councillor Annick Lemelin-Lagacé began the meeting by reminding residents of the need for respectful conduct in council chambers, a message that reflected the increasingly tense atmosphere seen at several recent meetings. “I’d just like to take a moment to remind everyone of the rules of decorum to help ensure we have a respectful and productive council meeting,” she said, adding that “insults, threats, and personal attacks will not be tolerated.”
The call for decorum proved especially relevant as discussions later turned to a proposed development project, the Hydro-Québec clearing along Highway 640, and growing traffic concerns caused by highway construction.
Proposed project raises questions about demolition
One of the evening’s most debated moments came during discussion surrounding agenda item 5.4, a development proposal that would require the demolition of an existing residence if it ultimately proceeds.
Former Rosemère mayor Eric Westram sought clarification from council, asking whether the project would result in the house being demolished. Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre confirmed that it would, responding that “if this project sees the light of day, yes it will be.”
The answer immediately sparked criticism from Westram, who expressed surprise that elected officials who had previously opposed demolitions appeared willing to support a proposal requiring the destruction of a home. While Mayor Pitre insisted that questions be directed through the chair, the exchange highlighted a broader debate over how Rosemère should balance new development with the preservation of existing neighbourhoods.
Highway 640 clearing remains a major concern
The issue that generated the most discussion throughout the evening was Hydro-Québec’s vegetation clearing along Highway 640.
Resident Chantal Trudel noted that the work had significantly altered the landscape, saying the clearing had “opened up the area, providing visibility to the highway and easier pedestrian access.” Other residents, however, focused on what they believe has been lost as a result of the project.
Among the most vocal critics was Westram, who argued that homeowners are required to replace trees removed from their own properties while a substantial section of vegetation was allowed to disappear along the highway corridor. He contended that the clearing eliminated an important visual and acoustic barrier, leaving nearby residents exposed to greater levels of traffic noise.
Questioning what studies had been conducted following the work, Westram pointedly remarked that “not only was the visual barrier eliminated, but the level of noise has become extremely difficult to tolerate.” He later distilled the concerns of many Highway 640 residents into a single question: “What will you do for the people that live along the 640?”
Mayor Pitre declined to discuss the matter in detail, explaining that the issue is now subject to legal proceedings. She stated that the municipality had received a formal notice and, as a result, would no longer be commenting publicly on the file.
Resident Ryan Bujold, who has been active in the push for a sound barrier, asked council for an update regarding visits made by municipal representatives to assess the impacts of Hydro-Québec’s work on his property.
Bujold questioned what followed from the assessment and why neighbouring homes had not been visited. Mayor Pitre responded that she did not have that information, adding that she was “absolutely not responsible for the management of the city’s employees.”
The exchange appeared to leave many attendees puzzled as murmurs could be heard throughout the room. Several residents expressed surprise at the response, questioning how the mayor was unaware of the status of an issue that had generated significant public attention.
Roland-Durand residents report speeding problems
Construction-related impacts from Highway 640 were also raised elsewhere in the meeting. Trudel told council that many motorists are now using Roland-Durand Boulevard as a shortcut around construction zones, resulting in heavier traffic, increased noise and speeding in a residential area.
According to Trudel, vehicles are frequently travelling between 60 and 70 km/h through a neighbourhood where many children live. She asked what could be done to improve safety, including the possibility of greater police presence or traffic-calming measures.
Mayor Pitre responded that residents can submit requests to the Police Board for additional enforcement and noted that monitoring is already being carried out by the regional police service.
Concerns remain ahead of future meetings
While council completed its regular business, the strongest moments of the evening came during public question period, where issues related to development, quality of life and Highway 640 dominated the discussion.
The meeting also took place against the backdrop of several broader initiatives highlighted by Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre in a video released the following day. Among the priorities she identified were plans to convert municipal land into off-market housing, a partnership with UQAM’s Research Chair in Urban Biodiversity, the annual contribution to Rosemère’s environmental protection reserve, an update to the municipality’s cultural policy, and participation in the North Shore Mobility Pact. While these topics generated less discussion than the issues raised during question period, they remain key components of council’s vision for the months ahead.
From concerns about a proposed demolition to ongoing frustration over Hydro-Québec’s clearing operations and traffic impacts linked to highway construction, residents made it clear that several key municipal issues remain unresolved.
Despite the meeting opening with a reminder about decorum, the intensity of the exchanges demonstrated just how strongly many residents feel about the direction of these files.
