Deux-Montagnes library ends overdue fines for children’s books
In order to promote childhood reading and the acquisition of literacy skills, the City of Deux-Montagnes is permanently eliminating overdue fines on materials from the children’s library, as well as the abolition of penalties on unclaimed reservations.
With this decision, the City joins the international Fine Free Library Movement, which ABPQ (Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec) strongly supports. Thereby, children’s books borrowed with a child Subscriber Card will no longer be subject to fines if they are returned late. In addition, all customers will be exempted from penalties when their reservations or interlibrary loans are not claimed.
“This is a well-received decision to promote and simplify access to information and culture. For families, we just removed a barrier to the use of library services and its numerous youth collections.” said Mayor Denis Martin
To encourage the return of documents Despite the abolition of overdue fines for young people 13 years and under, measures are being taken to encourage citizens to return their loaned books. The procedure already established for all users remains the same; notices are sent to the subscriber after 7, 14 and 42 days of delay. On the 70th day, the document is considered lost and an invoice is sent.
Also, the subscriber’s file will now be suspended 21 days after the loan expires. New books cannot be borrowed until late ones are returned or renewed. This new measure aims to encourage the return of documents.
This policy stems from a worldwide movement called Fine Free Library, which originated in the United States with the aim of democratizing access to libraries and their cultural, artistic and educational collections.
The Association of Public Libraries of Quebec (ABPQ) reports that there are currently 246 libraries in the province that do not charge late fees (18 do so only partially) out of 1068 establishments.
The Association argues that late fees can act as an economic barrier that hinders access to libraries for financially disadvantaged people, especially minors. These fees can also create conflicts between staff and customers.
The City of Deux-Montagnes announced its partnership with non-profit organization Au Grenier Populaire, for home collection of used furniture and appliances. Deux-Montagnes citizens can now take advantage of this free service to give a second life to furniture which they want to dispose of, provided it is in good condition.
“This new agreement is in line with our environmental values. Too much furniture has already been sent to landfill sites, because of the difficulty some citizens have to transport it to a donation centre by their own means. Working with Au Grenier Populaire means contributing to valuing social integration and encouraging eco-responsible consumption,” said the Mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Denis Martin.
The organization Au Grenier Populaire accepts donations of furniture that can be resold (i.e. not stained, torn, or broken). The organization also reclaims the following appliances, functional or non-functional:
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, washers and dryers, dehumidifiers, water dispensers, heat pumps
Furniture donation process
– Collection requests must be submitted online: https://www.grenierpopulaire.com/cueillette-et-livraison
– The furniture must be in good condition and meet cleanliness standards. A picture of the item is required by the organization before collection to avoid any misunderstandings and unnecessary travel.
– For moving large furniture, the entrance door must already have been removed to facilitate handling.
– No item may be added to a collection if it has not been previously accepted by the organization, in order to prevent disruption to the carrier’s management of space and time.
– For collection of non-functional appliances, they must be placed outside the home the day before the collection and protected from the weather. Citizens should be careful not to place items at the curbside in order to avoid theft.
About Au Grenier Populaire
Au Grenier Populaire is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support and train people who are experiencing difficulties to integrate into the labour market. Eco-responsible consumers are invited to visit the organization’s store located at 217, Saint-Laurent Street in Saint-Eustache.
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-18 published July 1st, 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, July 1st, 2022 issue.
In the spirit of inclusive and respectful living together, the City of Saint-Eustache unveiled its brand-new program of intercultural Discovery, aiming to open the door to diversity, to include and mobilize cultural communities, to create moments of exchange, and this, through various activities in an environment accessible to all.
“We are really very proud to present this new unifying project, the first part of which consists of offering Eustachians many multicultural workshops taking place at the Guy-Bélisle library, throughout the year. Musical, artistic, culinary workshops and much more will please the whole family and will offer many opportunities for sharing that will create lasting bonds.” said Pierre Charron, mayor of Saint-Eustache,
Activities with a multicultural flavor
In addition to various workshops of all kinds, meetings with authors will also be offered, in particular with the novelist of Congolese origin Blaise Ndala and the writer of Lebanese origin Alain Farah, in order to promote different cultures through literature. A rally will also be offered throughout the summer, with the starting point being on the Rivière-du-Chêne promenade, through which participants will learn more about different cultures and traditions around the world.
An intercultural festival, next July 2 and 3
In addition to the annual activities, the Découvertes interculturelles will take the form of a festival, which will bring together a host of free activities accessible to all, allowing discovery, networking between cultures, learning, inclusion, meeting, sharing, and living together. Throughout the weekend, participants will be able to enjoy a variety of fun activities in all four corners of Vieux-Saint-Eustache. On the program: show by Marco Calliari and Mamselle Ruiz, artisan kiosks, tea tasting and Indian ink workshop, participatory djamboola, big Dance around the world, gourmet kiosk with Bouchées Brésil, and much more.
This event is the result of a collaboration between the City, SODSEE and the Corporation des fêtes de Saint-Eustache. ABL immigration is also involved in the organizing committee, in addition to hosting a booth during the public market to promote its various services. This event is made possible thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Culture and Communications, as part of the Culture and Inclusion program.
On the photo: Ms. Mélanie Lesage, development officer at the Community Animation Service, Ms. Nicole Carignan-Lefebvre, municipal councillor, Mr. Pierre Charron, mayor, Mr. Raymond Tessier, municipal councillor, Mr. Alain Marginean, coordinating president at ABL immigration, Ms. Lucie Martineau, development agent at ABL immigration, Ms. Sophie Tessier, director of the Arts and Culture Department, Ms. Fannie Leclerc, development agent at the Library Department.
Mayor Denis Martin and the organizing committee of the Canada Day festivities in Deux-Montagnes
The only official Canada Day celebration in the North Shore
As one more Canada birthday approaches, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes and the organizing committee announced on June 13th, 2022, the festivities program for the 1st of July. This is going to be the 51st edition of Canada day in the beautiful town and a break finally from the restrictions of the pandemic. Deux Montagnes is also the only North Shore city to host an official Canada Day celebration.
The Mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Denis Martin, and the President of the Canada Day Committee for MRC Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Tom Whitton have invited the entire MRC population to gather in large numbers on Friday, at Central Park in Deux-Montagnes. Mr. Whitton in an interview with NSN explained that for the first time there was going to be no parade this year since the organizing committee wanted everyone, volunteers, and attendees, to gather at the park.
“It is an honor for the City of Deux-Montagnes to be a partner for Canada Day. After two years of the pandemic. The desire to gather around our common values is more evident than ever. I salute the commitment of the organizing committee for putting together festivities which will allow for the entire population of the MRC, from young to old alike, to come celebrate here which collectively gives us pride in being Canadian,” declared Mr. Denis Martin, Mayor of Deux-Montagnes.
At the press conference Tom Whitton, emphasized that all the population has gone through difficult moments since Spring 2020. “A return to our traditional, open-air celebration at Central Park is an important step towards a return to a normal life.”
The festivities
At noon, an opening ceremony will take place, with the signing of the national anthem, “O Canada” in the presence of dignitaries and this year’s Honorary President, Mr. Albert Allen.
The day will continue with many family activities: face-painting, train rides, horseshoes tournament, bingo, inflatables and a circus workshop offered by les Forains Abyssaux. New this year, a Zumba Class (presented by Sélection Retraite Deux-Montagnes) and an obstacle course race organized by Équilibre au Carré. Also, from 9:30am-4pm, the group “Véhicules Antiques des Patriotes de Saint-Eustache” will provide access to many of their vintage vehicles for fans of these fabulous machines.
Live music featuring artists from the region will be presented from 3pm to midnight. The headlining band is “Journey to the Grand Illusion”, a special tribute to Journey and Styx. The city promises a grand finale with a spectacular fireworks display, presented by the City of Deux-Montagnes, which will fill the sky at 10pm.
Albert Allen, a true love story
At the press conference Whitton emphasized the importance of volunteers contributing to the well-being of a community. He lamented the fact however that the pool of people willing to offer their time is dwindling. “We need to find inspirations to show us the way and set the examples for the generations of today and tomorrow. The Canada Day Committee always seeks to accomplish this in recognizing community members as our honorary president.” For 2022, the Committee has chosen someone who, according to it, personifies this dedication, and who at his age, still offers his precious time today to the community. The Canada Day Committee therefore announced as its honorary president for the 2022 Canada Day celebrations, Mr. Albert Allen.
Mr. Allen grew up in Montreal and began his career working as an electrician, eventually becoming a draftsman. He married Sandy Potts in 1965, a love story which continued right up to Sandy’s passing in 2016. Albert and Sandy moved to Deux-Montagnes in 1978, purchasing their house on 16th Avenue from Albert’s parents, a home where Albert continues to live in today.
According to the committee it is hard to disassociate Albert from Sandy when one talks about their volunteering. For 30+ years, whether it was helping seniors at Manoir St-Eustache, offering food for Meals on Wheels, supporting the various Lions Club activities, or helping celebrate Canada Day, Albert and Sandy were always there to give their time and make our community better.
Albert and Sandy continued their volunteerism well beyond Albert’s retirement in 2002. After Sandy’s passing in 2016, Albert continued this legacy by offering his culinary skills for Meals on Wheels. And Albert currently teaches a wood-carving class pro-bono.
Mr. Allen who was called to speak during the press conference was visibly emotional about the honor. Mr. Whitton said that he will certainly be seen at the Canada Day kitchen this year. “Albert has always been a do-ers, and because of his dedication to our community, we are all richer for it.” he added.
Mr. Christian Bellemare, General Manager of the City of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Michel Louis Beauchamp, General Manager of Lionel-Groulx College, Mr. Pierre Charron, Mayor of Saint-Eustache, Ms. Michèle Labelle, City Councillor, Vice -president of the Economic Development Commission, Mr. Patrice Paquette, municipal councillor, president of the Economic Development Commission.
The Mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron, and the Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, City Councilor Patrice Paquette, announced the implementation of a project to establish an agricultural innovation zone, with, as a first step, the conclusion of an agreement with Collège Lionel-Groulx, with a view to providing theoretical and practical agricultural programs in Saint-Eustache.
The agricultural innovation zone is a unique project that is being rolled out in three phases. First with the establishment of a farm school, to train the next generation to face the challenges of tomorrow’s agriculture. Then, with the creation of a park dedicated to intensive organic farming, where young up-and-comers will be able to occupy twenty lots in this 7 million square foot space, to exploit this business model. And finally, in the last phase, with the creation of an agricultural incubator, which will allow young farmers, who will be supported by professionals in the field, to make their new business a viable business model. “After years of careful planning, everything is now aligned so that this extremely innovative project can unfold, further enhancing the agricultural sector and positioning Saint-Eustache as one of the most inspiring models of new agriculture,” said the mayor.
A first agreement with Collège Lionel-Groulx
It was in the presence of Mr. Michel Louis Beauchamp, General Manager of Collège Lionel-Groulx, that elected officials from the city announced that college education programs in agriculture are being set up for the very first time in Saint-Eustache. These programs will eventually welcome a cohort of some 45 students per year. Under the agreement reached with the City of Saint-Eustache, the College will set up a farm-school, where the theoretical and practical teaching of its programs will be provided, on the adjacent agricultural land extending the Nature Park, for which a lease with option to purchase has been signed. This is a land that the City has worked in recent years to improve, in order to make it suitable for organic farming. Eventually, when the Lionel-Groulx College has obtained the necessary authorizations from the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ) and the Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Lands of Quebec (CPTAQ), this farm school will be established there permanently.
Conditions met for the establishment of the Agricultural Innovation Park
For emerging farmers, for whom the possibility of cultivating a plot of land near major centers has become practically an unattainable goal, the agricultural Innovation Park will offer about twenty plots to establish small ecological farms, where intensive organic farming will be practiced continuously. It is estimated that these farms will eventually be able to feed some 4,000 families. “This project has only economic, social and environmental advantages,” said Patrice Paquette, adding that the Agricultural Innovation Park will thus contribute concretely to food self-sufficiency, in addition to ensuring harmonious coexistence between agricultural and non-agricultural uses of the territory and to allow local consumption and marketing. “Since the Vieux-Saint-Eustache public market will be a showcase of choice for the organic products of these new farmers, this will also necessarily reduce GHG emissions related to the transport of foodstuffs. “, he added.
The Agricultural Innovation Park will be formed from different lots that the City wishes to acquire. To this end, the municipal council recently adopted a resolution to issue property tax notices on some forty lots, which will be distributed according to the natural or agricultural potential they offer. Many these lots will make it possible to perpetuate the Nature Park, while some others, specific to agriculture, will come to constitute the Agricultural Innovation Park. “All these acquisitions can be made without any impact on the municipal debt, thanks to the income generated, among other things, by the resale of the Autodrome as well as by the Economic Development Fund. “said mayor Pierre Charron.
A first Ukrainian family welcomed to Sainte-Thérèse
In an effort to accommodate as many Ukrainian families as possible the different cities in the North Shore are ramping up their efforts to host refugees from the Russian invasion.
On June 3, the City of Sainte-Thérèse received Mrs. Zhanna Bokhinska at city hall, a mother who left Ukraine with her two children to find refuge in Sainte-Thérèse. During this meeting, the mayor officially welcomed the family and gave a citizen’s card to each member so that they can access the activities of the municipality.
“The City of Sainte-Thérèse wanted to warmly welcome this resilient family. We are committed to providing them with all the necessary assistance to facilitate their integration. Leaving one’s native country without a return date is a terribly heartbreaking choice. During our meeting, Ms. Bokhinska mentioned having noticed several similarities between Sainte-Thérèse and her hometown. We are therefore delighted to offer this mother and her two children a familiar place where they can find peace and quiet,” said the mayor of Sainte‑Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.
Due to the armed conflicts ravaging Ukraine, the family, made up of two children aged 6 and 15, and their mother, had to flee the city of Lviv in order to take refuge in Canada. Established in Sainte-Thérèse since April 20, the family members receive help from Mr. Pascal Tanguay, volunteer citizen who accompanies them in their integration process, Mr. Mattia Potenza, manager of the Le 15 Lesage residence who accommodates the family in one of the establishment’s lodgings, and Mrs. Marjorie Regimbeau, development agent for the organization ABL Immigration which provides reception and integration support as well as offering front-line and referral services to autonomous immigrants and, eventually, to refugees. Part of its mandate is to raise awareness of the contribution of immigration and interculturalism and to promote actions allowing intercultural and international openness in the Lower Laurentians.
The towns of the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville have created an aid fund to facilitate the reception of Ukrainian families arriving on the territory.
The City of Blainville is presenting the 35th edition of Blainville en fête in its full format on Saturday, August 20 at the Equestrian Park. Blainville citizens will be able to celebrate once more after 2 years of pandemic restrictions. They will be able to see Corneille and his guests : Renee Wilkin, Dashny Jules, Jonas Tomalty, as well as Julien Charbonneau and Sarah-Maude Desgagné from the most recent version of Star Académie.
Family fun
The Blainville en fête festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with inflatable games, face painting for children and various fun activities. Starting at 11 a.m., Atchoum will present his show on the secondary stage. Véronique has been interested in comedy and music since a young age. Véronique Gagné embodies Atchoum full time and travels across Quebec, accompanied by her rock musicians. Atchoum is also known for its songbooks, its video capsules, its program Tordus broadcast on the Web and on TV, its five albums and its four films, its nominations at the ADISQ gala, its association with the Parc Mille Lieux from the hill, and more. She will be followed by Bill Bestiole at 2 p.m.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the winners of the Blainville en chansons will perform on the main stage. It will be a great opportunity to discover the fabulous talents of the region.
New for the 35th
To mark the 35th anniversary of Blainville en fête, the traditional fireworks will be accompanied this year by a show of 100 luminous drones for about ten minutes. This is a show conceptualized especially for the City of Blainville. Drone fireworks are the new craze worldwide with exceptional capabilities in delivering sky messages that fireworks cannot! Blainville en fête is able to support these activities because of the support of generous partners who make it possible, year after year, to carry out an event of this magnitude: Stablex, Desjardins Caisse de l’Envolée, CIME FM, Groupe JCL, IGA Extra Famille Girard, as well as many other collaborators.
Photo: Sonia St-Pierre of Stablex, Liza Poulin; Mayor of Blainville, Nicole Ruel; municipal councillor, Christian Paradis of Desjardins Caisse de l’Envolée, Pierre-Marc Langlois and Christian Asselin of the JCL group, Jean-François Pinard; municipal councillor and Maya Bon of CIME FM
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-17 published June 17th, 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, June 17th, 2022 issue.
Liza Poulin, Mayor of Blainville; Roxanda Mirzac, Nada Khedidem, Corinne Belley, Emmanuel Cormier, Audrey Daigneault and Gabriela Turmel, members of the Youth Commission and Mario Laframboise, MNA for Blainville and Chair of the Government Caucus
The Government of Quebec, through the Youth Secretariat, has awarded the City of Blainville a grant totaling $28 $500 for the realization of the 2021-2022 action plan of the youth commission.
This action plan, the result of a consultation conducted with residents aged between 18 and 35, revolves around six themes which are diversity and inclusion, the environment and urban planning, transport and mobility, civic and democratic participation, culture and leisure, and health and safety.
“As young adults involved in our community, it is a real privilege to receive the support of the Government of Quebec. This mark of confidence will certainly contribute to the realization of our many projects which, we hope, will benefit all the citizens of Blainville”, declared the members of the youth commission, namely Corinne Belley, Audrey Daigneault, Nada Khedidem , Roxanda Mirzac, Gabriela Turmel and Emmanuel Cormier.
For Mayor Liza Poulin, the objectives pursued by the members of the Youth Commission fall within the priority fields of action of her administration. “Young people from the commission will be associated with our new environmental policy since they sit on the steering committee. They also contribute to reflection on diversity. They also guide us on sustainable mobility and active transportation. It is therefore with enthusiasm that the municipal council supports the initiatives of the youth commission and I thank the government of Quebec for supporting it in such a good way,” said the mayor.
2021-2022 action
The Youth Commission’s action plan therefore includes six themes that include positions, recommendations and means of action. For example, in the fall of 2021, the commission carried out a challenge on active transportation with the draw for a participation prize.
Another activity related to active transportation will took place on Saturday, May 28. To launch the start of the cycling season, the members of the youth commission invited the public to an information kiosk which was be on the edge of the cycle path near the Lucille-Teasdale high school
Also, with the objective of promoting democratic participation, the commission met with elected councillors and regularly publishes excerpts from interviews with the women and men who make up the municipal council on the Ville de Blainville Facebook page.
In the fall of 2022, the members of the commission will participate in a gathering bringing together young citizens who are part of similar bodies in other municipalities.
“Over the next few months, we will work on the development of several projects such as: documentation and organization of activities to demystify municipal politics, design of video capsules addressing themes related to diversity as well as development of an outdoor space conducive to gatherings,” said the six members of the youth commission.
About the Youth Commission of Blainville
The youth commission is made up of five young women and one young man between the ages of 18 and 30, who are involved in municipal life and who want to carry out mobilizing projects for the future of the city. Its objectives are to promote the democratic participation of young people, allow young people to participate in projects developed by the City, offer young people the opportunity to propose their ideas to the municipal council and allow young people to act as ambassadors of democratic life for young Blainville residents in institutions and various events.
