Regulatory Framework for Flood Zones: Information Session on October 21 at 6:30 PM at the Legion Hall in Deux-Montagnes
The Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) has unveiled the preliminary mapping of new flood zones as part of the Quebec government’s initiative to modernize the regulatory framework for waterway management. This map is currently preliminary, with no legal value, and is subject to change until the final flood zone maps are adopted, which is expected in 2025.
The modernization of this regulatory framework is seen as positive news for municipalities like Deux-Montagnes, which have recently installed protective dikes. The new regulations will officially recognize these dikes, but cities must first prove that their flood protection infrastructure (OPI) is safe and meets the highest standards.
“A new regulatory framework is essential, but it must be adjusted to give us more flexibility in its application and ensure consistency with the realities on the ground. It should allow for the development of at-risk areas with more resilient, adapted infrastructure, while minimizing the impact on the population. Moreover, given the number of buildings situated behind protective infrastructure, it is important for the government to clarify the conditions that will reduce the precautionary zone width to 10 meters and ensure that all areas protected by an OPI are recognized when the regulations come into effect,” emphasized Denis Martin, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes.
Information Session on October 21
Like many cities and municipalities in Quebec, Deux-Montagnes has numerous questions about the modernization of the waterway management framework, particularly regarding the method for determining flood zones. The city recognizes that the release of the preliminary maps may cause concern among residents living in flood-prone areas. To address these concerns, an information session has been scheduled with CMM representatives on October 21 at 6:30 PM at the Legion Hall, located at 141 chemin du Grand-Moulin.
Flood Zone Shake-Up: Major Changes Announced Ahead of October 21 Info Session
Boisbriand Welcomes Delegation from Annemasse, France
At the end of September, Boisbriand’s municipal council members enthusiastically welcomed a delegation from Annemasse, France, marking a special occasion that celebrates over two decades of friendship. This relationship, formalized on October 1, 2001, through a “pacte d’amitié” (friendship pact), has been ongoing for 23 years.
The Annemasse delegation was invited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this pact, which could not be celebrated in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to highlight the 50th anniversary of Boisbriand. The three elected officials and two municipal employees from Annemasse engaged in fruitful exchanges with Boisbriand’s local government representatives and toured municipal facilities. The group also participated in a ceremony at City Hall where they signed the city’s guestbook, attended events for Journées de la culture, and visited regional attractions.
Boisbriand Mayor Christine Beaudette expressed her gratitude and the importance of the meeting. “Annemasse, being similar in size to Boisbriand, offers us a fantastic opportunity to discuss our respective realities, and in doing so, we enrich each other’s knowledge. The entire city council has grown from this wonderful human experience, and I sincerely thank our visitors for their openness, generosity, and enthusiasm,” said Mayor Beaudette.
The two cities were first linked in 1987 through the Québec-France student employment exchange program. Their official ties were solidified with the signing of the friendship pact in 2001, followed by the inauguration of Square Boisbriand in Annemasse in 2009. Additionally, Rue d’Annemasse in Boisbriand’s Faubourg neighborhood was named in honor of the French city.
In turn, a Boisbriand municipal delegation will travel to Annemasse in the spring of 2025, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.
16 Young Students Embark on a Hands-On Firefighter Experience
On October 2, 2024, a group of 16 elementary school students from Blainville and Rosemère stepped into the boots of firefighters for a day, in an educational initiative that gave them a rare, immersive glimpse into the everyday life of a fire department. This hands-on event took place at the Blainville fire station and was designed to expose third-grade students to the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a firefighter.
The initiative, titled “Firefighters for a Day,” aimed to spark curiosity and interest in public safety careers while teaching essential skills in fire prevention. Dressed in full firefighter gear, the participants received a guided tour of the fire station, including an up-close look at fire trucks and equipment. Throughout the day, they engaged in various interactive activities such as handling breathing apparatus, practicing search-and-rescue operations, and learning how to safely extinguish small fires. The children even had the chance to put out a controlled fire using an extinguisher, providing them with practical firefighting experience.
The event concluded with a special ceremony where the children were greeted by Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin and Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. Local officials, including councillors Stéphane Dufour and Patrick Marineau, joined the celebration to recognize the students’ efforts and enthusiasm. Each child was presented with a commemorative gift and had the opportunity to sign their respective town’s guest book—a memorable moment to cap off a day filled with adventure and learning.
Mayor Westram expressed his hope that this hands-on experience would encourage students to share their newfound knowledge with friends and family, highlighting the importance of fire safety in the community. Mayor Poulin emphasized that the interactive nature of the event helped deepen the students’ understanding of firefighting and public service.
The 16 students, selected from various schools in the area, represented a diverse group of young learners eager to explore the inner workings of a fire department. Participating schools included École de la Seigneurie, École des Semailles, Pierre Elliott Trudeau School, McCaig School, and Académie Ste-Thérèse, among others. The event brought together students from different backgrounds and educational institutions, fostering a sense of community while promoting safety awareness.
While the day focused on fun and engagement, the underlying message was clear: fire prevention and safety are critical skills that can benefit everyone. The students left with a greater appreciation for the important role firefighters play in protecting their communities—perhaps even inspiring a few to consider a future career in firefighting.
The North Shore News volume 20-18
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-18 published September 27th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
The Importance and Benefits of Personal Document Shredding for Protecting Valuable Information
In an age where data breaches and identity theft are prevalent, protecting personal information has become more crucial than ever. One often overlooked yet vital method of safeguarding sensitive data is through document shredding. The town of Blainville has recognized the significance of this practice and is offering its citizens a valuable opportunity to dispose of their personal documents securely through free shredding services. This initiative, held at the Blainville Ecocentre on September 15, 2024, highlights how local governments can promote responsibility and personal security.
Why Document Shredding Matters
Document shredding is a critical step in preventing identity theft and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information. Many documents we accumulate, such as bank statements, medical records, utility bills, and tax returns, contain personal identifiers—like addresses, account numbers, and social security numbers—that can be exploited by fraudsters. Simply discarding these documents in the trash can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, which can lead to severe financial losses and emotional distress. Shredding these documents destroys sensitive information and makes it nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve and misuse the data.
Benefits of Document Shredding
Protection from Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information without their permission, typically for financial gain. By shredding personal documents, individuals can prevent criminals from accessing valuable information such as social security numbers, financial records, and healthcare details, effectively reducing the risk of identity fraud.
Legal Compliance and Personal Accountability: Various privacy laws and regulations require the secure disposal of sensitive personal information. Proper document shredding can help ensure compliance with legal obligations and show a commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of personal data. This practice is especially important when dealing with medical or financial records, which are often protected by specific laws.
Environmental Responsibility: Many document shredding services, such as the one offered by the Ville de Blainville, often recycle the shredded paper. This promotes environmental sustainability by ensuring that shredded documents do not end up in landfills. Recycling shredded paper helps conserve resources and reduces the environmental footprint, aligning with the larger goals of waste reduction and ecological preservation.
Active Participation in the Community: By utilizing free shredding services, residents contribute to a safer and more secure environment. It also fosters a sense of responsibility, as citizens are actively participating in managing their data securely and disposing of waste properly. In Blainville, proof of residence is required, ensuring the service is available for individual households rather than businesses, which are advised to seek specialized services.
The Vieux Saint-Eustache Public Market: A Community Tradition
The Vieux Saint-Eustache Public Market, now entering its 16th year, has become a vital event for the local community, providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with local agriculture and sustainable food practices. Running every Saturday from June 29 to September 21, 2024, this beloved summer market is more than just a place to shop. It is a weekly celebration of local culture, bringing together farmers, artisans, and food enthusiasts in an atmosphere that fosters a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
The market’s role extends beyond its 50 diverse stalls, offering fresh and prepared local products. It acts as a meeting point where the community can come together, rain or shine, to support local producers and promote sustainability. By encouraging shoppers to bring reusable bags, the market underscores its commitment to reducing environmental impact, reinforcing the importance of conscious consumer behavior.
In 2024, the event expands its contributions to the community with several new features, located at the nearby Maison du citoyen on Saint-Eustache Street. Visitors will have access to a range of free services, including a rest area, a breastfeeding station, and a daycare for young children, enhancing the market’s family-friendly atmosphere. The introduction of a secure parking area for bicycles, scooters, and strollers further promotes eco-friendly transportation options, making the market even more accessible to all.
The “Educational Stop,” another 2024 addition, will be present on select Saturdays, offering opportunities to inform and engage visitors on topics related to agriculture and food production. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also encourages responsible and informed consumer practices, reflecting the market’s broader role in shaping a sustainable and well-informed community.
The Vieux Saint-Eustache Public Market is not just an opportunity to purchase local goods; it is a space for engagement, education, and the celebration of local identity. Through its ongoing evolution and the addition of new services, the market continues to strengthen the community’s bond with its agricultural roots, making it a cornerstone of the local summer experience.
Water Network Looping Project to Begin in Bois-des-Filion
The city of Bois-des-Filion will soon commence an essential water network looping project in collaboration with Terrebonne. Set to begin on September 16, 2024, and expected to last approximately six weeks, the project aims to establish a connection between the two municipalities’ water systems. This interconnection will enhance the security of the water supply in Bois-des-Filion by allowing for mutual assistance in case of emergencies or system malfunctions.
Before the construction starts, general inspections will take place at residences in the affected area of Bois-des-Filion. Inspectors will assess the condition of foundations, driveways, and landscaping at these properties, ensuring that if any damages occur during the construction, proper restoration can be made. Residents do not need to be present for these inspections, as the process is routine and designed to protect their properties.
The construction work will impact the area around Rue Carmelle, between 25th Avenue and the city boundary. During the project, the pedestrian and cyclist pathway that leads to 24th Avenue will be closed for approximately two weeks. This closure is necessary to accommodate the construction, but the city plans to reopen the route once improvements are completed.
Residents in the area will experience a one-day water supply interruption, after which a boil water advisory will be issued for safety. Notifications about the water outage will be delivered to homes through door hangers, ensuring that all affected residents are informed in advance.
In addition to water network upgrades, improvements will be made to the cycling infrastructure at the intersection of the construction area. This includes widening the pathway, installing bollards for safety, paving the route, and enhancing the surrounding landscape. These upgrades are designed to improve both the safety and the aesthetics of the area for cyclists and pedestrians.
Despite the expected disruptions, the city has made it clear that access to homes in Bois-des-Filion will be maintained at all times. Efforts will be made to limit inconvenience to residents, and ongoing communication will ensure that they are kept up to date on the progress of the work.
This water network looping project is a significant step toward securing a more resilient water supply system for Bois-des-Filion, providing long-term benefits for the community.
Whooping Cough Continues to Spread in the North Shore: Health Authorities Urge Vaccination
Health authorities in the Laurentides region are sounding the alarm as whooping cough, or pertussis, continues to spread rapidly. The Public Health Directorate of the Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) reports a sharp rise in cases over the past few months, with infections surging from 41 reported cases in mid-May to an alarming 1,405 by the end of August.
Children under the age of 10 have been hit hardest by the outbreak, especially over the last two weeks. Since the beginning of the year, 32 cases have also been confirmed in infants under one year old, a particularly vulnerable group.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection spread through droplets when an infected person coughs. Initial symptoms mimic those of a cold, but quickly escalate into severe coughing fits. These bouts of coughing can cause difficulty breathing and are often accompanied by a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound. The intense coughing can lead to vomiting and, in some cases, a bluish tinge to the skin due to a lack of oxygen. In infants, who are especially vulnerable, the symptoms can be even more dangerous, with some showing only mild or absent coughs but experiencing serious breathing difficulties, including apnea.
The most at-risk populations include babies under the age of one, who are particularly prone to severe complications that may require hospitalization. Pregnant women who contract the illness in the four weeks leading up to childbirth are also at heightened risk of passing the infection on to their newborns. Health officials stress that vaccination during pregnancy can significantly reduce these risks, preventing up to 90% of hospitalizations and 95% of deaths in infants under three months.
With the school year now underway, the Public Health Directorate is reminding residents of the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date. They are strongly encouraging everyone, especially families with young children, to get vaccinated against whooping cough. By doing so, the spread of this highly infectious disease can be slowed, and the most vulnerable members of the community can be protected.
Vaccinations are available free of charge, and appointments can be made online through Clic Santé or by calling the health service line. Vaccination schedules for children involve multiple doses to ensure long-term protection, starting at 2, 4, and 12 months of age, with boosters required between ages 4 and 6. Pregnant women are advised to receive the vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between the 26th and 32nd week, to safeguard their newborns until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves at two months.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of whooping cough, regardless of vaccination status, should contact Info-Santé at 811 or seek medical advice, particularly if they are in close contact with vulnerable groups such as infants or pregnant women. Those diagnosed with the illness are urged to avoid contact with infants and pregnant women nearing their due date to help prevent further transmission.
For more information on whooping cough, how to recognize its symptoms, and ways to prevent its spread, residents are encouraged to visit the Laurentides Public Health website (santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca).
The North Shore News volume 20-17
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 20-17 published September 13th, 2024.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
North Shore Mayors, Criticize Quebec’s Inadequate Storm Debby Relief Program
Mayors from the North Shore of Montreal, including Denis Martin of Deux-Montagnes, are raising their voices in frustration over the inadequacy of the Quebec government’s aid program for victims of the recent storm Debby. On August 9th, the storm unleashed torrential rains that resulted in widespread flooding across the region. However, the majority of those affected by the disaster are being left out of the government’s compensation program due to restrictive eligibility criteria.
Premier François Legault had initially suggested that the government would expand its compensation program to accommodate more victims. Yet, the guidelines released last week reveal a different reality: only those whose damages were caused by sewer backups linked to the overflow of natural watercourses will qualify for aid. For cities like Deux-Montagnes, where most flooding occurred due to overwhelmed sewers far from any rivers, this exclusion has been particularly devastating.
Denis Martin, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes, expressed his disappointment with the government’s approach, stating that the vast majority of the flooding in his city was due to heavy rainfall that turned streets into torrents, causing sewage systems to back up and flood basements.
The Quebec government has justified its stance by pointing out that private insurers typically cover damages from sewer backups. Public Security Minister François Bonnardel emphasized that the government does not intend to replace private insurers and will only consider cases where sewer backups are directly caused by a river overflow. This decision has left many residents, especially those in areas like Deux-Montagnes, struggling to cover the costs of repairs. Denis Martin and other North Shore mayors argue that this narrow definition of eligibility fails to reflect the realities of the disaster.
They, are calling for a reassessment of the government’s disaster relief program. They argue that it must be adapted to the increasing frequency of severe weather events caused by climate change, which are now impacting areas far from traditional flood zones. The current criteria, they say, leave too many people vulnerable and unsupported in the face of such disasters.
Denis Martin and his colleagues are pushing for immediate changes to the program, stressing that the government must act swiftly to address the gaps in aid and provide meaningful support to all victims of storm Debby, regardless of the source of the flooding.
