Story - Page 49 of 139 - The North Shore News

Sainte-Thérèse bans plastic bags

Climate

July 15, 2022

More and more cities in the North Shore are banning the use of plastic bags in an effort to act green and save the environment. The City of Sainte-Thérèse has adopted a by-law governing the distribution of shopping bags on Thérèse territory, which will come into effect on September 12, 2022.

This move aims to reduce the quantity of residual materials produced as well as greenhouse gas emissions in this time of climate change.

Prohibited bags

As of September 12^th , merchants will no longer be able to distribute, sell or offer conventional, compostable, biodegradable and oxodegradable or oxofragmentable plastic bags, as well as conventional paper bags.

The bags allowed

There are certain types of bags however, that will be allowed to be distributed in the retail businesses of Sainte-Thérèse. These are:

Reusable bags, paper bags that are completely recycled or contain at least 40% post-consumer fibres, unwaxed, recyclable or compostable paper packaging bags, plastic used for hygienic purposes to contain food products such as meat, poultry, fish or bulk products, packaging bags used in an industrial process, recycled plastic bags containing advertising material , as part of a door-to-door distribution packing bags distributed by a business offering dry cleaning services and finally packing bags for tires.

According to announcement by the city, sincebusinesses play a key role in encouraging the adoption of eco-responsible habits with their customers, they can find help at the city site with all kinds of useful information and downloadable pdfs.

“For all your shopping, remember to bring a reusable bag. And above all, use the bags you already have before getting a new one!” one can read at the city announcement.

With this by-law, the City of Sainte-Thérèse complies with the Metropolitan Residual Materials Management Plan, which provides for the adoption by the municipalities of the Montreal Metropolitan Community of a by-law prohibiting the use of plastic bags.

A matter for the courts

Local News

Maria Diamantis

July 15, 2022

Former Rosemère golf course and Quartier Melrose: Legal proceedings are underway

On April 21, a promoter from Quartier Melrose submitted a request for appeal in judicial review in the Superior Court of Quebec against the Town of Rosemère and the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville. In the documents that have been filed, it is indicated that it is for at least 126 million dollars that the company is suing for damages for disguised expropriation.

One can also read that the application for appeal requires the Court “to enjoin the MRC to perform an act to which the law obliges it, namely, to affect the land of the former Golf de Rosemère with a real great assignment”.

On March 23, all the cities of the MRC took a position in an approach aimed at protecting green spaces. Thus, the steps to modify the land use of the former Rosemère golf course have been put on hold. Mayor Westram had rallied the cities in a desire to stop the land use change in order to be able to appeal together to the higher authorities, to see what they had to offer them. This decision certainly had an impact on Quartier Melrose, a residential development project designed to take place on the site of the former golf course. The developers François Vachon and Patrick Varin were therefore forced to see the realization of their project jeopardized.

Following this news, the Rosemère native and vice-president of Rosemère Vert, Lucie Tremblay, wished to support the importance of the steps taken by the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM) for the protection of green spaces: “The Government of Quebec must also support municipal authorities vis-à-vis developers and speculators who threaten to take action for disguised expropriation when they have knowingly acquired recreational spaces whose zoning does not generally allow real estate development, such as this is the case for 88.5% of the site of the former Rosemère golf course”.

Canada Day fiesta in Deux-Montagnes

Featured

Maria Diamantis

July 15, 2022

Officer Christopher Harding speaking to local youngster. Perhaps future men and women in blue?

As announced by the mayor of Deux-Montagnes and the organizing committee on June 13th, 2022, the festivities for the 1st of July took place with multiple activities and a large audience who celebrated not only the 51st festivities of Canada day in the beautiful town but also got to get together and socialize after years of restrictions.

The festivities

At noon, the opening ceremony took place, with the singing of the national anthem, “O Canada” by Karine Laprise in the presence of dignitaries and this year’s Honorary President, Mr. Albert Allen whose achievements and contributions were covered extensively by the North Shore news in our previous issue. Mayor Denis Martin, and the President of the Canada Day Committee for MRC Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Tom Whitton spoke about the importance of the day in the well-attended outdoor celebration at Central Park.

During the afternoon hours the children were the VIPS of the organization as the day started with many family activities: face-painting, a horseshoe tournament and bingo. The large inflatables with themes from Disney movies, as always, were a big hit with the kids as was a circus workshop offered by les Forains Abyssaux. At the same time a small train ferried excited families around the festivities area and balloon makers excited many with their amazing animal making skills.

For the lovers of a time travel to the wheels of the 50s and beyond, the group “Véhicules Antiques des Patriotes de Saint-Eustache” provided access to many of their vintage vehicles for fans of these fabulous machines maintained by such love and attention to detail by their owners.

Hot dogs, fries, popcorn, cotton candy and beaver tails were the culinary offerings prepared by multitudes of volunteers energizing young and old and preparing them for the musical events.

Officers from the local police department (Régie de police du Lac des Deux-Montagnes) also made an appearance speaking to the local youth.

The live music featuring artists from the region was presented from 3pm to midnight. The headlining band was “Journey to the Grand Illusion”, which offered a special tribute to Journey and Styx. The evening closed with a grand finale of a spectacular fireworks display, presented by the City of Deux-Montagnes, which filled the sky above the park to the wonder and awe of all who gathered for this special day.

The North Shore News volume 18-19

Archives

NSN Staff

July 15, 2022

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-19 published July 15th, 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. — Front page of The North Shore News, July 15th, 2022 issue.

Saint-Eustache mayor asks for a cycling path along the REM axis

Local News

Maria Diamantis

July 2, 2022

Saint-Eustache mayor asks for a cycling path along the REM axis

Judging that the urban mobility must necessarily tie in with public transport, the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron, asked the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ -Infra), to take advantage of the delays in the delivery of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) to carefully plan the integration of a cycling network along its axis.

The mayor of Saint-Eustache spoke out in support of the recent requests expressed by the mayors of the boroughs of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Saint-Laurent, who are urging the CDPQ Infra to integrate a bicycle route project of about twenty kilometers that would allow to connect the Borough of Saint-Laurent to the City of Deux-Montagnes, via the Borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and the City of Laval.

Like his colleagues, Pierre Charron believes that this project is essential for residents of northwest Montreal, Laval and Saint-Eustache, who are struggling with recurring congestion problems and for whom the options of mobility are limited. “These citizens must be able to benefit from better access to major job centers. It’s also a matter of productivity,” says Pierre Charron.

In anticipation of the arrival of the REM, and with a view to creating a coherent and efficient cycling network, the City of Saint-Eustache has also set up a cycling link in the immediate vicinity of the limits of Saint-Eustache and Deux-Montagnes. , with the aim that it can connect to another track, which, logically, should be built along the rail corridor leading to the Deux-Montagnes station. However, the CDPQ’s response to repeated requests to include the development of this track in the planning of the REM project has so far remained vague and imprecise.

“The construction of a cycle route and various cycling links near the future REM stations must necessarily be considered a priority, and be integrated into the project as of now. We are also ready to provide our full cooperation. In our opinion, it is inconceivable to build such an infrastructure, without the citizens of the cities it crosses eventually being able to access it by bike or on foot! This defies all the principles of urban mobility, which must necessarily tie in with public transit. CDPQ Infra must act consistently, while there is still time to do so. This delay in delivery gives it the opportunity,” concluded Mayor Charron.

Rosemère shows its green

Local News

Maria Diamantis

July 1, 2022

First Phase of the Urban Forestry Master Plan

In response to concerns expressed by residents during recent public consultations in 2019 and 2020, the Town of Rosemère announced on June 15^th the first phase of its Urban Forestry Master Plan, which aims to promote the resilience of its forest and, in so doing, maintain and enhance the municipality’s tree wealth.

Habitat, a consulting firm committed to finding environmental solutions, has been hired to conduct a study that will help achieve the long-term conservation and enhancement objectives for Rosemère’s forest. This first report is divided into four main sections:

– Portrait of the Town’s urban forest

– Review of municipal bylaws and programs impacting the management and preservation of Rosemère’s urban trees

– Strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the present forest

– Planting strategy

“The development of this plan is in line with our urban vision—Rosemère, a proud, green and prosperous town. First of all, “proud and green”, because our canopy index ranks us fifth among the municipalities of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) that have a population of more than 10,000 people; and “prosperous”, because Rosemère’s trees represent $19 million in ornamental value and have a carbon stock of over 3800 metric tons, the economic value of which has been estimated at $739,000,” stated Mayor Eric Westram at the time of the announcement. “But we must remain proactive and do everything we can to encourage diversified and complementary planting in order to reduce, as much as possible, the risks associated with such disturbances as disease and climate change,” he mentioned.

Habitat’s proposed planting strategy, which will be rolled out over the next few years, is based on two main directions: increasing the urban forest’s resilience to global change as well as distributing and increasing the canopy index across the municipality’s various residential sectors.

Rosemère in Bloom

Featured

Maria Diamantis

July 1, 2022

A horticultural extravaganza

The Town of Rosemère is launching the 2022 Rosemère in Bloom contest. Residents have until August 19 to submit their photographic entries. The summer will also see the addition of a new horticultural event open to the public, which is set to take place on July 10 at the Hamilton House gardens.

“Ornamental gardening is an integral part of our way of life in Rosemère,” said Mayor Eric Westram. “I encourage as many residents as possible to join us as we celebrate the return of the Rosemère in Bloom contest and to come enjoy our new horticultural event on July 10. Making our community a beautiful place to live comes with a whole host of benefits for the environment, for the economy and for our overall quality of life. And we have the green thumb and the imagination of our home gardeners to thank for our status as a Community in Bloom.’’

Rosemère in Bloom contest

The Rosemère in Bloom contest, now well into its fourth decade, is open to anyone residing in Rosemère. There are no entry fees for any of the categories. The completed entry form and the accompanying photograph must be emailed to info@ville.rosemere.qc.ca by the contest deadline of August 19. The awards ceremony will be held in the fall. Winners will have the honour of seeing their photograph up on display at the town library for a month.

The contest categories are as follows: environmental action; efforts undertaken to protect the environment; benefit nature and promote good habits designed to improve the community; backyard; front in bloom — residential; front in bloom — commercial; vegetable garden; cosy corner.

New horticultural event on July 10

While the Rosemère in Bloom contest period is underway, a brand-new horticultural event will be held at the Hamilton House gardens on July 10, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The lineup promises to be as enjoyable as it is eye-opening for the whole family.

Among the featured activities will be a gardening bazaar, where attendees will be able to pick up a variety of perennials, annuals, edible plants and houseplants, tree saplings, and flowerpots and other accessories. Residents who wish to donate plants and gardening implements are welcome to drop them off at the Ecocentre. They will be taken to the event and put up for sale at reasonable prices. It’s a great way to give previously loved items a second life.

At 11 a.m., the Caring Committee, jointly with the Town, will officially unveil the new commemorative poetry garden that has recently been created on the Hamilton House grounds. Residents who wish to contribute to the finishing touches on the garden will be given the chance to do so.

On the day of the event, visitors will be able to stroll through the grounds to discover (or rediscover) the Hamilton House theme gardens and Bouthillier Marsh, both of which are ecological treasure troves showcasing the natural beauty of Rosemère.

The program will also feature a booth on the benefits of beekeeping, from 10 a.m. to noon, as well as a series of art displays, with local artists in attendance.

Secret Gardens Tour

The public is also invited to take part in the longstanding tradition that is the Secret Gardens Tour, a popular draw for locals and visitors alike. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Rosemère’s most striking and original private gardens. Tickets will be on sale for $10 at Hamilton House the day of the event. All proceeds from the horticultural event and the Secret Gardens Tour will go to Les Petits Plaisirs, a respite care organization.

Deux-Montagnes library ends overdue fines for children’s books

Local News

Maria Diamantis

July 1, 2022

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.

New Partnership with Au Grenier Populaire

Local News

Maria Diamantis

July 1, 2022

New Partnership with Au Grenier Populaire

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 North Shore News volume 18-18

Archives

NSN Staff

July 1, 2022

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.)