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Rosemère Marks First 100 Days with Early Progress

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One hundred days into its mandate, Rosemère’s newly elected municipal administration is pointing to early progress across several key priorities, though the longer-term impact of these initiatives remains to be seen.

Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre and her council report that more than a quarter of the commitments made during the election campaign are already underway. Out of 66 promised actions, at least 19 have been initiated, spanning areas such as citizen services, municipal finances, environmental planning, community life, and urban development.

The administration has framed these early steps as a foundation for broader change, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to residents’ concerns.

Among the most visible measures is an effort to modernize municipal services. A new position within the urban planning department aims to accelerate permit processing and provide more personalized support to residents. At the same time, internal administrative processes are being reviewed to improve efficiency.

The city has also introduced short video summaries of council meetings, an initiative designed to make municipal decision-making more accessible to the public. While still in its early stages, the move reflects a broader push toward transparency in local governance.

On the financial front, the administration has taken steps to balance investment with fiscal restraint. A modest increase dedicated specifically to infrastructure maintenance has been implemented, alongside adjustments to commercial taxation intended to shield smaller businesses from disproportionate burdens.

These decisions come at a time when municipalities across Quebec are grappling with aging infrastructure and rising costs tied to climate adaptation.

Environmental initiatives have also featured prominently in the first 100 days. The town has committed funding to leverage provincial and federal climate programs, unlocking additional financial support for local projects. Plans to expand the cycling network and introduce tools to help homeowners adapt to flood risks suggest a growing focus on resilience.

At the community level, the return of municipal day camps for summer 2026 responds to a long-standing demand from families, particularly following service disruptions in recent years. The administration has also announced initiatives aimed at increasing civic engagement among youth and providing new forums for seniors to participate in local decision-making.

Urban development remains one of the more complex files. The council is continuing work on regulatory frameworks tied to the regional hub and has begun discussions on the future of Hamilton House, a heritage building whose preservation has become a point of local interest.

Mayor Pitre has acknowledged that the first 100 days represent only the beginning of a longer process, emphasizing that the administration intends to report regularly on its progress.

For residents, the coming year will likely determine whether these initial efforts lead to tangible improvements in daily life, or whether they remain largely symbolic of a new political direction.

Boisbriand Unveils Food Community Development Plan Aimed at Strengthening Local Access and Sustainability

The City of Boisbriand has released a new strategic plan aimed at reshaping how food is produced, distributed, and accessed at the local level, as municipalities across Quebec increasingly turn to community-based solutions to strengthen food security.

The Plan de développement de communauté nourricière, now publicly available, outlines a long-term vision to build a more resilient and locally rooted food system. The initiative seeks to bring together residents, community organizations, institutions, and local producers in an effort to improve access to healthy food while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.

Municipal officials describe the plan as both ambitious and collaborative, reflecting a growing recognition that food systems are no longer solely a rural or provincial issue, but a central component of urban planning and public health.

The plan’s development was informed by a public consultation process launched in 2025, which included a citizen forum and survey. According to the city, this participatory approach helped identify key priorities, including affordability, accessibility, and support for local production.

While the full details of implementation remain to be seen, the initiative aligns with a broader trend across Quebec municipalities seeking to reduce dependence on external supply chains, particularly in the wake of recent disruptions that have exposed vulnerabilities in food distribution networks.

Boisbriand’s approach emphasizes local partnerships as a cornerstone of the strategy. A range of stakeholders from the agricultural, health, and community sectors contributed to the plan’s development, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of food policy at the municipal level.

Among the areas expected to be addressed are the expansion of local food production, support for emerging agricultural entrepreneurs, and the integration of food access into social development strategies. The involvement of regional health authorities and agricultural organizations also suggests a focus on linking nutrition, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Mayor Christine Beaudette acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the initiative, noting that its success will depend on continued engagement from both institutional partners and the broader community.

As municipalities take on a more active role in shaping local food systems, Boisbriand’s plan reflects a shift toward decentralized, community-driven models. The challenge now will be translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes, particularly in a context where economic pressures continue to affect both producers and consumers.

The coming years will determine whether initiatives such as this can move beyond planning frameworks to deliver tangible improvements in access, affordability, and sustainability for residents.

Saint-Eustache birth unit set to reopen, restoring local deliveries for North Shore families

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After months of uncertainty and longer drives for expectant parents, the birth unit at Saint-Eustache Hospital is preparing to reopen, bringing maternity services back closer to home for families across the Lower Laurentians.

Health officials confirmed March 27 that preparations are underway to resume operations at the hospital’s maternity unit by mid-April 2026, marking the end of a temporary relocation that began late last year.

For many families, the reopening signals more than just a logistical change. It means shorter travel times, familiar surroundings, and the reassurance of giving birth in their own community.

A temporary move that reshaped maternity care

The unit was transferred to Saint-Jérôme Hospital in December after a shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists forced administrators to consolidate services. The move ensured deliveries could continue safely, but it also meant that many families had to adjust quickly to new routines and longer trips to access care.

Behind the scenes, health authorities spent months rebuilding the medical team needed to safely reopen the Saint-Eustache facility.

Those efforts have now paid off. Officials say five full-time physicians are currently assigned to the unit, supported by additional relief doctors who can step in when needed. The expanded team makes it possible to restore services locally once again.

Returning to familiar ground

For healthcare workers, the reopening represents the end of an intense period of adaptation. Many staff members temporarily relocated to Saint-Jérôme to maintain uninterrupted maternity care during the transition.

Julie Delaney, president and chief executive officer of the CISSS des Laurentides, acknowledged the scale of the effort required to sustain services throughout the closure period. She credited medical teams and support staff whose work allowed families to continue receiving care despite the disruption.

Once the unit reopens, services will resume as they operated before the transfer. Health officials emphasized that expectant mothers do not need to complete new paperwork or make special arrangements. Patients are encouraged to continue consulting the healthcare professional overseeing their pregnancy if questions arise.

A welcome shift for growing communities

Across the North Shore, access to maternity services has been a recurring concern, particularly as communities continue to grow and demand for healthcare expands.

The reopening of the Saint-Eustache birth unit is expected to ease pressure on neighbouring facilities while restoring a sense of normalcy for families who rely on local hospital services during one of life’s most significant moments.

For expectant parents, the return of local delivery services represents more than convenience. It restores the comfort of knowing that care is available close to home, supported by a medical team ready to guide families through one of their most important milestones.

With the mid-April reopening date approaching, hospital staff and families alike are preparing for what many hope will mark a lasting return to stability in regional maternity care.

Rosemère launches public consultation to shape first municipal housing policy

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The Town of Rosemère has launched a public consultation inviting residents to help shape the municipality’s first-ever housing policy, a move officials say will guide future development and respond to changing community needs.

Announced March 30, the initiative marks a significant milestone for the town as it seeks to establish a structured framework for housing growth. Municipal leaders say the policy will define the types of residential developments encouraged in the coming years while ensuring that new housing aligns with both current and future population demands.

According to the town, the housing policy is being developed following the drafting of concordance bylaws connected to the Special Planning Program (PPU) adopted in October 2025. That program outlines long-term planning priorities for Rosemère’s regional hub and is expected to guide urban development through 2040.

Residents encouraged to share input

Municipal officials are encouraging residents to participate actively in shaping the policy through two consultation channels.

An online survey, open to residents aged 18 and older, will run from March 30 through April 17. Officials say the survey is designed to collect feedback on housing needs, preferences, and priorities within the community.

In addition, the town will host an in-person public workshop on April 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., specifically targeted at residents aged 55 and older. Participation in the workshop requires advance registration by April 6, with limited space available.

Town representatives say the targeted workshop for older residents reflects the importance of understanding the housing challenges facing seniors, including accessibility, downsizing options, and the availability of suitable living arrangements within the municipality.

Planning for growth and demographic change

The development of a formal housing policy comes at a time when many municipalities across the North Shore and throughout Quebec are facing increasing pressure to address housing availability and affordability.

Rosemère officials say the policy aims to clarify what kinds of housing developments are desired, where they should be located, and how they can best support population growth while preserving the town’s character.

The initiative is closely linked to the Special Planning Program, a planning tool used to provide detailed direction for strategic areas of development. The PPU associated with Rosemère’s regional hub was introduced following the adoption of Regulation 24-02 by the Thérèse-De Blainville Regional County Municipality in January 2025.

That regulation established guidelines intended to guide the long-term development of the area, including transportation, land use, and residential growth.

Balancing development and community identity

While Rosemère remains one of the more established communities on the North Shore, municipal leaders acknowledge that future housing development must be carefully planned to balance growth with quality of life.

Community consultations are expected to play a key role in identifying priorities such as housing diversity, density levels, and infrastructure needs. Residents will also have the opportunity to express views on maintaining green space, preserving neighbourhood character, and ensuring access to essential services.

Officials note that gathering broad input is essential to developing a housing policy that reflects the perspectives of different demographic groups, including young families, working professionals, and seniors.

Access to project information

Residents interested in learning more about the broader planning process are encouraged to visit the municipality’s project website, where additional documentation and timelines outlining the next steps are available.

The town has indicated that feedback gathered through both the online survey and the April workshop will inform the drafting of the housing policy, which will later be presented to council and the public in subsequent stages.

Municipal communications officials say the consultation represents an important opportunity for residents to influence long-term decisions that will shape the community’s housing landscape for decades to come.

As towns across the region confront evolving housing demands, Rosemère’s initiative reflects a growing trend toward structured planning and public participation in urban development.

For Rosemerites, the coming weeks offer an opportunity to contribute directly to decisions that may determine how the town grows, adapts, and accommodates future generations.

Police, students unite during anti-bullying week at Sainte-Thérèse school

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Students at Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse spent last week tackling a subject that touches nearly every school community, bullying, as officers from the Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) led prevention activities during Quebec’s Week Against Violence and Intimidation in Schools.

Held from March 23 to March 27, the province-wide initiative focused on raising awareness about respect, personal responsibility, and the lasting consequences of intimidation. This year’s theme, “As-tu le droit?” (“Do you have the right?”), encouraged students to reflect on everyday actions, whether spoken, written, or shared online, and how those actions can affect others.

Bringing prevention into the classroom

Throughout the week, police officers worked directly with students to explore the many forms intimidation can take. Discussions highlighted how bullying is not limited to physical acts, but can also include hurtful comments, exclusion, and online behaviour that may seem minor at first but can have lasting emotional consequences.

Officers emphasized that everyone in a school environment has the right to feel safe and respected, a message that remained central to the week’s activities.

Students were encouraged to take an active role in preventing bullying by speaking up when they witness harmful behaviour and seeking support from trusted adults or school staff when needed. The goal, police noted, is to create a culture where silence is replaced with support and awareness.

A shared responsibility across the school community

While law enforcement plays a role in prevention, the week’s activities reinforced the idea that creating safe school environments depends on collective effort.

Teachers, staff, and students participated in conversations and awareness sessions designed to strengthen understanding of respect and responsibility. By working together, officials say, schools can reduce incidents of intimidation before they escalate into more serious conflicts.

The collaboration at Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse stood out as an example of how partnerships between schools and police can strengthen prevention efforts at the local level.

Police representatives also expressed appreciation to the students and teaching staff of Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse, acknowledging their participation and cooperation throughout the week. Their involvement, officials noted, played an important role in supporting the initiative and reinforcing the message of respect within the school community.

Addressing bullying in an evolving environment

Across Quebec, prevention campaigns like this one have taken on increasing importance as new forms of communication, particularly social media, create additional challenges for students and educators.

Police officials stressed that intimidation is never acceptable, whether it occurs in person or online, and that education remains one of the most effective ways to reduce harmful behaviour among youth.

By encouraging open dialogue and awareness, prevention programs aim to give students the tools to recognize harmful actions and respond appropriately when they occur.

Continuing the message beyond one week

Although the official prevention week has concluded, police say their outreach efforts will continue through ongoing visits and educational sessions in schools across the region.

For many students, the discussions served as a reminder that even small choices, what to say, how to respond, or when to intervene, can shape the climate within a school.

As communities across the Thérèse-De Blainville region continue to prioritize student well-being, last week’s initiative underscored a simple but powerful message: respectful environments are built daily, through awareness, empathy, and shared responsibility.

Eight Thérèse-De Blainville businesses take centre stage at Défi OSEntreprendre gala

Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial ambition were in the spotlight last week as eight local businesses were honoured during the local gala of the 28th edition of the Défi OSEntreprendre, held at the Externat Sacré-Cœur in Rosemère.

The March 24 event brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and economic development partners to celebrate businesses that are shaping the economic landscape across the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville. The evening was presided over by Olivier Brault, president and chief executive officer of Gamotech, who served as honorary chair.

Designed to highlight initiative and ingenuity, the gala recognized companies whose work reflects both strong business fundamentals and a commitment to innovation. Organizers emphasized that the selected businesses stood out not only for their ideas but also for their ability to transform those ideas into viable operations that contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

From ideas to impact

Behind each award lies a rigorous evaluation process. Candidates were assessed on multiple criteria, including the strength of their value proposition, operational planning, financial outlook, and long-term potential.

For the eight award recipients, the recognition marks only the beginning of the journey. Each will go on to represent the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville at the regional Défi OSEntreprendre gala scheduled for April 29 at Académie Lafontaine in Saint-Jérôme.

Regional officials noted that entrepreneurship continues to play a central role in shaping the region’s economic future, pointing to the award recipients as examples of resilience and forward thinking within the local business community.

A diverse group of innovators

The range of businesses honoured this year reflects the breadth of innovation emerging across the North Shore.

Among the winners was Les académiques, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and education focused on well-being and the development of transversal skills.

In the commerce category, Frozen Cosmetics captured attention with its CryoZen® method, blending aging science with natural beauty solutions.

Manufacturing was represented by Boîtes PDL, recognized for producing custom corrugated cardboard packaging tailored to the needs of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises.

Technological innovation was also front and centre, with OptiDSS inc. earning recognition for its advanced simulation and optimization tools designed to help manufacturers improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Additional honours went to Jeux Allez inc., which delivers turnkey entertainment experiences for events across the Laurentians, and Rebels Rive-Nord Basketball, a community-focused initiative working to make organized basketball more accessible to youth.

Two supplementary awards recognized Groupe Trusteo inc., whose programs support business growth while encouraging charitable engagement, and OTANTIST, a social platform aimed at fostering authentic connections among neurodivergent individuals.

Experience also recognized

The gala also acknowledged six established businesses participating under the Réussite inc. stream, a category reserved for companies that have maintained sustained operations for more than five years.

These companies, including IDUNN Technologies Inc., Créations Melseb Bonheur, Clinique Multisens Inc., Le Bon Chien, Le Marketing Buzzz! Inc., and Passion Maternité, automatically advance to the regional competition alongside this year’s newly recognized entrepreneurs.

At the regional level, scheduled for April 29, prizes will range from $750 to $3,000. Companies selected there will move on to the provincial finals, set for June 10 in Québec City.

A growing entrepreneurial ecosystem

Beyond the awards themselves, the gala underscored the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem developing across Thérèse-De Blainville.

Organizers credited local partners, jury members, and the MRC’s economic development team for helping bring the event to life and for supporting businesses at various stages of growth.

The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville, home to approximately 168,000 residents across seven municipalities including Blainville, Boisbriand, Lorraine, Rosemère, and Sainte-Thérèse, continues to position itself as a strategic gateway between the Montreal metropolitan region and the Laurentians.

As the eight winning businesses prepare for the next stage of competition, their recognition serves as a reminder that local entrepreneurship remains one of the driving forces behind the region’s economic momentum.

Blainville library expands flexible study options with bookable work rooms and cabins

Students, remote workers, and small groups looking for quiet places to focus now have more structured options at the Paul-Mercier Library in Blainville, where dedicated work rooms and cabins are available to subscribers seeking productive study environments.

The library currently offers four work rooms and two enclosed work cabins, designed to accommodate individuals, study partners, and small groups needing access to reliable workspace and technology.

Library officials say the service is intended to support a growing demand for flexible work and study locations, particularly as more residents balance school, professional responsibilities, and collaborative projects outside traditional office settings.

Spaces designed for different needs

The available rooms vary in size, allowing users to select spaces suited to their group size and equipment requirements.

Two smaller rooms, Work Room 101 (Local 0218) and Work Room 102 (Local 0217), are intended for one or two users and include standard electrical outlets.

For larger groups, Work Room 104 (Local 0216) accommodates two to four people and includes both electrical outlets and a television with HDMI connectivity available on site.

The largest space, Work Room 106 (Local 0215), can host groups of two to six people and also includes audiovisual capabilities through a television and HDMI connection.

In addition to these rooms, the library provides two enclosed work cabins, each designed for two to four users. These cabins offer standard electrical outlets along with USB-C and USB-A charging ports, reflecting the increasing use of mobile devices and laptops in collaborative work environments.

Reservations required for access

All work rooms and cabins must be reserved in advance through the library’s online system. Users can book spaces for a maximum of three hours, with reservations available up to seven days ahead of time.

Library policy requires that users hold an active subscription and maintain their account in good standing in order to access the reservation system. The service is available to individuals aged 12 and older, though younger children may use the rooms when attending tutoring sessions arranged under a parent’s library account.

Officials also encourage users to select smaller rooms when working alone or in pairs, helping ensure larger spaces remain available for group use.

Supporting productivity and collaboration

The introduction and structured use of these work spaces reflects evolving patterns in how community members use public libraries.

Once primarily associated with individual reading, libraries today increasingly serve as collaborative hubs where students meet to complete projects, entrepreneurs develop ideas, and residents connect in shared learning environments.

At the Paul-Mercier Library, work rooms are intended exclusively for study or group work activities. Commercial, religious, or political uses are not permitted under library guidelines.

Users are also expected to respect shared space etiquette by cleaning up after use, returning furniture to its original position, and vacating the room promptly when another reservation begins.

Growing demand for flexible study spaces

Across Quebec, libraries have seen a steady increase in requests for bookable work areas, particularly among students and professionals seeking reliable internet access and quiet surroundings.

The availability of reservable rooms at the Paul-Mercier Library reflects this shift, providing residents with accessible, technology-equipped spaces close to home.

For residents interested in using the service, reservations can be made by logging into their subscriber account through the library’s website. Assistance is also available in person or by phone for those unfamiliar with the online booking process.

As study habits and workplace expectations continue to evolve, local libraries are increasingly adapting their services to meet the changing needs of their communities, offering not just books, but the space and tools needed to learn, collaborate, and succeed.

The North Shore News volume 22-07

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The current issue of The North Shore News volume 22-07 published April 3rd, 2026.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Deux-Montagnes Turns to Mediation as White-Collar Contract Talks Drag On

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After nearly two years of negotiations, the City of Deux-Montagnes is seeking outside help to break a deadlock with its white-collar employees, formally requesting the appointment of a mediator to move talks forward.

The decision follows 12 negotiation sessions held between June 2024 and January 2026 that have yet to produce a renewed collective agreement. While discussions have continued over that period, the lack of resolution has prompted the municipality to escalate the process through formal mediation.

Mayor Denis Martin described the move as a constructive step aimed at facilitating progress rather than signaling a breakdown in relations.

City officials say the goal is to reach an agreement that reflects current working conditions and organizational realities, particularly given that other municipal employee groups have already renewed their contracts months ago. The white-collar unit now stands as the only remaining group without an updated agreement, adding pressure to conclude negotiations.

Under Quebec labour law, mediation is commonly used when negotiations stall. A neutral third party is appointed to assist both sides in clarifying positions, narrowing differences, and identifying possible compromises. While the process is non-binding, it often serves to re-establish momentum and prevent further escalation.

The specific points of contention in Deux-Montagnes have not been disclosed publicly. However, collective agreement negotiations in the municipal sector typically focus on wages, benefits, workload expectations, and workplace organization.

The city maintains that its negotiating committee has made sustained efforts over the past year and remains committed to reaching a settlement. At the same time, municipal leaders are signaling that progress will depend on a willingness from both parties to move closer to common ground.

For now, the union representing white-collar employees has not issued a public response to the mediation request, leaving uncertainty about how talks may evolve in the coming weeks.

Although the dispute has not yet affected municipal services, prolonged negotiations can increase the risk of labour tensions, particularly if mediation fails to produce results.

By turning to a mediator at this stage, the City of Deux-Montagnes appears to be attempting to resolve the situation before it escalates further, while maintaining a measured and cooperative approach.

Whether that strategy will be enough to bring both sides to an agreement remains to be seen, but it marks a clear shift in tone as the city looks to conclude one of its longest-running labour negotiations in recent years.

Blainville Hosts Swiss Delegation as Municipal Partnership Moves from Symbolic to Strategic

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A municipal partnership signed in 2024 between Blainville and the Swiss city of Neuchâtel is beginning to take concrete shape, as officials from both sides met in person this month during a high-profile visit tied to the 60th Finale of the Jeux du Québec.

Blainville welcomed a three-member delegation from Neuchâtel, marking one of the first official exchanges since the friendship pact was formalized. The visit combined ceremonial elements with working sessions aimed at deepening cooperation between the two municipalities.

The Swiss delegation included Jonathan Gretillat, vice-president of Neuchâtel’s communal council, Daniel Veuve, the city’s chancellor, and Damien Vaucher, who oversees external relations. Over several days, they toured Blainville’s territory, including its municipal facilities, sports infrastructure, and key development areas, while also attending events connected to the province-wide Jeux du Québec.

Beyond the formalities, the visit focused heavily on knowledge exchange. Meetings between municipal officials provided an opportunity to compare governance models, administrative practices, and policy priorities in two very different urban contexts.

According to municipal sources, the Swiss representatives showed particular interest in Blainville’s approach to communications, participatory budgeting, social development policies, and the integration of information technologies into municipal services.

These areas have become increasingly important for cities seeking to modernize operations while maintaining citizen engagement, a challenge shared across jurisdictions despite differences in scale and governance structures.

For Blainville, the visit offered an opportunity not only to showcase local initiatives but also to position itself as an active participant in international municipal networks. Such partnerships, while often symbolic at the outset, can evolve into practical collaborations in areas such as urban planning, sustainability, and public administration.

The timing of the visit, coinciding with one of Quebec’s largest amateur sporting events, also allowed the delegation to observe how large-scale events are organized at the municipal level, including coordination between infrastructure, community engagement, and regional promotion.

While no formal agreements were announced during the visit, both sides indicated that discussions would continue, with the expectation of further exchanges in the coming years.

As municipalities increasingly look beyond national borders for ideas and partnerships, the Blainville-Neuchâtel relationship reflects a broader trend toward localized diplomacy, where cities play a growing role in international cooperation.

Whether this partnership will translate into long-term, measurable outcomes remains to be seen, but the latest visit suggests that both sides are intent on moving beyond symbolic ties toward more substantive collaboration.


Photo caption:
From left to right: Michel Dicaire-Acosta, Strategic Advisor and Government Relations, City of Blainville; Daniel Veuve, Chancellor, City of Neuchâtel; Liza Poulin, Mayor of Blainville; Jonathan Gretillat, Vice-President of the Communal Council, City of Neuchâtel; Chantal Gauvreau, Director General, City of Blainville; and Damien Vaucher, External Relations Officer, City of Neuchâtel.

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