The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-13 published June 28th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-13
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville announced the success of its latest cultural project.
The Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère, Mr. Eric Westram, and the President of the Culture and Heritage Action Table and Mayor of Boisbriand, Ms. Christine Beaudette, have proudly announced the success of the cultural project “The Wisdom of Books.” As the exhibition tour concludes for this artwork, members of the MRC Council and artist Suzanne FerlandL presented in a press conference the future steps for this artistic project.
The public sculpture has captured the community’s heart over the past few months as it was displayed in rotation across the various municipal libraries of the MRC. This original creation by Suzanne FerlandL, a multidisciplinary artist renowned in the Laurentians and internationally, was conceived from books that were removed from the shelves of the seven MRC libraries. Designed to be divided into seven parts at the end of its exhibition tour, the artwork symbolizes the unity and diversity of the seven cities.
“The Wisdom of Books” consists of two columns of books, mounted on a steel base, rising to 203 centimeters and 152 centimeters in height. These columns, which gather over 140 discarded books, offer a fascinating spectacle where sculpted characters climb piles of books. With its playful aspect and intricate details, the piece offers an experience that invites viewers of all ages to reflect and discover.
The artist invites us to dive into the enchanting universe of her creation, where every detail and every sculpted character tells a captivating story. This creation, aimed at a broad audience, sparks curiosity in children and stimulates reflection in adults. Children and parents, art enthusiasts and novices, occasional readers and bibliophiles, students and teachers alike will be enchanted by this unique cultural experience.
“This project captivated me from the start. It allowed me to incorporate my artistic approach using the book as material. The book, in my work, is a source of inspiration and fragments of memory,” emphasized artist Suzanne FerlandL.
The exhibition tour of “The Wisdom of Books” traveled through the seven municipal libraries within the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville from November 2023 to May 2024. At each stop, cultural mediation activities, led by the artist herself, allowed citizens to contribute to creating a collective memory book for each city, adding a participatory dimension to this unique project. Participants had the opportunity to explore linocut, a playful and creative artistic technique for reproducing patterns, with the artist. Nearly a hundred students, citizens, and MRC employees had the pleasure of participating in one or another of the cultural mediation activities.
Now that the tour has ended, the artwork will take root in each municipal library of the MRC, where it will be divided into seven distinct parts, each crowned with its own memory book, reflecting both the unique character and the plurality of the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville.
A video capsule is also being produced, offering citizens an in-depth look at Ms. FerlandL’s artistic process and the behind-the-scenes creation of this work. This video will accompany the parts of the artwork installed in each library, allowing citizens to discover the work from another perspective.
“I would like to reiterate our MRC’s unwavering commitment and its constituent cities to support and promote culture in all its forms. We will continue to work tirelessly to enhance our region’s cultural vitality and to offer all our citizens access to a rich, diverse, and inspiring culture,” affirmed MRC Prefect and Mayor of Rosemère, Eric Westram.
“This artistic project perfectly embodies the essence of the MRC, where the creativity and individuality of our seven cities come together to create something truly extraordinary. I invite you all to visit our municipal libraries to discover, through this masterful work, the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage,” said the President of the Culture and Heritage Action Table and Mayor of Boisbriand, Christine Beaudette.
“The Wisdom of Books” and the exhibition tour are realized thanks to the financial support of the Quebec government and the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville under the 2021-2023 Cultural Development Agreement, in collaboration with the MRC’s cities.
Resto Pop of Thérèse-De Blainville Honored at the Health and Social Services Network Excellence Awards
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides congratulated the organization Resto Pop of Thérèse-De Blainville for winning the Ministers’ Choice Award – Community Organizations Network 2024 at the recent gala of the Health and Social Services Network Excellence Awards. This prestigious accolade was awarded for the implementation of the “halte-chaleur” project, a service initiated during the pandemic in 2021.
The “halte-chaleur,” established within the premises of the organization, provided safety and respite during difficult times for people experiencing homelessness. This service continues to be offered and complements the regular support provided by Resto Pop, which aims to prevent and counteract homelessness through psychosocial support and the enhancement of the autonomy of homeless individuals.
“Resto Pop is a recognized and highly appreciated organization in the region. Their efforts to meet the basic needs of individuals and to prevent homelessness are crucial for the citizens of the Laurentides. I want to acknowledge their hard work and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Resto Pop team! I am delighted that their work has been recognized,” said Ms. Julie Delaney, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides.
Canadiens and the Aléo Foundation Award $60,000 in Scholarships
The Montreal Canadiens and the Aléo Foundation announced the awarding of $60,000 in scholarships and support services to 28 elite young hockey athletes who have distinguished themselves over the past year.
The 17th edition of the Montreal Canadiens Scholarship Program, managed by the Aléo Foundation in partnership with Hockey Quebec, the Quebec M18 AAA Hockey Development League (LHM18AAAQ), and the Quebec Student Sports Network (RSEQ), once again supported the best up-and-coming hockey players.
Twenty-eight student-athletes aged 15 to 17 were recognized for their talent, athletic achievements, and exceptional academic records during a scholarship ceremony held on Monday at the Bell Centre. A female hockey player was selected from each of the eight M18 AAA women’s teams of the Quebec Excellence Hockey League (LHEQ), as well as two male hockey players from the M17 AAA division of the same league. Additionally, one player was chosen from each of the 15 male teams in the M18 AAA Hockey Development League. Three bursary recipients from the RSEQ will also receive financial support. To promote the pursuit of studies and preparation for life after sports, each recipient will receive an individual scholarship of $2,000, along with lifetime access to all support services offered by the Aléo Foundation.
North Shore young hockey star selected
Among the distinguished recipients was Olivier Bertrand-Metcalfe, a 17-year-old from Boisbriand who attends École secondaire Saint-Gabriel. Playing with the Vikings de Saint-Eustache, Olivier was selected for his exceptional performance and dedication both on the ice and in his academic pursuits. He was awarded a $2,000 bursary to support his continued development in both areas.
“The Montreal Canadiens organization is proud to highlight the perseverance and achievements of up-and-coming hockey players. Each year, welcoming these promising talents to our home, in collaboration with the Aléo Foundation, is an important moment for our club. By inviting them to the Bell Centre to receive their scholarship and walk in the footsteps of their idols, we hope to inspire them to realize their dreams.” said Geneviève Paquette, Vice President, Community Engagement, Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club
“The Montreal Canadiens are a rallying force, a source of pride and inspiration for all Quebecers, and, of course, even more so for all young hockey players. Counting them among our close collaborators to focus on the recipients’ sporting and academic successes and celebrate their efforts both on the ice and in the classroom is a great privilege for us.” added Patricia Demers, Executive Director, Aléo Foundation
Numerous past recipients of the Montreal Canadiens scholarships have made significant achievements since the program’s inception, including Olympic medalists Mélodie Daoust, Ann-Renée Desbiens, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Lauriane Rougeau, all of whom joined the Women’s Professional Hockey League (LPHF) this season. Among the scholarship recipients who played in the NHL last season are Sammy Blais of the St. Louis Blues, Elliot Desnoyers of the Philadelphia Flyers, Anthony Duclair of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche, Alexis Lafrenière of the New York Rangers, Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres, Kevin Mandolese of the Ottawa Senators, Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens, Jakob Pelletier of the Calgary Flames, Sam Poulin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nicolas Roy of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Joe Veleno of the Detroit Red Wings.
About the Aléo Foundation
Founded in 1985, the Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has awarded over $20 million in scholarships to nearly 4,000 outstanding student-athletes from across Quebec. In 2022, to better reflect its mission of propelling athletes beyond sports, the FAEQ rebranded as the Aléo Foundation. In addition to continuing its scholarship awards and support services to tomorrow’s leaders, it confirms its personalized approach where the overall development and well-being in performance of its scholarship recipients are central to its actions.
The North Shore News volume 20-12
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-12 published June 14th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-11
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-11 published May 31st, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 20-10
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-10 published May 17th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Rosemère’s White on White Event Returns: A Cinematic Cultural Celebration Awaits!
The Town of Rosemère announced the return of the White on White cultural event for its third edition, set to take place from June 14 to 16 at Pioneers Park. This year’s theme will be centered around movies, promising a captivating experience for all attendees.
White on White, an initiative of the Rosemère Artists Gathering, is supported financially by the Town of Rosemère, the Corporation de développement culturel et sportif de Rosemère (CDCSR), and several other sponsors. The event features a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including interactive workshops designed to engage the community.
Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its significance in promoting local artists and the cultural vibrancy of the town. “Culture is a priority for Rosemère,” Westram stated. “Events like this help raise the profile of our community, both locally and beyond. Our artists conceived this wonderful idea, and we are proud to support it once again.”
More than 30 members of the Rosemère Artists Gathering will participate in the event, with the color white serving as the signature theme. This color will be prominently featured in the artworks, exhibitions, décor, and workshops, all of which will emphasize the cinematic theme. One of the highlights of the event is the Dinner in White, a cherished tradition scheduled for Saturday. Tickets for this exclusive dinner, priced at $45, are available at the Rosemère public library. Guests are encouraged to wear their finest all-white attire, and attendees of all the event’s free activities are also invited to dress in white to complement the theme.
Caroline Foley, President of the Rosemère Artists Gathering, expressed the event’s commitment to cultural accessibility. “Our goal is to make culture accessible to everyone, which is why we have curated a program that appeals to multiple age groups,” Foley said. “In addition to the outdoor activities, we are proud to present an indoor art show in the library atrium. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Eric Girard, MNA for Groulx, Luc Desilets, MP for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, the CDCSR, the Town of Rosemère, and all our sponsors for their invaluable support.”
The White on White cultural event will kick off on Friday, June 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with an evening filled with soothing background music and an enchanting outdoor art pathway leading to an exhibition in the library atrium.
Saturday, June 15, offers a full day of activities from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive outdoor activities and explore the art pathway and library atrium exhibition. Indoor interactive activities will also be available, but participants must register via the Voilà! Rosemère app. The day will be alive with background music, face painting, and featured musical entertainment. The highlight of the evening will be the exclusive Dinner in White at 7 p.m., where ticket holders, dressed in their finest white attire, will gather for a memorable dining experience.
The event concludes on Sunday, June 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with another round of outdoor and indoor interactive activities, the art pathway and exhibition in the library atrium, and background music creating a delightful ambiance. Face painting will continue to bring smiles to the faces of young attendees, ensuring a joyous end to the three-day celebration. The White on White cultural event promises to be a celebration of art, community, and creativity, shining a spotlight on the talents of Rosemère’s local artists and bringing people together in a shared cultural experience.
Honoring Fallen Officers and Celebrating Police Service: Commemorative Event on May 13
Thérèse de Blainville PD in attendance
On May 13, a significant event took place at the École nationale de police du Québec to honor the bravery and sacrifice of police officers. This commemorative ceremony, was an integral part of the Police Week celebrations and served as a poignant reminder of the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers.
Commemorative Ceremony for Fallen Officers
The day commenced with a solemn ceremony to remember officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony held special significance with the induction of Sergeant Maureen Breau of the Sûreté du Québec into the memorial wall. Sergeant Breau’s dedication and ultimate sacrifice are now forever etched in the annals of police history.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Mr. Gabriel Labelle, a member of the Sainte-Thérèse Municipal Police, who died on October 12, 1971. Mr. Labelle’s legacy continues to resonate within the policing community, reminding everyone of the inherent risks faced by officers every day.
RIPTB’s presence was strongly felt, with Officer Sylvain Lamer representing the brigade in the honor guard. This gesture highlighted the solidarity and respect among law enforcement officers, underscoring their shared commitment to protecting and serving the community, even at great personal risk.
Recognition of Distinguished Service
Following the commemorative segment, the Ministry of Public Security conducted an awards and citations ceremony, honoring distinguished service and bravery among the officers. This was followed by a parade through the streets of Nicolet, showcasing the pride and solidarity of the police force.
The 15th edition of this event was particularly special, with Public Security Minister François Bonnardel, also the Member of the National Assembly for Granby, in attendance. Joining him was Quebec Premier François Legault, whose participation underscored the importance of the occasion.
A Day of Unity and Reflection
Throughout the day, the collective spirit of the public security community was palpable. The ceremonies not only honored the valor of individual officers but also reinforced the deep respect and appreciation for the police force’s ongoing commitment to serving and protecting the community.
The event highlighted the significance of recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of law enforcement officers, fostering a sense of unity and respect within the community. As the Police Recognition Day concluded, it left an indelible mark on all who attended, reminding them of the dedication and courage that define the police profession.
The ceremony on May 13 served as a powerful tribute to the heroism of police officers, ensuring their sacrifices and service are never forgotten.
Anticipation and Concerns Surrounding the Deux-Montagnes REM Launch
After nearly four years without a commuter train, residents of Deux-Montagnes and its surrounding areas are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) to facilitate their transportation to downtown Montreal. However, their excitement is tempered with impatience and concerns, as they will have to wait until 2025 for the service to commence due to complications in the Mont-Royal tunnel.
The Long Wait
The prolonged wait has been a significant inconvenience for residents. The Deux-Montagnes line, once a reliable and efficient means of commuting, has been out of service, leaving many to rely on alternative and often less convenient modes of transportation. The disruption has affected daily routines, adding time and stress to commutes that were once straightforward.
“We cannot move forward on [the date of start-up of the REM] because our priority is really to focus on the end of the tunnel work, which is really the work on the critical path of the project,” explained Jean-Philippe Pelletier, senior director for the western phase of the REM project at CDPQ Infra. His statement underscores the complexity and importance of the tunnel work, which is a pivotal component of the REM project.
Progress Amidst Delays
Despite the delays, progress is being made. Tests are currently being conducted on the Deux-Montagnes line, and the station itself is in the final stages of construction. Unlike the previous boarding platform for exo trains, the new REM platform is designed to protect users from bad weather, enhancing the overall commuter experience. Additionally, incentive parking with a capacity for more than 1,200 vehicles will be available, aiming to make the transition to the REM as seamless as possible for users.
Noise Concerns
However, alongside the anticipation, there are growing fears among residents living near the line linking Deux-Montagnes to the city center. The primary concern is the potential for noise disturbances similar to those experienced by citizens of Griffintown.
Addressing Noise Fears
In response to these concerns, Jean-Philippe Pelletier has reassured residents that the noise levels on the North Shore will not mirror those on the South Shore. “The REM on the North Shore does not necessarily make the same noise as on the South Shore. For what? Because the structures it sits on are not the same. On the South Shore, we use a lot of steel beams. Here, on Deux-Montagnes, we are more on ballast and concrete beams, so the resonance will not be the same,” he explained.
This difference in construction materials and methods is expected to mitigate the noise impact, offering some solace to concerned residents. The use of ballast and concrete beams, as opposed to steel beams, should result in less resonance and, consequently, less noise.
The Broader Impact
The arrival of the REM is poised to significantly impact the daily lives of Deux-Montagnes residents. On one hand, it promises a return to efficient, reliable transportation, reducing commute times and easing daily travel. On the other hand, the project’s delays and the associated noise concerns have created a sense of unease and frustration within the community.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 launch date approaches, the focus remains on completing the critical work in the Mont-Royal tunnel and ensuring that the REM is ready to serve the public effectively. The continued testing and finalization of station construction are positive signs of progress, even if the wait feels interminable for those affected.
In the interim, communication between CDPQ Infra and the residents will be crucial. Keeping the community informed about progress, addressing concerns transparently, and demonstrating a commitment to mitigating negative impacts will be key to maintaining public trust and support.
