Home Blog Page 3

Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac brings winter alive with recreation, wellness and civic engagement

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac brings winter alive with recreation, wellness and civic engagement

As winter settles over Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, the city’s event calendar is filled with opportunities for residents to embrace the season with activity, connection, mindfulness and civic participation. From themed skate nights to outdoor wellness walks and council discussions, the municipality’s winter programming reflects a broad effort to bring people together across age groups and interests.

Disco-Patin Lights Up the Ice
One of the standout recurring offerings this season is the “Disco-patin” series at the Parc Municipal outdoor rink. Running on multiple Saturdays including January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7 and a special extended session on February 14,  the colourful skate evenings combine outdoor exercise with music and social interaction for families, friends and skaters of all skill levels.

These skate gatherings encourage residents to enjoy one of winter’s iconic pastimes in a lively atmosphere, turning a municipal ice surface into both a recreational hub and community meeting place.

Mindful Movement in Winter Landscapes
Beyond skating, the city is promoting wellness-oriented activities that take advantage of local green space even in winter. On January 25 at 10 a.m., a meditative forest walk invites participants aged 16 and older to experience the quiet of the season within Parc de l’Érablière. These slow-paced guided walks focus on mindful engagement with nature and are designed to offer physical and mental refreshment.

Following that, February 8 at 10 a.m. brings another outdoor activity at Parc de la Frayère: “Yoga-neige” for parents and children six and up. This snow-yoga session blends gentle stretching and breath with fresh winter air and provides a unique way for families to stay active together outside.

Municipal Governance in Focus
Civic life remains an integral component of the city’s winter rhythm. Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac’s municipal council will open its session cycle for the year on January 21 at 8 p.m., with a follow-up meeting scheduled for February 11 at 8 p.m. at the council chamber of city hall. These gatherings welcome public attention and input on local governance matters as the city moves deeper into 2026.

A Season of Activity Already Underway
The winter events calendar paints a picture of a municipality actively engaging citizens with a mix of recreation, wellbeing and democratic participation. With skating, outdoor wellness, and structured municipal meetings providing anchors for community life through the colder months, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac continues to build opportunities for connection.

New Faces Join Blainville’s Youth Commission

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
New Faces Join Blainville’s Youth Commission

Blainville has welcomed four new members to its youth advisory body, the Relève Blainville commission, strengthening the voice of young residents in municipal affairs. Caliana Payette, Maude Gagné, Laurence Raynauld, and Léonard Duval recently joined the commission, which serves as a consultative forum for youth aged 16 to 29.

The new appointees share a common goal: to become actively involved in their community and to ensure that the perspectives, priorities, and values of Blainville’s younger generation are reflected in municipal projects and decision making. Through the commission, members are invited to propose ideas, participate in discussions on issues affecting youth, and provide recommendations to the city council.

Their arrival brings the total number of commissioners to seven. The four newcomers will work alongside current members Audrey Daigneault, Carl Picard, and Jennifer Wefu, forming a diverse group intended to represent a broad cross section of Blainville’s youth.

Municipal officials say the commission plays an important role in fostering civic engagement and encouraging younger residents to take part in public life. By offering a structured space for dialogue with elected officials and municipal staff, Relève Blainville aims to bridge the gap between city hall and the next generation of citizens.

Jean-François Pinard, councillor for the Henri-Dunant district and the municipal council’s representative on the commission, welcomed the new members enthusiastically. In a statement, he said he was genuinely excited by the addition of the four recruits, praising their energy, commitment, and abundance of ideas. He added that he looks forward to working with them to help shape the Blainville they envision for the future.

Blainville, located in the Laurentians north of Montreal, has increasingly emphasized youth participation as part of its broader civic strategy. Initiatives like Relève Blainville are designed not only to give young people a say in municipal governance, but also to cultivate leadership skills and long-term engagement in local democracy.

With the arrival of Payette, Gagné, Raynauld, and Duval, the commission is now positioned to continue its work with renewed momentum, bringing fresh perspectives to the table as the city plans its next steps.

Caption: From left to right: Léonard Duval, Caliana Payette, Maude Gagné, and Laurence Raynauld, the newest members of Blainville’s Relève Blainville commission.

Laurentides Health Network Achieves Perfect Pass Rate on Quebec Nursing Exam

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Laurentides Health Network Achieves Perfect Pass Rate on Quebec Nursing Exam

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides (CISSS des Laurentides) is reporting an exceptional result in the latest provincial nursing licensing examination, with all 94 candidates to the nursing profession (CEPI) successfully passing the exam administered by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).

The results, released following the November 2025 examination session, give the CISSS des Laurentides a 100 percent success rate, well above the national average of 88 percent. According to the health authority, this continues a strong trend, with pass rates over the past two years fluctuating between 96 and 100 percent.

Health officials attribute the achievement to several complementary factors, beginning with the quality of college-level education received by the candidates. A large proportion of the newly certified nurses completed their training at the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, an institution that has long been a key feeder for the Laurentides health network.

Beyond academic preparation, the CISSS des Laurentides points to the effectiveness of its structured welcome and integration program for CEPI, designed to support new graduates as they transition into clinical practice. This is complemented by a targeted exam preparation program developed internally by CISSS teams. The program focuses specifically on guiding candidates through exam content and study strategies in the final stages before the OIIQ assessment.

Since the introduction of this preparation initiative several years ago, the CISSS reports a marked improvement in exam outcomes, with success rates consistently remaining above the 90 percent threshold.

“These two programs, created by our teams, help CEPI feel well supported as they begin their careers and prepare for the exam,” said Julie Delaney, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CISSS des Laurentides, in a written statement. “Year after year, the results speak for themselves, with success rates that remain above the national average. I thank our teams for their commitment to supporting CEPI and congratulate the candidates on their success. I also thank them for choosing the Laurentides to begin their careers. Welcome to our organization.”

Retention figures further underline the impact of the program. The CISSS reports that 98 percent of CEPI remain within the Laurentides network following certification. Among the newly licensed nurses, some are continuing their university studies while remaining employed by the CISSS, while others have already taken up permanent positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics.

Officials note that all sectors across the Laurentides region are benefiting from the arrival of these new nurses, at a time when the healthcare system continues to face staffing pressures across Quebec.

The CISSS des Laurentides says it intends to maintain and further refine its support programs, viewing them as essential tools both for professional success and for strengthening long-term workforce stability in the region.

Caption:
Among the newly certified nurses at the CISSS des Laurentides who successfully passed the OIIQ exam are Mélyna Brière, Annabelle Trottier, Julianne Denis, Mary-Lee Lévesque and Shirine Yasmine Mekerri.

Blainville Chiropractor Sanctioned After Disciplinary Body Finds 23 Professional Breaches

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Blainville Chiropractor Sanctioned After Disciplinary Body Finds 23 Professional Breaches

A chiropractor practising in Blainville has been temporarily barred from the profession after Quebec’s disciplinary authorities concluded he committed a wide range of serious professional violations over several years.

The disciplinary council of the Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec has found Jean-Philippe Lamb guilty on 23 counts following a formal complaint filed by the order’s syndic. The misconduct occurred between 2017 and 2024 and involved patients treated at his clinic in Blainville.

According to the council’s decision, the infractions covered fundamental aspects of professional practice. Investigators determined that Mr. Lamb repeatedly failed to carry out complete clinical evaluations and did not always obtain patients’ free and informed consent before proceeding with treatment. The council also cited significant breaches in record-keeping obligations, including the presence of inaccurate or incomplete information in patient files.

Beyond administrative and clinical shortcomings, the disciplinary body concluded that the chiropractor engaged in conduct deemed unbecoming of the profession toward certain female patients. The ruling also highlights instances where Mr. Lamb exceeded the legal scope of chiropractic practice in Quebec. Among the violations retained by the council were the unauthorized use of dry needling techniques and the recommendation of medications, acts that fall outside the competencies granted to chiropractors under provincial regulations.

Mr. Lamb entered a guilty plea to all 23 charges, a factor that was taken into account during the sanctioning phase of the proceedings. The council imposed a temporary suspension from practice lasting 24 months. In addition, he was ordered to pay fines totaling $7,500, cover all associated disciplinary costs, and assume the expense of publishing the decision, a measure intended to inform the public and reinforce professional accountability.

In its reasoning, the council emphasized that the sanctions reflect both the number of violations and their seriousness, particularly where patient safety, consent, and professional boundaries are concerned. Regulatory bodies in Quebec are mandated to protect the public, and disciplinary decisions such as this one are meant to underscore the standards expected of health professionals.

The ruling serves as a reminder that chiropractors, like all regulated health practitioners, are subject to strict ethical and professional obligations. Failure to respect those obligations can result in significant disciplinary consequences, including suspension from practice and financial penalties.

The North Shore News volume 22-01

NSN Staff
-
0
The North Shore News volume 22-01

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 22-01 published January 9th, 2026.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

The North Shore News volume 21-24

NSN Staff
-
0
The North Shore News volume 21-24

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-24 published December 19th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Temporary Transfer of Saint-Eustache Birth Unit to Saint-Jérôme Announced

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Temporary Transfer of Saint-Eustache Birth Unit to Saint-Jérôme Announced

The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides has announced a temporary relocation of the birth unit at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache to Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme, revising an earlier plan that had called for a transfer to Laval.

According to the CISSS des Laurentides, the transfer would have taken effect on December 12, 2025, at 8 a.m. and is expected to last approximately three months. The decision follows what the organization described as an exceptional mobilization of obstetrician-gynecologists, family physicians who attend deliveries, and care teams from both Saint-Eustache and Saint-Jérôme.

Initially, health authorities had announced that birth services from Saint-Eustache would be temporarily moved to Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval as of December 5. However, the CISSS indicated that the strong collaboration between medical staff and care teams made it possible to maintain services at Saint-Eustache for an additional week and then relocate them to Saint-Jérôme instead of Laval.

As of December 12, the physicians and care teams from the Saint-Eustache birth unit will continue their work at Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme. Pregnant women will therefore receive care from the same medical and nursing teams, but in a different location. The CISSS des Laurentides stated that this sustained collaboration between the two hospitals’ birth units is intended to ensure continuity of care for expectant mothers across the Laurentides region.

Health authorities emphasized that the situation is temporary and is primarily due to a significant shortage of obstetrician-gynecologists at the Saint-Eustache birth unit. The CISSS des Laurentides said it is continuing recruitment efforts in order to restore delivery services at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache as quickly as possible.

No action is required from pregnant women who had planned to give birth at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache. They will be informed directly by the health professional overseeing their pregnancy follow-up. Additional information is available on the “Labour and Delivery” page of the CISSS des Laurentides website.

Rosemère Unveils 2026 Municipal Calendar Featuring Citizen Artwork and Local Pollinators

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Rosemère Unveils 2026 Municipal Calendar Featuring Citizen Artwork and Local Pollinators

The Town of Rosemère has announced the upcoming release of its 2026 municipal calendar, a free publication that combines civic information with artwork created by local residents. The calendar will be available to the public starting December 18 at several municipal service points across the town, according to a notice issued by municipal authorities.

Residents will be able to pick up the calendar at Town Hall, the H.J. Hemens Public Library, the Memorial Community Centre, the Recreation Department, and the Public Works Department. In addition to printed copies, an electronic version will be posted on the town’s official website, where it can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format

This year’s edition takes the form of a collective work, created through a public contest held earlier in the year. The theme of the contest was “Monarchs and other Rosemère pollinators,” and residents were invited to submit photographs and artworks inspired by pollinating species found in the municipality. Fourteen selected images were chosen to illustrate the calendar.

Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre acknowledged the strong response from the community, noting in a statement that many submissions were received and that the selection process was challenging due to the quality of the entries. She highlighted the role of monarch butterflies and other pollinators in preserving biodiversity and thanked participants for contributing their creative work to the project

Beyond its artistic component, the calendar serves a practical purpose, providing residents with an overview of municipal activities, important dates, and community events throughout the year. Municipal officials described it as a planning tool that also reflects Rosemère’s commitment to citizen participation and environmental awareness.

To ensure accessibility, the town has indicated that residents with mobility issues who are unable to visit one of the distribution points may request that a copy be mailed to them. Requests can be made by contacting the municipal communications department by email.

The Town of Rosemère stated that the calendar is intended to be both informative and representative of the community, highlighting local talent while drawing attention to environmental themes relevant to the region.

Rosemère Adopts 2026 Budget Emphasizing Financial Prudence and Long Term Sustainability

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Rosemère Adopts 2026 Budget Emphasizing Financial Prudence and Long Term Sustainability

Rosemère Town Council has formally adopted its 2026 municipal budget, following a special council meeting held on December 8. The budget outlines the municipality’s financial priorities for the coming year and reflects what officials describe as a cautious and forward looking approach to fiscal management.

Presented by Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre, the 2026 budget includes an operating budget of $43,567,000. For the average residential property owner, the general property tax will increase by three percent. Residential taxpayers will also contribute an average of $54 toward the infrastructure fund, representing approximately 1.5 percent of the overall tax bill

Municipal officials cited several factors that shaped the budget, including the tax shift associated with the 2024 to 2026 assessment roll and increased financial contributions to partner organizations. Among these is a five percent increase in Rosemère’s contribution to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, resulting in a 0.5 percent increase in the special public transit tax.

To address the impact of assessment changes, the town has introduced a revised tax strategy for non residential properties. The new two tiered structure is intended to reduce the burden on smaller businesses affected by rising property values

The budget also includes measures aimed at long term environmental and financial sustainability. An annual allocation of $100,000 has been set aside to create a climate resilience fund, and a new progressive water pricing system has been introduced to encourage responsible water use. The pricing applies to consumption exceeding a base threshold of 40,000 imperial gallons, with certain exemptions.

In addition, Rosemère has adopted a five year capital plan, replacing the previous three year framework. Municipal leaders say this change will allow for better project sequencing, improved access to funding, and greater flexibility in adjusting priorities as needed.

Detailed budget documents are available on the Town of Rosemère’s website.

Record Donations Collected During Rosemère’s Annual Guignolée Food Drive

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Record Donations Collected During Rosemère’s Annual Guignolée Food Drive

Rosemère’s annual Guignolée food drive has once again demonstrated strong community participation, with this year’s edition resulting in record donations for families in need, according to figures released by the town.

The event took place on Saturday, November 29, and mobilized more than 230 volunteers across the municipality. By the end of the day, organizers reported the collection of $37,562 in cash donations, along with 218 boxes of non perishable food items

Two local organizations played key roles in supporting the drive. The Corporation de développement culturel et sportif de Rosemère contributed $5,000, while Jeunesse Action Rosemère assisted with the collection process and provided lunch for volunteers participating in the operation.

Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre highlighted the level of citizen engagement in a statement, noting that the turnout and results reflected the generosity and solidarity of Rosemère residents. She also acknowledged the involvement of town council members and volunteers who helped coordinate the event

The town confirmed that donated food items will be used by the Service d’aide alimentaire Saint Maurice, Paroisse Saint Luc, to prepare Christmas baskets for families. Cash donations will be transferred to Entraide Rosemère, which will use the funds to purchase and distribute food vouchers within the community.

Municipal officials emphasized that all donations collected through the Guignolée remain local and are directed toward residents experiencing food insecurity during the holiday season.

For those who were unable to participate in the door to door drive, the town noted that donations are still being accepted. Cash contributions can be made through the H.J. Hemens Public Library or by contacting Entraide Rosemère directly. Non perishable food items can be dropped off at several municipal locations until December 19.

The Guignolée continues to be a longstanding tradition in Rosemère, serving as a collective effort to support vulnerable families at a critical time of year.

1234...137Page 3 of 137

Weather

Rosemère
broken clouds
13 ° C
13 °
12.1 °
71 %
7.7kmh
75 %
Mon
12 °
Tue
10 °
Wed
-5 °
Thu
1 °
Fri
1 °