The Thérèse-De Blainville Regional County Municipality (MRC) has been recognized on the global stage for its innovative approach to municipal governance. During the International Summit on Innovation in Medium-Sized Cities (SIIViM), held on October 8, 2024, in Drummondville, the MRC was awarded the esteemed “SIIViM 2024” Trophy. This accolade, which highlights cutting-edge advancements in cities with populations exceeding 50,000, was given for the MRC’s Signature Innovation Program, which actively supports the implementation of pilot projects utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) within the municipal sector.
The SIIViM Trophies serve to encourage municipalities to pursue innovative solutions as a response to the growing challenges faced by local governments. For the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC, this award underscores its commitment to fostering forward-thinking approaches in municipal operations, specifically through the application of AI.
Eric Westram, the Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Rosemère, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “This international recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation. We remain dedicated to building smarter, more sustainable, and resilient cities for our communities. The SIIViM event showcased numerous inspiring ideas, and I strongly encourage the wider municipal sector to view innovation as a key solution to today’s challenges.”
A Global Platform for Municipal Innovation
The SIIViM Summit is a major international event that connects cities from France and Quebec, focusing on innovation in medium-sized cities with populations up to 250,000. This year’s summit offered an invaluable platform for collaboration between municipalities and businesses specializing in cutting-edge technologies. Through these exchanges, municipalities can explore new ways to address critical issues, such as climate change, economic development, and improving overall quality of life for residents.
Julie Boivin, Deputy Prefect of the MRC and Mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, highlighted the importance of the award: “We are deeply honored to receive this distinction. It highlights our ongoing efforts to modernize governance and embrace technology to improve the quality of life in our region. In facing the pressing challenges of our time, from climate to societal shifts, embracing new technologies becomes indispensable for the future of our municipalities.”
The recognition of the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC at SIIViM demonstrates the growing importance of integrating technological innovation into local government strategies. With an increasing need to tackle complex, civic issues, this award showcases how forward-thinking initiatives can provide real solutions for cities today and into the future.
Thérèse-De Blainville MRC Receives Prestigious Innovation Award for AI Municipal Initiatives
Rosemère Library Reaches New Heights with 5-Ribbon Distinction, Reflecting Community Commitment
The Town of Rosemère’s library service has once again been recognized for its excellence, receiving the prestigious 5-ribbon rating for 2023 from the BiblioQUALITÉ program. With a remarkable score of 93%, significantly surpassing the provincial average of 70% for Québec municipalities, Rosemère continues to stand out as a leader in providing high-quality public services.
This distinction highlights the town’s ongoing investment in its library system. By prioritizing resource acquisition, extended operating hours, expanded space, and a dedicated staff, the library plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Rosemère’s efforts demonstrate the importance of libraries not just as places for borrowing books, but as vibrant community centers that foster learning, engagement, and interaction.
The recognition comes amid growing public interest in the library’s offerings. An independent report revealed a 27% increase in library usage and an 11% rise in activities since 2022, illustrating the library’s expanding role as a hub for cultural and social events. This increase reflects a broader trend of libraries becoming essential spaces for people of all ages to gather, learn, and connect, reinforcing their importance to the community.
Mayor Eric Westram praised the achievement, crediting the hard work of the library staff, led by Library Head Manager Myriam Harvey, for their dedication. “This recognition by BiblioQUALITÉ not only highlights the excellence of Rosemère’s library service but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering an environment where knowledge and culture are accessible to all. I congratulate Myriam Harvey and her team for their outstanding service and passion, which have made the library a cornerstone of our community. The growth in memberships and activities proves that we are creating a space that enriches the lives of our residents,” said Mayor Westram.
Rosemère’s success serves as an example for other municipalities, showing that investment in public spaces like libraries can significantly enhance the well-being of a town’s residents. As the library continues to grow and adapt, it remains a vital part of the community, supporting education, culture, and social connection.
About BiblioQUALITÉ
The BiblioQUALITÉ program assesses and recognizes public libraries across Québec for their service quality and community impact. Municipalities that are members of the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ) or part of the Réseau BIBLIO are evaluated on their efforts to improve library services. Achieving the highest 5-ribbon rating underscores a municipality’s commitment to providing accessible and enriching resources to its residents. Libraries with this distinction are models of community service and cultural engagement.
Rosemère in Bloom: Celebrating 35 Years of Community and Environmental Excellence
The winners of the 35th edition of Rosemère in Bloom were revealed during a special ceremony on October 9, 2024, at the Memorial Community Center. This annual event has become a symbol of the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and beautification, fostering a sense of pride among residents for their contributions to maintaining the community’s natural charm. The contest, which encourages Rosemère residents to submit photographs of their gardens, is a celebration of creativity, environmental awareness, and community spirit.
This year’s winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions to enhancing the town’s landscape. Among the top honorees were the joint winners in the Best Floral Front Yard category, with properties at 186 Bellerive and 296 Rose-Alma sharing the spotlight for their vibrant and well-maintained floral displays. Marilyn Proulx, who resides at 296 Rose-Alma, also took home the award for the Charming Small Space category, showcasing her ability to transform a modest area into an inviting and aesthetically pleasing garden.
In the Environmental Action – Butterfly Oasis Creation category, the property at 335 de Rosemère was celebrated for its innovative design in creating a haven for butterflies, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to pollinator conservation. Other notable winners included the Vegetable Garden award, presented to the gardener at 464 Northcôte for their productive and beautifully arranged edible garden, and the Backyard Garden prize, which went to the lush landscape of 268 de Rosemère. The Flower Display category recognized the impressive efforts at 472 de l’Érablière, while a new category, Pollinators in Action, was introduced this year, with 258 Fairfield winning for their photo capturing pollinators at work in a vibrant garden.
A special mention was given to the judges’ favorite in the Monarch Butterfly Conservation category, awarded to the property at 285 de la Clairière. This heartfelt recognition celebrated efforts to preserve the delicate monarch butterfly, an essential pollinator, and highlighted the critical role that local gardens play in supporting biodiversity.
Mayor Eric Westram praised the participants for their dedication, noting a record number of 116 entries—almost double the previous year’s submissions. This surge in involvement underscores the growing passion among Rosemère residents for contributing to the town’s beautification and environmental initiatives. “The creativity and environmental consciousness shown by our citizens is truly inspiring. Through their landscaping efforts, they not only beautify our community but also help sustain it for future generations,” Westram remarked.
The jury, made up of key members from Rosemère’s horticulture and urban forestry teams—Monique Keurentjes, head of Green Spaces and Environment, Stéphanie Milot, coordinator of Urban Forestry and Horticulture, and Marie-Michelle Moffatt, head of Culture and Heritage—carefully evaluated each entry based on a set of criteria that included originality, plant variety, cleanliness, and environmental impact.
In addition to celebrating this year’s winners, the event also reflected on the summer’s successful horticultural initiatives, including the highly popular Horticultural Bazaar on July 14. This event allowed residents to purchase plants, second-hand gardening tools, decorations, and furniture, with proceeds from both the bazaar and secret garden tours amounting to $3,779. These funds were donated to the local respite care organization Les Petits Plaisirs. The immense success of the event has guaranteed its return in 2025, with residents already marking July 13 on their calendars for another day of green-thumbed fun.
By continuing to promote sustainability and environmental awareness through initiatives like Rosemère in Bloom, the town reinforces its commitment to fostering a greener and more vibrant community. Events like these not only enhance the town’s aesthetics but also strengthen the bonds between residents, reminding everyone of the importance of working together for the betterment of the environment.
New Program to Support Vulnerable Youth in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes
In an effort to strengthen community support for vulnerable youth, the Quebec government has expanded the Ma famille, Ma communauté program to include services for young people aged 13 to 17 in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes. This initiative, which has already seen success in the Thérèse-De Blainville area, aims to prevent the need for youth placements in foster care or reduce the impact when such placements are necessary.
The program focuses on creating a network of care around vulnerable youth and their families, involving key community members such as family members, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, and local organizations. By working together, these stakeholders ensure that decisions about a young person’s living situation are made in their best interest, prioritizing safety and well-being.
Lionel Carmant, Minister responsible for Social Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s success and the positive impact it has had in other regions. He noted that this expansion reflects the government’s commitment to putting the needs of children first: “I am thrilled to see the community in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes come together to support our youth. Programs like Ma famille, Ma communauté are vital in ensuring that vulnerable adolescents receive the care and support they need.”
Local representatives have also praised the initiative. Benoît Charette, MNA for Deux-Montagnes and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region, highlighted the strong sense of collaboration that defines the program: “The solidarity and commitment of our community are key to helping at-risk youth thrive. This program will offer them a better future by providing a support system that goes beyond traditional interventions.”
The expansion is also welcomed by Sylvie d’Amours, MNA for Mirabel, who emphasized the program’s collaborative nature. “This initiative brings together various community resources to create a safe and nurturing environment for teenagers, helping them to grow and succeed. It’s a collective effort that will build a stronger future for our young people,” she said.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides, added that the success of Ma famille, Ma communauté in other regions bodes well for its impact in Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes. “We’ve seen firsthand how this program can transform the lives of vulnerable youth by surrounding them with care and compassion. I’m excited to see it expand and reach even more young people and their families.”
The expansion of Ma famille, Ma communauté to Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes demonstrates the Quebec government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that young people receive the support they need from their communities. By building strong, collaborative networks, the program aims to provide long-term solutions for at-risk youth, giving them the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Laurentians to Welcome 45 New Family Doctors in 2025 to Improve Healthcare Access
The Laurentians region is set to welcome 45 new family doctors in 2025, aimed at improving healthcare access for the local population. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides will recruit 34 new doctors throughout the year, while 11 more will join the region through an interregional mobility program, meaning they are already practicing in other regions and will relocate to the Laurentians.
Julie Delaney, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, expressed optimism about this development, stating that the arrival of these doctors will contribute to improving access to quality healthcare and social services in the region. She emphasized the importance of having these physicians practicing locally, as it is essential for meeting the growing healthcare needs.
The allocation of these medical personnel is strategically planned to prioritize areas with the highest needs, particularly in home care, hospitalization, and emergency services. Additionally, family medicine remains a priority in several parts of the region to ensure primary healthcare services are more accessible. The ultimate goal is to respond effectively to the health and social service needs of the population.
This announcement follows a recent statement by Health Minister Christian Dubé, who revealed the addition of 458 family doctors across Quebec. Each year, regions are allocated a specific number of family medicine positions by the Ministry to ensure a fair and equitable geographic distribution of medical resources throughout the province. This distribution is determined by assessing the gap between each region’s needs and its available medical resources.
In 2025, the Laurentians will see new medical staffing in the following areas: the MRC Antoine-Labelle will receive three new doctors, while the MRC Laurentides will gain five new doctors, along with three more through interregional mobility. The MRC Pays-d’en-Haut will benefit from two new doctors, both through interregional mobility, while the MRC Argenteuil will receive three new doctors. The MRC Deux-Montagnes and Mirabel-South region will add eight doctors, including two from interregional mobility, with one position specifically reserved for a university-based doctor in a family medicine group. The MRC Rivière-du-Nord and Mirabel-North will receive nine doctors, two of whom will come from other regions through interregional mobility. Finally, the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville will welcome four new doctors, supplemented by two interregional transfers.
This influx of medical professionals is a key step in addressing the healthcare needs of the growing population in the Laurentians.
The North Shore News volume 20-20
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-20 published October 25th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
Dimitris Ilias Honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, within the Senate of Canada, Boisbriand resident Dimitris Ilias was honoured in a special ceremony. Senator Leo Housakos awarded Dimitris Ilias, a renowned lyric singer and music director, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a distinction bestowed by command of the King and on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
Senator Housakos, who nominated Ilias for this honour, praised his tireless dedication to bringing music into the lives of children across Canada, always with humility and a commitment to musical education. “Their devotion to enriching children’s lives through music is unmatched,” the senator stated during the ceremony.
Dimitris Ilias expressed his deep gratitude for the award: “I feel deeply honored by this recognition and sincerely thank Senator Leo Housakos, who has supported and encouraged us in our efforts for nearly 15 years to bring music to the lives of so many children in our community and beyond.”
The Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, marking the first Canadian commemorative medal for a coronation. Managed by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, 30,000 medals will be awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to their communities or brought honour to Canada through remarkable achievements.
Designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, the medal features, on one side, an image of King Charles III at his coronation, while the reverse displays the Royal Monogram and the inscription “VIVAT REX” (Long Live the King).
Rosemère Steps Towards Health with 5 km Walk for the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie
On the evening of October 18, the town of Rosemère will host its own edition of La Grande marche, a 5 km community walk that is part of the larger Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. This event, starting at 7:00 PM at Alpha School, brings people of all ages together in a celebration of health, fitness, and civic engagement.
The Grande marche is a vital component of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, a province-wide movement that promotes physical activity and healthy living. Organized in over 100 cities across Quebec, this initiative aims to encourage the population to adopt healthier habits, with an emphasis on physical activity as a foundation for long-term health.
Rosemère’s participation holds special significance, reflecting the town’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens. By offering free registration, Rosemère hopes to remove barriers to participation and foster an inclusive environment where residents can experience the health benefits of physical activity. The event is supported by the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec, underscoring the role of medical professionals in advocating for public health.
The walk kicks off with a group warm-up at 6:45 PM, providing a space for participants to engage socially while preparing physically. The atmosphere is expected to be festive, with families, friends, and neighbors coming together to share in this simple yet powerful activity: walking. Unlike competitive races, La Grande marche focuses on accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all fitness levels feel welcome.
This event goes beyond promoting physical health—it also highlights the importance of civic participation. Rosemère’s involvement in the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie reinforces the idea that community activities can have a lasting impact. By encouraging residents to come together for a common cause, the walk strengthens the bonds between individuals while simultaneously promoting a healthier society.
Pierre Lavoie, a Quebec-based endurance athlete and health advocate, founded the Grand défi with the vision of improving Quebecers’ health and creating a culture where wellness is the norm. The message of La Grande marche is clear: small actions, like a community walk, can lead to profound changes in personal and collective health.
As Rosemère gears up for this year’s walk, the town is demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to a larger social movement. Health and community spirit go hand in hand, and events like La Grande marche illustrate the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term public health goals.
Moisson Laurentides Introduces the 2025 “Grand Bedon” Event to Combat Food Insecurity
Moisson Laurentides, a vital organization in the fight against food insecurity in the Laurentides region, has unveiled its plans for an innovative new event: Le Grand Bedon. Set for June 14, 2025, to coincide with World Hunger Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of food insecurity while fostering community engagement.
Recognizing the need for a new approach, Moisson Laurentides is shifting its focus away from the traditional large-scale food collections that have served the organization for years. As the organization grows and the demands on food banks increase, it became evident that traditional food drives, though effective, were no longer sufficient. This new event is designed to not only gather support but also to educate and unite the community in a more dynamic way.
Instead of a standard collection drive, Le Grand Bedon will feature a full day of interactive and family-friendly activities, designed to inform the public about food insecurity while promoting healthy lifestyles and community collaboration.
Addressing New Challenges in Food Security
With the rising demand for food assistance across the region, Moisson Laurentides has been exploring new methods to meet the needs of those facing hunger. The organization has seen an increase in the number of individuals and families turning to local food banks, including many who are facing this issue for the first time.
To address these challenges, the Grand Bedon event aims to go beyond the traditional food collection model, focusing on prevention, awareness, and community involvement. Through various engaging activities, the event will emphasize the importance of supporting local food banks while offering practical solutions for promoting food security.
A Festive Event for the Entire Region
The Grand Bedon will be a region-wide event, with activities planned across multiple communities in the Basses-Laurentides. These events will be open to people of all ages, offering a variety of activities to engage children, families, and individuals alike.
Blainville will serve as a central hub for the day’s activities, hosting events at the Equestrian Center, while the town of Saint-Eustache will highlight its local arts scene with the Route des arts, bringing together artists and community members in a celebration of creativity and local culture.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the day will be the Race Without Hunger, a fun competition where participants will customize grocery carts and race them through various courses. This imaginative and interactive event encourages participants to get involved in a lighthearted way while emphasizing the importance of food security. Schoolchildren will also take part in the event through a month-long collection campaign, culminating in a junior version of the cart race.
Innovative Solutions for Long-Term Impact
As an organization that plays a crucial role in redistributing food to those in need, Moisson Laurentides is constantly seeking new ways to make a greater impact in the region. Its efforts, which include partnerships with various local organizations, help provide millions of meals each year to families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the Laurentides.
Through Le Grand Bedon, Moisson Laurentides is not only striving to raise awareness but also to inspire long-term change. The event will focus on community education, fostering a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of food insecurity, while encouraging collective action.
The combination of creative activities, educational initiatives, and community involvement is what sets Le Grand Bedon apart from traditional food drives. By bringing people together in this way, Moisson Laurentides hopes to inspire lasting solutions to food insecurity, making the event a pivotal moment in its ongoing efforts to support those in need.
With widespread participation expected, Le Grand Bedon is poised to become a cornerstone event for the region, blending fun, awareness, and action in the fight against hunger.
The North Shore News volume 20-19
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-19 published October 11th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
