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What are the North Shore towns up to?

Local News

June 1, 2020

By Dimitris Ilias

Rosemère Town Hall reopened to residents on May 25.
As part of the gradual deconfinement of Rosemère and the rest of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), as announced by the Government of Québec, the Town started cautiously reopening its administrative offices as of May 25.

However, the Town strongly suggests that residents make an appointment, as much as possible, before coming in person, and encourages them to continue to give priority to communications, payments and sending documents either electronically or by telephone in order to ensure a safe reopening for everyone. To prevent the risks associated with the spread of the virus, the Town has implemented a number of health and distancing measures to ensure the health and safety of employees and residents, while complying with government guidelines. For example, they have rearranged the common areas and work spaces in their buildings in order to abide by the 2-metre rule between employees and also between employees and residents.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have been pursuing clear objectives to maintain essential services and virtual programming for residents, while looking after our employees’ well-being. Over the past few months, all our employees have continued their work from home in order to offer a variety of services. With the partial opening of several areas of activity, we hope, as a first step, to reopen the administrative offices to residents so as to be in step with this economic recovery,” stated Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram.

In this first phase, the reception, the municipal court, public works and also the recreational activities counter will reopen on May 25. For the time being, the library will remain closed to residents.

Since May 20, the tennis and pickleball courts for singles practice sessions as well as the Bouthilier Marsh for hiking have opened to residents. Starting June 1, the Charbonneau Park skatepark will open according to a plan to be announced to residents shortly. And lastly, starting June 22, day camps will be able to welcome Rosemère children.

In Saint Eustache the city is asking the residents to help them help local businesses!
In order to come to the aid of local merchants hard hit by the pandemic, IDÉ Saint-Eustache, in collaboration with the City of Saint-Eustache, invites citizens to respond to a short survey on their consumption habits.
“We know that purchasing habits have changed considerably since the start of the pandemic. People shop more online and want to encourage shopping at local stores, in addition to promoting products made here. How do they get from intention to action?” mayor of Saint-Eustache, Pierre Charron was asked.
The objective of this survey is to properly target the interventions of local economic development authorities in order to support local merchants, where it will be most useful.
“The concept of local purchasing is on everyone’s lips currently; we firmly intend to support this movement. By participating in the survey, you are helping us help local businesses”, concluded the mayor.

At Sainte-Thérèse the City of invites the citizens to the 21st edition of its annual blood drive, next June 2 and 3, between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. 30, by appointment only, at the Thérèse De Blainville Cultural and Community Center (120, boulevard du Séminaire).

In the current pandemic context, everyone is encouraged to visit www.hemaquebec.qc.ca to validate their eligibility.

“For many weeks, the men and women of Sainte-Thérèse have been putting their shoulder to the wheel, respecting government instructions in order to get through this ordeal as best as possible. Today, I appeal once again to your generosity and your kindness, because the needs for blood donations are great. Thank you for making a difference! “, underlined Sylvie Surprenant, mayoress of Sainte-Thérèse.

This year, Normand Toupin, municipal councilor in Sainte-Thérèse, will proudly assume the role of honorary co-chair of the fundraising alongside Alec Lupien, a Secondary 5 student at Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse: “Due to an anomaly in the blood exchange between my mother and me, I was born with a third of the normal amount of blood of a baby. So I had severe anemia and hypoxemia, which affected my kidneys and my brain. I had to get a blood transfusion quickly. Blood donations save lives! Thank you for your generosity.”

“Organized by the Fire Department of the City of Sainte-Thérèse, in collaboration with the Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse, this event aims to host the ambitious number of 350 donors, making it the one of the largest blood drive campaigns in Quebec.

In Blainville the Richard-Garneau Stadium athletics track is now accessible, according to the following schedule: Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In the current situation, Richard-Garneau Stadium users must imperatively respect the following regulations, under penalty of expulsion:
Access reserved only for residents of the cities of Blainville and Sainte-Thérèse having in their possession their valid resident card.
A maximum of sixteen riders is authorized simultaneously on the track.
No training sessions or lessons are allowed.
Users must wear sports clothing and wear sneakers or shoes with No. 7 crampons designed for track racing.
Training equipment is strictly prohibited on the track.
No consumption (food or drink) other than water is allowed on the track.
At all times, a distance of two (2) meters must be maintained between users.
People must leave the track as soon as training is finished.
Users must comply with the posted regulations.
The activities organized by the Corsaire-Chaparral Athletics Club or the City of Sainte-Thérèse will take precedence over free practice, when permitted.
Municipal employees have full authority to enforce regulations.

When Greece meets Colombia it’s Fasolakia and Mojicones (part 1)

Health

Maria Diamantis

May 31, 2020

When Greece meets Colombia it’s Fasolakia and Mojicones (part 1)

THE BAKING SOPRANO

With summer being around the corner, and everything turning from dull brown to bright green, I can’t help myself by singing to the tune of Bing Crosby’s, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas to my own lyrics: “I’m dreaming of a green summer!”
Something about the color green makes me smile. Budding trees with their new leaves, unfurling fern plants, thick fresh grass, yellow dandelion flowers, peony shrubs with their new shoots… ok I made my point of why I chose to do this recipe. Inspiration comes in many forms and colors. In my case: the color green and of course, growing up with this dish! Fasolakia (green string beans) is a traditional Greek peasant dish. My mother would regularly make this dish for us. It was a weekly staple in our home especially during the summer. My mom would often cook using the stovetop, avoiding using the oven in the summer heat as much as possible. If you try this, you won’t want to ever go back to plain steamed beans with butter (mmm butter).
This dish is best served with Feta cheese and bread. As seen in the picture, I served it with Mojicones which are sweet rolls …Colombian style! Naturally during the isolation, I did a lot of baking and happened to have leftover Mojicones in my freezer. How did Greece meet Colombia? I came about this food when Claudia Perez, the mother of my singing student, shared this recipe with me. She herself, being in the same predicament, was baking a lot too! I will be sharing with you the Mojicones recipe on the next North Shore News issue on June 12th while enlightening you about this Greco-Colombian match!
FASOLAKIA ME PATATES
(Greek green beans with potatoes)
Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
1 spanish onion thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic chopped
1/2 – 1 lb green string beans
1-2 medium potatoes 1/4s chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
¼ cup chopped parsley
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Ground fresh pepper to taste
Cinnamon stick or ground (optional)
Instructions: (You will have to cut off the ends of the string beans, and wash them under cold water. If they are too long, you can cut them in half)
In a medium sized pot, heat olive oil at medium to low heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add tomatoes.
Raise the heat to high and add the potatoes until to boil. Lower heat and allow to simmer for at least 5 more minutes. You may then add the parsley, sugar, cinnamon stick (optional), salt and pepper, then mix together.
Add beans on top, let them steam for 10 minutes and then carefully mix until covered with the sauce and potatoes.
Add hot water just enough to barely cover the beans. Let it go to a boil then simmer on low with the lid on for at least 1hr (do not stir, just shake the pot occasionally).
Taste the beans for tenderness, if the potatoes are done and all the water is absorbed then the fasolakia are ready.
Kali Orexi! Enjoy!

Watering your lawn: not a free for all

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 31, 2020

Canadians can no longer be assured that our waters are abundant, safe and secure.

By Dimitris Ilias

Canadians have always been enamoured with nature. A well-kept lawn, just like in England, is considered by many a sign of respect, love of nature and care towards your property. Part of taking care of your lawn is watering it especially when you put in new grass. Here in Canada, being the world’s third largest per-capita freshwater reserve, we have been spoiled in the way we use fresh water. When in other countries water is rationed, taxed heavily and sold as a commodity, here it can be used freely to water your lawn. Well…could be used freely but not lately. Canadians can no longer be assured that our waters are abundant, safe and secure. As global temperatures continue to increase, our glaciers melt, permafrost thaws, river flows become unpredictable and lakes warm and fill with toxic algae.

North Shore cities join forces
Keeping these hard realities in mind, the cities of Blainville, Boisbriand, Mirabel and Sainte-Thérèse are joining forces to deploy a vast communication campaign aimed at emphasizing that when it comes to watering, we should not exaggerate. These cities have changed their regulations to better distribute the consumption of drinking water necessary for lawn maintenance and landscaping. The new schedule has been in effect since April 15.
“We all buy our water from the same place in Sainte Thérèse which has the filtration plant so it makes sense for all of the client cities to have a common strategy” said Boisbriand mayor Marlene Cordato.
In addition to provoking a reflection among citizens regarding excessive watering, the cities hope that this campaign will raise awareness among the population of more efficient management of drinking water consumption. It is important for all citizens to mobilize and take significant action to preserve, particularly during the summer period, this unfortunately exhaustible and expensive resource.

Watering tips
Some tips can help maintain land while reducing its water consumption, such as:
Installing a rainwater collection barrel.
Redirect the water from the gutters into the flowerbeds or onto the lawn.
Avoid cutting the lawn during dry periods and keep the lawn 6 cm high so that it retains more moisture.
Practice grass cycling, which consists of leaving the cut grass on the ground when mowing.
Use a rain gauge to find out how much water has fallen on the lawn, as only 2 to 3 cm per week is enough to keep the lawn healthy. If you have not already done so, citizens are invited to program their automatic sprinkler according to the schedule in effect in their municipality. Consult the section Drinking Water of the City’s Internet site for the new regulations in force.

Rules
Automatic watering with programmable buried sprinklers set to the different times and schedules allowed for each zone and city. For the older mechanical types thy can opened and closed manually as per the schedules for each city.
Hand held gun watering as well as washing of vehicles and watering of flowers is allowed at all times on the condition of strictly using the water necessary for these ends.
Pool filling is permitted every day between midnight and 4 p.m.

Seeding and new peat
During seeding or sodding work, it is possible to obtain a temporary watering authorization allowing automatic watering or mechanical, without schedule restrictions. “We ask people to call and obtain this permit” said Cordato. For the first time in 2020 this kind of permit is also available online. They are free fore Boisbriand but could carry a price tag in other cities, they have a limit of days that can be used and are not renewable.

Use of drinking water for other purposes
It is prohibited to use water from the Municipal aqueduct to clean parking areas and paved driveways.
However, it is permitted to use water from the Municipal aqueduct to clean parking areas and
paved driveways on the strict condition that the cleaning is done with a self-closing lance and that it aims to prepare the surface to receive a protective coating or sealer.
It is prohibited to use the water from the municipal aqueduct to ensure the functioning of a fountain, a waterfall, an artificial waterfall or any such arrangement, unless such arrangement
is provided with a water recirculation pump.

Sainte Thérèse water purification plant
All of these measures are taken by the cities in order to reduce the strain at the filtration plant which serves over 120,000 people. Built in the 1950s, its initial capacity of 13,600 m³ / d but was upgraded many times (1965, 1979, 1992-1993) to reach 126,000 m³ / d in 2008. It was automated during the last upgrade (2005-2008) . The plant has now a daily production capacity of 128 000 m³

My name is COVID-19…and I am not alive! (Part 2)

Featured

Dimitris Ilias

May 31, 2020

My name is COVID-19…and I am not alive! (Part 2)

An in-depth interview with Dr. Christos Karatzios, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics/Infectious Diseases – Montréal Children’s Hospital

Dimitris Ilias

In the continuation of our discussion with Dr. Karatzios we explore more in depth our immune system. This magnificent and intelligent defensive organ in our bodies. We also cover the similarities and differences of Covid-19 with SARS-1 which vanished a few months after it scared the entire world in 2002.

Our immune system always needs training but…
“If you live in a bubble all your life, then your immune system is not trained and does not have memory of things that are out there” said Dr. Karatzios. “Let’s say you live in this bubble and have never been vaccinated then if you venture outside for the first time, you will invariably get sick”. Dr. Karatzios brought as an example how little children with “virgin” immune systems get sick all the time when they first go to school for the first couple of years. Then they come home less sick as their immune system learns how to deal with the different microorganisms. So in a way isolation during covid does not give our immune system the opportunity to spar. As Dr. Karatzios noted, if covid would only give us mild symptoms like a cold, then yes, the immune system should get its time in the gym. “The problem is that this virus we’re looking at so much problems-10% of the people infected end up in the ICU. So do you want to end up in the ICU? And do we have enough ICU beds? No!” emphasized Dr. Karatzios.

Mortality rate
There has been a lot of talk about the mortality rate of this virus that Dr. Karatzios does not care too much about. “We don’t have a good measure of what the mortality rate is. We need to be understood is that to get an accurate mortality rate you need to have a denominator. Number of people that died over number of people infected. Right now, we have no idea how many people have been infected. All we are doing is doing throat swabs of the people that have been sick. How about those that did not go to the hospital and others that were asymptomatic. What we see now is the tip of the iceberg” said the doctor adding that there are probably 50 to 100 times more people infected that we never knew about.

Mutations
Like the flu virus, covid-19 mutates. For the moment it appears that it mutates slowly which is good news. I asked the doctor if it could mutate to a stain less dangerous and less virulent than now.
“It has to mutate in a such a way as to lose its virulence. SARS-1 disappeared. It started November 2002 with a huge mortality rate of 10% and then by July 2003 it was gone” said Dr. Karatzios. Apparently, there are some indications that covid is beginning to show the same signs as SARS-1 but we have not yet peaked in cases all over the world. It is too early to foster hope that the virus will mutate in a way to make itself extinct.

Covid-19 and SARS 1
They are in essence brothers. They are both coronaviruses which came from bats. SARS-1 went from bat to civet cat to human and Covid-19, from bat to pangolin to human. Covid-19 is however a much meaner brother (Complex is the word Dr. Karatzios used) because of all these immune over exaggerations that it causes which have led to thrombotic events, kidney failure and lung emboli. It has caused more stroke type events compared to SARS 1 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Testing
Testing speed is a crucial factor in outbreak management. Knowing whether a patient has coronavirus means health care workers know how to act: what treatment to provide; where to place patients in a hospital, especially in communities with dedicated COVID-19 wards; and whether medical staff seeing the patient should conserve or deploy personal protective equipment.
We discussed testing as a possible means to contain the outbreak. I asked if it were possible, eventually to have tests with fast results and in great numbers, isolating immediately any carriers. “We need to have point of care tests that we do not have at the moment” said Dr. Karatzios. You also need to be able to detect all the asymptomatic cases and isolate them as well. “South Korea was able to do it and they are right next to China. They did not close down their economy. They also had excellent virology labs and they were able to test relentlessly while using apps on their phones not to mention that they are a mask wearing society” added the doctor.

North Shore News Volume 16-11

Archives

GBAdmin

May 29, 2020

Front page of the North Shore News Volume 16-11, published May 29th, 2020.
Click on the image to read the paper.

North Shore News: Volume 16 Number 11. May 29th, 2020.

Here is a list of previous issues:

Parc-Extension News 28-10, May 15, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-09, April 29, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-08, April 15, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-07, April 01, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-06, March 18, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-05, March 04, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-04, February 19, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-03, February 05, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-02, January 22, 2020.
Parc-Extension News 28-01, January 08, 2020.

The CISSS des Laurentides is looking for host families for young people

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 28, 2020

The CISSS des Laurentides is looking for host families for young people

The Integrated Center for Health and Social Services (CISSS) in the Laurentians is actively looking for interested and qualified people to become host families for young people aged 0 to 17.
The shortage of resources is still as great for this clientele, regardless of the current COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the Laurentides region is facing a significant increase in accommodation requests.
The CISSS des Laurentides asks people who have acquired knowledge in the health and social services network or a life experience with this age group to express their interest in becoming a foster family for a child in large need.
All measures will be put in place to avoid the gathering of people wishing to obtain information as to the different basic criteria for becoming host families. New digital technologies now offer the possibility of holding meetings remotely, thus facilitating information sharing.
For the president and chief executive officer of CISSS des Laurentides, Mrs. Rosemonde Landry, the need for foster families for this clientele remains an important issue: “Even during a pandemic, our teams continue to work. Since the schools reopened, our staff has resumed their activities in a more sustained manner. Our children need you. Help us provide them with a healthy and safe environment. “

Consumers advised to stop using Akwaton International Multipurpose Wipes

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 28, 2020

Consumers advised to stop using Akwaton International Multipurpose Wipes

Health Canada is advising Canadians to stop using Akwaton International Multipurpose Wipes. These disinfectant wipes are labelled to contain polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) which is used as a biocidal disinfectant, but it is not approved for use in Canada. It can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, especially in vulnerable populations such as children.
This product has not been authorized by Health Canada, which means it has not been reviewed for its safety, efficacy or quality.
Since January 2019, Fosfaton-Akwaton International Ltd has distributed an estimated 588 boxes (25 wipes per box) in Canada. In addition to not being authorized by Health Canada, the product expired in November 2015. As a result, the active ingredient may no longer be effective and the water in the product may have evaporated, raising the concentration of PHMG.
What consumers should do
• Stop using this product. Please follow municipal or regional guidelines on how to dispose of chemicals and other hazardous waste. You may also return the product to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
• Consult with your health care professional if you have used this product and have health concerns.
• Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
• Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.

What Health Canada is doing
• Health Canada has requested a stop sale and advertising of the unauthorized product to Canadians.
• If Health Canada identifies additional retailers or distributors, the department will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Bois-des-Filion among seven municipalities awarded for occupational health and safety

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 26, 2020

The 2020 general assembly of occupational health and safety prevention mutuals of the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) was held on May 26th 2020 online.
On this occasion, the UMQ awarded, for the ninth consecutive year, awards of excellence to seven municipalities to highlight their exceptional performance for the years 2018-2019 within mutuals, both in terms of prevention and funding in terms of occupational health and safety and the management of occupational accidents.
The Union congratulated the winning municipalities and encourage its members to continue their prevention efforts in order to ensure safer workplaces for their employees, particularly in the context of the health crisis caused by the pandemic of COVID-19.
Apart from Bois-des-Filion, Joliette, MRC Etchemins, Matagami, Saint-Lazare, Saint-Raymond and Val-d’Or also were awarded.
About mutual OHS UMQ
Coordinated by the Carrefour du capital humain of the UMQ, Mutuelles de prévention en santé et sécurité du travail, bring together more than a hundred municipalities. They aim to offer their members highly qualified resources in OSH management, prevention and funding, while saving. On average, these have been around 20% over the past ten years. Since 2009, the municipalities that participate in mutuals have benefited from a return of contributions in the order of more than $ 7.5 million following management activities.
The voice of local governments
For 100 years now, the UMQ has brought together local governments from all regions of Quebec. Its mission is to exercise strong leadership for autonomous and effective local governments. It mobilizes municipal expertise, supports its members in the exercise of their skills and promotes municipal democracy. Its members, who represent more than 85% of the population and territory of Quebec, are grouped into affinity caucus: local municipalities, municipalities of centrality, regional cities, large cities and municipalities of the Metropolis.

Denis Martin re-elected to union of Quebec municipalities executive committee

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 23, 2020

Denis Martin re-elected to union of Quebec municipalities executive committee

The leaders of the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) renewed their outgoing members of its Executive Committee for the year 2020- 2021, committee on which the mayor of the City of Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Denis Martin, sits. The meeting took place on May 20th.
Honored by the confidence shown in him once again by the UMQ’s board of directors, particularly in this time of health crisis, Mayor Denis Martin will therefore continue to use his experience on the Executive Committee, the organization’s senior level of authority: “I am extremely committed to the continuation of the work carried out by the committee, in particular since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Economic recovery is one of the most important phases and I intend to participate actively in the search for solutions to support municipalities in coping with this important challenge,” he said.
Mayor Denis Martin also occupies the function of president of the Commission on the economic development, which also adds to his role of prefect of the MRC of Deux-Montagnes and member of the commission of transport of the Metropolitan Community of Montreal (CMM).
About the UMQ
For the past 100 years, the UMQ has represented local governments in every region of Quebec. The UMQ mission is to provide strong leadership for effective, autonomous local governments by mobilizing municipal expertise, supporting members in carrying out their functions, and promoting enhanced municipal democracy. UMQ members, representing over 85% of the population and land area of Quebec, are grouped into affinity caucuses: local municipalities, central municipalities, regional cities, major cities, and municipalities in the Montreal metropolis.

Deux-Montagnes reopens!

Local News

Dimitris Ilias

May 21, 2020

As of Monday, May 25, the City welcomes residents at City Hall, the Public Works Department and the Town Planning Department. The library service and the Recreation service remain closed to the public until further notice.
To protect citizens and provide a safe working environment for municipal employees, a series of measures have been put in place by the city of Two Mountains:
Visitors entering the buildings must disinfect their hands using disinfectant gel made available to the public.
A physical distance of 2 meters must be observed between each individual. Floor stickers have been affixed in several places to facilitate compliance with this instruction.
Transparent acrylic panels were installed in the various reception areas.
The maintenance measures have been reinforced to intensify the disinfection of surfaces conducive to contagion everywhere in the buildings of the City.
Cash will not be accepted until further notice.
Municipal Court
Limited access to citizens is maintained for the Municipal Court, in particular for appearances (held behind closed doors) and for the payment of statements, respecting directives aimed at limiting the spread of the virus (hand disinfection at reception, presence of one citizen at a time, etc.).
Services offered at the library
Although the library is closed to the public, a variety of digital resources are available via its website. Also, for a greater number of citizens to benefit from the digital services of the library, it is possible to obtain a temporary subscription by telephone.
Tennis courts open
The tennis courts, located in Olympia Park, are now open for playing single games. A maximum of two people can therefore be on the ground. For the safety of everyone around the COVID-19, a series of instructions must be followed by players wishing to access the courts.