The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-17 published September 13th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
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The North Shore News volume 20-17
North Shore Mayors, Criticize Quebec’s Inadequate Storm Debby Relief Program
Mayors from the North Shore of Montreal, including Denis Martin of Deux-Montagnes, are raising their voices in frustration over the inadequacy of the Quebec government’s aid program for victims of the recent storm Debby. On August 9th, the storm unleashed torrential rains that resulted in widespread flooding across the region. However, the majority of those affected by the disaster are being left out of the government’s compensation program due to restrictive eligibility criteria.
Premier François Legault had initially suggested that the government would expand its compensation program to accommodate more victims. Yet, the guidelines released last week reveal a different reality: only those whose damages were caused by sewer backups linked to the overflow of natural watercourses will qualify for aid. For cities like Deux-Montagnes, where most flooding occurred due to overwhelmed sewers far from any rivers, this exclusion has been particularly devastating.
Denis Martin, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes, expressed his disappointment with the government’s approach, stating that the vast majority of the flooding in his city was due to heavy rainfall that turned streets into torrents, causing sewage systems to back up and flood basements.
The Quebec government has justified its stance by pointing out that private insurers typically cover damages from sewer backups. Public Security Minister François Bonnardel emphasized that the government does not intend to replace private insurers and will only consider cases where sewer backups are directly caused by a river overflow. This decision has left many residents, especially those in areas like Deux-Montagnes, struggling to cover the costs of repairs. Denis Martin and other North Shore mayors argue that this narrow definition of eligibility fails to reflect the realities of the disaster.
They, are calling for a reassessment of the government’s disaster relief program. They argue that it must be adapted to the increasing frequency of severe weather events caused by climate change, which are now impacting areas far from traditional flood zones. The current criteria, they say, leave too many people vulnerable and unsupported in the face of such disasters.
Denis Martin and his colleagues are pushing for immediate changes to the program, stressing that the government must act swiftly to address the gaps in aid and provide meaningful support to all victims of storm Debby, regardless of the source of the flooding.
Hit-and-Run Incident with Injury in Rosemère: Suspect Arrested
In the early hours of Friday, August 16, just before 7:50 AM, a hit-and-run incident shocked the quiet residential streets of northern Rosemère. Officers from the Thérèse-De Blainville Intermunicipal Police Authority (RIPTB) swiftly responded to an emergency call, where a 28-year-old man had been struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Upon arriving at the scene, the RIPTB officers quickly administered first aid to the injured pedestrian. Despite the traumatic event, the man remained conscious and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment. His injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening, and he has since been reported to be in stable condition.
The rapid response of the police and the collaboration of local residents played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation. Witnesses at the scene provided detailed accounts of the incident, including a description of the vehicle that fled. These critical observations allowed the police to narrow down their search and identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Lieutenant-Detective Michel Duchesne, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of teamwork in resolving the case. “This was truly a team effort, and it was the collective work that made the difference in this case. Thanks to the telecommunications operators, the quick response of the patrol officers, the effective handling of the case by the investigators, and the involvement of witnesses, we were able to arrest the suspect,” he stated. Duchesne’s remarks highlight the coordinated efforts across different departments and the vital role that community members played in ensuring the suspect was brought to justice.
Following the identification of the vehicle, the police were able to track down and arrest the suspect, a 27-year-old woman from the local area, at her home. The suspect is now facing serious charges, including hit-and-run and impaired driving. According to police reports, alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident, which not only exacerbates the severity of the charges but also underscores the ongoing issue of impaired driving in the community.
To ensure a comprehensive investigation, a reconstruction officer from the Sûreté du Québec was dispatched to the scene. The officer conducted a thorough analysis of the site, gathering evidence and reconstructing the events leading up to the collision. This step is crucial in piecing together the exact sequence of events and will provide essential information for the legal proceedings that are likely to follow.
The victim, despite the traumatic experience, is currently in stable condition, and medical professionals do not fear for his life.
The RIPTB took the opportunity to remind the public of the seriousness of impaired driving. “Human life is at the core of our actions, and impaired driving is a serious crime that poses a significant threat to public safety,” the police stated. They also reiterated the legal responsibility of drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene and provide assistance to those in need. Fleeing the scene of an accident is not only illegal but also morally reprehensible, as it leaves victims without the help they might desperately need.
Ensuring a Safe Back-to-School Transition
As the new school year begins, the Sûreté du Québec is taking proactive measures to enhance safety around school zones. From August 26 to September 6, 2024, police officers will be increasing their presence near schools to help manage the influx of traffic and ensure that students can return to their studies in a safe environment.
The start of the school year brings a noticeable increase in road traffic, primarily due to the greater number of school buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and crossing guards on the streets. This surge in activity around school zones highlights the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic safety rules. By following these rules, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can all contribute to a safer environment for everyone, particularly for children who are more vulnerable near roadways.
One of the most critical aspects of ensuring safety in school zones is strict compliance with speed limits. Speeding in these areas can have serious consequences, as children may unexpectedly step into the road or be less visible to drivers. During school hours, which are defined as 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September to June, the penalties for speeding in school zones are significantly increased. Fines are doubled to emphasize the importance of driving at safe speeds where children are present.
In addition to obeying speed limits, it is essential for drivers to understand and respect the rules regarding school buses. When a school bus or minibus activates its flashing red lights or extends its stop sign, all vehicles, including cyclists, must come to a complete stop at a distance of at least five meters. This rule is in place to ensure that children can safely enter and exit the bus without the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle.
The role of crossing guards and traffic controllers is also crucial in maintaining order and safety around schools. Their signals and instructions must be followed without exception, even if they differ from standard traffic signs. These individuals are positioned to manage the flow of traffic in response to the specific needs of school zones, and their guidance is designed to protect the lives of students and other pedestrians.
Furthermore, drivers must exercise caution when approaching pedestrian crosswalks. If a pedestrian signals their intention to cross, vehicles must stop to allow them to pass safely. Pedestrian crosswalks are often located near schools, where children are likely to cross the street, making it even more important for drivers to be attentive and prepared to stop.
Parents also play a vital role in maintaining safety around schools. When dropping off their children, they should do so in designated areas that are specifically set up to manage the flow of traffic and prevent dangerous maneuvers. Avoiding double parking or stopping in no-parking zones helps to minimize risks and ensures that other drivers can see and avoid pedestrians, especially young children who may be harder to spot.
For those seeking further information on traffic regulations and safety measures in school zones, the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) provides comprehensive resources. By visiting their website at SAAQ Road Safety, parents, drivers, and community members can access guidelines that will help keep everyone safe during this busy back-to-school period.
Deux-Montagnes Responds to the Impact of Storm Debby and Torrential Rains
On August 9, 2024, the community of Deux-Montagnes, along with other parts of Quebec, faced significant challenges due to the heavy rainfall brought by Storm Debby. The severe downpour led to considerable property damage and other difficulties for many residents in the area.
In a statement from the City of Deux-Montagnes, it was reported that emergency response teams, led by the city’s General Director, were quickly mobilized as the storm began to impact the region. These teams worked to clear streets, assist residents, and deploy pumps to manage the flooding. The General Director, alongside blue-collar workers, firefighters, and police officers from the Régie de Police du Lac des Deux-Montagnes, remained active on the ground late into the night of August 9th and into the early hours of August 10th.
Mayor Denis Martin, speaking on behalf of the municipal council, expressed deep concern for the affected residents. He noted that city officials had been actively present in the community since the night of the storm, engaging with citizens and seeking ways to support those impacted by the disaster.
The city implemented several recovery measures in response to the flooding. As of August 10th, a deposit site was opened at the municipal garage, allowing residents to dispose of debris free of charge. Containers were placed at strategic locations, and a large-scale debris collection operation was initiated, which would continue as long as necessary. Additionally, psychosocial support teams from the CISSS des Laurentides were deployed at the city’s request to assist those affected.
To ensure the city was included on the list of disaster-stricken areas, Deux-Montagnes officials communicated with the Ministry of Public Security. The city emphasized the importance of an inclusive provincial relief program. Urban planning inspectors were assigned to assess and document the damages, assisting residents in filing claims with the ministry. The city also announced that renovation permits for affected properties would be issued free of charge.
Mayor Denis Martin also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects designed to enhance the city’s resilience to future storms, including the construction of a stormwater retention basin and a dedicated stormwater pumping station, expected to be completed by the end of the year.
In closing, Mayor Denis Martin expressed his gratitude to all municipal employees for their efforts during the crisis, noting the strong sense of community and mutual aid that was evident throughout the recovery efforts. The city underscored both the challenges posed by the storm and its commitment to supporting residents in the aftermath.
Boisbriand Launches Partage Club App to Promote Sharing and Sustainability
Residents of Boisbriand now have a new way to share goods and connect with their neighbors thanks to the launch of a groundbreaking app called Partage Club. Developed in partnership with the cooperative Tricentris, this innovative platform promotes the sharing of items among community members, making Boisbriand the first municipality to offer this service free of charge to its citizens.
Partage Club is designed to facilitate connections between those who have items to lend and those who are looking to borrow. According to information provided by the City of Boisbriand, users of the app can list items they are willing to lend, browse available items for borrowing, or make specific requests within their community for items they need. This system not only fosters a sense of community but also addresses broader environmental and economic goals.
“Partage Club allows users to make a real environmental impact by promoting reduction and reuse. Additionally, it strengthens economic and social ties within the community,” the City of Boisbriand stated. The app has already shown impressive results, with the average value of borrowed items at $150, and 80% of requests being fulfilled within 24 hours.
For Tricentris, the cooperative partner in this initiative, Partage Club aligns perfectly with their mission to support regional development and sustainability. The app’s focus on reusing items instead of purchasing new ones directly contributes to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption—a key part of Tricentris’s broader objectives.
Boisbriand’s administration, led by Mayor Christine Beaudette, sees Partage Club as a valuable tool that aligns with the city’s recently launched Sustainable Development Plan. This plan, introduced in the spring, aims to improve waste management and increase environmental awareness among the city’s population. The app is seen as a practical step toward achieving these goals by encouraging residents to rethink their consumption habits and embrace a culture of sharing.
“We are delighted to offer this ecological and economical solution to all our citizens and to encourage the creation of a sharing community in our city,” said Mayor Christine Beaudette.
In addition to the app, Tricentris will be rolling out Partage Club as part of a summer pilot project with the “Brigade des bacs.” This initiative will see the brigade traveling throughout Boisbriand, using recycling bins as a starting point for promoting the app and encouraging responsible recycling practices. The combination of the brigade’s efforts and the benefits of Partage Club highlights the importance of proper waste sorting and emphasizes the need to reduce and reuse before even considering recycling.
“By consolidating the efforts of the Brigade and the advantages of Partage Club, this project emphasizes the importance of changing consumption habits and taking proactive steps to reduce waste by promoting sharing and reuse. The 3R hierarchy—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—begins with actions upstream of the recycling bin,” the City of Boisbriand noted on its website.
The North Shore News volume 20-16
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-16 published August 30th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-15
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-15 published August 16th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-14
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-14 published July 12th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-13
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-13 published June 28th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
