The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-26 published November 11th, 2022.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
The North Shore News volume 18-26
The Saint-Eustache Urban Plan
As part of the consultation process aimed at revamping the urban plan and urban planning by-laws, the City of Saint-Eustache invited the population to two participatory workshops, which will take place on October 26 and December 7, at 7 p.m., at the Multisport Complex, located at 85, rue Grignon, in Saint-Eustache.
In the first workshop on October 26th which is intended to be dynamic and interactive, participants will work in subgroups to validate and improve the findings or issues identified during the compilation of the online survey results. They will have the opportunity to give their opinion and their comments in order to fuel the discussion. In the second workshop on December 7th, participants will be presented with the first draft of the urban plan for discussion and comments.
Citizens residing or working on the territory of the city of Saint-Eustache, owners of businesses or industries, farmers, and members of interested Eustachian community organizations were invited to register online. The city informed us that the number of places was limited and that the registration form closed when the maximum number of places was reached, or no later than October 19.
These workshops constitute the second phase of public consultation on this subject, initiated by the online survey on Imaginons Saint-Eustache, to which more than 210 people responded, between August 18 and September 18.
“This overhaul is major for the development of our territory, and that is why I invite the population to participate in large numbers. The urban plan, as we will present it, is the guide that will orient the City’s actions for several years. Now is the time to play an active role and contribute together to shape our city of tomorrow,” said the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron before the closing of the registration process.
“This second phase of consultation will allow the City to know and hear the concerns and expectations of the people of Saint-Eustache, to define the vision and orientations that will be put forward in the new urban plan. We only have to think about the size of the land, the protection of natural environments, the planting of trees, parking, and so on! concluded Mr. Patrice Paquette, municipal councilor and president of the Commission for Land Use Planning and Housing.
What is an urban plan?
An urban plan is a planning document establishing the guidelines for the spatial and physical organization of a municipality, while presenting an overall vision of the development of its territory. This plan includes the vision and major development orientations of the territory of the municipality, land use and uses, transportation and traffic networks as well as specific planning sectors.
The CISSS des Laurentides wins a prize at the 2022 Quebec Consulting Engineering Grand Prix gala
On September 27 2022, the 20th edition of the 2022 Quebec Consulting Engineering Grand Prix gala ( Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois 2022) took place, which rewards engineering projects. Among the 61 nominated projects, the Laurentian Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS des Laurentides with the firm gbi) won the Mechanical – Electrical Building category, with the mobile medical device reprocessing unit (URDM).
This project consisted of setting up a mobile URDM, with all the required sterilization equipment, which could be moved to various facilities. This initiative makes it possible to maintain or increase the reprocessing capacity of a facility during the performance of various works. This mobile URDM made it possible to carry out work at the Mont-Laurier mobile sterilization unit and to sterilize more than 10,000 medical instruments. It is currently at the Saint-Jérôme Regional Hospital as part of renovations to the current unit.
The CISSS des Laurentides teams have innovated by creating this mobile and modern unit that can be transported from one place to another, a first in Quebec for this type of specialized equipment. Thanks to the mobile unit, it is therefore possible to continue sterilization activities while carrying out modernization works in the unit that already existed.
The génie-conseil québécois is a professional who plays a key role in the design and implementation of projects in many spheres of activity, including building, energy, environment, transport infrastructure and urban infrastructure. It can be involved in all phases of a project’s life cycle, from pre-feasibility studies to commissioning. Its role consists in putting all its expertise at the service of its client, public or private, in order to offer him the advice and support necessary to ensure the success of the projects. To do this, the génie-conseil québécois uses his strategic skills and the technical expertise acquired in similar projects to develop innovative solutions adapted to specific situations.
North Shore flu vaccination campaign
With all the attention lavished upon the new covid-19 virus by the global community people tend to forget about the influenza virus. Every year it visits us wearing a new disguise and preventing a permanent vaccine requiring a new vaccination every fall.
That is why Dr. Éric Goyer, director of public health for the Laurentians, invited all citizens to get vaccinated against the flu to protect themselves and their loved ones. Since October 5, the seasonal flu vaccination campaign has begun in the Laurentians region.
Vaccination is the best protection against the complications of influenza which can weaken and cause serious consequences in people at high risk of hospitalization. Considering the recommendations of experts from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), vaccination is strongly recommended and offered free of charge to people who are more at risk of developing complications. That includes people aged 6 months to 74 years with certain chronic diseases, pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters and people aged 75 and over.
To reduce the risk of contamination, vaccination is also offered free of charge to relatives who live under the same roof as a child under 6 months of age or a person at high risk of hospitalization or death as well as to their caregivers as well as healthcare workers.
Vaccination is also free for healthy children aged 6 to 23 months and people aged 60 to 74 in good health. Flu vaccination is available by appointment only. As of now, residents can get an appointment online or by phone but not at the vaccination sites:
Online, residents must go to clicsante.ca: select “Vaccine against the flu/Influenza” and follow the instructions to book their appointment. By phone they must dial 1 888 664-2555 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
According to the CISSS des Laurentides, several pharmacies in the area also offer flu shots but appointments must be made on clicsante.ca or by contacting the pharmacy directly for more information.
To make access to vaccination possible for everyone, the Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) offers a free shuttle service to people with reduced mobility and/or those with economic constraints in order to escort to vaccination sites. The CISSS des Laurentides in its press release reminds the public that the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. For all eligible persons, it is possible to receive the flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination at the same time, at the same appointment, by asking the vaccination teams.
Honoring a former mayor
As tradition dictates in Blainville, on October 6, the City paid tribute to former mayor Richard Perreault, who served from 2013 to 2021, by naming the VIP room of the Center of Excellence on ice (Centre d’excellence sur glace.)
“It was natural to associate his name with hockey since before politics, Richard taught this sport and even created a hockey concentration at Lucille-Teasdale high school. He also chaired the Board of Directors of the Center of Excellence on Ice from 2014 to 2021,” said Mayor Liza Poulin.
Under the administration of Richard Perreault, the City of Blainville continued its growth and development while rigorously controlling its public finances. Residents owe to the leadership of this mayor the development of large woodlands at the Equestrian Park, Plan-Bouchard and Fauvel lakes and the development of a large part of the territory made up of natural environments. It was also under the leadership of Richard Perreault that the Paul-Mercier library was completed, and the new municipal workshops were built. It should also be noted that Mr. Perreault also represented the district of Alençon on the municipal council from 2005 to 2013. The city of Blainville council wished a very heartfelt “Happy retirement and thank you, Richard Perreault!”
On the photo: (from left to right) Patrick Marineau, Hirondelles district councillor, Serge Paquette, Saint-Rédempteur district councillor, Stéphane Dufour, Coteau district councillor, Jean-François Pinard, Henri-Dunant district councillor, Richard Perreault, the Mayor Liza Poulin, Marie-Claude Collin, district councilor for Blainvillier, Marie-Claude Perron, district councillor for Fontainebleau, Francis Allaire, district councilor for Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, Stéphane Bertrand, district councillor for Alençon, and Philippe Magnenat , Plan-Bouchard district councillor.
Firefighters for a Day
A Firefighter! It is one of the professions that a great percentage of grade school kids list as their favourite right next to astronaut, hockey player and general non-descript celebrity
On October 5th 2022, 16 young students from Blainville and Rosemère elementary schools had the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience by becoming firefighters for a day and exploring the various facets of the job.
The Firefighters for a Day contest was open to Grade 3 students from each elementary school in Blainville and Rosemère. This day of activities at the Blainville fire department’s facilities gave them a chance to learn a little more about firefighters’ work and to take part in activities related to this job.
During the day, the young participants—dressed as firefighters—were given a tour of the fire department’s trucks and facilities. They also received training on firefighting gear, breathing apparatus and victim search as well as many tips on fire prevention. Also on the day’s agenda were an explanation of how to inspect equipment, use a portable fire extinguisher and extinguish a wood pallet fire.
“It’s important to raise youngsters’ awareness and educate them about fire prevention. This special day gives them a chance to have fun and to arouse their curiosity and ask questions whose answers could be very useful in a fire situation,” said Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram.
At the end of the day, the young people were welcomed by Blainville Mayor Liza Poulin, Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram and the two city Councillors on the Mobility, Safety and Traffic Committee—Stéphane Dufour and Patrick Marineau. Members of the fire department and mascot Yvon Larosé were also there. They gave gifts to the participants, who had the privilege of signing the guest books of their respective municipalities.
“The purpose of this day is to fill youngsters with wonder and help them discover the many facets of a firefighter’s work. Judging by their smiles and their enthusiastic reaction, mission accomplished! We thank everyone for welcoming us so warmly,” stated Mayor Liza Poulin.
The sixteen students selected (one from each school) to be part of the 2022 Firefighter for a Day team were: Myliane Latendresse (École de la Seigneurie), Akira Keo-Roy (École des Semailles), Maximilian Cazacu (École de l’Aquarelle), Jonathan Binette (École Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau), Sarah El Karrassi (École des Ramilles), Kentin Geinoz (École de l’Envolée), Kameron Jubinville (École Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption), Leïla Gabrielle Bélanger (École Chante-Bois), Emma Sirois (École Plateau Saint-Louis), Dany Chemlal (École de la Renaissance), Leana Gainsom (École de Fontainebleau), Jaxson Di Tomaso (École Montessori International), Mavryk Ménard (McCaig Elementary School), Luna Regli (Académie Ste-Thérèse), Zack Payette (École Alpha) and Philippe Guidi (École Val-des-Ormes).
Photo: The young Firefighters for a Day with the Mayor of Blainville, Liza Poulin, the Mayor of Rosemère, Eric Westram, the two councillors of the Mobility, Safety and Traffic Commission, Stéphane Dufour and Patrick Marineau, employees of the Fire Department and the mascot Yvon Larosé
The North Shore News volume 18-25
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-25 published October 21st, 2022.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
The Frontline Access Counter (GAP) now open to all people without a family doctor in the Laurentians
In an effort to alleviate the mounting shortages of health personnel and the constant pressure on the ERs of the North Shore hospitals, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides announced the full opening of the first-line access window (Guichet d’accès à la première ligne/GAP), which offers people without a family doctor access to the region’s various services in the event of a one-time health problem.
People on the waiting list for a family doctor can now reach this specialized service by dialing 811, option 3.
In conjunction with several partners in the health and social services network, the GAP offers consultations by appointment, but also references to several services available in the region. By contacting the GAP by telephone, the person will be directed to the first-line service best suited to their needs, whether it is an infection, the renewal of a prescription that cannot be done by the pharmacist as well as dealing with pain or any other non-emergency health problem.
Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, said that she is proud that the service is now available to all people without a family doctor. “The GAP meets an important need for people who are waiting for a family doctor and who have a health problem. With more than 700 calls per day, we can already see how much this service will be appreciated by the population of the Laurentians,” she said. The first line access counter is open every day. The opening hours and services offered are available in the Front-line access counter section. The wait time may vary depending on the day and time of the call.
The Boisé-de-Blainville Birthing Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary!
The annual picnic at the Boisé-de-Blainville birth center took place in a festive and family atmosphere on September 18. On this occasion, the Birth Center’s 15th anniversary of service was celebrated in the company of various community partners as well as many families and citizens of the Laurentians according to an announcement by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides.
Singing, cake and children’s activities were offered directly on the site of the establishment. This picnic was the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the progress made since the establishment of the Birthing Center in the community and to thank everyone involved in its many achievements.
Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) des Laurentides, of which the Birthing Center is a part, declared that she was delighted with this anniversary: ”I am proud to celebrate the place of choice occupied by the Boisé-de-Blainville birth center in the Laurentians community, and has been for 15 years now! I would like to congratulate the entire Birthing Center team for their accomplishments over the years, and above all, for their remarkable work in welcoming nearly 3,700 newborns. We are happy to be able to offer different possibilities to pregnant women for their pregnancy follow-ups and deliveries,” she said.
The Boisé-de-Blainville birthing center
Since 2007, the Boisé-de-Blainville birthing center welcomes expectant mothers and their families throughout pregnancy. The team of midwives offers, in collaboration with eight birth assistants and three administrative agents, complete pregnancy follow-up including childbirth and postnatal visits.
Benefits of a Birthing Center vs Hospital
Examining the benefits of birthing centers vs hospital can help both employees and moms-to-be choose where to go.
Birth centers can offer a more home-like experiences, whereas a hospital is a traditional hospital setting. Being in a hospital though does give access to the NICU, that a birth center cannot offer. With less risk factors of a hospital, birth centers can have less visitor restrictions than hospitals. Delivering at a hospital however means more access to interventions and cesareans when appropriate.
The medication availability differs between birthing centers vs hospitals. Birthing centers offer more holistic and alternative methods, whereas a hospital will have more pharmacological options.
Rosemère Harvest Festival back for a fourth time
Residents of Rosemère showed up in great numbers on Saturday September 17th to take part in the fourth repeat of the Rosemère Harvest Festival. As in previous years, the annual Festival took place in front of the library, on a section of Chemin de la Grand-Côte, which was transformed into a pedestrian only street for the occasion. The event, which brings together exhibitors from the region, makes it possible to mark the fall harvest, and to give a boost to Moisson Laurentides, an important pillar for food aid in the region.
With an ideal temperature for exhibitors and people traveling to meet them, the Harvest Festival allowed producers in the region to present and sell their seasonal products. The objectives of this Festival have been achieved according to the city: to allow the community to celebrate this period of abundance, to meet producers in the region, to stock up on food for the winter and to help Moisson Laurentides to stock up for the coming months. People were very generous with both cash donations (over $180) and vegetables and food (50 kilos).
“Once again this year, people answered the call by giving generously. This help will be invaluable for people in need, especially when we know that groceries are becoming more and more expensive,” said Eric Westram, Mayor of Rosemère.
In terms of entertainment, the honey extraction workshop, by À la joie des abeilles, greatly delighted visitors. The vegetable-themed street entertainers caught the public’s attention and entertained children and adults alike. A DJ came to complete the atmosphere of the day with varied and uplifting music.
A dozen local exhibitors
Visitors were able to meet nearly a dozen agricultural producers, farmers and local artisans who presented their various products, mostly organic. Organic fruits and vegetables, local agri-food products with blackcurrant alcohol/wine, natural body care products and herbal teas from wild medicinal plants, wild mushrooms, coffee and pastries, zero waste items, food, household and body products, candles, home fragrances and soaps and finally, honey and other hive products were among the products offered by the exhibitors.
