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Rosemère Unveils 2026 Municipal Calendar Featuring Citizen Artwork and Local Pollinators

Dimitris Ilias
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Rosemère Unveils 2026 Municipal Calendar Featuring Citizen Artwork and Local Pollinators

The Town of Rosemère has announced the upcoming release of its 2026 municipal calendar, a free publication that combines civic information with artwork created by local residents. The calendar will be available to the public starting December 18 at several municipal service points across the town, according to a notice issued by municipal authorities.

Residents will be able to pick up the calendar at Town Hall, the H.J. Hemens Public Library, the Memorial Community Centre, the Recreation Department, and the Public Works Department. In addition to printed copies, an electronic version will be posted on the town’s official website, where it can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format

This year’s edition takes the form of a collective work, created through a public contest held earlier in the year. The theme of the contest was “Monarchs and other Rosemère pollinators,” and residents were invited to submit photographs and artworks inspired by pollinating species found in the municipality. Fourteen selected images were chosen to illustrate the calendar.

Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre acknowledged the strong response from the community, noting in a statement that many submissions were received and that the selection process was challenging due to the quality of the entries. She highlighted the role of monarch butterflies and other pollinators in preserving biodiversity and thanked participants for contributing their creative work to the project

Beyond its artistic component, the calendar serves a practical purpose, providing residents with an overview of municipal activities, important dates, and community events throughout the year. Municipal officials described it as a planning tool that also reflects Rosemère’s commitment to citizen participation and environmental awareness.

To ensure accessibility, the town has indicated that residents with mobility issues who are unable to visit one of the distribution points may request that a copy be mailed to them. Requests can be made by contacting the municipal communications department by email.

The Town of Rosemère stated that the calendar is intended to be both informative and representative of the community, highlighting local talent while drawing attention to environmental themes relevant to the region.

Rosemère Adopts 2026 Budget Emphasizing Financial Prudence and Long Term Sustainability

Dimitris Ilias
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Rosemère Adopts 2026 Budget Emphasizing Financial Prudence and Long Term Sustainability

Rosemère Town Council has formally adopted its 2026 municipal budget, following a special council meeting held on December 8. The budget outlines the municipality’s financial priorities for the coming year and reflects what officials describe as a cautious and forward looking approach to fiscal management.

Presented by Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre, the 2026 budget includes an operating budget of $43,567,000. For the average residential property owner, the general property tax will increase by three percent. Residential taxpayers will also contribute an average of $54 toward the infrastructure fund, representing approximately 1.5 percent of the overall tax bill

Municipal officials cited several factors that shaped the budget, including the tax shift associated with the 2024 to 2026 assessment roll and increased financial contributions to partner organizations. Among these is a five percent increase in Rosemère’s contribution to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, resulting in a 0.5 percent increase in the special public transit tax.

To address the impact of assessment changes, the town has introduced a revised tax strategy for non residential properties. The new two tiered structure is intended to reduce the burden on smaller businesses affected by rising property values

The budget also includes measures aimed at long term environmental and financial sustainability. An annual allocation of $100,000 has been set aside to create a climate resilience fund, and a new progressive water pricing system has been introduced to encourage responsible water use. The pricing applies to consumption exceeding a base threshold of 40,000 imperial gallons, with certain exemptions.

In addition, Rosemère has adopted a five year capital plan, replacing the previous three year framework. Municipal leaders say this change will allow for better project sequencing, improved access to funding, and greater flexibility in adjusting priorities as needed.

Detailed budget documents are available on the Town of Rosemère’s website.

Record Donations Collected During Rosemère’s Annual Guignolée Food Drive

Dimitris Ilias
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Record Donations Collected During Rosemère’s Annual Guignolée Food Drive

Rosemère’s annual Guignolée food drive has once again demonstrated strong community participation, with this year’s edition resulting in record donations for families in need, according to figures released by the town.

The event took place on Saturday, November 29, and mobilized more than 230 volunteers across the municipality. By the end of the day, organizers reported the collection of $37,562 in cash donations, along with 218 boxes of non perishable food items

Two local organizations played key roles in supporting the drive. The Corporation de développement culturel et sportif de Rosemère contributed $5,000, while Jeunesse Action Rosemère assisted with the collection process and provided lunch for volunteers participating in the operation.

Mayor Marie Elaine Pitre highlighted the level of citizen engagement in a statement, noting that the turnout and results reflected the generosity and solidarity of Rosemère residents. She also acknowledged the involvement of town council members and volunteers who helped coordinate the event

The town confirmed that donated food items will be used by the Service d’aide alimentaire Saint Maurice, Paroisse Saint Luc, to prepare Christmas baskets for families. Cash donations will be transferred to Entraide Rosemère, which will use the funds to purchase and distribute food vouchers within the community.

Municipal officials emphasized that all donations collected through the Guignolée remain local and are directed toward residents experiencing food insecurity during the holiday season.

For those who were unable to participate in the door to door drive, the town noted that donations are still being accepted. Cash contributions can be made through the H.J. Hemens Public Library or by contacting Entraide Rosemère directly. Non perishable food items can be dropped off at several municipal locations until December 19.

The Guignolée continues to be a longstanding tradition in Rosemère, serving as a collective effort to support vulnerable families at a critical time of year.

Temporary Transfer of Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit Sends Expectant Mothers to Laval for Three Months

Dimitris Ilias
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Temporary Transfer of Saint-Eustache Birthing Unit Sends Expectant Mothers to Laval for Three Months

Expectant mothers in the Laurentides will see a temporary change in their birthing arrangements this month, as the CISSS des Laurentides confirms that the birth unit at Saint-Eustache Hospital will be relocated to Laval for approximately three months beginning December 5 at 8 a.m.

The decision is not the result of infrastructure issues, but of a shortage of gynecologists and obstetricians, a challenge that has affected several regions in recent years. According to the CISSS, the temporary move is meant to safeguard the continuity and quality of care for pregnant patients until the medical team in Saint-Eustache can be reinforced.

During this period, the full care team from Saint-Eustache’s birthing unit, including nurses and physicians, will be transferred to Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital in Laval. The intention is to ensure that women continue receiving the same level of care from the same professionals, only in a different location.

Pregnant women who had been planning to deliver at Saint-Eustache will not need to take any steps on their own. Their care provider will notify them of the change and answer any concerns. The CISSS emphasized that all patients will be supported through the transition and encouraged anyone with questions to continue relying on the clinician overseeing their pregnancy.

The organization is working to stabilize the medical workforce at Saint-Eustache as quickly as possible to restore local birthing services. Until then, Laval will serve as the temporary delivery site for families across the region.

More information is available on the CISSS des Laurentides website under the section on labor and delivery.

RIPTB Highlights Community-Focused Policing at the Réseau Intersection Colloquium

Dimitris Ilias
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RIPTB Highlights Community-Focused Policing at the Réseau Intersection Colloquium

For two days, the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ) in Nicolet became the centre of provincial and international reflection on community policing, as the Réseau Intersection Colloquium brought together police services from across Quebec along with invited partners from abroad. The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) was proud to participate in an event that continues to shape how police agencies address the social realities facing their communities.

The Réseau Intersection, created to support the development of police de proximité in Quebec, has built a strong reputation for offering concrete, research-based approaches to public safety. Each year, the colloquium focuses on practical strategies to improve the relationship between police and the public, particularly in areas involving prevention, mental health, vulnerable populations, youth engagement, and coordinated intervention with municipal and social partners. Held in collaboration with the ENPQ, the gathering is recognized as one of the province’s key platforms for advancing modern policing.

One of the distinguishing features of this year’s edition was the participation of several representatives from Belgium, a country widely known for its national commitment to proximity policing. Belgian police operate under a federal framework that mandates local anchoring, regular contact with citizens, and a shared responsibility between police zones and municipalities. Their contribution to the colloquium brought a valuable international perspective, especially in discussions about multidisciplinary intervention teams, crisis response protocols, and long-term prevention planning. Their experiences offered points of comparison and reflection for Quebec services, including the RIPTB, which has long integrated similar principles into its daily operations.

Throughout the event, discussions repeatedly returned to the evolving nature of police work. Many presenters highlighted the rise in calls linked to mental health, homelessness, substance use, and other complex social challenges that require close coordination with external partners. Others examined the role of schools, community associations, and municipal agencies in reinforcing early prevention. This emphasis on shared responsibility mirrors the RIPTB’s ongoing commitment to maintaining strong ties with local organizations, municipal councils, and citizen groups, ensuring that policing remains centered on collaboration rather than simple response.

The Service de police de Richelieu–Saint-Laurent, which oversaw this year’s organization, ensured a fluid and well-structured program, with sessions that stayed grounded in real-world experience. Their leadership contributed significantly to the event’s success and to the quality of the exchanges taking place throughout the colloquium.

For the RIPTB, the experience served as both a reaffirmation of its long-standing philosophy and an opportunity to engage with new ideas. The conversations in Nicolet made clear that effective public safety relies not only on patrols and investigations, but on presence, prevention, dialogue, and trust. The colloquium emphasized that community policing is not static; it evolves with society’s needs and with the willingness of police services to adapt and learn.

As the RIPTB returns to its territory, it carries with it the insights, partnerships, and renewed motivation inspired by the colloquium. The two days at the ENPQ highlighted the strength of collective reflection and offered powerful confirmation of the central role that proximity, understanding, and cooperation play in building safe and resilient communities.

New Laurentides Podcast Series Gives Men the Microphone on Mental Well-Being

Dimitris Ilias
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New Laurentides Podcast Series Gives Men the Microphone on Mental Well-Being

The conversation around men’s mental health in the Laurentides is getting a meaningful new platform this week, as the CISSS des Laurentides launches a podcast series that invites men to speak openly about the pressures they face and the ways they cope with them. Released on November 19 to mark both International Men’s Day and the twelfth annual Quebec Men’s Health and Well-Being Day, the series is titled Éclaire-moi… La parole aux hommes. It aims to highlight the realities of masculine well-being through authentic conversations with men of different ages and backgrounds.

The initiative comes from the region’s Réseau d’éclaireurs en santé psychologique, a network that has been steadily expanding its outreach in recent years. By adding a podcast format, the CISSS des Laurentides hopes to reach men who may not seek support in traditional ways, yet are living with stress, emotional pressure, or a sense of isolation that often goes unspoken.

Throughout the episodes, participants open up about how they handle stress, what helps them decompress after demanding days, and how they build meaningful connections with other men. Many of them underscore the simple yet profound impact that talking to one another can have, especially at a time when many men still feel hesitant to express vulnerability.

The project is earning praise inside the organization itself. Benoît Major, the assistant president and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, described the episodes as honest and moving. He noted that the discussions provide a rare window into the emotional lives of men and serve as a reminder that conversations about mental health should never be limited by stigma. He also emphasized the innovative spirit of the Réseau d’éclaireurs, a group he credits with helping improve the psychological well-being of the Laurentides population.

The episodes are now available on the CISSS website under the Balados du CISSS des Laurentides section, and they can also be streamed on Spotify. The format is designed to be accessible, allowing listeners to tune in wherever they are, whether during a commute along Highway 15 or at home after a long day of work.

The timing of the launch is not accidental. Both International Men’s Day and Quebec’s annual day dedicated to male health aim to shed light on issues that men often keep to themselves. Mental health workers in the region say that many men wait too long before asking for help, either because they do not recognize the signs of stress fatigue or because they fear burdening those around them. Initiatives like this podcast, they argue, help normalize the idea that asking for support is not a weakness, but a strength.

For those who may need immediate guidance, the CISSS reminds the public that Info Social professionals are available at all hours through the 811 option 2 service. The line connects callers to qualified psychosocial workers who can offer support, information, and referrals, day or night.

By handing the microphone to men from different walks of life, the CISSS des Laurentides is attempting to expand the regional conversation about emotional health, community, and resilience. The voices captured in the podcast are varied, but the message they share is consistent. Speaking openly matters. Listening to one another matters too. For many men across the Laurentides, this new series may be the spark that encourages them to take that first step.

Deux-Montagnes Awards More Than 73,000 Dollars to Local Organizations and High-Performance Athletes

Dimitris Ilias
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Deux-Montagnes Awards More Than 73,000 Dollars to Local Organizations and High-Performance Athletes

The City of Deux-Montagnes highlighted the heartbeat of its community this week, awarding a total of 73,930 dollars in financial support to local organizations and promising young athletes. The annual ceremony took place on November 18, celebrating the individuals and groups whose work keeps the city’s cultural, social, and athletic life thriving.

This year, 31 accredited community organizations received a combined 72,730 dollars in municipal funding. These groups represent a wide range of services and activities, from cultural programming to sports, senior services, youth initiatives, and community support networks. The city also distributed an additional 1,200 dollars to eight high-performance athletes whose dedication and achievements have brought visibility and pride to the community.

Mayor Denis Martin spoke warmly about the impact of the organizations recognized, noting that their contributions shape the quality of life in Deux-Montagnes in measurable ways. He emphasized that these groups inspire residents, mobilize volunteers, and strengthen the social fabric through countless hours of commitment. The city’s support, he said, is both a gesture of recognition and a reinforcement of their ongoing missions.

The mayor was joined by members of the municipal council, who personally thanked the volunteers, staff members, and community partners behind each organization. Their presence underscored the value the city places on civic engagement and on the people whose work often takes place behind the scenes yet remains essential to local vitality.

The evening served as a reminder that the strength of Deux-Montagnes lies not only in its infrastructure or public services but also, and perhaps most importantly, in the dedication of its residents who invest time, talent, and passion into the community.

A Historic First for the North Shore: Rosemère’s Marie-Elaine Pitre Steps Into a Trailblazing Role at the MRC

Dimitris Ilias
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A Historic First for the North Shore: Rosemère’s Marie-Elaine Pitre Steps Into a Trailblazing Role at the MRC

The political landscape of the North Shore shifted this week, when Rosemère mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre was appointed Acting Warden of the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville, becoming one half of the first all-female leadership team to guide the regional body since its creation more than four decades ago. Her appointment was confirmed on November 28, marking a milestone moment for municipal governance in the Laurentian gateway.

Pitre joins Liza Poulin, mayor of Blainville, who was elected by acclamation to a two-year term as warden. Together, the two mayors, each already a familiar presence in regional affairs, now stand at the forefront of a territory undergoing rapid transformation. From swelling residential developments to sustained industrial growth, the MRC’s decisions increasingly shape the everyday lives of nearly 168,000 people spread across seven municipalities.

Speaking after her appointment, Pitre described the moment as both humbling and energizing. “I am grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” she said, noting that the partnership with Poulin opens the door to “working with everyone who is involved in our region” as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

A Region at a Crossroads

Stretching across 207 square kilometres, from the wooded edges of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines to the compact urban character of Sainte-Thérèse, the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville sits at the junction of key north-south and east-west transportation corridors. Its residents have long watched the region evolve from bedroom-community suburbia into a dynamic mixture of agricultural zones, industrial parks, commercial districts, and tightly knit neighbourhoods.

This evolution has placed increasing weight on the MRC’s responsibilities. Its council oversees land-use planning, cultural development, civil security and fire-safety coordination, road-safety awareness, economic development, watercourse management, and collective initiatives touching everything from public transportation to social and affordable housing. It even delves into more modern concerns like artificial intelligence, reflecting the shifting priorities of a rapidly growing population.

Building the Table Around Them

The council meeting that confirmed Pitre’s appointment also set the stage for the region’s representation on broader metropolitan bodies. Sainte-Thérèse mayor Christian Charron will now serve as the MRC’s delegate to the board of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, while Poulin and Charron will sit at the Table des préfets et des élus de la Couronne Nord, a crucial forum for negotiating the interests of the Northern Crown. Pitre and Poulin will also represent the MRC at the Conseil des préfets et des élus des Laurentides, reinforcing links to the wider Laurentian region.

These appointments underline the MRC’s growing influence. Decisions taken at these tables ripple outward, affecting planning strategies, funding priorities, housing guidelines, and transportation debates across the North Shore.

A Leadership Team Reflecting a Changing Quebec

The arrival of Poulin and Pitre as the first all-female leadership duo is more than a historic first; it reflects the changing demographics and expectations of northern Montreal suburbs. The two mayors represent municipalities that have seen some of the fastest population growth in the province, driven by housing demand, quality-of-life appeal, and cultural vibrancy.

Their partnership comes at a pivotal moment. Residents are increasingly vocal about traffic congestion, the preservation of natural areas, fire-safety readiness, and affordable housing options. Municipal leaders across the seven towns know that regional cooperation will determine how successfully the area adapts.

The new leadership team appears keenly aware of that. Their appointment comes with the implicit expectation that the MRC will navigate this period of transformation with clarity and unity—balancing development with heritage, growth with sustainability, and local concerns with metropolitan realities.

Looking Ahead

For Rosemère’s mayor, the new role places her at the centre of some of the region’s most consequential decisions. For the MRC, it marks the beginning of a term defined by a different kind of leadership, one that mirrors the community’s evolution and promises a renewed focus on collaboration.

And for the North Shore, it signals something increasingly rare in politics: a genuine turning point.

The North Shore News volume 21-23

NSN Staff
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The North Shore News volume 21-23

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-23 published December 5th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Rosemère Gathers to Honour Veterans in Solemn Remembrance Day Tribute

Dimitris Ilias
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Rosemère Gathers to Honour Veterans in Solemn Remembrance Day Tribute

In a moving ceremony held earlier this week, the Town of Rosemère reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Canada’s veterans, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, peace, and democratic values. The municipal council, accompanied by residents, dignitaries, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, gathered outside Town Hall for a Remembrance Day commemoration steeped in gratitude and quiet reverence.

Although modest in scale, the ceremony mirrored a nationwide tradition that has been observed every November for more than a century. Communities across Canada, from major cities to small municipalities, held similar tributes, uniting the country in remembrance of those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in numerous peacekeeping and NATO missions.

Local Leaders Pay Tribute

Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre led the Rosemère delegation, accompanied by councillors Stéphanie Nantel, Sébastien Jacquet, and Jean-François Gagnière. Together, they welcomed citizens who had gathered despite the brisk November weather to show their respect.

Representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, Messrs. Réal Marcotte and Marcel Comeau, joined the ceremony, embodying the long-standing link between local communities and the national veterans’ network. The Legion, founded in 1925, has been central to preserving the memory of Canada’s fallen and supporting veterans and their families, an effort that remains as vital today as ever.

A moment of silence was observed, echoing the two-minute pause held across the country every November 11 at 11 a.m. This tradition began following the Armistice of 1918, when hostilities ended in the First World War. Today, it serves as a collective act of reflection on the cost of conflict and the importance of peace.

A Tradition Rooted in Canadian History

Across Quebec, Remembrance Day has taken on renewed visibility in recent years. Schools, municipalities, and veterans’ organizations have been working to reinforce the importance of historical memory, particularly among younger generations. Canada’s sacrifice in global conflicts remains significant: more than 66,000 Canadians died in the First World War, over 45,000 in the Second World War, and thousands more in subsequent missions.

Rosemère’s ceremony, though simple and intimate, fits within this broader national context. The town has long collaborated with local veterans’ branches for commemorative events, educational outreach, and public awareness. While not every community holds a large parade or elaborate service, these smaller gatherings are central to keeping remembrance alive.

Community Presence and Civic Reflection

For many in attendance, the ceremony provided an opportunity not only to honour those who served, but also to reflect on the values their sacrifices defended, freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of peace. These themes resonate strongly today, as global conflicts continue to shape international relations and humanitarian crises. Canadian Armed Forces members remain active in peacekeeping, disaster relief, and NATO operations, ensuring that the tradition of service continues.

Residents who attended the Rosemère ceremony expressed quiet but heartfelt gratitude, standing alongside elected officials and Legion representatives in a show of community solidarity. While no musical performances or military contingents were present, common in larger ceremonies, the simplicity of the gathering heightened its emotional impact.

“Lest We Forget” in Rosemère

The message at the heart of the event was clear and deeply Canadian: “We will remember them.”

Rosemère’s municipal council issued thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion representatives and to all citizens who joined the tribute. Their presence, the council emphasized, helps sustain a culture of remembrance that extends beyond a single day and speaks to the values shared by the community.

As the last poppies fall and the November cold settles in, the town’s ceremony stands as a modest yet meaningful reminder that remembrance is not an obligation but a collective privilege, one that Rosemère continues to uphold with dignity.

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