The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-03 published January 28th, 2022.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
North Shore News 18-03
The Snow Castle Challenge is launched
By March 14, 2022, Theresians of all ages are invited to participate in the Snow Castle Challenge. This contest provides the perfect opportunity to play outside and enter for one of the many entry prizes.
Participating is simple! Build a snow fort or castle in your backyard or in a park near your home, and take a picture of it! Then register at the Défichateaudeneige.ca by selecting the Laurentians region and the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville.
To the question “Which category is it?” choose the “Family/Friends” option from the drop-down menu. Then choose “City of Sainte-Thérèse” under the question “Is your castle participating in an event?” “. You have until March 14 to participate!
“Playing in the snow is a pleasure that has no age. So, dress the whole family warmly, give free rein to your creativity and above all, have fun! Do not hesitate to go to a park or a roundabout near you to build your snow castle and enter it in the contest without delay,” said the mayor of Sainte‑Thérèse, Mr. Christian Charron.
About the Snow Castle Challenge.
In 2011, two nurses from Matagami had the idea of creating the Fort en Famille project with the aim of getting children active who do not usually involve themselves with a lot of winter sports. With the support of the Kino-Québec consultant from Baie-James, a first event was held.
In the winter of 2012, the Abitibi-Ouest Group of Healthy Lifestyle Partners, with the support of the region’s Kino-Québec councillor, deployed the project in 3 municipalities of the MRC. In the winter of 2013, the entire territory of the MRC de l’Abitibi-Ouest was targeted with a result of 268 families registered.
In February 2014, the H2GO network of La Haute-Saint-Charles, inspired by Fort en famille, got together to launch the first edition of the Défi château de neige in Quebec City. The members of the H2GO Network wanted to offer families an opportunity to enjoy Quebec winters through the pleasure of outdoor play. After a first year in which 200 families registered, the H2GO Network had the ambition to make it a regional initiative. For this reason, the Challenge was presented to the Regional and Local Mobilization for Healthy Lifestyles, Weight and Health in the Capitale-Nationale region, which immediately took an interest in further developing the project. This was the project leader until 2017. It was then that the project was taken over by the Leisure and Sports Unit of the Capitale-Nationale.
In 2018, five administrative regions of Quebec participated in the Snow Castle Challenge organized by the Recreation and Sports Unit of the Capitale-Nationale. 375 castles were built by families and friends, early childhood centres, schools and organizations. This project was a huge success with everyone.
This event is now deployed at the provincial level from 2019 and the years to come. 11 regions participated in the Challenge for the 2019 edition. The Snow Castle Challenge wishes to become a challenge with a high reputation. It will participate in the long term in positioning Quebec as an active province in winter, and where we will have the most snow castle constructions. It wishes to promote healthy lifestyles and foster the interest of children and families in outdoor physical activity during the winter season.
Various appointments for Mayor Liza Poulin at the Union des municipalités du Québec and the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville
The new Mayor of Blainville, Liza Poulin, has been appointed to several positions and to the Union des municipalités du Québec and the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville in sectors of activity related to fields of action deemed as priorities by the municipal administration, such as the environment, natural and recreational environments and culture.
The Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) is an organization that represents nearly 400 municipalities in Quebec and brings together 50 elected officials, mayors, prefects and presidents of metropolitan communities within its board of directors. The UMQ defends the interests of its members with the Quebec government and informs them about current issues and current debates in the municipal world.
Mayor Liza Poulin therefore sits on the caucus of the municipalities of the Metropolis as a representative of the Northern Crown. She is also a member of the Laurentides regional caucus.
At the level of the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville, Liza Poulin has been appointed vice-president of the Table Action Culture et Patrimoine, a regional body that brings together various partners in the field of culture and aims to make it a lever for economic and social development in the territory. The mayoress of Blainville is also part of the Office of delegates for waterways and of Le P’tit train du Nord regional park as an elected delegate.
Ms. Poulin also became president of the wetlands and bodies of water committee, which oversees the conservation and restoration of natural environments. We know that the territory of Blainville is largely made up of these natural environments.
“These appointments clearly reflect my administration’s priorities, including environmental protection. Blainville wants to have its say in these areas, both in the MRC and in the greater Montreal area. As for culture, we know that it is an added value in our region and it will be a source of pride to promote it with our precious partners from the Table Action Culture et Patrimoine. Finally, I will be able to carry the voice of Blainville and our region within this great municipal forum that is the UMQ. It is a great honor to sit on these bodies,” she announced.
Free open swim for five additional years in Boisbriand
It has become a regular practice for municipalities to share their facilities in the North Shore. Not every town has the financial capability or the infrastructure to build facilities for every sport. In line with this practice the city of Boisbriand renewed an agreement allowing the citizens of Boisbriand to access the facilities of the Saint-Eustache Aquatic Complex for five additional years, i.e. until January 1, 2027.
Formally arranged between the City of Boisbriand, the City of Saint-Eustache and the Association du sport et du plein air, this agreement allows the residents of Boisbriand to take advantage of the Saint-Eustache Aquatic Complex by registering for activities offered at the same rates as the residents of Saint-Eustache. It also offers them free access to free swimming.
“This agreement is part of our desire to offer the citizens of Boisbriand a varied and complete offer of activities for all ages. I invite you to take advantage of these facilities in any season! said Mayor Christine Beaudette. The residents of Boisbriand must obtain a Boisbriand swimming pool card to enable them to register for activities at the Aquatic Complex.
It is important to note that the first agreement was signed in January 2017 to allow the citizens of Boisbriand to benefit from quality facilities at a cost that benefits everyone.
Extension for 1st doses and family doctor assistance
The The CISSS des Laurentides announced that it will extend its walk-in vaccination offer for people who want their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This service will continue to be offered at all vaccination sites in the region until further notice.
People eligible for the 2nd dose or the booster dose must, for their part, continue to make an appointment on Clic Santé. “Our capacity to vaccinate is increasing day by day, for all our vaccination sites. We invite people who are trying to get an appointment or who would like an earlier date to regularly consult the clicsante.ca site, as new time slots are continually being added. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the commitment of the staff at our vaccination sites, which are contributing greatly to increasing the availability of appointments at the moment,” said Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides.
It should be noted that people who have had COVID-19 will be able to obtain, if they wish, a booster dose as soon as the symptoms of the disease end. A minimum interval of three months must have elapsed between the second dose and the booster dose. People with reduced mobility and requiring accompaniment can use our free shuttle service to get to a vaccination site.
The CISSS des Laurentides also announced that as of January 11, 2022, persons needing care for minor ailments will have access to two clinics in the Laurentian region.
Two of the three new designated pediatric clinics that opened in September for children without a family doctor are broadening their service offer to include adults without a family physician. People can now seek treatment for various health issues, whether COVID-related or not.
To allow the public greater access, consultations at these designated clinics for patients without a family doctor are by appointment only in Boisbriand and Saint-Jérôme.
Persons wishing to book an appointment must meet the following criteria: They must not have a regular doctor, pediatrician or specialised nurse practitioner and must have a minor physical ailment (the list of excluded health issues is available online).
“These designated clinics for patients without a family physician aim to provide an added alternative to people in the Laurentians who need a medical consultation. This type of initiative also helps to lower the pressure on hospital emergency rooms in the region by reducing the number of consultations for non-urgent health problems,” said Ms. Rosemonde Landry, President and Executive Director of the CISSS des Laurentides
North Shore News 18-02
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-02 published January 21st, 2022.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
Omicron brings changes to Saint-Eustache winter activities
With the objective of maximizing service to citizens and promoting physical activity despite the Covid-19, the City of Saint-Eustache announced certain additional conditions as well as the partial reopening of its sports complexes, for the practice of supervised activities with the greatest respect for health rules.
In the Guy-Bélisle Library until further notice, no entertainment activities will be held at the library. These will resume when the instructions from Public Health allow it.
From now on, residents 13 years of age and over going to the library to borrow books must have their vaccination passport and proof of identity on hand. However, citizens making reservations online or by telephone will not have to present this proof to collect their books
Residents must wear a procedural medical mask in order to enter the establishment. Fabric face coverings are no longer tolerated. This measure comes into effect immediately.
At the Saint-Eustache Aquatic Complex the population of Saint-Eustache (and those of towns with an agreement, namely Boisbriand and Deux-Montagnes) will be able to take advantage of the pools as of January 8. Each of them can accommodate a maximum of 15 swimmers who will have booked their time slot online using their Citizen Card.
At the Multisport complex, as of January 7, residents can reserve a soccer, pickleball or badminton field at the Multisport Complex. To take advantage of these indoor sports facilities, Eustachians must reserve their time slot by email (info@complexemultisport.ca), indicating their Citizen Card number. Sports can be practiced in pairs or in a family bubble only.
At the Walter-Buswell Complex (arenas) Eustachians will be able to enjoy free skating at the Walter-Buswell Complex, starting January 7, for a maximum of 20 people per time slot. To practice their favorite sport, citizens must register in advance with their Citizen Card number on hand.
The vaccination passport and an identity document are required for people aged 13 and over to access all of the above Saint-Eustache buildings and at the Walter-Buswell Complex, skaters must wear the procedural mask at all times.
For the moment, the start of the courses and the activities of the winter session is postponed at least to the end of January 2022. The date will be reassessed according to the directives of Public Health regarding indoor gatherings.
Outdoor sports facilities remain accessible to the population. The chalets can also be used to put on or take off the skates or other preparation for sports practice. Those entering, however, should wear the procedural mask and not dwell in the area for too long.
Level of alert raised: hospitals on the verge of a breakdown in services
Saint-Eustache hospital in intensive care
About 13,000 healthcare workers are absent in Quebec due to COVID-19. The record from the first wave of the pandemic was broken on Wednesday as 925 infected people were added, according to CBC.
It is in this context that hospitals have triggered the maximum alert level and have moved to level 4 of load shedding, which means postponing even more surgeries to free up staff. The CISSS des Laurentides Integrated Health and Social Services Center exceeded the level 3 target and asked Quebec to move up to 4th, but this has not yet been accepted.
If the Omicron variant occupies little intensive care, it overflows the floors of hospitalizations, and not necessarily because of its severity. The absences of health workers in isolation have tripled since December 19, thus considerably reducing the reception capacity of establishments.
At the same time, more and more Quebecers who go to hospital for fractures, childbirth or appendicitis attacks are more and more likely to discover on the spot that they are infected. At least 30 to 40% of hospitalizations are secondary diagnoses, the national director of public health, Horacio Arruda, revealed on Wednesday. These patients are still placed in COVID units and require additional resources to avoid outbreaks.
The Laurentians in “critical” condition
A quarter of workers are absent from the emergency rooms of Saint-Jérôme and Saint-Eustache hospitals, always according to CBC sources. In Saint-Eustache, 6 of the 12 intensive care beds are closed due to lack of personnel. The situation is critical in several departments, Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides, wrote in an internal memo. Load shedding is essential.
This level of load shedding provides a target of 48 COVID beds for the Integrated Health and Social Services Center CISSS des Laurentides . However, there were 111 patients infected in hospitals in the region on Wednesday last week, more than double.
The Integrated Health and Social Services Center CISSS des Laurentides did not want to confirm its request to go to level 4 for load shedding. “In collaboration with the ministry, we are monitoring the situation closely, as it can change very quickly”, said spokesperson Véronique Bernier. “Our wish is obviously to maintain regular activities as much as possible to meet the needs of the population.”
What does stage 4 of load shedding mean?
Level 4 implies that elective surgeries will be postponed progressively beyond the 50% mark, until reaching, ultimately, 100% postponement of these non-essential activities, for example knee or cataract surgeries. Level 4 also involves closing small emergencies to redirect resources to larger ones. For example, the CISSS des Laurentides has on its list the closure of emergencies in Lachute and Rivière-Rouge, but the situation has not yet imposed.
The plan of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center CISSS, provides for postponing even more surgeries, even if 10,000 people are already awaiting an operation in the region. It is also planned, when necessary, to close the emergency room and the operating room in Argenteuil in order to repatriate resources to Saint-Jérôme to avoid a possible disruption of services.
Generalized outbreaks
At the Saint-Eustache hospital, 9 units are in outbreak out of a total of 15 and there were, on Wednesday the 5th of January, 7 outbreaks at the Saint-Jérôme hospital center. The emergencies of the two establishments are in bloom, as well as the cancer center of Saint-Eustache.
Doctors and nurses stationed in Saint-Eustache explained how outbreaks slow down all operations. The staff redouble their precautions and a room must be left empty for 20 minutes after the passage of an operated patient, in order to eliminate the aerosols. Some operations are extended by 40 minutes because of the precautions that must be taken, explained orthopedic surgeon Pierre-André Clermont.
The CISSS des Laurentides announces:
Bringing in the New Year, The CISSS des Laurentides announced that the first baby of the year from the birth unit of the Saint-Eustache Hospital was born on January 1 at 1:17 p.m. This is little Viviane Langlais , daughter of Jessie Fournier and Martin Langlais living in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac.
Continuation of the suspension of visits for the hospitals of Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Eustache and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
Considering the increase in cases of COVID-19 in the region and as a preventive measure, the Laurentian Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) is extending the temporary suspension of visits to the hospitals of Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Eustache and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts until further notice.
Only one caregiver, per day, will be authorized to visit a hospitalized person. The establishment will support the caregiver in integrating and understanding infection prevention and control measures.
This temporary measure stems from an exemption from ministerial directives obtained by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. It aims to limit the circulation of the virus in targeted hospitals and thus protect users and staff who strive to provide quality and safe care on a daily basis. Exceptional measures may apply in certain circumstances, in particular for access to birth and palliative care units.
North Shore News 18-01
The current issue of The North Shore News volume 18-01 published January 14th, 2022.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.
(Click HERE to read the paper.)
