(NSN) Deux-Montagnes CAQ MNA Benoit Charette, who is Quebec’s Environment Minister, announced last week that flood-besieged Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac will be getting a new lakewater-control dike in order to better deal with the sort of flooding that devastated the North Shore community last month.

According to Charette, repairs will be made to the existing dike, which gave way during this spring’s flooding, leading to the inundation of dozens of streets in Sainte-Marthe and the devastation of up to one-third of the town.

Charette didn’t specify how much of the bill the Quebec government will be paying. He said he used a clause in the province’s environmental regulations in order to accelerate the process of giving the go-ahead for the work, which ordinarily would be subject to lengthy environmental evaluations.

Martin C. Barry

Since Bois-des-Filion town hall has been the setting for so many announcements about finishing Autoroute 19 that almost nobody can remember exactly how many, a big question remained following yet another orchestrated press conference last week. Would this be another one?

In the aftermath, there’s not a good deal of reason to believe things could shape up any differently – especially considering the political dynamics involved in these months leading towards the next federal election.

Deploying a ‘big gun’

For whatever it’s worth, federal Infrastructure Minister François-Philippe Champagne – a Big Gun if ever there was one, since he oversees a 12-year $180 billion national infrastructure plan – was mobilized from Ottawa and deployed to the North Shore for the big announcement.

He was welcomed in Bois-des-Filion last Monday morning for what ordinarily would have been a big do. This followed some hints made in recent years and months by local Liberal MPs Linda Lapointe (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles) and Ramez Ayoub (Thérèse-De Blainville), who complained to local media that Quebec wasn’t availing itself of federal money set aside for the A-19 project.

A much-delayed project

Effectively, the Liberal government in Ottawa has now stated its willingness to open its purse in order to release as much as $345 million for Quebec’s CAQ government to spend on the agonizingly long-awaited A-19 completion project whose history dates back to the quasi-prehistoric 1970s.

And while politicians of all sorts from all over the North Shore were on hand for what was supposed to be an historical announcement, the proverbial elephant – in this case the pachyderm not in the room – was somebody – anybody – who might have been there from the CAQ government. If you can imagine, the CAQ was a no-show at a party where they would have been the recipient of this massive gift from Ottawa.

Shows and no-shows

Who was there? From Quebec City you could count the Liberals, since several Grit MNAs from nearby ridings (who now sit in opposition) stand to gain from the project. From Ottawa, several MPs, including Angelo Iacono from Alfred-Pellan and Yves Robillard from Marc-Aurèle-Fortin in Laval, also with vested interests. And, of course, lots of mayors, from the City of Deux-Montagnes’ Denis Martin to Boisbriand’s Marlene Cordato.

Notably absent? CAQ Groulx MNA Éric Girard. Quite a glaring omission that, considering he’s not only a provincial representative from the North Shore, but also Quebec’s finance minister. More to the point, François Bonnardel, the CAQ Minister of Transport who is normally expected to be present for major announcements like these, wasn’t there. Considering that the ridings of Deux-Montagnes, Blainville and Mirabel are also all CAQ territory, something obviously wasn’t right.

Liberal/CAQ tension

So just what was the problem? It’s no secret that relations between Premier François Legault’s CAQ government in Quebec City and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in Ottawa haven’t been good. Especially since Trudeau voiced concerns over CAQ legislation such as the controversial Bill 21 that would curtail the display of religious symbols by public employees and officials.

While spokespersons for the CAQ government have suggested the provincial government’s conspicuous absence from last Monday’s announcement was simply due to the fact they’re not yet ready to proceed with the A-19 project, federal Infrastructure Minister Champagne found himself between a rock and hard place trying to keep a straight face while explaining to reporters what was otherwise obvious.

Waiting for Quebec

“All that’s remaining is our partners in Quebec to move forward,” he told journalists. “From what I understand, all that’s left is a few technical details to finalize before moving forward.” When a TV reporter got straight to the point that the CAQ transport minister was “shining in his absence,” Champagne could only restate the Liberal government’s commitment.

At one point, it became evident that Champagne hadn’t perhaps fully seized the magnitude of the foot-dragging that has surrounded the A-19 project up to now.

“I’m told there have been 20 announcements before,” he acknowledged. “But this is my first, and to my knowledge the first made by the federal government for this project. And what we’re announcing today isn’t just an intention: it’s a confirmation of the commitment of the Treasury Board to move forward.”

Some background

The A-19 extension project, which would extend the autoroute from the A-440 to the A-640, has been in the planning stages for nearly five decades.

During that time, it has become a very convenient political football tossed back and forth between parties from election to election – without very much decisive action ever being taken.

In the meantime, the greater Montreal region’s urban sprawl has steadily crept northward, while the resulting traffic on the highway grid leading north is now reaching crisis proportions.

(NSN) The Town of Rosemère is proud to announce the second edition of the Rosemère en Arts event, which will take place on June 1-2, on the grounds of the Recreation Department and the Sainte-Françoise-Cabrini church.

With more than 50 local artists, including several from Rosemère, this artistic event is the ideal opportunity for residents to broaden their horizons, while taking part in the many interactive activities offered.

Invitation from mayor

“In our community, our values and country-style identity are rooted in culture,” says Mayor Eric Westram. “I am therefore inviting all Rosemerites to take part in this activity, which brings together both youngsters and grown-ups alike, and I’m looking forward to a large turnout among you all. I would also like to warmly congratulate the Rosemère Artists Gathering (RAR), which is so expertly organizing this cultural event.’

Managed by RAR

To encourage this major biennial event, the Town of Rosemère is pleased to provide financial support of $10,000, as well as the loan of equipment and personnel for the technical aspects of the event. This event is fully managed by the Rosemère Artists Gathering (RAR).

“We are inviting all art lovers to come and meet the artists who will be on hand,” commented RAR Director Caroline Foley. “In addition to really impressing you, their works of art will amaze you and carry you off on travels around the world. Discover art in all its forms.”

Planned events

Rosemère en Arts will take place on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Young collectors are invited to visit La petite galerie, where they can purchase a signed canvas that they will have taken the time to choose for themselves.

A silent auction will also be held in the library’s atrium. Don’t miss it! Participants will have a chance to win a painting by our guest artist, Madone Simard. For more information on the schedule and exhibitors: www.leregroupementdesartistesderosemere.com

Martin C. Barry

Starting off the Town of Rosemère’s monthly public meeting last Monday evening with a short item of positive news, Mayor Eric Westram announced that town council has decided to create a new “green committee” that will work on environmental issues affecting Rosemère.

According to the mayor, council received a good number of applications from residents with impressive credentials who expressed willingness to sit on the committee.

New committee

“I would like to thank all the candidates who applied, whether they were retained or not, for their commitment to their community,” said Westram, while noting that those not chosen for the central committee may be able to sit on several sub-committees that will assist the main one.

On the same environmental note, the mayor pointed out that on May 25 from 8 am to 2 pm in the parking lot outside town hall town employees will be distributing tree seedlings, special bags for the disposal of leaves and other similar items.

Leaf composting

During the same event, residents will be able to take part in a presentation on the composting of leaves which will take place at 11:30 am and at 1 pm. in Rosemère town hall in the council chamber.

At the same time, Westram made a statement on the impact of the recent ice-storm followed by flooding that impacted the North Shore region, as well as other areas of Quebec.

“Mother Nature showed a little bit of everything over the past few weeks,” he said. He thanked the many town employees, including police, fire department and public works, for their dedication during both weather crises.

According to a report on the Town of Rosemère’s financial situation up to last Dec. 31 (the first year of the Westram administration’s mandate), Rosemère recorded a surplus of $836,124, representing 2.7 per cent of the operating budget.

Annual finance report

“As a city council, we constantly aim to preserve Rosemère’s enviable position in terms of debt,” he continued, maintaining that during the current council’s first full year since the election they had stabilized the town’s debt.

Westram said 2019 will be a key year for Rosemère’s future. He said a consultation will be taking place in June on investments to be made in the town’s infrastructures. As well, the town will be holding consultations next fall on orientations for urban planning, he added, with the goal of presenting a new urban plan reflecting the aspirations of Rosemère residents.

Anti-flood measures

During the first question period, a resident who submitted a petition earlier in the evening signed by 92 residents of Maurice St. asking for improvements along the banks of the Rivière des Mille Îles, asked the mayor for his reaction.

Mayor Westram said he had mandated the town’s administration to examine the state of Rosemère’s four dikes, including the one near Maurice St. “We want to know when those dikes were built, how they were built, what sorts of materials were used,” he said.

Dikes to be tested

“And once we have received the report from the engineers specialized in this issue, we will perhaps have decisions to make then regarding consolidation, restructuring or reconstruction depending on what we find out.”

While Westram said there were initial concerns over whether the dikes could withstand additional weight placed on them by sandbags and gravel for reinforcement, he added that things ended up working out and there was no flooding around Maurice St.

All the same, he said the town will be conducting additional testing on the dikes, considering the impact of climate change on the weather and the fact Rosemère has had to contend with limited amounts of flooding in recent years.

It is with pleasure that Mrs. Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, has announced financial assistance of $ 14,300 for the 2019 Canada Day Deux-Montagnes.

Part of this amount will be allocated to the pilot project which aims to encourage young people to take part in the activities and get involved in the organization. Since the 15 to 24 age group is under-represented at this event, the organizing committee wishes to take steps to remedy the situation.

“I would like to congratulate the city of Deux-Montagnes and the organizing committee for exemplary work in organizing this great event. I am delighted that our government is providing financial assistance for the Canada Day festivities in Deux-Montagnes, this unique event in the Laurentians! Says MP Lapointe.

(NSN) Although the worst of the 2019 spring flooding crisis appears to have passed, the Town of Rosemère is asking its residents to remain vigilant while ensuring that their property is protected.

“We learned from our experience in 2017, and the town has already taken a number of preventive actions and is ready to intervene,” says Mayor Eric Westram.

Firefighters, police and city staff continue their ongoing surveillance to ensure the safety of citizens, noted Westram. Two sand dikes were erected, one on Bélair Island and the other on David-Morris Street. A team is actually working to raise them as needed.

Courtesy called for

The town is asking citizens not to walk on the sand dikes so as not to lower them. Town officials are also requiring boaters to be civic and not to circulate by boat near zones between land and river to avoid waves.

While the spring 2019 crisis may be over, Rosemère is thinking ahead and is currently building a volunteer bank that will be contacted if needed in the future.

Those interested can write an email to cguerin@ville.rosemere.qc.ca. Citizens can contact the Public Works Department (450 621-3500 ext. 3300) directly for any questions regarding flooding or to obtain sandbags.

In case of emergencies

For emergency calls, please call 9-1-1. Also, pallets of sandbags are available for the following key sectors:

• Ducharme Square (near the bridge)
• Val Chenaie
• Thorncliff West
• Bélair Island East
• Earlscourt
• Skelton (Alexandre and Béland wedges)
• Cadieux Terrace.

If necessary, arrange sandbags where water may seep (garage, doors, windows) or around the residence.

(NSN) Combining reading with physical activity. Now there’s an idea. That’s why the ‘Ride, walk, run’ library program is back again this year in Rosemère.

Rosemère officials say the program has proven itself to be a huge success, judging by the number of youngsters and grown-ups who took part last year.

Lifestyle awareness

Running from May 2 (National Sports and Physical Activity Day) to October 26, the program raises awareness among library users about healthy, easy-to-follow lifestyles.

“I am encouraging Rosemerites to go now and get their loyalty card for this new program,” says Mayor Eric Westram. “It’s for the whole family. Take the opportunity to challenge your body and brain at the same time.”

To be able to register, all you need is a resident’s card. And, as the name of the program suggests, you have to leave your car behind to ride, walk or run to visit the library.

Chance to win the draw

Participants receive a loyalty card to be stamped by an employee at the circulation desk each time they come to the library. Every fully-stamped card (9 punches) gives the participant a chance to win the draw that will be held next October.

The town is inviting residents to register now, without delay, in order to optimize their chances to win a $500 bike, compliments of Sports Experts Rosemère and the Town of Rosemère.

Martin C. Barry

Provincial, municipal and public safety officials on the North Shore remained on high alert this week as spring flooding – bringing together melted snow runoff from the Laurentians with days of steady rain – combined to create one of the biggest weather-related crises ever seen in Quebec and eastern Canada.

In undoubtedly the hardest hit area of the North Shore – Saint-Marthe-sur-le-Lac on the edge of the Lake of Two Mountains – public works crews, police and homeowners fought back against a rising surge of water that had been held back until then by a 43-year-old dike that municipal officials had planned to repair.

Massive water surges

It all could be blamed on melting snow in mountainous regions north of the Outaouais, Laurentian, Lanaudière and Mauricie regions that created unprecedented flooding south of there. There were also massive surges on several of the province’s waterways leading into an already waterlogged corridor between the cities of Gatineau and Trois-Rivières.

Last week and this week, North Shore public safety and public works employees were on alert, keeping a steady eye on the situation on a 24-hour basis, in order to catch potentially unforeseen developments before they happened.

Shelter offered at DM’s arena

As early as last weekend, meteorologists and experts in river and watershed flows were predicting that levels in the water bodies surrounding the Laval, Montreal and North Shore regions would grow higher than what they were in 2017 when flooding problems last assailed the area. As many as 10,000 Quebecers are believed to have been forced out of their homes by this year’s flooding.

According to reports, more than half of those were in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac. More than 6,600 homes across Quebec were flooded, while the owners of more than 3,400 homes were unable to return to their houses because flood waters cut them off. Flood victims from Sainte-Marthe were offered shelter at the City of Deux-Montagnes’ municipal arena as well as at the Deux-Montagnes branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Unanswered questions

In the meantime, serious questions are being raised about the state of the four-decade-old dike in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac leading up to its rupture. Although the town had been advised last year by expert consultants to undertake a program of improvements to the structure, there is disagreement as to whether Sainte-Marthe officials applied soon enough to the Quebec Environment Ministry for a permit, which was pending at the time the dike broke.

Although Sainte-Marthe’s permit was still pending, Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette (who is the Coalition Avenir Québec MNA for Deux-Montagnes) announced this past February that following a fairly long delay (much of it during the term of the previous Liberal government), his ministry finally decided to issue a permit to the City of Deux-Montagnes to build a new dike along parts of its waterfront to prevent a recurrence of the floods in Deux-Montagnes in 2017.

Deux-Montagnes learned from 2017

That project had yet to be completed when the 2019 floods struck. However, as a preventive measure taken following the 2017 floods, the City of Deux-Montagnes stocked up on materials, including hundreds of concrete blocks as well as waterproof rubber sheeting, in order to build a temporary dike along key areas of its waterfront. The strategy appears to have worked, as there have been no reports of serious flooding in Deux-Montagnes which is located immediately next to Sainte-Marthe.

In Deux-Montagnes, the city reported on its web site earlier this week that the level of Lake of Two Mountains was down to 24.73 metres since the previous morning. The precipitation forecasts were revised downward and a slight decrease in the water level to 24.68 metres was anticipated for Thursday.

Flood warning status

In the Town of Rosemère, officials maintained on their web site this week that a flood risk warning was still in effect. While reporting that there was a slight decrease in the level of the Mille Îles River, it was still considered very high, which was why Rosemère was maintaining a state of alert as to the risks of floods in certain sectors of its territory.

That being said, a Sainte-Marthe resident is hoping to find others who are willing to consider launching a class-action negligence lawsuit against their municipality. “This is a big injustice towards the residents. This is unacceptable,” Patrick Hardy of 23^rd Ave. in Sainte-Marthe told a Montreal daily. The lifelong resident of Sainte-Marthe maintains there were signs the dike was weak long before it broke and let in the floodwaters.