By Matthew Daldalian – The Laval News
Rosemère’s new City Council (Photo: Matthew Daldalian)
Mayor-elect Marie-Élaine Pitre and six councillors were officially sworn into office Monday Nov. 10 at Rosemère Town Hall, marking the start of a new political chapter for the North Shore city.
Residents, supporters and family members filled the small chamber at 100 rue Charbonneau, where the newly elected officials took the oath of office under the supervision of the city’s clerk.
The event was hosted by Daniel Grenier, the town’s Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Citizen Relations, who framed the night as a symbolic transition for the community. “We are witnessing a turning point for our community, a new breath that is about to shape the decisions guiding the Rosemère of tomorrow,” he told attendees.
Pitre, who previously served as a councillor, was the last to be sworn in after each of her team members. She also took a few minutes to introduce and thank every councillor individually, receiving warm applause from the room.
Pitre speaks on ceremony
Speaking after the ceremony, Pitre said stepping into the mayor’s role still felt slightly unreal.
“Honestly, it’s a bit surreal,” she said. “But I’m very happy because I’m really happy about the team that we put together, and I really feel that everyone here […] is happy about the situation.”
Pitre, who ran alongside the Vision Rosemère slate, said her interest in municipal leadership has always been grounded in a sense of momentum and purpose.
“I’m really passionate about everything I do in life,” she said. “It wasn’t like forced or anything. It was just the right path.”
Rosemère’s new mayor, Marie-Élaine Pitre, signing the official oath-of-office register on Monday Nov. 10 (Photo: Matthew Daldalian)
Her administration now turns its attention to the 2026 budget cycle and several major local files, including the redevelopment of Place Rosemère, climate-resilience planning and citizen services.
While Vision Rosemère holds every council seat, Pitre emphasized the importance of consensus and respectful debate.
One council member is proud
Among the newly elected is Elmer van der Vlugt, councillor for Seat 6, who said the moment brought “a mix of pride, honor and humility.” A Rosemère resident since 2021, he immigrated from the Netherlands and has worked in municipal economics.
He said running for office felt like a natural extension of his attachment to the town. “When I came to Rosemère for the first time, I fell in love immediately,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place… great people, great community.”
Van der Vlugt said he views the upcoming mandate as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Rosemère’s future. “I’ve always had this mantra of leaving the world a better place if I can,” he said. “I felt this was a great opportunity to try and do so.”
Looking ahead, he identified several issues that will shape early council discussions, including longstanding debates over the former golf-course land. As an economist, he said financial stewardship will also be critical.
“It’s very important to keep track of the finances, make sure that we have the means to pay for our projects but without increasing the tax burden,” he said.
Elmer van der Vlugt, councillor for Seat 6, said the moment brought “a mix of pride, honor and humility.” (Photo: Matthew Daldalian)
Van der Vlugt added that his personal priority is expanding active mobility infrastructure, an interest rooted in his Dutch background.
“Cycling is in my blood and DNA for sure,” he said. “I’d really like to accelerate where I can and help bring a fresh new view with different experiences from all over the globe.”
The ceremony closed with families and guests gathered for photos and small celebrations. The new council will hold its first official meeting later this month.
