The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-13 published June 27th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 21-13
Rosemère Closes 2024 With $1.3M Surplus, Citing Strong Fiscal Management
At its council meeting on June 9, the Town of Rosemère formally presented its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024. The report, submitted in accordance with the Cities and Towns Act, confirms a budget surplus of $1,314,300.
The statements, which were audited by the accounting firm BCGO, received an unqualified opinion—indicating the financial disclosures present a fair and accurate picture of the municipality’s finances.
“Our administration remains committed to sound financial management,” said Mayor Eric Westram in a statement accompanying the release. “We continue to weigh community needs against the financial realities facing our residents.”
Revenues and Cost Management
The Town’s operating revenues for 2024 reached $39.4 million, exceeding the initial budget by $900,000. Much of the unexpected revenue came from higher-than-anticipated proceeds from the transfer tax.
Operating expenses totaled $38.4 million, coming in $1.1 million under budget. Savings were attributed to deferred projects and operational delays. In particular, the postponement of certain infrastructure initiatives and the delayed replacement of activated carbon at the water treatment plant led to cost deferrals amounting to $472,300. These funds will be applied to the 2025 budget.
Allocations from the Town’s funds and reserves were also adjusted downward by $700,000, reflecting the reduced expenditure levels.
Infrastructure Investment and Debt Profile
Capital investments for the year amounted to $3.7 million, with the bulk directed toward infrastructure improvements. However, this figure was lower than projected due to the postponement of some projects that lacked required funding.
As of year-end 2024, Rosemère’s long-term debt stood at $34.6 million. However, an infrastructure tax implemented in 2020 will help offset $13 million of that total. The remainder is supported through general property taxes.
According to the Town, its debt ratio remains significantly below that of the broader MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville region, at 1.4 times less than the average, placing Rosemère in what it described as a “relatively stable and enviable” financial position.
Surplus Allocation
Of the total surplus, $472,300 has already been earmarked for 2025 expenditures. The Town will allocate another $500,000 equally between its expense stabilization fund and infrastructure fund. The remaining surplus is being retained to bolster financial flexibility and provide a buffer for future contingencies.
The full financial report is available through the Town of Rosemère’s official channels.
One Voice, Many Hands: The Laurentians Mobilize for a Future Without Homelessness
On May 16, the Laurentians came together for the 3rd edition of the Journée de mobilisation des connaissances en itinérance, or Knowledge Mobilization Day on Homelessness, a vital gathering dedicated to addressing one of the region’s most pressing social issues. Organized by the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of the Laurentians, in collaboration with the Université du Québec en Outaouais, Le Café Parenthèse, and Trait d’union jeunesse, the event took place under the unifying theme: “Acting Together Against Homelessness.”
More than 200 stakeholders attended the event in Saint-Jérôme, representing a broad cross-section of society — researchers, community organizations, health care professionals, and public sector representatives. Together, they delved into the intricate realities of homelessness in the Laurentians, fostering both a deeper understanding of the issue and the will to take concrete action.
A Day of Dialogue and Collective Insight
The discussions throughout the day tackled the complex and sensitive issues surrounding homelessness, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations such as women and seniors experiencing homelessness — groups whose needs often go underrepresented in traditional strategies.
The event concluded with a workshop focused on defining the roles and responsibilities of each sector and individual involved. Participants reflected on how to more effectively collaborate across disciplines and institutions, with the goal of creating a more cohesive and responsive network of support for those experiencing homelessness.
A Strong Message from Local Leadership
Benoît Major, Deputy President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, underscored the crucial need for sustained and unified efforts:
“This day of mobilization proves that homelessness is a priority for all community stakeholders in the Laurentians. Only by working together can we confront this significant collective challenge. I want to acknowledge the dedication of all participants and partners involved—not just today, but every day in the fight against homelessness. I am proud of the CISSS des Laurentides’ unwavering commitment to this cause.”
Continuing the Work Beyond the Event
The Knowledge Mobilization Day served not just as a platform for dialogue, but as a launching point for future action. Organizers emphasized the importance of transforming discussion into policy, research into practice, and partnerships into tangible support networks for the region’s most vulnerable residents.
To learn more about ongoing actions and available resources in the Laurentians, members of the public are invited to visit the Homelessness section of the Santé Laurentides website at santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca.
Hundreds Participate in Rosemère’s 37th Annual “Rosemère en santé” Family Run
On Sunday, residents of Rosemère gathered in large numbers to take part in the 37th edition of Rosemère en santé, the town’s annual family run promoting physical activity and community engagement.
Organized by the Town of Rosemère in partnership with the Fédération Québécoise d’Athlétisme, the event attracted more than 750 participants. With routes ranging from 1 kilometre to 10 kilometres, the run accommodated a wide range of fitness levels and age groups.
A Community Gathering
The event was hosted at École Alpha, which served as both the start and finish line for the races. One of the highlights of the day was the 3-kilometre “Course Alpha.” Proceeds from this specific race are allocated to purchasing sports equipment for École Alpha, adding a fundraising component to the event.
Races for All Ages
Participants included young children, teenagers, adults, and seniors, reflecting the event’s family-oriented and inclusive nature. The 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K options allowed individuals and families to choose distances appropriate to their abilities. All races were certified by the Fédération Québécoise d’Athlétisme.
Focus on Health and Sustainability
In keeping with the event’s health-focused mission, hydration stations were made available along the course, and participants were offered light refreshments post-race. Informational booths on healthy living were also present.
Sustainability measures were integrated into the event’s organization, including the use of recycled materials for medals and efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
A Rosemère Tradition
Rosemère en santé has become a longstanding tradition in the municipality. Each year, it brings together schools, families, and community members to promote physical fitness and local pride. With its combination of athletics, education, and environmental awareness, the event is a well-established part of Rosemère’s calendar.
Capturing Light, Building Community: Deux-Montagnes Launches 2026 Photo Contest
Deux-Montagnes — The City of Deux-Montagnes is inviting its citizens to shine a light—literally—on what makes their community beautiful, resilient, and vibrant. Through the lens of local photographers, the 2026 edition of the annual municipal photo contest aims to spotlight the town’s luminous moments with this year’s evocative theme: Deux-Montagnes en lumière (Deux-Montagnes in Light).
This civic initiative, spearheaded by the City’s Communications Department, offers amateur photographers a chance not only to have their work featured in the official 2026 municipal calendar but also to contribute to a growing visual archive that celebrates shared identity and collective pride.
A Community Illuminated
Whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise over the lake, the whimsical flicker of Halloween decorations, or the dramatic burst of fireworks at civic festivals, light plays a vital role in how residents experience their surroundings. This contest seeks to immortalize those ephemeral, often poetic moments—both dazzling and subtle—that reveal the soul of Deux-Montagnes across all four seasons.
From festive holiday cheer to quiet plays of light in natural settings, the theme encourages participants to explore how light brings life, emotion, and storytelling into the visual tapestry of their hometown.
Strengthening Civic Connection Through Art
At its heart, the contest is more than a celebration of photography—it’s an act of civic engagement. By encouraging citizens to observe, appreciate, and capture their environment, the initiative fosters a deeper connection to place and community. In a time when digital images often feel fleeting, the municipal calendar offers a tangible tribute to local creativity, curated with care and shared with every household.
How to Participate
Participants must be residents of Deux-Montagnes and must submit original photographs that reflect the 2026 theme. The technical requirements are straightforward:
- Photos must be taken within Deux-Montagnes (with location clearly identified).
- Only horizontal (landscape) format will be accepted.
- Digital files must be of high resolution, suitable for 8.5″ x 11″ printing, and larger than 1.5 MB.
- A signed consent form will be required if identifiable individuals appear in the image (excluding the photographer).
- Municipal employees and elected officials are not eligible to enter.
The submission deadline is October 1, 2025, visiting the City of Deux-Montagnes official website and entries must be sent in digital format. Finalists will be selected by the Communications Department and announced in mid-November.
Recognition and Prizes
Winning images will be published in the 2026 municipal calendar, which is distributed to thousands of homes throughout Deux-Montagnes. In addition to local recognition, each finalist will receive a prize (to be announced), and one grand prize winner will receive a $200 gift certificate to IGA Marché Lamoureux, a nod to the importance of supporting local business.
Light as a Unifying Element
In a society often fractured by speed and screens, initiatives like this remind us of the simple power of observation, the dignity of the everyday, and the role of shared experience in building civic cohesion. By framing Deux-Montagnes in light, the contest invites all residents to see their city—and each other—through a more thoughtful and generous lens.
The North Shore News volume 21-12
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-12 published June 13th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Blainville Celebrates Its Winter Stars: Young Athletes Honoured for Excellence and Dedication
The City of Blainville turned the spotlight on its most inspiring young athletes last week, hosting a special evening to recognize the standout talents of the 2025 winter sports season. Held at the community centre on June 5, the Coups de cœur inspirants de l’hiver 2025 event paid tribute to dedication, performance, and community spirit across a wide range of winter disciplines.
Mayor Liza Poulin and the municipal council welcomed athletes and their families to the annual ceremony, which highlighted exceptional accomplishments in figure skating, hockey, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, and snowboarding. Selected by their respective sports associations, the honourees were celebrated not only for individual excellence but also for their contributions to team success throughout the winter.
From local tournaments to regional championships, these young athletes stood out for their commitment, discipline, and competitive spirit. More than just a recognition of medals and rankings, the evening also emphasized the values of perseverance, teamwork, and positive representation of the Blainville community.
A symbolic highlight of the evening was the signing of the City’s livre d’or (golden book), giving each recipient a lasting place in Blainville’s civic memory—a gesture underscoring their role as ambassadors of local pride and determination.
“This event is a reminder that the future of sport—and community—is built on passion and effort,” said Mayor Poulin during the ceremony. “Each of these young people is an inspiration.”
Blainville continues to foster athletic excellence by supporting youth engagement in sports and celebrating their milestones. Events like this not only showcase talent but also reinforce the strong social fabric that defines the city.
The North Shore News volume 21-11
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-11 published May 30th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Reimagining Rosemère: Residents Called to Help Shape the Town’s Next Landmark District
The Town of Rosemère is calling on its citizens to actively participate in a public consultation meeting scheduled for June 3, focusing on the future of the Pôle régional—the area surrounding Place Rosemère. This significant event will offer residents a chance to contribute to the development of a visionary urban plan aimed at transforming the space into a multifunctional, inclusive, and sustainable living environment.
The consultation will center on the proposed Plan particulier d’urbanisme (PPU) for the Pôle régional, which includes the quadrilateral defined by Labelle and Bouthillier boulevards, montée Sanche, and Highway 640. This area is currently home to the Place Rosemère shopping centre and surrounding infrastructure, but the town hopes to reshape it into a modern, community-focused hub that aligns with both local needs and broader regional guidelines.
The in-person event will take place on Tuesday, June 3, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Lévis-Fortier Hall of the Externat Sacré-Cœur, located at 535 rue Lefrançois in Rosemère. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for participant check-in. Attendance is free, but registration is mandatory and must be completed by May 30 by emailing communications@ville.rosemere.qc.ca or by calling 450-621-3500, extension 1249.
The evening will include a formal presentation followed by interactive workshops where participants can share their views on key urban planning aspects. These will touch on the proposed layout of the regional hub, land use and building function, public spaces, mobility infrastructure, architectural integration, and the projected steps moving forward. Urban planning professionals and citizen engagement specialists will be on hand to guide and moderate the discussions, ensuring everyone’s input is heard and documented.
Importantly, the Town of Rosemère is making a special effort to include younger voices in the conversation. Residents aged 12 to 17 are warmly encouraged to participate, with a designated “youth table” being set up during the workshop segment to allow them to engage with the issues in a way that speaks to their experiences and expectations. For families attending with small children, a play area will be available upon request. This space will include toys and craft materials to entertain young ones while their parents take part in the consultation. However, the town advises that this is not a formal childcare service and that parents remain responsible for their children during the event.
For those unable to attend in person, the consultation process will also be made available online. Starting at 7:00 p.m. on June 3—the same time as the live meeting—and running until June 11, residents will be able to participate through a digital platform. The link to this online consultation will be posted on the town’s official website and shared across its various digital platforms to ensure maximum accessibility.
Town officials emphasize that this consultation is not merely a symbolic gesture but a vital component of the planning process. “This is an opportunity for the people of Rosemère to take an active role in shaping a future neighborhood that reflects their priorities—whether that’s improved walkability, more green spaces, or better architectural cohesion,” said a spokesperson for the municipality. “The Pôle régional has the potential to become a true hub of daily life, and we need the input of our community to make it happen.”
As urban development continues to reshape cities and towns across Quebec, Rosemère’s initiative stands out for its emphasis on community engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity. The consultation aims not only to present a vision but to co-create it—putting the power of planning into the hands of the people who will live, work, and raise families in the space being designed.
The Town invites all residents—young and old—to seize this opportunity to be heard and to help guide the future of one of the most important development areas in Rosemère. For more information, to register, or to participate online starting June 3, residents are encouraged to visit the Town of Rosemère’s official website or follow the latest updates on social media.
Fire, Family & Community Spirit: Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Fire Station Hosts Open House
A sun-drenched Sunday turned into a hands-on lesson in heroism and fire safety as hundreds of families descended on the Deux-Montagnes fire station for its first-ever open house event. With children in plastic helmets, wide-eyed toddlers exploring fire trucks, and crowds gathered around live demonstrations, the event offered a rare and memorable glimpse into the life of local firefighters.
Held on May 25 at 206 8th Avenue, the open house by the intermunicipal fire service of Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac brought together citizens of all ages in a spirited celebration of public safety and community connection.
From the start, the atmosphere was festive and engaging. A full ceremonial guard greeted dignitaries and visitors in a show of pride and tradition, setting a respectful tone for the day. The event was then quickly ignited — metaphorically — with hands-on activities and dramatic displays.
Among the biggest crowd-pleasers were the live vehicle extrication demonstrations, where firefighters simulated the rescue of crash victims using hydraulic cutting tools. As sparks flew and heavy tools snapped through metal, parents and children alike looked on in awe.
Meanwhile, children were delighted to meet the department’s oversized firehouse mascot “Boucane,” who handed out high-fives and helped break the ice for the youngest visitors. Another standout moment was the firefighter training obstacle course, designed to let kids test their strength and agility — and, for some, fuel dreams of one day joining the brigade.
Inside the trucks, young guests put on helmets and climbed into the driver’s seat while parents captured the moments with proud smiles and smartphones.
Beyond the thrills, the day was also deeply educational. Interactive booths, scale models, and a realistic smoke trailer gave visitors valuable insights into fire hazards, safe evacuation techniques, and the intense realities of an active fire scene.
Aerial ladder trucks towered over the crowd, food trucks hummed, and laughter echoed down 8th Avenue as families mingled with firefighters who proudly explained their tools, routines, and commitment to protecting lives. More than just a showcase of gear and skill, the event served as a powerful reminder of the bond between emergency services and the communities they serve.
The fire service, which covers a population of nearly 40,000 across 16 square kilometers, responds to over 1,200 emergency calls each year — a statistic that underscores both the scale of their responsibility and the importance of public understanding.
Given the enthusiasm and turnout, many are already calling for the event to become an annual tradition — one that celebrates not only firefighting, but community, connection, and the everyday heroes who quietly keep their neighbours safe.
