from left to right: Jean Comtois, mayor of Lorraine, Diane D. Lavallée, municipal councillor, André Hamel, Lise and Caroline Pagé (Verger Richard Legault), Laurent Miville as well as Pierre Barrette, municipal councilor
The City of Lorraine held the 12th edition of its Crafts Fair from November 18 to 20. Nearly 2,050 visitors responded to the call, appreciating the talent of 43 exhibitors, artisans and authors, including 8 from Lorraine. The also municipality randomly gave to some lucky visitors 19 gift certificates worth $25 each. Those were redeemable at any kiosk.
During their visit, art lovers could vote for their “Coup de coeur” exhibitor. Here are the artisans who won over the public:
– 1st place: André Hamel, cabinetmaker;
– 2nd position: Laurent Miville, from the Academy of Decorative Painting of Quebec;
– 3rd position: Verger Richard Legault.
At the end of the event, the mayor of Lorraine praised the involvement of many volunteers: “The members of the municipal council join me in thanking all the volunteers, who have greatly contributed to the success and smooth running of the event: the members of the cultural committee, as well as a dozen students from secondary schools in the region. We also tip our hat to Isabel Moreau, responsible for organizing this flagship event in Lorraine, as well as to her colleagues from the Leisure and Culture Department. » said Jean Comtois
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-28 published December 9th, 2022. Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events. (Click HERE to read the paper.)
Front page of The North Shore News, December 9th, 2022 issue.
The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville is participating with all of Quebec’s police services and in collaboration with the road controllers of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), in an awareness campaign to educate drivers about the dangers related to distracted driving and intervene with distracted users. Many police operations and awareness-raising activities were carried out as part of Opération nationale concertée Distraction (ONC) 2022, which took place from November 11 to 17.
Deployed under the theme “At the wheel, think about driving”, the ONC Distraction 2022 aimed to remind us that driving is a complex task that requires our full attention. In fact, distraction, whether caused by the use of an electronic device, by wearing headphones, by an object or animal that obstructs or hinders driving, or by external concerns, reduces the attention and concentration of the driver and increases the risk of being involved in a collision. This problematic behavior remains one of the main causes of fatal collisions or the ones resulting serious injuries in Quebec.
During the period covered by this ONC, the police services carried out nearly 1,200 operations and issued approximately 2,500 tickets, including nearly a thousand just for using cell phones. In addition to these interventions, hundreds of prevention pamphlets were distributed during various activities carried out with partners. Many posts on social media have also helped raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
For its part, the SAAQ conducted an awareness campaign focused on entertainment until December 4. Through this campaign, the SAAQ wishes to make drivers aware that they can all be affected by distracted driving, because its sources are multiple, including cognitive distraction. When our head is elsewhere, we are in our thoughts, preoccupied, or disturbed by anything, our brain must inevitably eliminate information that could prove essential to driving. Thus, when we are distracted, it is difficult, if not impossible, to react so quickly to an unforeseen situation.
Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (PAUPME)
The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville injected nearly $13M during COVID-19 In all, the MRC granted 431 loans in all categories for a total amount of $12,702,247.
Launched by the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI) as soon as COVID-19 hit in the spring of 2020, the PAUPME, administered by the MRCs throughout Quebec, will have made it possible to inject nearly $520 million helping businesses.
“As soon as COVID-19 was announced, my predecessor Richard Perreault and our general manager Kamal El-Batal, well supported by the economic development department and all the
members of the MRC council, rolled up their sleeves to face this epidemic. The PAUPME will have enabled several Small and Medium-sized Enterprises(SME) in the MRC to overcome the effects of the pandemic,” said Eric Westram, the prefect of the MRC.
A “proactive” emergency aid committee for COVID-19 SMEs in the MRC
The members of the investment committee met no less than 26 times to analyze the
recommendations of the economic development department. “The synergy and commitment of
the committee members facilitated the administration of the program, representing significant assistance for an active entrepreneurial fabric within the MRC, which totals nearly 5,200 businesses,” said Gilles Blanchette, Mayor of Bois- des-Filion and member of the committee.
For Jean Comtois, mayor of Lorraine and member of the committee, this kind of MRC/MEI partnership is effective and gives interesting and immediate results. “The staff, the mayors and the mayors of the MRC have worked closely, which will allow many companies that have
received these emergency funds to continue their activities,” he said.
Direct assistance to NPOs and self-employed workers in the territory
In addition, the MRC released, from its surpluses, an additional sum of $200,000 to help NPOs and self-employed workers in the territory through a grant of $5,000 . These funds have enabled 42 organizations to receive a boost in these difficult times.
Effective coordination work for the MRC team
The MRC has set up various procedures to better administer the funds and make
management more effective and efficient. “The operation was not easy due to the scale of the
tasks, the follow-ups and the pressure put on by the urgency of the situation. The will, patience and dedication were key factors for the success of this program. I would like to thank the
MRC team and the economic development service under the responsibility of Mr. Steve Mitchell” said the director general, Kamal El-Batal.
“We should be proud of this partnership with the MEI. Once again, the efforts made for
more than two years by all the staff of the MRC combined with the great cohesion of the members of the council have allowed our MRC to be among the best in Quebec for the total allocation of the sums invested, that is nearly $13 million to our SMEs,” concluded Eric Westram,
On Tuesday, November 14, 2022, thanks to the vigilance of the Thérèse-De Blainville police department (RIPTB) patrol officers, three men aged between 20 and 26 were arrested; one driving a stolen vehicle and the other two, accomplices in this theft. The vehicles were seized to be examined by experts and the three suspects were questioned by the investigators.
For several months, the greater Montreal area has been grappling with a literal plague of theft of Dodge Ram brand vehicles. The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville invites owners of these vehicles to take the necessary precautions to help the authorities prevent this phenomenon,” explained Inspector Martin Charron.
No one is safe from car theft. However, criminals are more likely to steal a vehicle that is not sufficiently protected. So these are the general rules issuewd by the RIPTB concerning vehicle theft: Lock the car’s doors, don’t leave the keys in the car, leave nothing lying around, park in a secure car park, install an anti-theft alarm and a steering wheel lock, opt for an electronic immobilizer system, watermark your car windows and invest in a GPS tracking device.
False 911 calls, a major problem!
Also, from the RIPTB we have received this special announcement about false 911 calls. Cell phones have become a huge problem for 911 operators who must manage many calls made in error from these devices. Indeed, on these “false calls”, several are made from a mobile phone, without the owner realizing it. Pre-programmed button snagged inadvertently, or number dialed by mistake, these calls are often received at emergency centres.
With the holidays approaching, the RIPTB wants to make parents aware of how to dispose of their old cell phones responsibly, rather than giving them away as toys which can then be used to dial 911 for no reason. Even without the SIM card in the phone, it is indeed possible to call for help. A situation that may seem trivial, but which overburdens and distracts the emergency services.
The City of Blainville highlights the commitment of inspiring citizens
To highlight the exceptional contribution of citizens in various sectors of activity, the City of Blainville held, on November 10, its gala of the Order of Merit Blainvillois and its induction ceremony into the Sports Hall of Fame. The event had been canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our administration takes pride and feels a sense of duty to recognize these people who make a difference in our community, by getting involved in associations or organizations, and by giving back. I congratulate the winners of the 2022 event as well as the new members of the Sports Hall of Fame and the company that won the Palme d’Or. I also reserve a very special thought for our former colleague Guy Frigon, named member emeritus of the Order posthumously for all his civic involvement,” said Mayor Liza Poulin.
Emeritus member of the Order
The jury awarded the highest distinction of the Blainvillois Order of Merit to a citizen with a remarkable career. This year Guy Frigon, municipal councilor of the Plan-Bouchard district between 2005 and 2021 and who died in office on April 17, 2021 at the age of 62 was awarded this posthumous tribute.
Suzanne Poirier-Lemieux a former employee of the Blainville and Richard Labelle a volunteer mainly recognized for his service to the Center 50+ were announced as Jewels of the Order
As Lauriers de l’Ordre, Gérald Vachon involved since 2018 in the Moisson Laurentides, Serge Léonard a volunteer active in several community organizations and Céline and Normand Faucher volunteers at the Sainte-Famille Food Aid were also announced.
The Palme d’or recognizes a company’s commitment to the Blainville community and its support for volunteer action. This year Louise Laurin and her Tim Horton’s team who have made it their mission to support Blainville organizations by giving them food donations or significant discounts at events or to support causes received the prestigious award.
In the Sports Hall of Fame there were 3 inductees. Gilbert Gélinas, Gabriella Page and Isabelle Giguère. The Sports Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor Blainville athletes who have achieved exceptional and transcendent athletic performance, as well as volunteer builders who have contributed to the influence and development of amateur sport.
Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking
November: Radon Awareness Month
The Public Health Department of the Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) is reminding the population of the Laurentians that exposure to high levels of radon in homes can pose a risk to their health. Since 2014, Health Canada has designated November as Radon Awareness Month.
Do you spend a lot of time in your basement?
Probably more than in years past a lot of home owner have created an office in the basement for telecommuting and others have set up a child’s room there as well.
Radon is a carcinogenic radioactive gas of natural origin which comes from the disintegration of uranium present in the earth’s crust. Outside, it does not present any danger, because it is quickly diluted in the ambient air. This gas seeps into our homes, especially through the foundations. It can accumulate and reach concentrations that can pose a health risk.
Exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air increases the risk of lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause in non-smokers. In Quebec, 10 to 16% of lung cancer deaths are associated with radon. This is more than 1000 deaths per year. As radon is invisible, odorless and impossible to detect by the senses, it is therefore important to ensure that the concentration of radon in your home does not exceed the recommended threshold.
How to protect yourself from radon?
The easiest way to find out the radon concentration in your home is to do a test using a measuring device called a dosimeter. You can do it yourself or hire a radon expert. If the test result shows a high level of radon in your home, remedial work can be done. Finally, as smokers exposed to radon strongly increase their risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers, this is an additional motivation to quit smoking and have radon measured.
To learn more about the risks of radon, how to measure it and make your home safe, visit: https://www.santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca/sante-publique/environnement/radon
Back row: Municipal councilors Martine Guilbault, Jocelyn Proulx, Lyne Rémillard and Diane D. Lavallée. Front row: Patrick Archambault (municipal councillor), athletes Léanne Noiseux, Béatrice Closson-Giguère, Agathe Closson-Giguère and Benjamin Rousseau as well as Jean Comtois (mayor of Lorraine).
On November 8, the municipal council of Lorraine paid tribute to six citizens who distinguished themselves in a sporting discipline. Scholarships totaling $1,800 were awarded during the evening, in support of these enthusiasts. These are offered each year to individuals who have distinguished themselves in a sporting or cultural field, as part of the Recognition and support policy for organizations and individuals.
The recipients of financial assistance this year were Agathe Closson Giguère (gymnastics), Béatrice Closson Giguère (gymnastics), Jean Lespérance (running), Léanne Noiseux (synchronized skating), Benjamin Rousseau (baseball) and Édouard Therriault (acrobatic skiing).
“For all the members of the municipal council, it is a real pleasure to return this year to a face-to-face event, in the company of scholarship recipients and their families. The athletes present have worked hard in recent years, in less than favorable conditions than before the pandemic. It is therefore a well-justified pride that we could read on the faces of our guests! These fighters are fabulous ambassadors for the municipality and a model of resilience and perseverance. Congratulations to all these honorees,” said the mayor of Lorraine, Mr. Jean Comtois.
All grant applications must be sent to the Recreation and Culture Department between January 1 and October 31 of the current year. For more information, people can visit the city website or contact the Recreation and Culture Department at 450 621-8550, ext. 275.
The City of Lorraine has filled several positions in recent weeks. After the appointment of its new general manager, Stéphanie Bélisle, the municipality welcomed Sylvain Allard and Francis Bastien, respectively deputy general manager and director of the Public Works and Infrastructure Department since the fall.
Sylvain Allard, who held the helm of the City’s Public Works and Infrastructure Department for more than two years, has more than 17 years of experience in the municipal sector. He held management positions for several years at the City of Laval, then at the City of Prévost. He will have the mandate to assist the Director General in the administration of numerous municipal files.
The selection committee also chose Mr. Francis Bastien, who worked for the Public Works Department of the City of Dorval for 11 years. He held various positions there, including those of municipal engineering technician, aqueducts, and sewers supervisor, then roads, aqueducts and sewers coordinator. A member of the Order of Professional Technologists of Quebec, he is pursuing part-time studies with the aim of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in management science.
“Welcome to Mr. Bastien and welcome back to Mr. Allard, whom we are pleased to find within the administration. Committed for their knowledge, their skills and their experience in the municipal world, these two new directors will be able to meet the challenges that await them, supported by competent and motivated teams”, said the mayor of Lorraine, Mr. Jean Comtois.
Green light for the development of the Nature Park
The City of Saint-Eustache welcomed the favorable final decision of the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) regarding the development of the Nature Park. The green light having been given; everything is now in place for the development of the largest protected green space in the city.
By virtue of this decision by the CPTAQ, the City will be able, as it planned, to deploy its natural space development plan as early as 2023. “As soon as it was acquired, this project made it possible to ensure the perpetual preservation of a fragile and extremely precious ecosystem, within which we find a variety of fauna and flora. Thanks to the favorable decision rendered, we now intend to develop what constitutes a collective green heritage of great value for the residents, so outdoor activities and educational activities can be held which will not affect the environment” said the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron.
For the convenience of users, the development and enhancement plan for the park includes the construction of a reception chalet and the development of an unpaved parking lot. A multipurpose trail will also be developed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating in winter, as well as for hiking and nature observation in other seasons. In addition to preserving the significant canopy already present, the city plans to enrich it with a massive planting of maple trees in the part of the park where a sugar bush is already present, in order to eventually allow maple production.
“In its decision, the CPTAQ recognizes that the uses of the Nature Park are in no way incompatible with agricultural activities in the area, and very favorably welcomes the project to develop and operate the sugar bush. We are extremely happy with the outcome of our efforts, particularly for the Eustachois and Eustachoises who will be the first beneficiaries. » said the municipal councilor Patrice Paquette, president of the Commission for land use planning and housing.
“A presentation of the development concept will be made to citizens over the next few months, in order to inform them of the steps to come until the project is completed”, specified added from his part the municipal councilor responsible for outdoor files., Mr. Yves Roy.
Brief history of the project
In 2017, the City of Saint-Eustache acquired a wooded area of 664,184.3 m2, in order to preserve it in perpetuity and make it a natural and recreational four seasons park. For the purchase of this land, the City received significant contributions from the Government of Quebec, the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) and Hydro-Quebec. More specifically, $994,431 was paid by Hydro-Québec under Hydro-Québec’s Integrated Enhancement Program (PMVI), following the construction of Patriotes substation, while $1,051,806 were granted by the CMM and the Government of Quebec through the Greater Montreal Green and Blue Infrastructure Program.
“In 2022, we also began a process to acquire a series of adjacent lots, with the aim of expanding the perimeter of the park. The acquisition of these lands as well as the construction of the reception chalet will also be the subject of requests for financial support from the CMM, again within the framework of the Green and Blue Infrastructure Program of Greater Montreal. We are very confident that these requests will be approved, and that this whole project can be carried out without impacting taxpayers” concluded the mayor.
