The North Shore News

Conserving a precious commodity

Local News

March 4, 2022

Sainte-Thérèse updates its regulations for the use of drinking water

During the public meeting of February 7, the City of Sainte-Thérèse made changes to the municipal regulations concerning the use of drinking water. These follow the 2020 report of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH) resulting from its Quebec Strategy for Drinking Water Conservation.

In doing so, Sainte-Thérèse’s by-laws now harmonize with the Model municipal by-law on the use of drinking water developed by the MAMH, in collaboration with the municipal, technical and ministerial partners concerned. The City regulations are adjusted as follows:

Filling swimming pools and spas

Filling a swimming pool or spa is now prohibited from 6 am to 8 pm. However, it is permitted to use water from the distribution network when installing a new swimming pool to maintain the shape of the structure.

Air conditioning systems without a recirculation loop

It is prohibited to install any air conditioning or refrigeration system, as well as any compressor using drinking water. Any system or equipment installed before the entry into force of the by-law must be replaced before January 1, 2025 by a system that does not use drinking water. It is permitted to use systems or devices connected to a water recirculation loop on which regular maintenance is carried out.

Urinals with an automatic flushing tank

It is prohibited to install any automatic flushing urinal equipped with a flushing tank that uses drinking water. Any urinal of this type installed before the entry into force of the regulation must be replaced before January 1, 2025 by a urinal with manual flush or presence detection.

Time limit for repairing defective private supply pipes

Any occupant of a building must notify the City as soon as they hear an abnormal noise or notices any irregularity in the service connection. Municipal employees will then be able to locate the defect and repair it. If the defect is on the private piping, between the shut-off valve and the meter, or between the shut-off valve and the building’s interior shut-off valve, if there is no meter or if the meter is installed in a room near the street line, the City then advises the owner to make the repair within 20 days.

In 2020, the City of Sainte-Thérèse had already modified the watering schedule in collaboration with the cities of Blainville, Boisbriand and Mirabel in order to better distribute the consumption of drinking water necessary for watering lawns and landscaping.

“Drinking water is an invaluable asset that we must preserve. Individually, we can do many small things to avoid wasting it. But cities also have a role to play in this regard. The regulatory changes that we have made based on the new requirements of the MAMH demonstrate the will of the City of Sainte‑Thérèse to participate in the preservation of this precious resource,” said the mayor of Sainte-Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.

Arrest following an armed attack in Sainte-Thérèse

Local News

Maria Diamantis

March 4, 2022

Arrest following an armed attack in Sainte-Thérèse

The police officers of the Thérèse-De Blainville police department arrested a 29-year-old man on the morning of Friday the 25^th February 2022, following a call at the emergency room at the 911 central by the victim. The latter, a woman in her sixties, was transported to a hospital in the region to treat injuries that were not life-threatening.

The police are currently with the victim in order to obtain a first version of the events. Witnesses will be interviewed shortly, and the crime scene will be thoroughly analyzed by investigators and the forensic identification service. “The most plausible hypothesis at present is that the suspect assaulted a neighbor on the landing, armed with a blunt object. The reason for this attack has not been determined at this stage,” explained Martin Charron, spokesperson for the RIPTB.

A satisfied population

Local News

Maria Diamantis

March 4, 2022

The population of Blainville satisfied with sports, cultural and community activities

The City of Blainville has made available the results of a survey carried out among 630 adults in Blainville from May 10 to June 1, 2021. People had been invited to respond online.

This survey conducted by the firm Aramis aimed to measure the degree and profile of participation in sports, cultural and community activities offered in Blainville as well as the degree of satisfaction with these same activities. Ultimately, it helps to identify various ideas to improve them. This survey shows that respondents are very satisfied with the city’s service offering.

“For sports, cultural activities and community activities, the satisfaction index fluctuates between 82% and 93%, which shows that our overall offer meets the current needs of the population. Moreover, this survey also reveals that users also practice a lot of free activities outside the associative framework, but which require the use of our infrastructures,”said Mayor Liza Poulin.

A high degree of satisfaction

In terms of sports activities, 85% of respondents expressed their satisfaction. The atmosphere, the proximity of the activities, the organization, the quality of the speakers and the accessibility to the facilities are the elements that garner the most satisfaction. The types of sports activities preferred by Blainvilloises are very varied: jogging, running, walking, the outdoors, cycling, free skating, tennis, badminton, etc.

“We see it everywhere in our parks, our natural spaces, on our cycle paths and along the streets: people are exercising on their own and we must take this into account in our overall offer and in the planning of our capital works. However, we learn in the survey that parents favor associative sports for their children, ” noted the adviser responsible for associative life, Marie-Claude Perron.

In addition, respondents to the survey are satisfied with cultural activities in a proportion of 93%. While free weekend activities without registration are at 47%, supervised weekend activities that require registration also receive support of 41%.

Finally, community activities arouse the satisfaction of 82% of respondents, who mainly engage in mutual aid and volunteering activities.

Suggestions for improvement

The survey also aimed to identify options for improving the service offer. Thus, respondents would like more courses (41%), conferences (38%) or online cultural activities (38%).

Similarly, 70% of respondents would be willing to pay taxes or additional fees to improve the quality of sports, cultural and community facilities or to benefit from new interior infrastructures accessible year-round in a proportion of 82%.

“The message is clear: there is an openness for our administration to invest, over the next few years, in indoor facilities that will benefit the population and our associations throughout the year. This is why we are committed to carrying out a feasibility study to measure the viability of an indoor and multi-sport playing surface. Considering a project of such magnitude certainly requires that we rigorously analyze the needs, the state of the current infrastructures as well as the costs, and that we present them to the taxpayers in complete transparency,” explained association life advisor, Marie-Claude Collin.

In the same sense, the current administration will assess the different possibilities that will allow residents to enjoy outdoor skating rinks that will withstand the weather.

Improving services for seniors

In addition, the survey also measured the degree of interest in improving services offered in particular to seniors, such as prevention programs (100%), activities in living environments (100%) , the facilitation of travel on the territory (97%), intergenerational activities (91%) and access to public spaces (88%).

“What we understand from the results of this survey is that the population feels very satisfied with the current offer, but that they are ready for their city to invest more in improving sports, cultural and community infrastructures and some services for seniors. Over the next few weeks, we will meet with our associations to discuss their current situation and their vision for the future. Actions will certainly result from the survey and our discussions. This is part of our mandate to improve our quality of life in Blainville and we intend to deliver the goods,” concluded Mayor Liza Poulin.

Spring break in Rosemère? The city’s got you covered!

Local News

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

Spring break in Rosemère? The city’s got you covered!

As many of the Laurentian cities are preparing for a much needed Spring break the city of Rosemère has thought of entertaining the whole family while respecting the health instructions. From Sunday February 27 to Sunday March 6, 2022, the organizers invite the residents to take advantage of the holiday, rain or shine!

Activities at the library

LEGO® Minecraft® Workshop. Organizers invite the young Rosemerites to dive into the heart of the world of LEGO® construction Minecraft®. To accomplish their mission, they’ll need to learn how to build grand temples, castles, and custom Minecraft® villages. Mandatory registration is required via the Voilà! Rosemere.

Tuesday, March 1, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: The Temple of the Sun

Tuesday, March 1, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.: The Pirates’ Mission

Discovery and exploration of digital technologies. Karim Awad from Kokobrik will be there to introduce everyone to the library’s digital technologies. Drawings on iPad, demonstration on a vinyl cutter, virtual reality games and an exhibition of a LEGOMC city. The activity will take place on Wednesday, March 2, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. without registration.

Family workshop with modeling clay. This activity includes Key ring making, using one’s hands to pinch, roll, pull and tear the dough and create unique and personalized objects with the modeling clay. A colorful and enjoyable experience for all ages. Registration is mandatory via the Voilà! Rosemere.

Thursday, March 3, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.: Jewelery

Thursday, March 3, 7 to 8:15 p.m.: Key ring making

Outdoor and arena activities

Indoor free skating: The arena opens its doors and offers skating free all week.Wearing a protective helmet is recommended and long blade skates are prohibited.This is a free activity for residents of Rosemère upon presentation of proof of residence. Residents can get it for free at the municipal library by bringing proof of residence.From February 28, free skating will also be offered to non-residents. The costs are payable on entry and they are $3/child and $5/adult (16 years and over)

Monday to Friday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Free hockey at the arena: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Helmet, neck guard and gloves are mandatory. This is a free activity for Rosemère residents upon presentation of proof of residence.

Outdoor skating rinks: Weather permitting, the outdoor skating rinks will be accessible. This is winter activity that never goes out of style but residents have to check the city’s website to see if the outdoor rinks are operational.

Access to Parc du Domaine Vert

The City of Rosemère has entered into an agreement with Parc du Domaine Vert so that Rosemère residents can access it for free. For spring break, the park will close at 7:30 p.m., except February 27-28 and March 1, when the park will close at 4:30 p.m. The rental shop will be open until 7 p.m.

A slew of activities and fun exploration is offered at the park including a walking path, loops A and B (wearing a headlamp recommended), an illuminated skating path, and an Illuminated sliding mound. Access is strictly reserved for residents of member cities and holders of annual passes throughout this period. Proof of residence will therefore be always required.

Pedestrian paths

In order to keep everyone’s spirits up and change the scenery of the streets in the neighborhoods, residents can crisscross the pedestrian paths to take a good breath of fresh air at Miller Marsh, Charbonneau Park, the Bouthillier Marsh, the Sacré-Coeur Forest, at Gilmour, at the Park Domaine Vert and with P’tit Train du Nord

School break in Sainte-Thérèse

Local News

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

From February 28 to March 6, Sainte-Thérèse families will be able to take advantage of a program of free activities, each one just as fun as the next! Young and old will have the opportunity to break the daily routine before continuing the school year. “The spring break is fast approaching! We have concocted a variety of à la carte activities for you, allowing you to fill this holiday as you please! Take advantage of this downtime to spend quality time with your family! said the Mayor of the City of Sainte‑Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron. Unless otherwise indicated, all activities are reserved for residents of Sainte-Thérèse and registration is required online at inscriptions.sainte-therese.ca. Note that priority is given to children in the age groups targeted for the activities. Proof of vaccination and photo ID will be required for people 13 and over for all activities, except for the rally at the library and the snow yoga class.

From February 28 to March 6 there will be a RALLY FOR TEENS (10 years and over) at the library where teenagers solving puzzles could win a gift basket worth $75. No registration is required.

On Monday, February 28^th there will be LEGO® PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOPS (6 to 15 years old) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Citizen’s House LEGO® draws will take place during the activity.

On Tuesday, March 1sy a ROBOTIC SPIDER WORKSHOP for ages 7 to 12 years old will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Library. The workshop introduces young people to the world of robotics, mechanics and electronics by creating an assembly of robotic creatures. Also on March 1^st a LITERARY BINGO (7 to 12 years old) from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Library with several prizes to be won and a WINTER FAMILY BEACH PARTY from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Parc Richelieu. The city says: “Put on your skates and come celebrate the end of winter! DJ, dancing, games, coffee, hot chocolate and door prizes will be there! Don’t forget to bring your reusable mug or cup. No registration required. The activity will be canceled in the event of heavy rain and thunderstorms.”

On Wednesday, March 2^nd the city is holding a PARENT-CHILD SNOW YOGA CLASS (6 to 12 years old) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Parc Saint-Pierre. This activity is beneficial for the body and mind of young and old alike. Coffee and hot chocolate will be served. The organisers ask participants to bring their reusable mug or cup. No registration required. The activity will be canceled in the event of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Also on the same date, 5- to 12-year-old children can enjoy a “GO AROUND THE WORLD!” WORKSHOP » from 2 to 3 p.m. and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the library in which they get to explore all the continents and discover how animals adapt to their climate!

On Thursday, March 3d, a show for children will be presented by the Théâtre Tortue Berlue. “LA PANNE” SHOW (ages 2 to 8) will play from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the city Library

For the more active at the same day as well as on March 4th, there will be FREE ACTIVITIES IN THE GYMNASIUM of École Terre-Soleil from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. An animator, sports equipment and healthy snacks await them. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, who must also register for the activity.

Finally on Sunday, March 6^th at the Cabaret BMO Sainte-Thérèse at 1:30 p.m., the city of Sainte-Thérèse is presenting THE BEST OF THE 2021 ANNECY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATED FILM FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN.

Kids can discover the films selected by the jury of the Annecy Festival 2021, the largest animation film festival in the world. Funny, moving, and poetic short films will delight them. Places can be booked for free at www.odyscene.com > Programming > Cinema.

Mobile walk-in vaccination clinics in the Laurentians

Health

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

Mobile walk-in vaccination clinics in the Laurentians

Starting February 21, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides will be gradually opening mobile walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Laurentians region.

Brigade-type teams including psychosocial, community and healthcare workers will be reaching out to people in sectors with lower vaccination rates, for example the MRC d’Argenteuil, the MRC des Laurentides and the MRC de la Rivière-du-Nord.

The mobile clinics will be in operation until the end of March, as an added alternative to the measures that have been already put in place to facilitate access to a 1st or subsequent dose of COVID-19 vaccine. These clinics will be accessible without an appointment to anyone eligible for a 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose (booster shot). An eight-week interval or more is recommended between the 1st and 2nd dose. For the residents who wish to get a booster shot, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides reminds them that a three month interval or more is necessary after the 2nd dose is administered. The CISSS des Laurentides in their press release reminds all the residents of the region that vaccination remains the best way to be protected against COVID-19. For information on the locations and times at which the mobile clinics will be available, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination section at santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca

Lorraine donates more than $3,000 to Centraide

Local News

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

Lorraine donates more than $3,000 to Centraide

The City of Lorraine donated $3,062 to Centraide Laurentides, at the end of its annual campaign, last December. This significant amount will allow several organizations overseen by Centraide to offer respite to people in the region, whether by offering them food aid, listening or psychological support.

The activities organized for municipal employees were varied again this year, including a picnic, the sale of home-prepared meals, the wearing of jeans on Thursdays at a cost of $2, the sale of the internal newspaper as well as a donation of $1 donated by the City for every 15 minutes that employees walked during their lunch hour, an initiative that raised $173 (2,595 minutes of walking), while encouraging physical activity among staff members. The sale of used books, which resumed service this fall after a year of forced hiatus, raised $571. Finally, several employees and elected officials contributed by committing to having an amount deducted from their pay throughout the year or by making a donation in a single payment.

Thanks to donations, Centraide Laurentides has the means to ensure the active participation of everyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, origin or disability. Its network of more than 50 community organizations spread across the Laurentians territory allows it to act in order to create stronger and more united communities. The organization is helping to break the cycle of poverty and social isolation. In 2021, Centraide Laurentides invested $1,571,121 in the community. Their investments were used, among other things, to support 53 community organizations ($1,509,000), fund actions in response to the housing crisis ($47,514), paint a portrait of the situation of homelessness in Laurentides ($8,000) and to finance the 211 Social Reference Centers throughout the territory ($6,607).

IKEA comes to Boisbriand

Local News

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

IKEA Canada launches first Planning Studio in Boisbriand, QC (CNW Group/IKEA Canada)

IKEA, the furniture from Sweden that has become so popular around the world is introducing its first Planning Studio in Boisbriand, making IKEA more accessible to the many people in the Greater Montreal Area. The North Shore is rapidly expanding with new construction and IKEA is hoping to attract that North Shore clientele.

The Planning Studio concept will focus on inspiring and supporting customers who are looking to plan, order and purchase complex home furnishing solutions for the kitchen, bath, bedroom and living room with the help of a knowledgeable IKEA specialist. The Planning Studio Boisbriand will open its doors to customers in summer 2022.

If one googles IKEA Planning store, the closest result comes in New York. That means that this relatively new concept from the furniture giant is introduced in Canada first in the North Shore with the Planning Studio Boisbriand joining the Faubourg Boisbriand shopping centre, adjacent to Linen Chest and Home Sense. According to the company press release, “It will be an affordable and inspiring destination for residents looking to enjoy the IKEA design experience and expertise closer to home.” The Planning Studio Boisbriand will offer planning services by appointment only for a more personalized experience. It will also showcase a curated selection of relevant home furnishing solutions for customers to touch and try. IKEA products or food will not be available for immediate takeaway.

“More than 60% of Canadians have made changes to their homes since the onset of the pandemic to better meet their evolving needs and dreams,” said Eri Mathy, Country Business Development Manager, IKEA Canada. “We know that life at home has never been more important, and the IKEA Planning Studio is one of the many ways we’re transforming our business to provide new customer touchpoints and services that meet their evolving needs and deliver affordable, relevant home furnishing solutions.”

The IKEA Planning Studio is a convenient space for customers to connect with friendly and knowledgeable IKEA specialists to create custom home furnishing packages that fulfill their individual needs and dreams. Purchases made at an IKEA Planning Studio can be delivered directly to customers’ homes or picked up at local IKEA Pick-up Locations.

The Planning Studio concept is part of a global ambition to bring a new world of IKEA to its customers. There are more than 30 Planning Studios globally in cities such as Copenhagen, Berlin, Moscow, London and New York. The IKEA Planning Studio Boisbriand is the first of several planned locations in Canada.

Faulty prefabricated fireplaces installed in condominiums built before 2008

Featured

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

Faulty prefabricated fireplaces installed in condominiums built before 2008

There was an announcement by the City of Boisbriand concerning the safety of dwellings built before February 2008. The city through its site is informing the general population about the importance of immediately stopping the use of their prefabricated fireplace (device producing heat using solid fuel such as wood, pellets, etc.) because of the significant risk of fires they represent.

In fact, during its prevention inspections, the Fire Safety Department noted that several prefabricated fireplaces in condominiums or multi-unit buildings built before February 2008 showed installation defects, defects likely to cause a fire and /or accelerate the spread of a fire. Thus, several prefabricated homes in condominiums or multi-unit buildings built before February 2008 could pose a risk to the health and safety of citizens residing in these buildings.

The Fire Department will contact owners or tenants living in a condominium-type residence or a multiple-unit building who have been identified as having such defects. Citizens who wish to obtain more details about this defect and the inherent risks, can contact Mr. Mathieu Joly, prevention inspector at 450 435-3385.

The City of Boisbriand Fire Safety Department is also reminding all the Boisbriand citizens that preventive checks will again be done through a form to be completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents affected by this process will receive a residential self-inspection questionnaire during the month of February. A few minutes are needed to carry out the required checks, in particular that of the smoke alarms. Completed forms must be sent to the Fire Safety Department, at 3305, boul. de la Grande-Allée, no later than February 28, 2022. For information: 450 435-3385.

Choosing the right snow removal tools for your driveway

Local News

Maria Diamantis

February 25, 2022

Choosing the right snow removal tools for your driveway

Winter is not over! And in the Laurentians where the elements let loose more intensely than in Montreal sooner or later, you will have to clear your driveway repeatedly. When you know that by moving an average shovelful of snow every 5 seconds, you will have lifted a load of 1,000 kg after only 17 minutes, it is better to be well equipped: shovels, blowers, and de-icers!

The essential snow shovel

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) specifies that the ideal shovel is light – about 1.5 kg, or just over 3 lbs – and the length of its handle is appropriate if your back is tilted 10 degrees or less as you place it on the floor holding it with both hands. The blade should not be too big, and the handle made of plastic or wood. Metal should be avoided, as it conducts cold. Polymer shovels are ideal for fresh snow while aluminum shovels are easy to handle with all types of snow. The larger the area to be shoveled, the wider your shovel will need to be.

The ergonomic shovel with a curved handle, further reduces the inclination of your back and contributes to reducing your cardiac effort.

The sled or bucket shovel pushes the snow rather than lifting it – it’s better to avoid injuries! This big tool is essential for anyone who doesn’t own a snowblower but needs to maintain a driveway.

The snow pusher (or scraper), like the sled shovel, pushes the snow that rolls on itself. Build a pile that you will then pick up with a regular or electric shovel.

The snow rake is used to remove snow from roofs. Again, it is better to go in short bursts to avoid hurting your back or getting snow on you.

The scraper allows you to break the ice to facilitate snow removal. It is an essential supplement.

The electric shovel is designed for light work. It facilitates the clearing of a walkway or a balcony. Snow removal from the steps will however be more difficult than with a regular shovel, which is also the reason why many will prefer a small snowblower.

Protect your back while shovelling

Shoveling can be very damaging to the back depending on the amount of snow accumulation, its texture (wet or icy) and the extent of the surface to be cleared. You should therefore avoid too big shovels, too short handles, and excessive loads. Throwing snow over your shoulder or sideways is also not a good idea! Independent contractors should be the way to go for senior citizens to avoid a slew of injuries associated with shoveling.

Electric or gasoline snowblower?

The electric snowblower (corded or battery-powered) is suitable for small driveways and tight spaces. It will be effective in powder snow and not too heavy (between 10 to 15 cm). For example, it will be difficult for it to overcome the hem of compacted snow left by the city’s snowplough. Recent advances in battery power however have produced battery powered snowblowers that can compete in power with a medium gas snowblower (EGO 2 stage snowblower line)

Advantages: requires less maintenance than a petrol blower, it is also lighter and easier to store, can be used on balconies, without unpleasant odors or polluting emissions

Disadvantages: more expensive to buy than its petrol equivalent, not suitable for heavy snowfalls (more than 15 cm) and some components are more fragile

The gasoline-powered snowblower is suitable for large areas (parking lot that can accommodate more than 4 cars).

Advantages: cheaper to buy than its electric equivalent, effective for all types of snow (powder, wet, compacted) and large surfaces, no need to wait for recharging

Disadvantages: noisy and smelly, requires careful maintenance, need to always keep gasoline and motor oil, more complex storage

Sand, salt and ice melters

When a driveway can be cleared of snow, but it is slippery. Abrasives become necessary. Sand and gravel (recoverable) are generally sufficient to make a surface non-slip and Ice salt (sodium chloride) will be useful for melting the ice. However fluxes such as magnesium, calcium or potassium chloride, which are generally less harmful to the environment, will be even more effective than salt.