Monday, December 8, 2025
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Temporary Transfer of Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit Sends Expectant Mothers to Laval for Three Months

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Expectant mothers in the Laurentides will see a temporary change in their birthing arrangements this month, as the CISSS des Laurentides confirms that the birth unit at Saint-Eustache Hospital will be relocated to Laval for approximately three months beginning December 5 at 8 a.m.

The decision is not the result of infrastructure issues, but of a shortage of gynecologists and obstetricians, a challenge that has affected several regions in recent years. According to the CISSS, the temporary move is meant to safeguard the continuity and quality of care for pregnant patients until the medical team in Saint-Eustache can be reinforced.

During this period, the full care team from Saint-Eustache’s birthing unit, including nurses and physicians, will be transferred to Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital in Laval. The intention is to ensure that women continue receiving the same level of care from the same professionals, only in a different location.

Pregnant women who had been planning to deliver at Saint-Eustache will not need to take any steps on their own. Their care provider will notify them of the change and answer any concerns. The CISSS emphasized that all patients will be supported through the transition and encouraged anyone with questions to continue relying on the clinician overseeing their pregnancy.

The organization is working to stabilize the medical workforce at Saint-Eustache as quickly as possible to restore local birthing services. Until then, Laval will serve as the temporary delivery site for families across the region.

More information is available on the CISSS des Laurentides website under the section on labor and delivery.

RIPTB Highlights Community-Focused Policing at the Réseau Intersection Colloquium

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For two days, the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ) in Nicolet became the centre of provincial and international reflection on community policing, as the Réseau Intersection Colloquium brought together police services from across Quebec along with invited partners from abroad. The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) was proud to participate in an event that continues to shape how police agencies address the social realities facing their communities.

The Réseau Intersection, created to support the development of police de proximité in Quebec, has built a strong reputation for offering concrete, research-based approaches to public safety. Each year, the colloquium focuses on practical strategies to improve the relationship between police and the public, particularly in areas involving prevention, mental health, vulnerable populations, youth engagement, and coordinated intervention with municipal and social partners. Held in collaboration with the ENPQ, the gathering is recognized as one of the province’s key platforms for advancing modern policing.

One of the distinguishing features of this year’s edition was the participation of several representatives from Belgium, a country widely known for its national commitment to proximity policing. Belgian police operate under a federal framework that mandates local anchoring, regular contact with citizens, and a shared responsibility between police zones and municipalities. Their contribution to the colloquium brought a valuable international perspective, especially in discussions about multidisciplinary intervention teams, crisis response protocols, and long-term prevention planning. Their experiences offered points of comparison and reflection for Quebec services, including the RIPTB, which has long integrated similar principles into its daily operations.

Throughout the event, discussions repeatedly returned to the evolving nature of police work. Many presenters highlighted the rise in calls linked to mental health, homelessness, substance use, and other complex social challenges that require close coordination with external partners. Others examined the role of schools, community associations, and municipal agencies in reinforcing early prevention. This emphasis on shared responsibility mirrors the RIPTB’s ongoing commitment to maintaining strong ties with local organizations, municipal councils, and citizen groups, ensuring that policing remains centered on collaboration rather than simple response.

The Service de police de Richelieu–Saint-Laurent, which oversaw this year’s organization, ensured a fluid and well-structured program, with sessions that stayed grounded in real-world experience. Their leadership contributed significantly to the event’s success and to the quality of the exchanges taking place throughout the colloquium.

For the RIPTB, the experience served as both a reaffirmation of its long-standing philosophy and an opportunity to engage with new ideas. The conversations in Nicolet made clear that effective public safety relies not only on patrols and investigations, but on presence, prevention, dialogue, and trust. The colloquium emphasized that community policing is not static; it evolves with society’s needs and with the willingness of police services to adapt and learn.

As the RIPTB returns to its territory, it carries with it the insights, partnerships, and renewed motivation inspired by the colloquium. The two days at the ENPQ highlighted the strength of collective reflection and offered powerful confirmation of the central role that proximity, understanding, and cooperation play in building safe and resilient communities.

New Laurentides Podcast Series Gives Men the Microphone on Mental Well-Being

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The conversation around men’s mental health in the Laurentides is getting a meaningful new platform this week, as the CISSS des Laurentides launches a podcast series that invites men to speak openly about the pressures they face and the ways they cope with them. Released on November 19 to mark both International Men’s Day and the twelfth annual Quebec Men’s Health and Well-Being Day, the series is titled Éclaire-moi… La parole aux hommes. It aims to highlight the realities of masculine well-being through authentic conversations with men of different ages and backgrounds.

The initiative comes from the region’s Réseau d’éclaireurs en santé psychologique, a network that has been steadily expanding its outreach in recent years. By adding a podcast format, the CISSS des Laurentides hopes to reach men who may not seek support in traditional ways, yet are living with stress, emotional pressure, or a sense of isolation that often goes unspoken.

Throughout the episodes, participants open up about how they handle stress, what helps them decompress after demanding days, and how they build meaningful connections with other men. Many of them underscore the simple yet profound impact that talking to one another can have, especially at a time when many men still feel hesitant to express vulnerability.

The project is earning praise inside the organization itself. Benoît Major, the assistant president and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, described the episodes as honest and moving. He noted that the discussions provide a rare window into the emotional lives of men and serve as a reminder that conversations about mental health should never be limited by stigma. He also emphasized the innovative spirit of the Réseau d’éclaireurs, a group he credits with helping improve the psychological well-being of the Laurentides population.

The episodes are now available on the CISSS website under the Balados du CISSS des Laurentides section, and they can also be streamed on Spotify. The format is designed to be accessible, allowing listeners to tune in wherever they are, whether during a commute along Highway 15 or at home after a long day of work.

The timing of the launch is not accidental. Both International Men’s Day and Quebec’s annual day dedicated to male health aim to shed light on issues that men often keep to themselves. Mental health workers in the region say that many men wait too long before asking for help, either because they do not recognize the signs of stress fatigue or because they fear burdening those around them. Initiatives like this podcast, they argue, help normalize the idea that asking for support is not a weakness, but a strength.

For those who may need immediate guidance, the CISSS reminds the public that Info Social professionals are available at all hours through the 811 option 2 service. The line connects callers to qualified psychosocial workers who can offer support, information, and referrals, day or night.

By handing the microphone to men from different walks of life, the CISSS des Laurentides is attempting to expand the regional conversation about emotional health, community, and resilience. The voices captured in the podcast are varied, but the message they share is consistent. Speaking openly matters. Listening to one another matters too. For many men across the Laurentides, this new series may be the spark that encourages them to take that first step.

Deux-Montagnes Awards More Than 73,000 Dollars to Local Organizations and High-Performance Athletes

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The City of Deux-Montagnes highlighted the heartbeat of its community this week, awarding a total of 73,930 dollars in financial support to local organizations and promising young athletes. The annual ceremony took place on November 18, celebrating the individuals and groups whose work keeps the city’s cultural, social, and athletic life thriving.

This year, 31 accredited community organizations received a combined 72,730 dollars in municipal funding. These groups represent a wide range of services and activities, from cultural programming to sports, senior services, youth initiatives, and community support networks. The city also distributed an additional 1,200 dollars to eight high-performance athletes whose dedication and achievements have brought visibility and pride to the community.

Mayor Denis Martin spoke warmly about the impact of the organizations recognized, noting that their contributions shape the quality of life in Deux-Montagnes in measurable ways. He emphasized that these groups inspire residents, mobilize volunteers, and strengthen the social fabric through countless hours of commitment. The city’s support, he said, is both a gesture of recognition and a reinforcement of their ongoing missions.

The mayor was joined by members of the municipal council, who personally thanked the volunteers, staff members, and community partners behind each organization. Their presence underscored the value the city places on civic engagement and on the people whose work often takes place behind the scenes yet remains essential to local vitality.

The evening served as a reminder that the strength of Deux-Montagnes lies not only in its infrastructure or public services but also, and perhaps most importantly, in the dedication of its residents who invest time, talent, and passion into the community.

A Historic First for the North Shore: Rosemère’s Marie-Elaine Pitre Steps Into a Trailblazing Role at the MRC

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The political landscape of the North Shore shifted this week, when Rosemère mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre was appointed Acting Warden of the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville, becoming one half of the first all-female leadership team to guide the regional body since its creation more than four decades ago. Her appointment was confirmed on November 28, marking a milestone moment for municipal governance in the Laurentian gateway.

Pitre joins Liza Poulin, mayor of Blainville, who was elected by acclamation to a two-year term as warden. Together, the two mayors, each already a familiar presence in regional affairs, now stand at the forefront of a territory undergoing rapid transformation. From swelling residential developments to sustained industrial growth, the MRC’s decisions increasingly shape the everyday lives of nearly 168,000 people spread across seven municipalities.

Speaking after her appointment, Pitre described the moment as both humbling and energizing. “I am grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” she said, noting that the partnership with Poulin opens the door to “working with everyone who is involved in our region” as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

A Region at a Crossroads

Stretching across 207 square kilometres, from the wooded edges of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines to the compact urban character of Sainte-Thérèse, the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville sits at the junction of key north-south and east-west transportation corridors. Its residents have long watched the region evolve from bedroom-community suburbia into a dynamic mixture of agricultural zones, industrial parks, commercial districts, and tightly knit neighbourhoods.

This evolution has placed increasing weight on the MRC’s responsibilities. Its council oversees land-use planning, cultural development, civil security and fire-safety coordination, road-safety awareness, economic development, watercourse management, and collective initiatives touching everything from public transportation to social and affordable housing. It even delves into more modern concerns like artificial intelligence, reflecting the shifting priorities of a rapidly growing population.

Building the Table Around Them

The council meeting that confirmed Pitre’s appointment also set the stage for the region’s representation on broader metropolitan bodies. Sainte-Thérèse mayor Christian Charron will now serve as the MRC’s delegate to the board of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, while Poulin and Charron will sit at the Table des préfets et des élus de la Couronne Nord, a crucial forum for negotiating the interests of the Northern Crown. Pitre and Poulin will also represent the MRC at the Conseil des préfets et des élus des Laurentides, reinforcing links to the wider Laurentian region.

These appointments underline the MRC’s growing influence. Decisions taken at these tables ripple outward, affecting planning strategies, funding priorities, housing guidelines, and transportation debates across the North Shore.

A Leadership Team Reflecting a Changing Quebec

The arrival of Poulin and Pitre as the first all-female leadership duo is more than a historic first; it reflects the changing demographics and expectations of northern Montreal suburbs. The two mayors represent municipalities that have seen some of the fastest population growth in the province, driven by housing demand, quality-of-life appeal, and cultural vibrancy.

Their partnership comes at a pivotal moment. Residents are increasingly vocal about traffic congestion, the preservation of natural areas, fire-safety readiness, and affordable housing options. Municipal leaders across the seven towns know that regional cooperation will determine how successfully the area adapts.

The new leadership team appears keenly aware of that. Their appointment comes with the implicit expectation that the MRC will navigate this period of transformation with clarity and unity—balancing development with heritage, growth with sustainability, and local concerns with metropolitan realities.

Looking Ahead

For Rosemère’s mayor, the new role places her at the centre of some of the region’s most consequential decisions. For the MRC, it marks the beginning of a term defined by a different kind of leadership, one that mirrors the community’s evolution and promises a renewed focus on collaboration.

And for the North Shore, it signals something increasingly rare in politics: a genuine turning point.

The North Shore News volume 21-23

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The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-23 published December 5th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Rosemère Gathers to Honour Veterans in Solemn Remembrance Day Tribute

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In a moving ceremony held earlier this week, the Town of Rosemère reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Canada’s veterans, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, peace, and democratic values. The municipal council, accompanied by residents, dignitaries, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, gathered outside Town Hall for a Remembrance Day commemoration steeped in gratitude and quiet reverence.

Although modest in scale, the ceremony mirrored a nationwide tradition that has been observed every November for more than a century. Communities across Canada, from major cities to small municipalities, held similar tributes, uniting the country in remembrance of those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in numerous peacekeeping and NATO missions.

Local Leaders Pay Tribute

Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre led the Rosemère delegation, accompanied by councillors Stéphanie Nantel, Sébastien Jacquet, and Jean-François Gagnière. Together, they welcomed citizens who had gathered despite the brisk November weather to show their respect.

Representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, Messrs. Réal Marcotte and Marcel Comeau, joined the ceremony, embodying the long-standing link between local communities and the national veterans’ network. The Legion, founded in 1925, has been central to preserving the memory of Canada’s fallen and supporting veterans and their families, an effort that remains as vital today as ever.

A moment of silence was observed, echoing the two-minute pause held across the country every November 11 at 11 a.m. This tradition began following the Armistice of 1918, when hostilities ended in the First World War. Today, it serves as a collective act of reflection on the cost of conflict and the importance of peace.

A Tradition Rooted in Canadian History

Across Quebec, Remembrance Day has taken on renewed visibility in recent years. Schools, municipalities, and veterans’ organizations have been working to reinforce the importance of historical memory, particularly among younger generations. Canada’s sacrifice in global conflicts remains significant: more than 66,000 Canadians died in the First World War, over 45,000 in the Second World War, and thousands more in subsequent missions.

Rosemère’s ceremony, though simple and intimate, fits within this broader national context. The town has long collaborated with local veterans’ branches for commemorative events, educational outreach, and public awareness. While not every community holds a large parade or elaborate service, these smaller gatherings are central to keeping remembrance alive.

Community Presence and Civic Reflection

For many in attendance, the ceremony provided an opportunity not only to honour those who served, but also to reflect on the values their sacrifices defended, freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of peace. These themes resonate strongly today, as global conflicts continue to shape international relations and humanitarian crises. Canadian Armed Forces members remain active in peacekeeping, disaster relief, and NATO operations, ensuring that the tradition of service continues.

Residents who attended the Rosemère ceremony expressed quiet but heartfelt gratitude, standing alongside elected officials and Legion representatives in a show of community solidarity. While no musical performances or military contingents were present, common in larger ceremonies, the simplicity of the gathering heightened its emotional impact.

“Lest We Forget” in Rosemère

The message at the heart of the event was clear and deeply Canadian: “We will remember them.”

Rosemère’s municipal council issued thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion representatives and to all citizens who joined the tribute. Their presence, the council emphasized, helps sustain a culture of remembrance that extends beyond a single day and speaks to the values shared by the community.

As the last poppies fall and the November cold settles in, the town’s ceremony stands as a modest yet meaningful reminder that remembrance is not an obligation but a collective privilege, one that Rosemère continues to uphold with dignity.

Colombian Delegation Visits Deux-Montagnes to Study Stormwater Innovations

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A group of eight professionals from the metropolitan region of Bogotá-Cundinamarca, Colombia, made a technical stop in Deux-Montagnes on November 12 as part of a knowledge-exchange mission organized by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM). The delegation, representing an urban-planning agency comparable to the CMM, is touring Quebec to study local governance structures and climate-adaptation strategies.

The visit to Deux-Montagnes centred on one of the city’s most ambitious recent infrastructure projects: the open-air stormwater retention basin at Parc Central, combined with a new pumping station and flood-protection dyke system. Together, these installations form the backbone of the municipality’s updated approach to flood mitigation  a pressing issue since the historic inundations that struck the Lake of Two Mountains in 2017 and again in 2019.

After a briefing at city hall, the Colombian delegation toured the Parc Central site, where municipal staff and CMM representatives outlined the engineering principles behind the open retention basin. The project captures excess rainfall, temporarily stores runoff, and regulates its release, easing pressure on the stormwater network during increasingly intense precipitation events. The system is paired with a modern pumping station on 13th Avenue that can discharge large volumes of clear water into the lake when conditions allow.

What distinguishes the Deux-Montagnes project  and what drew the interest of the South American visitors  is the integration of hard infrastructure with landscape design. The basin was intentionally developed as a multifunctional public space, with walking paths, viewing areas, and permanent water features designed to prevent stagnation. The model reflects an international shift toward “blue-green” stormwater solutions that strengthen resilience while improving neighbourhood livability.

For the CMM, which has been expanding its partnerships with other metropolitan regions, the visit represents a growing appetite for knowledge-sharing on climate adaptation. Bogotá-Cundinamarca has been examining ways to create a forum similar to the CMM’s “Agora métropolitaine,” a platform for cooperation among municipal leaders, planners and environmental specialists. The Deux-Montagnes stop served as an example of how a mid-sized municipality can leverage metropolitan governance to implement large-scale, technically complex projects.

City officials emphasized that the Parc Central infrastructure is already delivering measurable benefits. By combining the retention basin, the dyke and the pumping station, the municipality has significantly increased its ability to manage extreme rainfall and prevent sewer surcharges, challenges expected to intensify in coming decades. The CMM has identified the Deux-Montagnes basin as a model that could be adapted by other flood-prone communities across Quebec.

The Colombian visitors expressed interest in applying similar practices in their own region, where rapid urban growth and climate pressures have heightened the need for integrated stormwater systems. Their Quebec itinerary includes stops in Montréal and Gatineau, focusing on metropolitan governance, planning tools and best practices in sustainable infrastructure.

For Deux-Montagnes, the November 12 visit was an opportunity to showcase a project that has become a reference point within the Greater Montréal area. More broadly, it underscored a trend seen worldwide: mid-sized municipalities, once on the climate-adaptation front lines, increasingly finding themselves at the centre of international exchanges on how to respond to the new realities of extreme weather.

Dr. Éric Goyer Steps Down as Laurentides Public Health Director After 14 Years of Leadership

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The Laurentides public health authority is preparing for a major transition as Dr. Éric Goyer, one of the region’s most influential health leaders, concludes his mandate after more than two decades of service.

In a statement issued Monday, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides confirmed that Dr. Goyer will step down as Director of Public Health on December 1, 2025, after choosing not to seek a renewal of his mandate.

A Career Marked by Crisis Leadership and Community Commitment

Dr. Goyer has spent over 25 years working in public health in the Laurentides, including 14 years at the helm of the region’s public health department. His leadership became especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the region, one of Quebec’s fastest-growing, faced unprecedented pressures on its health system, social services, and vulnerable populations.

Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, praised Dr. Goyer’s “remarkable commitment, leadership and dedication,” noting the “colossal” amount of work he carried out during the pandemic and through numerous public health challenges.

“His sense of duty and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of our communities have deeply inspired our teams,” Delaney said.

Beyond emergency response, Dr. Goyer helped strengthen preventive health initiatives, community health outreach, and environmental health strategies—areas that have become increasingly important amid Quebec’s climate-related health concerns and demographic shifts.

Interim Director Named: Dr. Gabrielle Bureau

To ensure continuity, the CISSS announced the appointment of Dr. Gabrielle Bureau as interim Director of Public Health.

Dr. Bureau has served as a medical advisor within the Laurentides public health department since 2018 and brings a strong academic and professional background. She holds:

  • a medical degree,
  • a master’s in community health,
  • and a specialist certification in public health and preventive medicine from Université Laval.

Her work in the region has touched several critical portfolios, including environmental health, emergency preparedness, municipal health planning, COVID-19 response, and climate-change mitigation strategies.

In her interim role, Dr. Bureau intends to “continue the mission” of Dr. Goyer, protecting and improving public health through prevention, promotion, crisis monitoring, and close surveillance of health trends affecting Laurentides residents.

Delaney expressed confidence in her appointment, calling Dr. Bureau a physician of “great expertise” and emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in public health protection during a period of transition.

A Region at a Crossroads

The leadership change comes as the Laurentides faces ongoing demographic growth, increased climate-related health risks, and rising demand for preventive public health measures. The incoming interim director will inherit files that range from emergency preparedness to long-term community health planning.

As Dr. Goyer steps away after a career that helped shape the region’s health landscape, the CISSS publicly thanked him for his years of service, emphasizing the significant mark he leaves on institutions and communities across the Laurentides.

Dr. Bureau will assume her new role on December 1.

A New Era at Rosemère Town Hall: Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre Leads a Renewed, Gender-Balanced Council

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Rosemère marked the beginning of a new municipal chapter this week as the town’s freshly elected officials were sworn in during an evening ceremony on November 10. Held inside the council chambers at Town Hall, the event drew supporters, families, and a number of distinguished guests who gathered to witness the symbolic and administrative start of a new four-year mandate.

At the centre of the ceremony was Marie-Elaine Pitre, former councillor and now the new mayor of Rosemère. Her election ushers in a leadership team that is both gender-balanced and notably diverse in background, an element she emphasized in her remarks thanking residents for their trust.

“The diverse backgrounds, complementary talents and innovative ideas of our team are what make us stand out,” Mayor Pitre said. “Each member brings their own specific expertise to the table and is deeply committed to our community.” She reaffirmed that the council’s priorities will include sustainable development, economic vitality, cultural engagement, strong governance, and support for local businesses, all pursued “with diligence, vision and integrity.”

Meet the New Council

Alongside Mayor Pitre, six councillors were sworn in, forming a balanced team of returning and newly elected officials:

  • Seat 1: Marie-Hélène Fortin — re-elected for a second term
  • Seat 2: Jean-François Gagnière
  • Seat 3: Stéphanie Nantel — re-elected for a third term
  • Seat 4: Annick Lemelin Lagacé
  • Seat 5: Sébastien Jacquet
  • Seat 6: Elmer van der Vlugt

The mix of fresh faces and experienced councillors reflects a continuity of governance while also signaling renewal, an important dynamic at a time when Rosemère continues to navigate issues such as development pressures, environmental stewardship, and community-oriented growth.

The town’s commitment to its guiding principle, “Naturally Responsible Development”, was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony. While the press release outlines no new policy announcements, Mayor Pitre’s emphasis on sustainable planning and community-centred decision-making reinforces a long-standing ethos in Rosemère politics.

Looking Ahead

Residents will get their first look at the council in action later this month. The inaugural meeting of the new administration is scheduled for November 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Rosemère Town Hall (100 Charbonneau Street).

As always, citizens unable to attend in person can follow the proceedings live online via the town’s official streaming platform: ville.rosemere.qc.ca/council-meetings.

With a renewed mandate, a balanced team, and a mayor promising collaborative, principled governance, Rosemère enters its next four years with a clear message: responsible development, thoughtful leadership, and community engagement remain at the heart of its vision.

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