(NSN) Between September 3 and 6, students from Alpha School got out their paintbrushes and smocks to add their own artistic touch to the Murale Internationale des enfants de la Francophonie, also known as the Francoderole.

The mural, which has travelled to more than 550 elementary schools and French-speaking communities in Canada and the U.S. over the past 17 years, stopped in Rosemère so that the students at Alpha School could take part in the endeavour.

Large work of art

Described as “the world’s largest work of art created by children,” the Francoderole is a mural that measures 12 metres high and 198 metres long. It keeps growing as it travels from school to school. Students are invited to draw their vision of their environment on the mural so that others can discover the world around them.

“Contributing to the Francoderole is an opportunity for these children to share their vision of the Town of Rosemère through their art and strengthen their sense of community,” said Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram.

A chance to take part

“We are delighted to provide young Rosemerites with a chance to participate in such a unique project. Through them, other French-speaking communities will discover Rosemère and the things that represent us.”

Students from kindergarten to Grade 6 took part in this collective work throughout the week. Part of the mural will be hung up on the walls of the school, while the rest will be added to the Francoderole, which will continue its travels to other schools. – 30 – Source: Town of Rosemère

Martin C. Barry

The Deux-Montagnes Lions Club will be holding their 16^th Annual Giant Book Fair on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Hall on Grand Moulin Road.

Two weeks early

The popular sale, which has been consistently successful in the past with an amazingly diverse assortment of books for everyone’s reading pleasure, is being held two weeks earlier this year.

There will be a special advance sale on Oct. 4 from 2 to 4 pm for people with mobility issues, as well as for mothers with baby strollers.

According to the Deux Montagnes Lions, a lot more money could be earned for the cause by selling the books commercially to bulk buyers.

A community event

However, the Lions have always kept away from that formula, since it would undermine the community element of the Annual Book Fair which has become a tradition on the North Shore.

Each year, thousands of dollars in proceeds from the event end up being put to good use in the community following the fair. The money helps the Deux-Montagnes Lions make important purchases to fulfill their charitable mandate.

Fundraising for causes

These include large-letter books and reading materials for those with eyesight problems. The money is distributed to causes over a wide area on the North Shore, from Oka in the west, to Deux-Montagnes and St. Eustache along the Mille Îles River, and St. Augustin and Mirabel more to the north of the region.

There will be more than 25,000 books, in good condition, all classified into categories normally found in a book store in both English and French, including a great choice of children’s books.

Prices will be as follows: pocket books are 0.75 cents each and all hard covers and large soft covers will be sold for $2 each. Children’s books are three for $1.

Also DVDs and records

Also available will be many 33 ^1/3 rpm vinyl records, some of which might be rare or collectible, compact discs, pre-recorded DVD movies, computer games and software. There will also be an arts and collectibles table with reasonable prices. A snack bar will serve soup, sandwiches, muffins, coffee and tea.

The way to get there is along Route 344, which also leads to apple country and beautiful Oka Provincial Park. The organizers suggest this could be an excellent way for families to stock up on their winter reading supply at bargain prices while having a great outing in the country. Veterans Hall is located at 141 Grand Moulin Rd. in the City of Deux-Montagnes.

Martin C. Barry

With last spring’s flooding fresh in the minds of many Montreal North Shore residents, Canada’s Infrastructure Minister was in the area last week to announce nearly $50 million in assistance to reinforce flood protection measures in key North Shore municipalities.

Major announcement

François-Philippe Champagne was joined by Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Liberal MP Linda Lapointe, Deux-Montagnes mayor Denis Martin, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac mayor Sonia Paulus, for the announcement of federal funding for flood-protection projects in Deux-Montagnes, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Boisbriand, Saint-Eustache and Rosemère, as well as in Pointe-Calumet, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Oka.

“The catastrophic events of recent years are unfortunately still fresh in people’s mind,” the Infrastructure Ministry said in a statement. “With this investment, the government is showing its commitment to helping the victims and protecting communities from the impacts of such events so they can continue to grow and prosper.”

Several projects

Two of the projects involve the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of dikes and other water-related infrastructure in the Lac des Deux-Montagnes and Rivière-des-Mille-Îles sectors to reinforce water storage, drinking water, sewer and stormwater systems.

Following the dike failure in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac in spring 2019, a third project involves rehabilitating, improving and building up an essential five-kilometre structure in Sainte-Marthe to a height of 26.5 metres before spring 2020 to address the current vulnerabilities and protect residents for decades to come.

Once completed, the projects are expected to benefit 31,400 people. According to the ministry, they will reduce local economic losses, the number of residents left without essential services and the number of people directly affected when flooding occurs.

Dealing with devastation

The government said it is investing nearly $49.2 million in the projects through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The municipalities involved in the various projects are also contributing to the projects. They will provide a total of $24,595,400.

“Last spring’s floods had devastating consequences for many residents of municipalities in the area,” said Champagne. “I am wholeheartedly behind those affected by these events and am still feeling the unfortunate consequences. It is therefore essential to invest now so we can be prepared in advance. This is why our government is listening and answering the call so that we are better equipped to deal with the damage caused by future floods. Together, let’s continue working with determination to protect our families and our communities.”

“Relieved,” says MP Lapointe

“After the spring events of 2017 and 2019, it was essential to act to prevent the waters from rising again,” said Lapointe. “I am relieved for the people in my riding and the surrounding cities as it’s the safety and well-being of our citizens that counts.

“Irreproachable work has been done both by the City of Deux-Montagnes and the federal and provincial governments,” she continued. “I want underscore the responsiveness of the government of Canada in meeting the urgent needs of the people affected. Natural catastrophes should not be taken lightly and it is by working together that we can achieve great things and build a stronger community.”

A collaborative effort

“The significant floods we have experienced in recent years have had a profound impact on our infrastructure and affected populations,” said Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the provincial government.

“It is through collaborative efforts like this one with the elected officials of the Lower Laurentians that we are delivering infrastructure that is helping make Quebec more resilient to the effects of climate change on our land.

“The Government of Quebec has committed to covering 40 per cent of the eligible costs for the Sainte-Marthe-sur-le Lac dam project, as well as for those of Deux-Montagnes and Pointe-Calumet. It is a priority for us that this work be carried out as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the citizens concerned and their property.”

Mayor pleased with funding

“I am pleased to hear that the federal government is providing funding to the City of Deux-Montagnes, and the municipalities of Oka, Pointe-Calumet and Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, as well as cities of Saint-Eustache, Boisbriand and Rosemère,” said Deux-Montagnes mayor Denis Martin.

“This funding will undoubtedly help the cities linked to these projects become more resilient to natural disasters. Deux-Montagnes is proud to have been the instigator and coordinator of this funding application grouping several projects together that will get significant amounts for the benefit of the surrounding communities.”

“When I heard this reassuring excellent news, I immediately thought of the victims of last April 27,” said Sainte-Marthe mayor Sonia Paulus. “I know the degree to which so many among them are attached to their communities and want to stay there.

Ste-Marthe mayor thankful

“This dike, to be built to the highest standards and validated by the most respected experts in the field in Quebec, will help better protect them and reinforce their sense of security,” Paulus continued. “I would like to warmly thank Minister Champagne. Very soon after the disaster he clearly affirmed that he would help us. The Government of Canada’s support is both generous and highly valued.”

According to the federal government, funding for the projects is conditional on Canada being satisfied that the legal duty to consult is met. The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a $2-billion 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts.

Martin C. Barry

North Shore Liberal MPs Ramez Ayoub (Thérèse-de Blainville) and Linda Lapointe (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles) held a press conference outside the Odyscène theatre in Sainte-Thérèse last week to announce the organization is receiving a $73,000 grant from the federal government’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund to continue promoting local theatrical presentations.

Supported by cities

Odyscène is subsidized by seven North Shore cities: Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines and Sainte-Thérèse. The company helps stage more than 225 shows annually in three venues, reaching an audience of more than 90,000 in the process each year.

Under the auspices of the Canadian Heritage Ministry, the CAPF provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series and organizations that offer support to arts presenters.

The CAPF helps provide access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in communities across the country.

Subsidy from Ottawa

Each year, the CAPF supports approximately 600 professional arts festivals and performing arts series, as well as other activities related to art presentation, in more than 250 cities or communities across Canada.

Ramez Ayoub said he was very pleased with the measures taken by the government to come to the assistance of theatre groups like Odyscène.

“The CAPF, which is an important component of Heritage Canada, makes a huge difference for organizations like Odyscène which work hard to promote and showcase the many artistic talents in Canada,” he said.

Helping theatre and the arts

“The arts have a particularly fundamental place in our culture and it is of utmost importance to allow our citizens to be able to see and celebrate them.”

Linda Lapointe was equally pleased to see Odyscène receiving the subsidy. “I am extremely proud of the work that Odyscène has been doing for 32 years now,” she said.

“Since its inception, access to culture has gone up exponentially in the Lower Laurentian region. Odyscène offers a great diversity of shows and it is just incredible to see that people now have access to such a diverse amount of programming.

Subsidies important: Lapointe

“Cultural activities also continue to take place because the governments are there to provide support,” she continued. “My riding, part of which is also in the MRC of Deux-Montagnes, also has the church in Saint-Eustache that offers shows.

“They are not competing with Odyscène, but this way people don’t have to go to Montreal to see shows. Heritage Canada is encouraging the arts precisely for this reason.”

(NSN) Officials with the Town of Rosemère are inviting residents to attend the municipality’s first annual Harvest Festival on Saturday September 14 in front of the town library.

Family activities

A full lineup of activities is planned, starting off with a public market featuring a number of local agricultural producers. The festivities will also include various family-friendly activities and live performances, as well as a medley of food trucks as of 1 p.m.

“Harvest Festival is a noteworthy addition to our community calendar,” said Mayor Eric Westram. “Besides offering a fun-filled program, the event was created to collect fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable goods for Moisson Laurentides.

Entertainment

“So why not enjoy yourselves and give back to the community at the same time?” he added. “Take advantage of the entertainment, activities and food trucks on site and help us gather food for people in need.”

There will be a honey harvesting workshop held in the library starting at 10:30 a.m. The town’s bees have been buzzing away all summer long in their hives at Hamilton House – and now is the time to reap the rewards of their hard work.

Honey harvesting

According to the town, the honey will also be used to make a variety of products that will be sold at Rosemère’s traditional holiday market, with proceeds going to Les Petits Plaisirs, a community organization providing respite care.

Detailed program: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., public market Featuring an array of local producers 10:30 a.m., honey harvesting workshop (Library). Noon, cooking demo – seasonal cuisine. 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., food trucks, roving performers, archery, face painting, live music.

The day’s program

5:30 p.m., Aquaphonie street theatre clown show. 6:30 p.m., Léonie Chouinard (Rosemère performer, winner of the 2019 Blainville en chansons contest). 7 p.m., African Folk Groove. 8 p.m., dancing in the street (programmed music).

Please note that on the day of the event, Grande-Côte Rd. will be blocked off to motorists between Adélard and Hector Streets from noon until 10 p.m. Local traffic will be rerouted to Labelle Street.

(NSN) Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Liberal MP Linda Lapointe was at at the Valley Clan Inc. Farm in Compton southeastern Quebec on Aug. 16 for an important announcement of federal support to dairy farmers by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau.

Considering the concerns of milk producers in her region, Lapointe said she wanted to support any initiative that could come to their aid.

$1.75 billion in aid

Taking into account the commitments made under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Lapointe pointed out that the federal government has committed to provide compensations in the amount of $1.75 billion over eight years to nearly 11,000 dairy producers in Canada.

Satisfied with measures

For the owner of a farm of 80 dairy cows, this represents $28,000 in the first year. “I am very proud and satisfied with the aid measures announced by my government,” she said. “I am confident that these will make a huge difference, not only for producers in my region, but also for those in the rest of Canada.

“In addition, since I was a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade, I am very sensitive to the issues surrounding free trade agreements,” added Lapointe.

The $1.75 billion is in addition the already allotted $250 million investment program that is available to more than 3,300 dairy farmers across the country. Both, she said, represent a total support of $ 2billion.

Committed to support

As well, Lapointe said that in the event of the ratification of the new free trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, the Canadian federal government has promised to fully and fairly support dairy producers.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates how much the government respects our producers and how strongly we believe in the supply management system,” Bibeau said for her part. She also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to other supply-managed sectors, like egg and poultry producers.

Martin C. Barry

Rosemère mayor Eric Westram announced during the Aug. 19 meeting of town council that the council decided to underscore the performance of certain municipal employees whose services proved to be exceptionally valuable over the past summer.

The three received student bursaries of $500 each. “These employees demonstrated exceptional behaviour and professionalism throughout the season and I would like to congratulate them for their excellent work while wishing them success in their studies,” said the mayor.

Summer workers thanked

At the same time, he said he wanted to thank all the town’s seasonal workers, who worked incessantly whether at the day camps, at the pool, as bicycle monitors or at any of the town’s recreational facilities.

During the regular business portion of the meeting, Mayor Westram read out a resolution calling upon the provincial government to exclude certain areas of Rosemère from the government’s overall plan to create a new flood risk zone in the town. A number of town residents had objected to the province’s new flood zone map.

Question over flood dikes

During the second question period, Philippe Sauvé of Bellerive St. questioned the mayor on item 11.1 from the council agenda, involving a study on the protection of urban heritage sites on the banks of Rivière des Mille Îles (a request to receive financial assistance from the province).

“Are we talking here about the solidification or reinforcement of the dikes? Or does this have anything to do with all that?” he asked. Mayor Westram said the resolution had nothing to do with the flood dikes. He said further developments regarding studies of the feasibility of the town’s current dikes along the Rivière des Mille Îles would be available in September.

Climate change subsidies

Town councillor Marie-Hélène Fortin explained that the resolution in question concerned an offer of subsidies by Quebec to combat climate change, for which Rosemère might be eligible.

Normand Painchaud of Elm St. asked for an update on the Val-Marie residential construction project, “because there is currently nothing going on with that,” he said. “Is it a project that has fallen into the water? Does the heritage building there fall under the ministerial or municipal protections?”

Val-Marie project update

Westram replied, “We have no news from the developer. In fact, the request for a building permit has never even been deposited. So effectively we are waiting to see what will be happening with that developer.” Painchaud interjected, “He is still alive?”

The mayor continued, “One portion, one of the buildings, would fall within the flood zone. That is the building which is closest to the water – the building which formerly was occupied by an overseer who made sure that the security on that property was respected.” Councillor Fortin added that the heritage house on the site is conserved as heritage site. “That’s a certainty,” she said.

Some water damage

Answering another resident in the audience who interjected with a comment, Westram continued, “At the house itself, and I have visited it personally, there has never been any water that has penetrated it. On the other hand, the other to which I referred in the flood zone which was the overseer’s and the one that was the nuns’, there water did get in at some point because the floors are all wavy.”

Regarding the Val-Marie project, the mayor said “I am even ready to call the architect who had the mandate to build, because I would also like to know what is going on. Because that project was intended for persons of a certain age.

No word from developer

“There were people there in villas who wanted to sell and go live there,” said Westram. “The rest were firsts to whom this project was proposed. There were three phases: the first was the people from the villas, the second people from Rosemère and the third and last was units left available to the general public.”

In the meantime, according to Mayor Westram, some people living in the villas have been leaving to go live in places such as Blainville “because they have no place in Rosemère to settle. That project was something that would have filled a need and it was a nice project.”

Martin C. Barry

It says something about how far the City of Deux-Montagnes has come in the last five years that in Maclean’s latest edition Deux-Montagnes outranks the prestigious City of Westmount in the national magazine’s evaluations of municipalities across the nation.

That accomplishment was near the top of the agenda when Mayor Denis Martin delivered his monthly report on new developments during the latest city council meeting on Aug. 8.

Chalk one up for DM

Deux-Montagnes was ranked 36^th out of more than 4,000 municipalities evaluated across Canada, and 1^st among those in Quebec. Meanwhile, the City of Westmount came in as No. 51 in the overall rankings.

According to a statement issued by Deux-Montagnes city hall, the grading took a number of criteria into account, including economic health, demographic data, taxation, accessibility to healthcare and public transit.

Affordable housing

The last criterion made Deux-Montagnes stand out, followed by its low crime rate and the affordability of its housing. (The average home in Deux-Montagnes is now evaluated at $286,000, placing the city’s residential real estate among the most affordable and attractive in the region of Montreal.) Deux-Montagnes ranked 13^th across Canada in this regard.

“This is thanks to the participation of everyone,” the mayor told the relatively sparse crowd attending the mid-summer council meeting.

A continuing effort

“This is more or less the goal we had set when we first went out door-to-door during our first electoral campaign. I would say we had set the bar high at that time, but now we find we’ve gotten somewhere with it. We don’t intend to sit around. We will continue doing things such as investing in our parks for families.

“Of course, there are still a lot of dossiers and a lot things remaining to be fixed in Deux-Montagnes, for example the dike and the floods and the REM. We will continue to be present and to defend the interests of Deux-Montagnes.”

Renovation materials

During the public question period, Ginette Clairoux of Croissant Brown criticized the City of Deux-Montagnes’ strict regulation of exterior renovation materials, which she said sometimes impose uneven standards for the selection of colours.

As the mayor explained, the colours of materials are expected to harmonize with those on nearby houses and buildings. Clairoux, who lives a short distance from the school grounds of Polyvalente Deux-Montagnes and has complained at past council meetings about night-time disturbances there, suggested the situation is still not in hand.

PDM belongs to CSSMI

Mayor Martin pointed out that the PDM grounds are in the jurisdiction of the Commission scolaire de la Seigneurie-des-Mille-Îles and that the City of Deux-Montagnes has no little or no authority to regulate what goes on there.

During the meeting, Mayor Martin also revealed that CDPQ Infra, which is building the REM train that will be passing through Deux-Montagnes, has agreed to schedule shuttle buses between Deux-Montagnes and Montreal to replace the commuter train service which will end while the REM system is under construction.

Shuttle buses for REM

While service won’t be available during peak commuter travel periods, there will be shuttle service from Deux-Montagnes’ Grand Moulin station to downtown Montreal at several other times during the day. The service is expected to begin in January next year when the old train service shuts.And as he told several residents who came to the meeting to find out, construction on a new permanent dike along the waterfront has started. The remains of a temporary dike that was put up last spring as flood waters rose are now being removed. “They’re cleaning the area and getting the materials ready for the new dike, and it should be completed for November,” he said.