The current issue of The North Shore News volume 19-10 published May 19th, 2023.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
The North Shore News volume 19-10
A new partnership between RIPTB and Maison d’accueil le Mitan
With a goal to improve support for victims of domestic violence
The Régie de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) and the Maison d’accueil le Mitan have joined forces to improve the services offered to victims of domestic violence in their community. Through a new memorandum of understanding, signed between the two organizations, victims of domestic and coercive violence will now receive better support and follow-up services. The agreement allows police officers to communicate victims’ personal information directly to Mitan, following a police intervention, so that they can receive follow-up support within 48 hours.
This new agreement is an important step forward in improving the safety and well-being of women in the community. According to Chief Inspector Serge Harvey, in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division, the new agreement will improve the services offered to women who are not only victims of domestic violence but also those affected by coercive violence. The partnership between the Régie de police and Mitan will provide greater access to support services for women who need it most.
Maison d’accueil le Mitan is a shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children, located in Sainte-Thérèse. The organization has been working in partnership with the RIPTB for emergency accommodation for several years. The new agreement will allow them to offer external services to a greater number of women who need help by quickly contacting them following a police intervention.
The Mitan approach is focused on empowering women to identify possible choices and position themselves. The organization works in complete confidentiality and in alliance with the woman. They offer various services, including outpatient services, consultations by appointment, domestic violence awareness groups, and much more. Women with questions or in need of advice on domestic violence can contact Mitan directly at 450-435-3651.
This new agreement is a positive development in the fight against domestic violence in the community. It is an important step towards improving the safety and well-being of women who are victims of domestic and coercive violence. The RIPTB and Mitan partnership is an example of how organizations can work together to provide support and services to women who need it most. More needs to be done to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place. The community must work together to address the root causes of domestic violence and to create a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence according to the RIPTB annopuncement. Organizations like the RIPTB and Maison d’accueil le Mitan play an important role in this effort.
Rosemère recognizes outstanding community members: Honouring five residents and one organization as exceptional citizens
This April 22, the City of Rosemère held its Honored Citizen awards ceremony, where it recognized the excellence of five of its residents and one organization. The winners’ families and friends as well as a number of dignitaries attended this gala evening where the awards were presented in the form of a certificate and an honorary medallion. The award recipients also had the opportunity to sign the municipality’s Golden Book.
This tradition of holding an Honored Citizen event began in 2017 and is held every two years. Nominations are submitted in 11 distinct categories: Culture, Community, Environment, Humanitarian, Sports, Education, Youth, Business, Science, Technologies and New Media, and Posthumous.
In 2019, the City added an award named in honor of one of its most prominent builders and former mayors in Rosemère’s history: the Yvan-Deschênes Award.
For the 2023 edition, the selection committee has chosen the following award recipients:
– Harry-Vincent Miko, for his social and academic skills as well as for his medals won at Expo-Sciences and Super Expo-Sciences Hydro-Québec (in the Science and Education categories).
– Elisabeth Dohrendorf, for her nearly 40 years of volunteer work with Rosemère’s Meals-on-Wheels (Community category).
– Matt Cullen, for his exemplary perseverance and his title of World Junior Champion on the 10-metre platform, awarded by the Official FINA World Junior Championships (Sports category).
– Caroline Foley, for her volunteer work and dedication to the promotion of artists in the region (Culture category)
– Walter F. Young, for his volunteer work with numerous organizations in Rosemère as well as at the provincial and national levels (Posthumous category)
– Académie des arts Trouve ta voie, for helping people with differences to develop their artistic abilities and to find fulfillment through art (Yvan-Deschênes Award)
In this statement, Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding contributions made by the residents and organization being honored. He acknowledged the effort that went into the nomination process by thanking those who took the time to submit a nomination. This reinforces the idea that this event is a community effort, rather than a decision made solely by the mayor or other officials.
“We are honoring residents and an organization that do our town proud! This event gives us a chance to highlight their work, their commitment, their perseverance and their determination. These residents and this organization are truly outstanding and serve as inspiring examples for all Rosemerites. I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination,” stated Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram.
Remembering André Ouellet: A Beloved Volunteer and Community Leader
One of Deux-Montagnes’ great volunteers passed away on April 25, 2023. Mr. André Ouellet, was well known for his community spirit and his sense of mutual aid. The City of Deux-Montagnes offered its most sincere condolences to Mr. Ouellet’s family and loved ones.
A citizen devoted to his community, André Ouellet was an active volunteer until his last breath. Involved for many years in the food aid community, first with the parish, he founded the organization Dépannage Saint-Agapit (offering food assistance) in 1995 with his wife Cécile. He was still a director, having left the seat of the presidency just a few years ago. He also worked with the Maison des Citoyens and the Agapé Deux-Montagnes organization, meeting the basic needs of citizens in precarious situations.
For more than three decades, Mr. Ouellet was the mainstay of the organization of Christmas baskets in Deux-Montagnes. Helping low-income families and individuals had been a full-time job for him since his retirement. More than second nature, mutual aid and solidarity defined this exceptional man.
In 2014, André Ouellet received the Prix Hommage Volontariat-Québec from the National Assembly of Quebec, recognizing his extraordinary commitment and the richness of his actions. In 2016, the City of Deux-Montagnes also paid tribute to him by designating the community hall of the Maison des Citoyens as the André and Cécile Ouellet hall.
The mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Denis Martin, saddened by the news of Mr. Ouellet’s death, was full of praise for this citizen with a big heart: “André Ouellet devoted a large part of his life to reach out to fellow citizens, a bit like a guardian angel for people in need. It is a huge loss for our city. The richness of his involvement will have left indelible traces and his boundless commitment will remain in our memories for a long time. On my behalf and on behalf of the members of the municipal council, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Ouellet.
Saint-Eustache’s Proactive Measures for Citizen Safety During Spring Flood Season
The city of Saint-Eustache is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens during the spring flood season. The Mille Îles River is particularly prone to flooding during this time, which is why the city is closely monitoring the river’s movements and urging residents to take precautions to protect their property.
Residents living in flood-prone areas are advised to take the necessary steps to prevent damage to their homes and belongings. They are instructed to move valuable items from basements to higher floors, elevate items on shelves or tables, and safely store hazardous products that could contaminate their homes and harm their health.
The city is also providing sandbags to residents to help prevent floodwater from entering their homes. Sandbags can be obtained at the Henri-Renaud fire station with proof of residency.
In addition, the city encourages residents to sign up for the automated alert system that notifies citizens of emergency situations by phone, email, or text message. This system will keep residents informed of any major events or evacuation notices, as well as water boil advisories, road closures, and major construction work.
Another important reason why citizens should be prepared for flooding is to ensure their safety. Floodwaters can be dangerous, and in extreme cases, they can be life-threatening. Being aware of the risks and taking the necessary precautions can help citizens avoid injury or even death.
Moreover, being prepared for springtime flooding can also help to reduce the burden on emergency services. When citizens take preventive measures, it can lessen the need for emergency services to respond to incidents and allow them to focus their efforts on those who require immediate assistance.
To stay informed, residents can also visit the city’s website and social media pages, as well as the Ministry of Public Security and the Montreal Metropolitan Community websites for additional resources and information.
Rosemère’s Dandelion Challenge!
For the second year in a row, the City of Rosemère is participating in the Dandelion Challenge, an initiative of Miel & Co. The challenge encourages Quebecers to delay mowing their lawns to provide nectar and pollen for bees, which is important for the start of plant pollination season and providing one-third of our food. There are no specific dates for the challenge since the grass is not at the same stage in the different regions of Quebec.
The City of Rosemère will be mowing its green spaces except for sports fields at the right time before the seeds are dispersed. Citizens are also invited to delay the first mowing to benefit bees and pollinating insects.
The Dandelion Challenge is a great opportunity for Rosemerites to support local pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. Delaying the first mowing can help to give bees and other pollinators a much-needed boost to their populations, which in turn can ensure that our food supply remains plentiful.
Although dandelions are often seen as a pest or an unwelcome weed by many people, they have many beneficial qualities. They are not just a source of pollen and nectar for bees, but also a source of nutrients and medicinal compounds. The leaves of the dandelion plant are rich in vitamins and minerals, and the roots can be used to make tea with numerous health benefits.
Furthermore, the dandelion plant can also help to fight climate change by improving soil quality with its deep roots, which can in turn help to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. By allowing dandelions and other spring flowers to grow, we can help to promote healthy soil and a healthy ecosystem, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The city of Rosemère cautions residents that it’s important to note that the Dandelion Challenge does not mean that lawns should be left unmanageable. Instead, the challenge encourages delaying the first mowing of lawns until the dandelions and other spring flowers have had a chance to provide pollinators with the nutrients they need.
The Dandelion Challenge is an excellent way for residents to support local pollinators and promote a healthy ecosystem. Delaying the first mowing can ensure that bees and other pollinators have the resources they need to thrive. So, the next time anyone sees a neighbor’s yard full of dandelions, there is no need to be alarmed, as it is for a good cause!
The North Shore News volume 19-09
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 19-09 published May 5th, 2023.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
The CISSS des Laurentides launches its first Podcast series
The Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) has launched its first podcast series called “Living Environments and More” to offer an insight into the world of CHSLDs (Centre d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée), which are long-term care facilities for elderly people or those with disabilities. The series aims to present the experiences and perspectives of various individuals involved in the care of CHSLD residents, including the residents themselves, their families, staff, doctors, and managers.
The podcast series is rooted in the desire to provide the best possible care tailored to the needs of each resident. By presenting different viewpoints, the series aims to give listeners a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals involved in the care of CHSLD residents. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and communication among all stakeholders to ensure the well-being and quality of life of residents.
Listeners can expect to gain insight into the daily lives of CHSLD residents and the people who care for them. The podcast covers various topics, including the challenges of caring for residents with cognitive or physical disabilities, the importance of socialization and engagement, and the role of technology in improving the quality of life of residents.
Overall, the “Living Environments and More” podcast series is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the challenges and rewards of providing long-term care for elderly and disabled individuals. It provides an opportunity for listeners to gain a better understanding of the complexities involved in caring for these individuals and highlights the importance of compassion, collaboration, and innovation in improving their quality of life.In the wake of the transformation of long-term accommodation settings begun in 2021, and with a view to improving the quality of life of residents, the theme of CHSLDs imposed itself for this first Podcast series.
“I am very proud of this project, which aims to promote our CHSLDs and speak positively about these living environments that are too little or poorly known to the population. The stories that are told by the participants are beautiful and inspiring, and they allow us to better understand the daily lives of the people who live in our CHSLDs and who work there,” said Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides.
Stories to share in the first episode entitled On a osé, Maryse Janelle, director of the Support for the autonomy of the elderly program – Accommodation in CHSLDs and Dr. Suzanne Lebel, family doctor, set the table for the discussions that will follow. The two women discuss their values and their vision of accommodation. Six episodes in total will be offered. The episodes will be available for download from the CISSS des Laurentides website and the Spotify platform as of April 13.
Saint-Eustache takes bold steps towards Climate Resilience
Unveiling a Comprehensive Plan to Combat Environmental Challenges
The City of Saint-Eustache announced the official tabling of its Plan to Combat and Adapt to Climate Change. This plan aims to implement measures to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will promote the eco-social resilience of the City. Produced following a public consultation process, and with the collaboration of experts from the Institut des Territoires, this plan contains many actions to better live with the consequences of climate change.
Barely a few days after an episode of freezing rain, it seems all the more relevant, in this context, to act and plan for future unforeseen climatic hazards.
An action plan with four main objectives
As part of the development of the action plan, the following four main objectives were identified:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce heat islands
Increase the resilience of the population
Increase the resilience of the municipal organization
“Floods, changing winter conditions, strong winds or heat waves, climatic hazards have consequences that affect both the population and the organizations serving them. As a local government, it is our duty to act as an example by setting up actions that contribute to this fight, for the health and quality of life of future generations”, said Mrs. Isabelle Lefebvre, municipal councilor and President of the Environment Committee.
Summary of the process
In order to design a plan adapted to the Eustachian reality, an analysis of the territory was first carried out in order to understand the physical and socio-ecological context of Saint-Eustache, in order to be able to make an appropriate diagnosis including the potential risks and vulnerabilities. After two citizen consultations and work carried out internally by City employees, an action plan aimed at responding concretely to the main impacts of climatic hazards has finally been established.
“The challenge of climate transition is a major issue and is a priority consideration in all the decisions we make. The green shift is negotiated at full speed, because there is indeed an urgency to act. I would like to thank the 280 citizens who expressed their concerns during the consultations and I encourage Eustachois to continue to develop eco-responsible behaviors,” said Mayor Pierre Charron.
Rosemère Sets the Standard: A Trailblazing Quebec Strategy for Drinking Water Conservation
The City of Rosemère has announced a series of new measures to help meet the targets outlined in the Quebec strategy for drinking water conservation led by the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation. The goal of this strategy is to achieve a 20% province-wide reduction in per capita drinking water demand by 2025 compared to 2015 levels.
Bearing this goal in mind, the City adopted by-law 951 on drinking water and amended by-law 794 on quality of life in fall 2022. The new provisions aim to better control how drinking water is used, especially with regard to watering lawns and plants, filling pools and hot tubs, and meeting commercial and institutional needs.
“The Quebec strategy for drinking water conservation, which we are proud to uphold, is part of a broader worldwide effort to foster sustainable development,” said Mayor Eric Westram. “In Rosemère, we are taking concrete action to promote an effective approach to managing water for our residents, our business community and our municipal administration alike. We all have a role to play in conserving our drinking water and protecting this precious natural resource.”
Watering lawns and plants; filling pools and hot tubs
Several new provisions in the City’s by-law on quality of life are now in effect. These are applicable to watering lawns and plants, as well as to topping up and filling swimming pools and hot tubs. Following are some of the highlights:
Lawns and plants:
– Lawns, hedges, trees, shrubs and other plants can be watered once a week, for three consecutive hours, using a mechanical or automatic system, in accordance with the established schedule.
– Hand watering a flower or vegetable garden, planter, flower box, flower bed, tree or shrub is permitted at all times.
– Residents who wish to water a newly sown or sodded lawn, newly planted trees or shrubs, or new landscaping outside the established schedule must obtain authorization from the Permits and Inspections Department to do so.
Swimming pools and hot tubs:
– Pools and hot tubs can be topped up or filled between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or when a new pool is being installed to maintain its structure.
During the summer, green patrollers will be taking to the streets of Rosemère to educate residents about these new measures and ensure they are being applied.
Further details are available on the Town’s website and in the April issue of the Rosemère News.
Additional measures pertaining to the use of water infrastructure and facilities have been incorporated into by-law 951 to help maintain the quality and quantity of drinking water. These include:
– The obligation to report any defects that may arise in water supply pipes and, if the affected pipes are on private property, to repair any leaks within 15 days
– The obligation to obtain a permit to carry out any work on a service connection
– The obligation to obtain the necessary authorization before using a fire hydrant.
Some parts of the by-law specifically apply to institutions and business establishments in Rosemère, such as:
– The obligation to replace air-conditioning systems, cooling units and air compressors that operate using drinking water by January 1, 2026
– The obligation to replace automatic flush urinals fitted with a purge tank by January 1, 2026
– The obligation for car washes to be equipped with a working water recycling system by January 1, 2026.
A shared responsibility
The City of Rosemère is also continuing its efforts to save drinking water, with several measures designed to minimize use. These include:
– Drawing non-potable water from an artesian well for the Town’s plant watering needs
– Incorporating a high proportion of perennials that require little or no watering into municipal flowerbeds
– Making grants available to residents to help offset the cost of low-flow plumbing fixtures
– Recovering some of the water used to operate the new splash pads at Charbonneau Park
– Recirculating the water used in the splash pads at the public swimming pool
– Taking part in the provincial excellence in drinking water program (PEXEP) administered by the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques with regard to treatment, distribution and leak management.
“Every individual or group effort, big or small, makes a real difference in reducing how much drinking water we consume as a community,” said Mayor Westram. “I am proud to announce that Rosemère will soon be rolling out a major public awareness campaign on water conservation, jointly with the communities of Lorraine and Bois-des-Filion. By working together, we can make sure our message about the importance of saving water reaches more people. As the old adage says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together!’
