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.