Story - Page 50 of 139 - The North Shore News

Saint-Eustache celebrates cultural diversity

Local News

June 17, 2022

Saint-Eustache celebrates cultural diversity

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.

Deux-Montagnes celebrates Canada Day

Featured

Maria Diamantis

June 17, 2022

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 13^th, 2022, the festivities program for the 1^st of July. This is going to be the 51^st 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.

Saint-Eustache as a nurturing city

Local News

Maria Diamantis

June 17, 2022

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

Local News

Maria Diamantis

June 17, 2022

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.

A Blainville celebration

Local News

Maria Diamantis

June 17, 2022

The City of Blainville is presenting the 35^th 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 35^th

To mark the 35^th 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 North Shore News volume 18-17

Archives

NSN Staff

June 17, 2022

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. — Front page of The North Shore News, June 17th, 2022 issue.

$28,500 for Blainville’s youth commission

Youth

Dimitris Ilias

June 3, 2022

$28,500 for Blainville’s youth commission

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.

Summer in Sainte-Thérèse

Local News

Maria Diamantis

June 3, 2022

A sun and light celebration with the Grande Fête in Sainte-Thérèse!

The City of Sainte-Thérèse is inviting families to the Big Party on Saturday, June 11, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at Richelieu Park. Organized in collaboration with the Ste-Thérèse Optimist Club, this unifying event will kick off the summer season! A host of free activities will be offered on site: acrobatic trampolines, giant games, music, door prizes and much more. Toddlers can also have fun in the inflatable games, the large sandbox and the giant ball pool!

“Join us on June 11 and come celebrate the arrival of the summer season with your family! It will also be an opportunity to discover or rediscover the magnificent facilities of Richelieu Park. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizations involved in organizing this celebration and helping to make it a great success! », said the mayor of the City of Sainte-Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.

La Grande Fête will also mark the start of the swimming pool and wading pool season in Richelieu Park! On June 11 and 12, the facilities will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. These are accessible free of charge to residents of Sainte-Thérèse upon presentation of a citizen’s card. Fees of $5/adult and $3/child apply for non-residents or for residents without a valid Citizen Card. Young children will be able to enjoy discovering the brand-new water games within the paddling pool.

Skateboarding summer fun

On June 3, the tour Technical Skateboards will stop in Sainte-Thérèse for a special skate that will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Skate Plaza in Ducharme Park .

For the occasion, the young participants will be entitled to demonstrations by experts, a graffiti workshop on board and several prizes to be won! Music and animation will ensure a festive atmosphere throughout the event. No registration is required, to participate our youngsters just need to bring their skateboard, helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.

“The City of Sainte-Thérèse is delighted to be one of the municipalities visited by the Technical Skateboards. This unifying event offers a unique opportunity for young people to learn about this popular sport accompanied by professionals! Invite your children to come and have a look, they won’t regret it! », announced the mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.

A kiosk of the Maison des Jeunes des Basses-Laurentides will serve hot dogs and snacks on site and all profits will go to the organization. In the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the event will be cancelled.

School Perseverance Gala in Lorraine

Local News

Maria Diamantis

June 3, 2022

On May 15, the City of Lorraine held its annual School Perseverance Gala at Le Carrefour school, an event that rewarded approximately 70 children who demonstrated real improvement through their sustained efforts. These honored students attend Le Jardin de Lorraine preschool or one of the three schools in the municipality: Ruisselet, Le Carrefour and Le Tournesol schools.

During this gala, organized with the support of the Thérèse-De Blainville Youth Consortium, partners and valuable volunteers, the honored children took turns on stage with obvious pride. The mayor of Lorraine presented them with an honorary medal from the Gala, offered by the municipal council of the City. They also received a gift bag including an honorary certificate and a gift certificate redeemable at the Sainte-Thérèse Bookstore.

“I congratulate all the children honored at our gala. They have worked hard, despite a context that has not always been conducive for the past two years. Knowing how to persevere is a quality that will be useful to them throughout their lives, during their school career, of course, but also during their professional career and even to achieve their dreams. I would also like to thank the teachers, educators, and families. Their encouragement motivates young people and pushes them to persevere,” said the mayor of Lorraine, Mr. Jean Comtois.

Among the people present to underline all the work of the children, it is important to mention the federal MP Louise Chabot, the provincial MNA Mario Laframboise, and the municipal councillors of Lorraine, Roger, Barrette, representative of the CISSS, the directors of the three schools of Lorraine as well as preschool representatives.

The gala came at the heels of the school perseverance days for which Quebec has been mobilizing for the educational success of young people celebrating them each year during the 3rd week of February.

These days aim to remind national and municipal elected officials, organizations, employers, parents and all national and regional stakeholders in education, health, and early childhood that they are all essential and have a role to play in the school perseverance of young people. Thousands of activities and events are implemented annually in schools and municipalities throughout Quebec.

The School Perseverance Days are launched and supported by all the regional consultation bodies (IRC). These mobilize hundreds of organizations in all regions of Quebec around the importance of acting to make a real difference in the success of young people, for toddlers and adults alike.

Saint-Eustache goes cycling

Sports

Maria Diamantis

June 3, 2022

Marc Lamarre, municipal councillor responsible for sports, Pierre Charron, mayor, Yves Roy, municipal councillor responsible for the outdoors.

The great return of the Vélo Fête on June 12
Cycling enthusiasts will be happy to learn that the Vélo Fête will be back this year in Saint-Eustache. On Sunday, June 12, cyclists of all ages are invited to take part in this great family event. All departures will take place in the gardens of the Globensky mansion (235, rue Saint-Eustache).
Pierre Charron, the mayor of Saint-Eustache announced: “La Vélo Fête marks the start of the beautiful season and its series of outdoor pleasures. After the difficult years we have just experienced, I am convinced that cycling enthusiasts are eager to reconnect with the pleasure of participating in this family activity. A lot of us are waiting for you!”
Cyclists can choose from three different circuits, allowing them to circulate in complete safety:
The grand city tour: a 17.4 km ride departing at 9:30 a.m.is a circuit intended for cyclists wishing to criss-cross the streets of Saint-Eustache, on an intermediate category course. The average speed is around 15 km/h.
On the beginner level the city offers the short city tour which is 9.8 km long starting at 10:45 am. The average speed is around 10 km/h.
Finally, for toddlers and their parents the 2.2 km mini city tour starts at 12pm with an average speed of 5 km/h introducing young people to the pleasure of cycling.
Even if the activity is free, participants must arrive on site at least 30 minutes before the desired departure time to register. In case of rain, the Vélo Fête will not be cancelled. Only a storm could cancel the activity. It should be noted that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the city tours.
Activities for all tastes
Because it is above all a great family celebration, the Vélo Fête will also offer a plethora of activities for the whole family, in the gardens of the Globensky mansion. On the program: outdoor spinning lessons, climbing wall, face painting for children, prints, photo booth, inflatable games, fairground games and a mobile ice cream shop. In addition, the Cyclomini educational trail, presented by Vélo Québec and Naître et grandi, will allow children aged 2 to 8 to travel through an ephemeral cycling education park allowing them to ride a bicycle or balance bike through the streets of a city designed on their scale. Animation and music will make this event more festive.
“La Vélo Fête de Saint-Eustache promises a lively day for all types of cyclists, whether they are beginners or seasoned athletes! Several circuits are offered, everyone will find the one that suits them. And throughout the day, on the site, the pleasure will be felt, thanks to many new activities to please each member of the family” concluded the municipal councillor responsible for the outdoors, Mr. Yves Roy.