‘Sundays in the Gardens’ Transforms into ‘Wednesdays on the Promenade!'”
The City of Saint-Eustache announced a series of exciting outdoor performances every Wednesday evening in August 2023. The newly named “Wednesdays on the Promenade,” presented by Hydro-Québec, will take place at 7 p.m. on the picturesque Paul-Sauvé Promenade. This initiative replaces the popular “Sundays in the Gardens” event, which temporarily moved to the gardens of the Globensky Manor in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Raymond Tessier, President of the Commission for Arts and Culture Development, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Returning these performances to the Paul-Sauvé Promenade is a way to reconnect with our roots. We are delighted to offer the residents of Saint-Eustache a cultural evening right in the middle of the week, transforming a simple stroll on the promenade into a lively and festive experience.”
Mayor Pierre Charron added, “The Paul-Sauvé Promenade is always buzzing with vibrant energy, especially during the summer months. I am thrilled to see these performances return to the riverside. I invite all the residents of Saint-Eustache to infuse their Wednesday evenings with this wonderful atmosphere!”
Vincent Vallières at “Wednesdays on the Promenade”
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for August 9th, as the outdoor performance will feature the renowned singer-songwriter Vincent Vallières. Known for his hits such as “On va s’aimer encore,” “À hauteur d’homme,” and the recent release “Elle n’entend plus battre son cœur,” Vallières promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The complete program, will be revealed in July 2023.
Rainy Day Plan: La petite église Cabaret Spectacle
In the event of rain, the performance will be moved to the charming La petite église Cabaret Spectacle located at 271 Saint-Eustache Street. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. No tickets are required for entry, residents are notified that seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To confirm the alternate venue in case of rain, visitors are kindly asked to visit the “Agenda” section of the City’s official website, www.saint-eustache.ca, on the day of the performance.
The organizing committee, along with the key stakeholders, of the Canada Day celebrations in Deux-Montagnes.
The program for the 52nd edition of Canada Day celebration in Deux-Montagnes was unveiled at a press conference held on June 5th at City Hall. The Mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Denis Martin, and the President of the Organizing Committee for Canada Day in the MRC Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Tom Whitton, invited the entire population of the MRC to gather in large numbers on Saturday, July 1st, at Central Park in Deux-Montagnes.
This celebration, organized by a committee of volunteers in collaboration with the City of Deux-Montagnes, is the only celebration of Canadian Confederation in the northern crown of Montreal and one of the few in the Laurentians. “It is an honor for the City of Deux-Montagnes to be a partner of Canada Day, an event that always brings people together from the region. It is also a privilege to rely on an exceptional committee of volunteers. Their valuable involvement allows thousands of people to celebrate our pride in being Canadian with a diverse program that reflects our image,” said Mr. Denis Martin, Mayor of Deux-Montagnes.
“After virtual celebrations due to the pandemic, last year’s outdoor celebrations were a great success with about 10,000 people gathered at Central Park. We are looking forward to experiencing this festive atmosphere with friends and families again,” emphasized Mr. Tom Whitton from the organizing committee. “Deux-Montagnes is by far the best place to celebrate Canada Day in the North Shore. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, the City of Deux-Montagnes, the Government of Canada, and the Caisse Desjardins de Saint-Eustache-Deux-Montagnes, for their significant contribution to our heritage and landmark event.”
Mr. Whitton expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers who came together to lend a helping hand this year. “Last year, the entire burden of organizing the event rested on the shoulders of just five individuals. We are delighted that this year, the organizing committee has grown to include at least 14 dedicated individuals,” he said appreciatively.
This time around Mr Whitton will also have a co-animator. Mrs Lina Lapointe will share the podium during the festivities.
A vibrant and inclusive program for families of all ages
Commencing at 11 a.m., an extensive array of family-oriented activities will be available on-site, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees. The festivities will encompass a wide range of engaging attractions, such as inflatable games, face painting for children, train rides, a thrilling horseshoe tournament, exciting rounds of bingo, and much more.
A noteworthy addition to this year’s celebration is the introduction of an artisan’s market, scheduled to operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This market will showcase the creative talents of local artisans, offering visitors an opportunity to explore and purchase unique handmade crafts and artworks. At the time of the press release, it was confirmed that at least 15 artisans from the community had enthusiastically committed to participate, promising an enriching experience for all patrons.
Following the exhilarating opening ceremony at 12 p.m., an adrenaline-pumping children’s race will take center stage, ensuring young participants can showcase their speed and agility in a fun-filled competition. And for those seeking a playful challenge, the eagerly anticipated egg toss event will commence at 2:30 p.m., where participants will test their coordination and teamwork skills as they toss and catch eggs with utmost care.
These engaging activities and events are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for families, offering a mix of entertainment, camaraderie, and friendly competition throughout the day. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant and memorable Canada Day celebration in Deux-Montagnes.To animate the site, musical performances will be offered continuously from 3 p.m. to midnight. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the sky at 10 p.m!
The honorary president
Every year, the Canada Day Committee recognizes an individual from the community who contributes to the life of the region by granting them the title of Honorary President of the celebrations. The Organizing Committee announced that in 2023, the person who will assume this role is Mr. Trevor Horwood. Mr. Horwood is the outgoing President of the Deux-Montagnes Softball Association. He has been a dedicated volunteer for over twenty years, serving as a coach, supervisor, and, since 2010, as the president and vice-president of the sports association.
“An important step towards greater municipal autonomy,” rejoices Mayor Westram
The mayor of Rosemère, Eric Westram, has joined the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) in welcoming Bill 22 on expropriation, introduced by the Quebec government on May 25th.
Bill 22 allows, following the expropriation of residences, a compensation of up to $20,000 for personal value to the owner and up to $5,000 for disturbance, annoyance, and inconvenience.
“The introduction of this bill is an important milestone in the issue of municipal autonomy, a longstanding request from municipalities through, among others, the Union des municipalités du Québec, our association representing us to the government. It is an important tool in urban planning, particularly in the context of combating climate change and housing shortages,” explained Mayor Westram.
He also emphasized the great listening and, above all, the action taken by Prime Minister François Legault, Minister of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility Geneviève Guilbault, as well as Groulx MP and Minister of Finance Eric Girard, in relation to this crucial issue for the sound management of Quebec’s municipalities.
The devil is in the details
While pleased to see this important matter progressing, the mayor mentioned his desire to wait for the final text of the law and its adoption before further commenting: “As the saying goes, the devil is in the details! I have tasked our team with closely following the issue in order to fully understand the ins and outs of the current project, as well as the parliamentary work that will have an impact on the finer details of the law, if it were to be officially adopted as announced.”
In conclusion, Mayor Westram emphasizes that this new law, once in effect, will be another tool at the disposal of the city to build a proud, green, and prosperous community in Rosemère.
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 19-12 published June 16th, 2023. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, June 16th, 2023 issue.
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 19-11 published June 2nd, 2023. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, June 2nd, 2023 issue.
The City of Sainte-Thérèse requests Canadian Pacific to cease clear-cutting along the railway track
In April of this year, the Canadian Pacific (CP) company began cutting down healthy mature trees on its own land along the railway track near the level crossings in Sainte-Thérèse. Following complaints from residents on Rue de Rouen and Rue des Ormes, located near Rue Blainville Ouest, Mayor Christian Charron, District Councillor Héloïse Bélanger, and the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department have exerted pressure to immediately halt this clear-cutting.
The City of Sainte-Thérèse is thus requesting CP to commit to ceasing these unacceptable practices nationwide, adopting a comprehensive vegetation control policy that is environmentally conscious, and adequately informing municipalities of any upcoming work by detailing the safety reasons given.
“This abusive tree cutting is unacceptable. It has a direct impact on the quality of life of our citizens and the environment. In the context of a climate emergency, preserving trees that are not diseased or posing a danger is everyone’s responsibility, including CP. The municipal council wishes to reiterate its demand to the officials of the Canadian Pacific company and Transport Canada to immediately cease the clear-cutting and develop a protocol for maintaining greenery while ensuring safety,” said Mayor Christian Charron of Sainte-Thérèse.
“There is evidently a legal loophole when it comes to preserving nature on private property. Theoretically, CP could eliminate all green spaces on its land without any valid reason and spread herbicides everywhere, and it would not be illegal, although absolutely immoral in the current context where the environmental contribution of trees in urban areas is absolutely necessary, especially to counteract the effects of heat islands,” added District Councillor Héloïse Bélanger.
“Last week, I informed the Federal Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, about the situation and urged CP to stop behaving recklessly without caring for a single moment about the consequences their actions could have on the environment and the citizens of Sainte-Thérèse. While we recognize the company’s right to act for safety reasons, that does not exempt CP from doing so in a reasonable and responsible manner, respecting the citizens and the environment. Acting wildly like this, clearing everything to avoid having to bother, is not the kind of behavior expected from a good corporate citizen,” said the Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville, Louise Chabot.
At present, CP has informed the City of Sainte-Thérèse that only half of the pruning work at one of the three level crossings near Rue Blainville Ouest has been completed, and further operations are planned near the level crossings on Rue Turgeon and Rue Saint-Louis in June. CP has also mentioned its intention to use herbicides to prevent vegetation regrowth. In response, the City of Sainte-Thérèse, in collaboration with the office of the federal Member of Parliament for the Thérèse-De Blainville riding, Louise Chabot, will continue to exert pressure on CP and Transport Canada in favor of these changes.
Residential fire prevention visits in the lake district
From June to October, residents in the Lake District in Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac should not be surprised if firefighters from the Fire Safety Service knock on their doors. Prevention visits will be conducted to check various safety points in residences, particularly related to smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These visits will take place from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Smoke detectors: regulation update
The intermunicipal Fire Safety Service of Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac wants to provide the public with important information regarding recent changes to the smoke detector regulation (regulation 1140). These modifications aim to enhance fire safety measures within residential properties. The updated regulation mandates that smoke detectors powered by batteries, which have reached their 10-year lifespan from the manufacturing date indicated on the unit, must be replaced.
Under the new requirements, residents are now obligated to replace their expiring smoke detectors with models that feature long-lasting, non-removable lithium batteries. These lithium batteries are specifically designed to have a lifespan of 10 years. By implementing this regulation, the Fire Safety Service aims to ensure that smoke detectors in residential properties remain functional and reliable, offering effective early warning systems in the event of a fire.
The decision to introduce these changes stems from the recognized importance of maintaining properly functioning smoke detectors. Smoke detectors play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property by promptly detecting the presence of smoke and issuing timely alerts. By mandating the use of long-lasting lithium batteries, the Fire Safety Service aims to provide homeowners with a reliable and durable power source for their smoke detectors, reducing the likelihood of battery failures and ensuring consistent protection.
These regulatory updates are part of the ongoing efforts to improve fire prevention and safety measures in the Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac regions. The Fire Safety Service encourages residents to comply with the new requirements by replacing their outdated battery-powered smoke detectors with the recommended models featuring non-removable lithium batteries. By adhering to these regulations, residents contribute to creating a safer living environment for themselves and their communities.
The cities of Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, and Rosemère have come together to initiate an intermunicipal campaign called “Let’s Reduce Our Water Consumption.” The primary objective of this campaign is to increase awareness among the population about the importance of using drinking water responsibly. By highlighting the various ways in which water is utilized, the campaign aims to encourage individuals to reconsider their consumption habits and adopt more sustainable practices.
One of the key aspects emphasized by the campaign is the limited nature of water as a resource. By addressing different uses of water, such as watering lawns, bathing, showering, and other domestic purposes, the initiative seeks to draw attention to the fact that water is not an infinite supply and must be used judiciously. It aims to encourage individuals to reflect on their daily routines and make conscious efforts to reduce unnecessary water wastage.
Watering lawns, for example, is a common practice that often involves excessive water usage. The campaign seeks to promote alternatives such as using efficient irrigation systems, collecting rainwater for gardening, or selecting drought-resistant plants that require less water. By suggesting these alternatives, the campaign aims to empower individuals to make informed choices that contribute to water conservation.
This initiative is part of the Quebec Strategy for Potable Water Conservation 2019-2025, an undertaking by Réseau Environnement, the Fédération québécoise des municipalités, the Union des municipalités du Québec, as well as the cities of Montreal and Quebec City.
Considering that Quebec is one of the largest consumers of water in the world, the intermunicipal campaign “Let’s Reduce Our Water Consumption” sheds light on an issue that affects the entire population. By 2025, all municipalities will be required to reduce the amount of water distributed per person by 20% compared to the year 2015. The wise use of drinking water begins in every household, on a daily basis.
“Citizens everywhere must make small efforts by changing certain habits so that our cities can achieve the goals and thereby preserve our future quality of life,” explained Gilles Blanchette, the mayor of Bois-des-Filion. “We are doing this for ourselves, but also for future generations.”
“As water is a vital issue of the 21st century, we must adopt environmentally responsible actions and reduce our consumption of drinking water starting now. The multiplication of small actions by the population and municipalities leads to significant changes. Let’s all act together right now!” emphasized Jean Comtois, the mayor of Lorraine.
“Every action counts, and it is the sum of our efforts that makes a difference,” stated Mayor Eric Westram. “As the saying goes, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.’ Let’s make wise and environmentally responsible choices together for the future.”
The City of Saint-Eustache Adopts Two New Environmental Grant Programs
Mayor Pierre Charron of Saint-Eustache and Municipal Councilor and Chair of the Environmental and Beautification Commission, Isabelle Lefebvre, announced two new financial assistance programs related to the environment. Following cloth diapers and electric vehicle charging stations, the City is now providing a subsidy to citizens who have purchased rainwater collection barrels and electric lawnmowers, with the aim of encouraging eco-friendly behaviors.
“We have just adopted our Climate Change Action Plan, and these financial assistance programs are one of the concrete measures we are implementing to reduce the environmental impact of the City. It is through small actions, together, that we will make a difference for future generations,” said Mayor Pierre Charron of Saint-Eustache.
Rainwater Collection Barrels
The use of rainwater collection barrels helps reduce the amount of drinking water used, among other things, for watering flower beds, vegetable gardens, and lawns, or for vehicle washing and other outdoor household cleaning purposes. The City is offering a financial assistance of $30 for the purchase of rainwater collection barrels.
To avail themselves of this financial assistance, citizens must fill out the online form and provide the required supporting documents no later than 6 months after the purchase of the barrel. Only one financial assistance per address and per applicant is allowed.
Electric Lawnmowers
Maintaining lawns using an electric lawnmower reduces greenhouse gas emissions and ensures neighborhood tranquility, as electric mowers are considerably quieter than gasoline mowers. Therefore, the City is providing a financial assistance of $75 for the purchase of an electric lawnmower.
To avail themselves of this financial assistance, citizens must fill out the online form and provide the required supporting documents no later than 6 months after the purchase of the lawnmower. Only one financial assistance per address and per applicant is allowed.
“These two new financial assistance programs encourage the residents of Saint-Eustache to make more environmentally-friendly choices, benefiting the entire community in the long run. This aligns perfectly with the City’s Environmental Policy,” added Councilor Isabelle Lefebvre, Chair of the Environmental and Beautification Commission.
The City Council of Rosemère announced the appointment of Jean-François Gauthier
The City Council of Rosemère announced the appointment of Jean-François Gauthier as the Director of Legal Services and Town Clerk. Mr. Gauthier assumed his new position on May 1, taking over from Catherine Blais-Adam, who was appointed as the General Manager in December 2022.
According to the city’s announcement, “Mr. Gauthier brings a wealth of experience in the municipal field to his new role. He has previously held leadership positions as the head of the legal department and Town Clerk for the municipalities of Saint-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur. Additionally, he has served as a legal counsel and Town Clerk for the municipality of Sainte-Julie. As a member in good standing of the Barreau du Québec, the professional association of lawyers in Quebec, Mr. Gauthier is well-qualified to provide legal guidance and support to the Town Council. Moreover, his educational background includes an MBA with a specialization in the management of cities, towns, and metropolitan areas, further enhancing his qualifications for the role.”
Catherine Blais-Adam, the General Manager of the Town of Rosemère, expressed her pride in welcoming Mr. Gauthier to the team. She highlighted his ability to provide strategic and legal advice, which will be instrumental in shaping the town’s decisions. Ms. Blais-Adam also emphasized Mr. Gauthier’s active participation in social and professional organizations, underscoring his strong interpersonal skills.
Eric Westram, the Mayor of the Town of Rosemère, acknowledged Mr. Gauthier’s extensive experience in various municipalities and his recent position as an administrative judge with the Commission d’accès à l’information, a government body responsible for access to information. Mayor Westram lauded Mr. Gauthier as an exceptional asset for the town and expressed well wishes for his successful career in Rosemère.
