The City of Sainte-Thérèse announced the lifting of the ban on mechanical and automatic watering for its entire territory, as well as for the cities of Boisbriand, Blainville and Mirabel. Despite this lifting of the watering ban, it is essential for residents to moderate their drinking water consumption and respect the new watering schedule in force. In summer, watering lawns and landscaping significantly increases the demand for drinking water. This is why last April, the cities of Blainville, Boisbriand, Mirabel and Sainte-Thérèse along with a plethora of other North Shore cities, changed their regulations and harmonized watering schedules in order to better distribute this significant consumption of drinking water. It is important to note that a permit is always necessary for watering newly peated or seeded lawns. Citizens can consult their city’s website to comply with current regulations.
Left, Quebec Culture and Communications Minister Nathalie Roy and Sainte-Rose CAQ MNA Christopher Skeete announced $3.7 million in subsidies to science-based museums across Quebec in Laval on Tuesday.
Martin C. Barry Quebec Culture and Communications Minister Nathalie Roy announced nearly $3.7 million in provincial subsidies for 16 of Quebec’s science-based museums during an outdoor press conference held at the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles in Laval’s Sainte-Rose district on Tuesday July 7. Good news, says Groulx MNA “The government of Quebec is happy to support museum instititions with scientific and technological vocations in the relaunch of their activities,” Éric Girard, Minister of Finance in the CAQ government and MNA for the North Shore riding of Groulx, said in a statement. “The economic relaunch plan tabled by the Ministry of Culture and Communications and the Finance Ministry, which was implemented in June, has as its goal to see that the cultural domain is well equipped to deal with the consequences of this pandemic crisis, while becoming once again an important economic driver in Quebec,” the Finance Minister added. Four Laval museums Four of the institutions are located in Laval. They are the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (in Sainte-Rose), the Musée Armand-Frappier on the eastern edge of Chomedey, the Cosmodôme in central Laval, and the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. While some of the museums (such as the Zoo Ecomuseum at the western tip of Montreal Island in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue) are located within the Montreal region, many others are located in more isolated but picturesque rural regions of the province, such as Gaspésie and the Eastern Townships, where tourism is currently in need of a big boost in the aftermath of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. More support coming The institutions in Laval are receiving a total of $950,000 from the package. According to the Culture and Communications Ministry, additional sums to be awarded to the museums across Quebec over the next four years will raise the amount of subsidies to $20 million over that period. Another $5.03 million will be available during the same period to the 16 institutions as part of the government’s overall post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan, the ministry added. The provincial government has also been providing subsidies to more than 100 museums of various themes and types in Quebec. Improving knowledge “It is with great pleasure that I greet the announcement of this financial assistance destined for museums and institutions with scientific and technological vocations,” said Sainte-Rose CAQ MNA Christopher Skeete, who is the CAQ government’s delegated representative for the province’s English-speaking community. “Thanks to this support, institutions in our region, such as the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau, which are both located in the riding of Sainte-Rose, will be able to pursue their activities and their mission to the great enjoyment of all Quebecers,” added Skeete. “They will thus continue to shine a spotlight on Laval within Quebec’s scientific museum landscape.” Help during pandemic “Our government recognizes the essential need for scientific museums in terms of the role they play in education, research, understanding and conservation,” said the Culture and Communications Minister. “In the context of the current pandemic, I wanted to see that we acted quickly in order to financially support these museum institutions which were made vulnerable by the pandemic crisis. “Their mission is in line with our goal to see that Quebec’s culture, of which were are proud, gets promoted and is made accessible,” she continued. “And so we will be pleased to support them over the course of the next five years.”
Sainte-Thérèse takes steps to thwart vandalism at the Le Boisé community garden
Last summer, the Le Boisé community garden, located at the corner of Saint-Pierre and Éloi-Filion streets, experienced its greatest wave of theft and vandalism since its creation, more than twenty years ago. To meet this challenge, the City of Sainte-Thérèse will put in place a series of dissuasive measures.
The majority of vandals operated at night in places that are less well-lit and where there is little traffic. To alleviate this scourge, the City of Sainte-Thérèse will raise the height of the fence from 4 feet to 8 feet on all four sides of the site and will add a high-performance light powered by a solar panel that will detect movement. The municipality’s investment in securing the premises will amount to a total of $ 15,000.
“The situation at the Le Boisé community garden is deplorable. Gardeners invest money, but also a lot of time to maintain their garden and provide the care required to ensure the development of their plants. This is why the City of Sainte-Thérèse will intervene in order to dissuade vandals from taking such action,” said the mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, Mrs. Sylvie Surprenant.
In a spirit of collaboration, citizens who witness acts of vandalism are encouraged to report them to the Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville.
Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to salad products
Why you should take note
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Cyclospora infections occurring in three provinces. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.
Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots and red cabbage, has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Some of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten Fresh Express brand salad products containing these ingredients before their illnesses occurred. The source of illness for the remaining individuals continues to be under investigation. The investigation is ongoing and this public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves.
On June 28, 2020, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots and red cabbage that were distributed nationally in Canada. The recalled salad products begin with lot code “Z177” or a lower number and have best before dates up to and including 20JUL08 – 20JUL14.
Canadians are advised not to eat the recalled products. Retailers and food service establishments are advised not to sell or serve the recalled products, or any items that may have been prepared or produced using these products.
The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If additional products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are also investigating a multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora infections that has been linked to bagged salad mixes containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express.
Investigation summary
As of July 8, 2020, there are 37 confirmed cases of Cyclospora illness linked to this outbreak in three provinces: Ontario (26), Quebec (10) and Newfoundland and Labrador (1). Individuals became sick between mid-May and mid-June 2020. One individual has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 21 and 70 years of age. The majority of cases (76%) are female.
Some of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten certain Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots before their illnesses occurred. The source of illness for the remaining individuals continues to be under investigation.
Cyclospora infections occur each summer in Canada. PHAC is working with provincial partners to determine if other recent cases of Cyclospora infection are linked to this outbreak.
It is possible that more recent illnesses may be reported in the outbreak because of the period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between two and four weeks.
What you should do to protect your health
Check to see if you have any Fresh Express brand salad products in your home. If you do, follow this advice:
· Do not to eat recalled products with production codes beginning with lot code “Z177” or a lower number and have best before dates up to and including 20JUL08 – 20JUL14.
· Throw these products out immediately and properly wash and sanitize any containers and refrigerator drawers or shelves that were used to store these products before using them again.
· If you have any Fresh Express brand salad products without the original packaging and are unsure of whether these products are included in this advice, do not eat them. Throw them away just to be safe.
· Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds immediately following contact with any of the recalled products.
Who is most at risk
Cyclospora is a microscopic single-celled parasite that is passed in peoples’ feces. If it comes in contact with food or water, it can contaminate food and cause infection in the people who consume it. This causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. It is unlikely for Cyclospora to be passed from one person to another.
You are at higher risk for a longer or more severe illness if you:
· are a young child
· are an older adult
· have a weakened immune system (cannot fight disease easily)
Symptoms
Most people develop the following symptoms within one week after being infected with Cyclospora:
· watery diarrhea
· abdominal bloating and gas
· fatigue (tiredness)
· stomach cramps
· loss of appetite
· weight loss
· mild fever
· nausea
When you eat or drink contaminated food or water, it may take 7 to 14 days for symptoms to appear. If left untreated, you may have the symptoms for a few days to a few months. Most people have symptoms for 6 to 7 weeks without treatment.
Symptoms may go away and then return.
If you become ill, drink plenty of water or fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. If you have signs of illness and have reason to believe you have cyclosporiasis, contact your health care provider who may request a laboratory test to confirm the illness.
Antibiotics may be given to treat the illness.
What the Government of Canada is doing
The Government of Canada is committed to food safety. The Public Health Agency of Canada leads the human health investigation into an outbreak, and is in regular contact with its federal, provincial and territorial partners to monitor the situation and to collaborate on steps to address an outbreak.
Health Canada provides food-related health risk assessments to determine whether the presence of a certain substance or microorganism poses a health risk to consumers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducts food safety investigations into the possible food source of an outbreak.
The Government of Canada will continue to update Canadians as new information related to this investigation becomes available.
Epidemiological information
Figure 1 below is an epidemiological curve for this outbreak. Outbreak investigators use this information to show when illnesses begin, when they peak, and when they trail off. It can take several weeks from the time a person becomes ill to when the illness is reported and testing confirms a link to the outbreak. Data are available for 37 cases.
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 16-15 published July 10th, 2020. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, July 10th, 2020 issue.
The City of Deux-Montagnes will conduct the annual inspection of fire hydrants from July 13 to 27, 2020.
The City of Deux-Montagnes will conduct the annual inspection of fire hydrants from July 13 to 27, 2020. The work, which was to initially starting on June 23, had to be postponed by the contractor.
The rinsing work will be carried out Monday to Thursday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition to ensuring the proper functioning of fire hydrants, this operation is essential to maintaining the quality of the drinking water distribution network. It allows to evacuate the particles which have formed on the walls of the water mains and to detect possible leaks.
The detachment of iron particles in the water pipes may cause cloudy water and reddish coloring. It is recommended to run cold water for a few minutes, until the water returns to its normal appearance.
Colored water can be consumed and therefore poses no health risk.
Before using household appliances, such as a washing machine or dishwasher, you must first make sure that the water is colorless to avoid soiling clothes or dishes.
The Town of Rosemère lifted on July 7th the watering ban notice that had been in effect since June 18.
The Town of Rosemère lifted on July 7th the watering ban notice that had been in effect since June 18. However, the Town is asking citizens to be careful with their drinking water consumption and to respect the watering by-laws in force.
« We thank our citizens for the respect of the ban over the past week. In this regard, if we observe resurgence in water consumption, we will be forced to re-issue a complete watering ban. We ask you, as responsible citizens, to use drinking water responsibly with the ultimate goal of ensuring fire safety on our territory at all times in case of emergency », stated Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram.
Citizens can therefore resume their activities, such as washing cars and watering the lawn, in accordance with the watering bylaw in force. Residents who do not comply with the bylaw are liable to a fine of up to $2,000.
The city of Deux-Montagnes, taking very seriously its duty towards the citizens providing a healthy and green environment has taken measures to protect it.
Construction and repairs many times take a toll on the environment. The city of Deux-Montagnes, taking very seriously its duty towards the citizens providing a healthy and green environment. It has therefore taken measures to protect it. In the wake of work to restore Boulevard Deux-Montagnes, the 29 trees that were in the median of this main artery has all been preserved. They were replanted in two City parks (Mikaël Kingsbury Park and Louis-Warren Park). In addition to this action to protect the city’s forest heritage, three times the number of trees will be planted along Boulevard Deux-Montagnes. This will happen at the end of the work, scheduled for mid-September. More specifically, the City of Deux-Montagnes will plant, next fall, 90 large-caliber trees. These trees, (already large in size) will be planted on the boulevard Deux-Montagnes, between the railway and the boundaries of Saint- Eustache. The tree species that will enhance the city’s environment have also been selected for their good resistance to urban conditions, in particular their tolerance to de-icing salts. With the heart of protecting, conserving and developing its urban forest heritage, the City of Deux-Montagnes also adopted its first tree policy last June. The latter aims to frame various actions concerning the trees that are found on its territory. It can be viewed on the City’s website.
Town of Rosemère Suspends its Facebook and Instagram Ads
As the war against racism expands the Town of Rosemère, is following in the footsteps of a number of organizations, institutions and municipalities and joining in! It is therefore suspending its advertising on Facebook and Instagram social networks until the end of July. “In 2020, racial discrimination is unfortunately still present in our society, in various forms. Last June, we adopted an anti-racism resolution, and today we are backing up our words with concrete action. Rosemère is supporting the #StopHateforProfit movement mainly to denounce and urge social networks such as Facebook and Instagram to stop turning a blind eye to hateful and racist content on their platforms. I encourage other cities and towns to join this movement in order to help us develop a community without discrimination,” stated Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. The #StopHateforProfit campaign was launched on June 19 following the death of George Floyd and the worldwide protests. The initiators of this campaign—the Anti-Defamation League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other organizations—are asking major advertisers to stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram for one month. Many large corporations have joined in, in an effort to convince Facebook and other online social platforms to crack down on hate and racist groups.
Individuals who would have successfully infiltrated corporate email boxes and then defrauded companies of several hundred thousand dollars were the target of a major police operation on Tuesday north of Montreal.
Four searches were underway at the end of the morning in three residences in Laval, as well as a business in Rosemère. According to the authorities, several people who may be involved in the fraudulent scheme have been arrested.
“Specifically, between May 12 and June 4, 2020, the suspects allegedly managed to infiltrate merchant mailboxes and divert payments, via fraudulent messages, to new accounts,” said the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) in a press release.
“We encourage merchants to check and strengthen their IT security system if necessary and to agree to more than one verification with their customers, ideally verbally, when it comes to making a change of account, or a transfer for a payment,” added the SQ. The operation was led by the SQ’s major crimes investigators, in collaboration with the police from Mascouche and Terrebonne.
