The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-08 published April 18th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The North Shore News volume 21-08
Masked Intruders Storm Lorraine Home, Police Investigating Vicious Attack
The Thérèse-De Blainville Intermunicipal Police (RIPTB) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a violent home invasion that occurred in Lorraine on Sunday evening.
Shortly after 9:00 PM, officers were called to a single-family home on Chemin de Lachalade following reports of a possible break-in. According to initial information, suspects entered the home and held two people — a man and a woman — against their will.
Upon arrival, police found the man with visible injuries resulting from physical violence. He was transported to a hospital for treatment, though his life is not believed to be in danger. The woman sustained minor injuries. Authorities also confirmed that an irritating volatile substance was used during the incident, though details on its nature have not been released.
“Our officers are currently interviewing the victims and witnesses, and gathering various pieces of evidence to establish the exact circumstances of the event,” said Chief Inspector Karine Desaulniers. “A crime scene perimeter has been set up, and forensic identification services will examine the site to help move the investigation forward.”
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Showdown Looms as Blainville Fights Quebec’s Forced Land Seizure
In response to the forced passage of Bill 93 by the Quebec government, the City of Blainville and the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) are joining forces to launch a legal challenge. The two entities will appear before the Quebec Superior Court on Monday, seeking an urgent suspension of the law, which compels the City of Blainville to sell protected land for industrial use.
The dispute centers on a section of the Grande Tourbière de Blainville, a fragile peat bog recognized for its ecological value. Stablex, a hazardous waste management company and Canadian subsidiary of U.S.-based Republic Services, has requested use of the site to establish a new waste disposal cell. After months of conflict, the provincial government intervened by enacting Bill 93 under closure, a rare legislative procedure that bypasses further debate.
Stablex has repeatedly warned that if it is unable to expand by 2027, it will cease service operations—services that include processing hazardous waste from across Canada and the United States. Those warnings appear to have weighed heavily on the provincial government, prompting it to bypass municipal authority in favor of a solution that accommodates the company.
Both the City of Blainville and the CMM view the law as a direct attack on municipal autonomy and environmental protection. Blainville’s administration had opposed the use of the land from the outset, citing the ecological importance of the peat bog and a commitment made to its residents to safeguard the area. The city also maintains that the population’s strong opposition to the project was ignored, and the adoption of the law without proper parliamentary procedure left them with no choice but to turn to the courts.
The CMM, whose land-use framework governs much of Greater Montreal, is equally alarmed. Officials argue that the law undermines existing environmental protections, including a control bylaw passed in 2022 and formally approved by the Quebec government. That regulation, still in force, was specifically designed to shield unique ecosystems like the Blainville peat bog from industrial development.
The first step of the legal challenge will be to obtain an immediate stay, preventing any development activity from beginning on the site. The two parties argue that if Stablex begins work before April 15—when federal regulations to protect migratory birds take effect—irreversible environmental harm could occur. There is concern that Stablex may try to accelerate the destruction of natural habitats before that deadline, rendering future protections meaningless.
In addition to seeking an injunction, the case will challenge key sections of the law itself. Article 11, which grants Stablex sweeping immunity to act without regard for existing laws or municipal rules, is a particular point of contention. The CMM and Blainville argue that this immunity allows the company to bypass normal oversight mechanisms and start work immediately, creating an urgent need for judicial intervention.
The legal filing also targets Article 7, which overrides all municipal planning and zoning rules. The CMM asserts that this directly invalidates its own 2022 regulation, which was vetted and approved by the province because of its alignment with Quebec’s planning priorities. The organization stresses that this framework must be respected, and that upending it for a single private company sets a dangerous precedent.
Just last week, the City of Blainville and the CMM had offered the government a compromise. They proposed amending the existing regulation to allow Stablex to use 7.2 hectares of wetland—enough to maintain operations for 24 years—while preserving the rest of the peat bog. This alternative would have balanced industrial needs with environmental protection, but the government rejected it outright.
Blainville and the CMM now contend that the government’s decision to push through Bill 93 not only undermines their efforts but favors private interests over public good. They argue that the legislation disregards environmental science, local governance, and democratic consultation.
As the case heads to court, it raises fundamental questions about the province’s commitment to environmental stewardship, its relationship with municipalities, and the growing tension between economic expediency and ecological responsibility. The outcome could reshape how Quebec handles land use, governance, and industrial influence for years to come.
From Dream to Impact: Thérèse-De Blainville Celebrates its Brightest Entrepreneurs
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville proudly honoured ten standout local businesses during the 27th edition of the Défi OSEntreprendre local gala, held on March 26 at the Centre de formation professionnelle des nouvelles technologies of the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles in Sainte-Thérèse. Presided over by Patrick Gharzani, CEO of SBB, the evening recognized the exceptional achievements of the region’s entrepreneurs and highlighted their impact on the local economy and community.
The annual gala celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and sustainable development across the MRC. This year’s event spotlighted ten businesses that distinguished themselves through creativity, economic impact, and resilience. These winners will go on to represent the MRC at the regional gala, scheduled for April 24, 2025, at the Complexe Val-d’Espoir in Mirabel. Winners at the regional level will be eligible for monetary prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with the provincial gala to follow on June 11 in Quebec City.
The award-winning businesses span a wide array of sectors, from social economy and personal services to commerce and technological innovation, demonstrating the diversity and strength of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the recognized businesses were:
- L’Avant-Champ (Boisbriand), recognized in the Social Economy category.
- Les Thés frais et Boba inc. (Blainville), in Business Services.
- Convalescence inc (Rosemère), in the Commerce category.
- Clinique Hormo-Nova (Blainville), for Personal Services.
- Gamotech and Morpho Gym/9448-8731 Québec inc. (both from Blainville), awarded in the Technological and Technical Innovation category.
- PAM métal inc (Blainville), in the category of Production and Transformation.
- In the “Doing Business Together” stream, three businesses stood out: Marché Damitio (Sainte-Thérèse), Grillage Bolar (Canada) inc (Blainville), and La Station Vrac (Rosemère).
These businesses not only stood out for their economic viability but also for their commitment to community values, sustainability, and innovation. Their stories offer a glimpse into a region alive with potential and brimming with entrepreneurial talent.
“We are extremely proud to recognize local entrepreneurs who are actively contributing to the vitality of our economy,” said Éric Westram, Warden of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère. “These businesses are not only models of innovation but also key players in job creation and sustainable solutions for our community. Their accomplishments inspire and motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions with passion and perseverance.”
Kamal El-Batal, Director General of the MRC, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This gala is a unique opportunity to spotlight the excellence and creativity of our region’s businesses. We are thrilled to see so many entrepreneurs whose initiatives help energize the local economy and uphold the values of collaboration and sustainability that are at the core of our mission. Congratulations to all the winners, and to those who will continue to make our region shine.”
The ten winners were selected through a rigorous review process based on criteria such as business impact, value proposition, innovation, financial outlook, and the inspiration they bring to their respective fields. Each submission was thoroughly evaluated to identify the most promising and deserving candidates in each category.
The upcoming regional gala in Mirabel marks a key milestone for these entrepreneurs as they prepare to compete on a larger stage. A successful showing there will secure their spot in the provincial gala in June, offering another opportunity to showcase the excellence and dynamism of businesses from Thérèse-De Blainville.
The MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville, located on Montreal’s North Shore, is part of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) and serves as a gateway to the Laurentians. With nearly 165,000 residents spread over 207 square kilometers, the MRC encompasses seven municipalities: Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, and Sainte-Thérèse. Known for its mix of metropolitan accessibility and natural charm, the region benefits from commuter rail access, major highway connections, and proximity to the Mille Îles River, making it a desirable place to live and work.
As the gala concluded, a clear message resonated: innovation is thriving in Thérèse-De Blainville, and the future of entrepreneurship in the region looks bright.
CISSS des Laurentides Innovates to Reduce Surgery Wait Times
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides has implemented a series of innovative measures to tackle the long waiting times for surgeries, an issue that worsened significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results have been promising.
Between 2021 and 2023, nearly one in ten patients in the CISSS des Laurentides region had been waiting for surgery for over a year. Faced with such a backlog, the health organization had to adopt an aggressive approach to streamline the process and improve efficiency.
A Strategic Overhaul
“We had to come up with ideas,” says Dany Savard, Associate Director of the Surgery Program at CISSS des Laurentides. One of the key solutions introduced was patient grouping, where individuals were given the option of being operated on at a different hospital or by a different surgeon. This approach has been successful, with many patients agreeing to the proposed changes, thus accelerating the surgery scheduling process.
In addition, the CISSS des Laurentides has prioritized overdue and outpatient surgeries, organizing specialized “blitz days” in operating rooms. This strategy required additional management efforts but yielded significant results.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” says Dr. Jasmin Charbonneau, an anesthesiologist, intensive care physician, and regional head of anesthesiology. In less than a year, the number of overdue surgeries decreased dramatically from 1,009 to 409.
A Look at the Numbers
| Year | Number of Overdue Surgeries |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2021 | 1,341 |
| 2022 | 1,628 |
| 2023 | 1,240 |
| 2024 | 1,009 |
| 2025 (as of March 18) | 409 |
Private Clinics Play a Role
Private clinics have also been brought into the equation to help reduce the burden on public hospitals. Over the past year, approximately 13% to 14% of procedures were performed in private facilities, with ophthalmology, orthopedics, general surgery, and plastic surgery being the most common cases handled outside the public system.
However, not all healthcare professionals are fully convinced about the long-term effectiveness of these measures. Dr. Véronique Godbout, President of the Quebec Orthopedic Association, raises concerns about the sustainability of the approach.
“It looks good on paper because the number of patients waiting for more than a year is decreasing, but all other patients are still facing long waits. There isn’t more surgical time available overall,” she explains.
With nearly 155,000 people in Quebec still waiting for surgery, Dr. Godbout believes the solution is purely mathematical: “Either we operate on more patients in a single day or we increase the number of surgery days. Those are the only two ways to tackle the issue.”
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Both the CISSS des Laurentides and medical specialists agree that there is no universal fix for reducing surgical wait times. While the current strategies have proven effective in alleviating some of the backlog, long-term improvements will require ongoing adjustments, increased resources, and potentially systemic changes in how healthcare services are delivered across the province.
The North Shore News volume 21-07
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-07 published April 4th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Suspicious Fire Under Investigation in Sainte-Thérèse
Sainte-Thérèse, March 17, 2025 – Authorities in Sainte-Thérèse are investigating a fire of suspicious origin that broke out early Monday morning at a restaurant on Curé-Labelle Boulevard. The Thérèse-De Blainville Police Department (RIPTB) has confirmed that the incident is being treated as a potential case of arson, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Shortly after midnight, emergency services received a call reporting flames on the front terrace of the establishment. Police and firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene, and the fire was swiftly brought under control before it could spread further. A security perimeter was immediately set up around the area to preserve any potential evidence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and damage appears to have been limited.
“Our officers are on-site, our investigators are interviewing witnesses, and we are actively collecting evidence related to the incident,” said Chief Inspector Karine Desaulniers. “A forensic fire scene technician will be arriving shortly to conduct a detailed examination, analyzing possible causes and reconstructing the sequence of events. While no arrests have been made at this stage, the investigation is still in its early phases.”
The RIPTB has not yet released any details regarding potential suspects or motives but has urged members of the public to come forward with any relevant information. Authorities are particularly interested in any witnesses who may have seen unusual activity in the area around the time of the incident.
Residents or business owners with security footage from the vicinity are encouraged to review their recordings and report anything suspicious. Anyone with information can contact the RIPTB confidentially at 450-435-2421, extension 0.
The police department is reassuring the community that all necessary steps are being taken to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and to ensure public safety. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Sainte-Thérèse Unveils Flood Action Plan
Sainte-Thérèse officials have presented a comprehensive flood action plan aimed at improving resilience and preparedness against future flooding events. The plan, which was introduced on February 25, outlines various measures designed to protect the city and its residents from flood risks, while emphasizing shared responsibilities between the municipal government and homeowners.
During the public meeting at the Sainte-Thérèse Cultural and Community Center, approximately one hundred residents gathered to hear details of the initiative. The document, titled Improving Resilience to Flood and Sewer Backup Risks, is now available on the city’s website. Mayor Christian Charron, accompanied by the full municipal council, Director General Christian Schryburt, and Deputy Director General Louis Tremblay, presented the action plan, expressing satisfaction with its timely release.
The plan proposes a wide-ranging approach to addressing flooding challenges. It includes the development of a floodplain mapping project for the Rivière aux Chiens, a model to assess flood recurrence levels, and a vulnerability study of the affected areas. The initiative also includes an inventory of properties that have previously been impacted by flooding or sewer backups. The feasibility of constructing flood barriers and additional pumping stations is being considered as part of the effort to enhance protective infrastructure. All proposed measures will be subject to municipal regulations and upcoming provincial guidelines regarding flood-prone areas, with an updated flood zone map expected later in 2025.
City officials also plan to strengthen meteorological monitoring using artificial intelligence, which would allow for improved weather predictions and real-time alerts to residents. Several additional emergency preparedness measures have been proposed, including the installation of backup generators at key municipal buildings, pumping stations, and the Lonergan retention basin. The city is also acquiring a new trailer-mounted pump, constructing a retention basin at the main pumping station, and establishing a permanent stormwater pumping station.
Efforts to improve communication between the municipality and residents are also included in the action plan. City officials aim to raise awareness about best practices for managing rainwater on private properties and will update informational resources to better educate homeowners on flood preparedness. The Espace Citoyen alert system is being promoted as a tool for providing timely information during emergency situations.
As part of the initiative, the city has launched an inspection and support program for property owners considered vulnerable to flooding and sewer backups. Pre-registration for the program began on March 10, and it is set to run through 2027. In 2025, inspections will be limited to 300 properties, with another 300 scheduled for 2026. Homeowners who choose to carry out flood protection upgrades following inspections may qualify for financial assistance, which would cover 70 percent of costs up to a maximum of $7,000 per building.
City officials encourage residents seeking additional information about the program or the flood action plan to contact the municipal offices.
Quebec Municipalities Unite Against Forced Land Expropriation for Stablex
Municipal Leaders Condemn Government Overreach in Blainville Land Dispute
A wave of regional opposition is building against the Quebec government’s attempt to expropriate protected lands in Blainville for the benefit of Stablex, a subsidiary of an American multinational corporation. The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville has unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting the government’s move, citing concerns over municipal autonomy and local governance.
Municipal leaders argue that the provincial government’s actions undermine the fundamental principle of municipal autonomy, which grants cities and towns the right to manage and develop their territories based on their specific economic, social, cultural, and environmental needs.
“It is in the interest of all municipalities that we unite our voices to uphold our autonomy and regulations,” stated Eric Westram, Prefect of the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville and Mayor of Rosemère. “As local governments, we must stand together against this dangerous precedent, which threatens municipalities across Quebec. The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville is committed to defending the right of municipalities to shape their own development according to their vision and priorities.”
A United Front for Local Governance
Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin expressed her gratitude for the unanimous support from the MRC, emphasizing the critical nature of the issue. “I sincerely thank my colleagues for this united front on such a crucial matter for our city. This resolution, alongside those adopted by individual municipal councils, showcases our collective commitment to protecting municipal autonomy—an essential right. We strongly denounce this governance by decree from the Quebec government and will continue to defend our position with the invaluable support of our partners.”
The controversy stems from Bill 93, proposed by Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Quebec’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forests. The bill seeks to forcibly transfer a plot of land from the City of Blainville, which has firmly opposed the move.
With growing resistance from local governments, the battle over this expropriation is shaping into a significant test of municipal rights in Quebec, as leaders push back against what they see as an unjustified overreach by the provincial government.
Fire Station Internship Provides Hands-On Experience for Future Firefighters
Four students from the Institut de Protection Contre l’Incendie du Québec (IPIQ) are getting a firsthand look at the demanding yet rewarding profession of firefighting through a unique internship opportunity with the Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Intermunicipal Fire Safety Service.
Over the course of two weeks, these aspiring firefighters will immerse themselves in the daily operations of a fire station, working alongside experienced professionals. Their responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks, from fire prevention and equipment maintenance to participating in emergency response situations.
This hands-on experience is a crucial component of their training, equipping them with the practical skills and adaptability needed to excel in the field. Under the guidance of seasoned firefighters, they will gain valuable insight into the realities of the job, reinforcing the theoretical knowledge acquired in their studies.
Beyond the invaluable learning experience for the students, this initiative plays a significant role in strengthening public safety. By fostering a new generation of well-trained, committed firefighters, the program ensures that communities will continue to benefit from skilled emergency responders. Investing in the development of future firefighters contributes to safer neighborhoods, improved disaster preparedness, and a more resilient society as a whole. By actively engaging in real-world scenarios, the students will develop not only technical expertise but also teamwork and quick decision-making skills—essential qualities for any firefighter. This initiative highlights the importance of practical learning in shaping the next generation of firefighting professionals and ensuring that communities continue to be protected by well-trained, dedicated
