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Deux-Montagnes honors Robert Slovick for heroic actions during October 2024 fire

Dimitris Ilias
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Deux-Montagnes honors Robert Slovick for heroic actions during October 2024 fire

The Town of Deux-Montagnes acknowledged its resident Mr. Robert Slovick, who has been awarded a 2025 Citation of Recognition by the Quebec Ministry of Public Security. The citation was presented in recognition of his courageous actions during a major fire on October 19, 2024, and formally conferred on October 5, 2025 during the National Day of Recognition for Firefighters event at the Palais Montcalm in Québec City.

A decisive response in an emergency

On October 19, 2024, Mr. Slovick intervened promptly when a significant fire erupted in his condominium building in Deux-Montagnes. He showed notable composure, spirit of initiative, and leadership by helping to evacuate all occupants and coordinating with the municipal fire department, thereby easing the work of first responders and preventing what could have become a much more tragic situation.

In the press release on the National Day of Recognition, the Government of Québec states:

“For his part, citizen Robert Slovick showed an incomparable spirit of initiative on October 19, 2024, by helping the occupants exit his condominium building where a major fire had broken out, and by communicating effectively with his municipality’s fire safety service, which greatly facilitated the work of the emergency services.”

The same source also quotes Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Minister of Public Security, during the ceremony:

“I congratulate Mr. Robert Slovick, who demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication in a context that demanded a great deal of insight and speed, in order to evacuate all occupants of the building and hand them safely over to the arriving rescue personnel. … A huge thank-you to all these brave honorees and congratulations for your meritorious acts!”

The press release further notes that rather than waiting safely outside, Mr. Slovick returned into the burning building to assist, despite the danger.

A veteran of 40 years in firefighting

Mr. Slovick is a retired firefighter, having served 40 years in the profession, including time as a lieutenant, primarily with the Deux-Montagnes / Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Fire Service. He retired approximately five years ago from active service.

His long career and continued commitment to community safety made him a fitting recipient for this provincial recognition.

The provincial citation and ceremony

The Citation of Recognition 2025 is part of the Québec government’s observance of the National Day of Recognition for Firefighters, held annually to highlight acts of bravery among firefighters and citizens. During the October 5 ceremony at Palais Montcalm in Québec City, Minister Lafrenière and other officials formally honored Mr. Slovick and fellow recipients.

In announcing the awards, the government indicated that several heroes from the Laurentides region (including Slovick) were to be recognized.

Community coverage and acknowledgment

The Ville de Deux-Montagnes municipal Facebook page posted about the October 19, 2024 fire and specifically mentioned Mr. Slovick’s intervention:

“Le 19 octobre 2024, M. Slovick a fait preuve d’un esprit d’initiative et d’un sang-froid remarquable lors d’un incendie majeur survenu dans son immeuble en copropriété à Deux-Montagnes.”

Another municipal post (in follow-up) publicly recognized the citation awarded to Mr. Slovick: “reconnaissance attribuée à M. Robert Slovick, citoyen de Deux-Montagnes, qui a reçu une Citation de reconnaissance du ministère de la Sécurité publique.”

Significance of the recognition

This provincial recognition underscores how a citizen’s prompt and courageous response in a life-threatening emergency can complement the efforts of professional first responders. In Mr. Slovick’s case, his experience as a former firefighter likely informed his calm, effective intervention under pressure. The award also serves as a model for civic duty and community solidarity.

The North Shore News volume 21-19

NSN Staff
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The North Shore News volume 21-19

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-19 published October 10th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Front page of The North Shore News.
Front page of The North Shore News, October 10th, 2025 issue.

West Nile Virus: Public Health Officials Urge Caution as Positive Samples Detected in Rosemère

Maria Diamantis
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West Nile Virus: Public Health Officials Urge Caution as Positive Samples Detected in Rosemère

Public health authorities are urging residents of the Laurentians to remain vigilant against mosquito bites following the detection of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito samples collected in Rosemère at the end of August.

The Town of Rosemère confirmed that laboratory analyses carried out by an environmental consulting firm revealed the presence of the virus. Results were immediately communicated to Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). Although WNV has been present in Quebec for many years, particularly in southern regions, its seasonal appearance is once again a reminder of the importance of prevention.

Risk of Infection Remains Low, but Seniors Most Vulnerable

The Direction de santé publique du Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides stressed that while the overall risk of contracting WNV or developing severe illness remains very low, certain groups are more vulnerable.
People aged 50 and older, those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems face higher risks of serious complications. These can include meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) if bitten by an infected mosquito

Local Mosquito Control Efforts

Rosemère runs an annual biological mosquito control program using specialized contractors. This initiative helps limit mosquito proliferation in the community, but officials emphasize that residents also play an essential role in reducing breeding grounds and protecting themselves

Preventive Measures for Residents

Authorities recommend several simple yet effective measures to reduce exposure to mosquito bites:

  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin, following manufacturer instructions.
  • Wear light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use mosquito screens on doors, windows, and tents.
  • Cover strollers and playpens with mosquito netting.
  • Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds, which can carry WNV.

In addition, eliminating stagnant water remains a crucial step to preventing mosquito breeding. Buckets, flowerpots, clogged gutters, garden furniture, tires, and children’s toys should be checked regularly and emptied of standing water.

Staying Informed

Residents with health concerns related to mosquito bites can call Quebec’s Info-Santé line at 811 (option 1). More information on WNV prevention and safe repellent use is available on the Quebec government’s website at quebec.ca.

Public health officials stress that community cooperation is essential. “The best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce their numbers in your environment,” the CISSS des Laurentides noted in its advisory.

Thérèse-De Blainville Unites for Journées de la culture 2025

Maria Diamantis
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Thérèse-De Blainville Unites for Journées de la culture 2025

From September 26 to 28, residents across the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville will come together for the 29th edition of Journées de la culture. With 17 free events scheduled in all seven municipalities—Blainville, Boisbriand, Bois-des-Filion, Lorraine, Rosemère, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, and Sainte-Thérèse—the three-day initiative underscores the role of arts and culture in civic life

A Regional Celebration of Belonging

The annual province-wide initiative, led by Culture pour tous, operates this year under the theme La culture fait du bien (“Culture does good”). For local leaders, the event is more than entertainment—it’s a chance to strengthen community ties.

“Culture is the beating heart of our communities. It brings people together, fosters belonging, and enhances our quality of life,” said Eric Westram, mayor of Rosemère and prefect of the MRC

Christine Beaudette, mayor of Boisbriand and president of the MRC’s cultural action table, emphasized culture’s civic value: “It unites people, sparks ideas, and creates emotion. This is an invitation to experience it firsthand, not just observe.”

Wide-Ranging Programming

The programming spans painting, theatre, music, dance, storytelling, photography, history, and digital arts, designed to be accessible to all ages. Highlights include:

  • A live painting session by artist Daniel Martel in Blainville.
  • The showcase Vitrine sur la création! at Boisbriand’s Centre de création.
  • An interactive drawing workshop with the Société des arts technologiques (SAT) in Bois-des-Filion.
  • A family cultural fair at Parc Richelieu in Sainte-Thérèse.
  • Outdoor art exhibitions, festive days in local parks, and participatory workshops across the region

Civic Importance Beyond the Arts

While the weekend will showcase artistic talent, it also carries wider civic importance. With a population nearing 168,000, the MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville is among the fastest-growing suburban regions north of Montreal. Organizers see cultural investment as vital to strengthening civic identity, especially as the area experiences demographic shifts and rapid urban development

Events like Journées de la culture also help municipalities highlight local heritage and foster inclusion across diverse communities. By making all programming free, the initiative reduces barriers to participation and ensures equitable access to culture—a goal that municipal leaders say is central to civic life.

Looking Ahead

This weekend’s programming is not only a celebration but also a reminder of the role culture plays in public life—bridging generations, enriching education, and supporting social cohesion. For residents, it is a chance to discover new artistic expressions while connecting with their neighbors.

Full schedules for each municipality are available on the MRC’s website and local municipal pages

Deux-Montagnes volunteers pull 742 lbs of trash from local shoreline in “Grand nettoyage riverain”

Maria Diamantis
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Deux-Montagnes volunteers pull 742 lbs of trash from local shoreline in “Grand nettoyage riverain”

Residents of Deux-Montagnes turned out last weekend to haul 742 pounds (337 kg) of trash off the city’s waterfront, part of a citizen-powered “Grand nettoyage riverain” organized with the non-profit Mission 1000 Tonnes. City officials applauded the effort and thanked the organization and volunteers for mobilizing to restore the shoreline.

According to the Ville de Deux-Montagnes, this riverbank cleanup is now a recurring civic activity held along the banks of lac des Deux-Montagnes, a key node of the Ottawa–St. Lawrence watershed where wind and currents concentrate floating debris. The city’s 2025 notice invited residents to assemble on Saturday, September 13 for the latest edition, underscoring the municipality’s commitment to community-led environmental action.

What Mission 1000 Tonnes does

Mission 1000 Tonnes (Mission 1000 Tonnes / Mission Mille Tonnes) is a Quebec-based initiative founded in 2018 that organizes public cleanups of riverbanks and waterways, partners with municipalities and community groups, and runs awareness activities aimed at reducing plastic and other waste at the source. Since its creation, the group has staged thousands of collective cleanups across Quebec and beyond, engaging families, schools and businesses in hands-on stewardship. Media coverage this summer highlighted the scale of its annual St. Lawrence expeditions, which blend shoreline cleanups with public participation.

Beyond cleanup days, the organization offers municipal and corporate cleanup services and outreach programming. It also maintains a scientific team led by marine biologist Dr. Lyne Morissette, providing ecology-grounded guidance on debris impacts and best practices for local interventions. That combination—grassroots activation and scientific backing—has helped Mission 1000 Tonnes become a go-to partner for Quebec towns looking to translate environmental concern into measurable, local results.

A regional push, with local results

The Deux-Montagnes tally of 742 lbs formed part of a broader regional push the same day; Mission 1000 Tonnes reported an additional 445 lbs removed in nearby Lorraine, illustrating how coordinated, same-weekend actions can add up across the North Shore. Earlier in August, the group kicked off a multi-stop St. Lawrence campaign that moved from the Soulanges Canal to Montreal’s Lachine Canal, clearing waste with the help of citizen volunteers at each stop.

Why it matters for Deux-Montagnes

Perched where rivers and lake meet, Deux-Montagnes is particularly exposed to litter that travels via streams, storm drains and wind. Removing bulky plastics, tires, scrap metal and assorted packaging reduces hazards to wildlife, prevents microplastic fragmentation, and improves public access and enjoyment of the shore. The city’s continued partnership with Mission 1000 Tonnes signals a pragmatic approach: empower residents to take visible, local action while aligning with a province-wide movement that brings equipment, know-how and momentum.

A Bold New Look: RIPTB Unveils Next-Generation Patrol Vehicle

Maria Diamantis
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A Bold New Look: RIPTB Unveils Next-Generation Patrol Vehicle

Residents of Sainte-Thérèse, Rosemère, Boisbriand, and Lorraine will soon notice a striking new presence on their streets: the Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) has unveiled its brand-new patrol vehicle design, a bold reimagining that fuses modern aesthetics with the force’s core values.

The official unveiling took place last Thursday in Sainte-Thérèse, with mayors Christian Charron (Sainte-Thérèse), Éric Westram (Rosemère), Christine Beaudette (Boisbriand), and Jean Comtois (Lorraine) in attendance. The event celebrated not just the sleek design but also the collaborative spirit that brought it to life.

A Project Born from the Ranks

The idea didn’t come from an outside agency or a top-down directive—it started with two patrol officers, Nicolas Cromp and Jérémy Primeau. Last winter, the pair proposed a fresh approach to vehicle lettering, one that would better reflect the RIPTB’s identity and mission.

What followed was a model of collaboration. Cromp and Primeau consulted widely with colleagues, ensuring that the redesign resonated across the force. Their initiative culminated in a new look that carries a powerful message.

Symbols on Wheels

Painted in a sleek black base, the new patrol cars are instantly recognizable thanks to their innovative two-tone accents: blue striping on one side, green on the other. The design is more than eye-catching—it’s symbolic.

Emblazoned on the vehicles are four words that define the RIPTB’s ethos: Peace, Partnership, Strength, Accessibility. These guiding principles now ride alongside every officer on patrol, serving as a visible reminder of the force’s commitment to the communities it serves.

“This new vehicle is far more than just a tool of the trade,” said RIPTB Director Luc Larocque. “It embodies our pride, our modernity, and the strong sense of belonging that unites our men and women.”

A Step Toward Modernization

The unveiling signals the beginning of a larger effort to update the organization’s image and reinforce its ties with the public. By placing values front and center, the RIPTB hopes to strengthen community trust and highlight the human element behind the badge.

For the officers who will soon be behind the wheel, the redesign is a daily affirmation of purpose. For residents, it’s a fresh and dynamic visual symbol of security and partnership.

In the coming months, citizens across the RIPTB territory will gradually see the new fleet roll out onto local streets—bringing with it not only a new look but also a renewed promise of service.

The North Shore News volume 21-18

NSN Staff
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The North Shore News volume 21-18

The current issue of The North Shore News volume 21-18 published September 26th, 2025.
Covering North Shore local news, politics, sports and other newsworthy events.

Thérèse-De Blainville MRC to Showcase AI’s Potential for Community Organizations

Maria Diamantis
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Thérèse-De Blainville MRC to Showcase AI’s Potential for Community Organizations

The Thérèse-De Blainville MRC is turning its attention to artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for innovation in the municipal world. On September 29, 2025, the regional county municipality will host a half-day event at the Centre culturel Thérèse-De Blainville, dedicated to exploring how AI can be applied to improve the day-to-day operations of local community organizations.

The initiative is part of the MRC’s Signature Innovation project, formally titled L’application de l’intelligence artificielle au monde municipal (AIAMM). The program seeks to position AI as a practical resource for municipalities and grassroots organizations, particularly in administrative areas such as inventory management, project tracking, finance, and accounting.

“Artificial intelligence is a lever we cannot ignore to modernize the way we work,” said Eric Westram, prefect of the MRC and mayor of Rosemère. “It offers concrete solutions for municipalities and organizations that want to improve internal processes while meeting the challenges of managing sensitive data. This event is a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on the future of our region and identify best practices for integrating AI responsibly and securely.”

The morning program will feature presentations from experts active in Québec’s AI ecosystem. Anne Nguyen from the Conseil d’innovation du Québec will provide an overview of the state of AI in the province and highlight issues around protecting sensitive data. Julie Boivin and Benoit Balmana will discuss the progress made under the MRC’s Signature Innovation banner, while Alexandre de Planivore will address how AI can strengthen links between strategic planning and operational decision-making.

For Julie Boivin, deputy prefect of the MRC and mayor of Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, the stakes are clear: “In our MRC, we are committed to the continuous improvement of the services we provide to residents. AI is an opportunity for us to deliver services that are not only more efficient but also more accessible, by simplifying how we manage resources. This event is the perfect occasion for our community organizations to discover together how AI can make a daily difference.”

The event is open to community organizations, municipal representatives, members of the AIAMM steering committee, and local media including Télévision des Basses-Laurentides and Journal Nord Info. Participation is free of charge, but registration is mandatory at aiamm.oc@mrc-tdb.org.

By bringing together elected officials, administrators, and innovation specialists, the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC hopes to create a common space for reflection and action around one of the most debated technological tools of the decade. With the AIAMM project, the region is signaling its intent not only to keep pace with global innovation trends but also to tailor them to the needs of local communities.

Saint-Eustache Showcases Local Talent With New Art Acquisitions

Maria Diamantis
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Saint-Eustache Showcases Local Talent With New Art Acquisitions

The City of Saint-Eustache has once again placed the spotlight on local creativity, unveiling its latest acquisitions as part of its eighth public call for submissions under the city’s Art Acquisition Policy.

The initiative, launched in October 2024, led to the selection of fourteen works spanning a range of mediums and artistic voices. Among the highlights are four carved wooden bas-reliefs by Léon Charbonneau depicting iconic local landmarks — the Globensky Manor, Légaré Mill, the Saint-Eustache church, and the Hôtel du Chêne. Other works include Une grange abandonnée à Saint-Eustache by Wilfrid Barbier, Une cérémonie by Stéphanie Heendrickxen, Ô souvenirs! Printemps! Aurore! by Gisèle Séguin, S’évader by Mya Parent, Blanche by Hélène Lachapelle, Rivière by Thanh Châu, Lorsque le ciel me traverse by Marie Pierre Goudreault, Élévation urbaine by Julie Lépine, Pour faire le portrait d’un oiseau by Lyette Roussille, and Composition évanescente by Muguette Lemaire.

To mark their arrival in the city’s permanent collection, the works are being presented in an inaugural exhibition at the Guy-Bélisle Library, located at 12, chemin de la Grande-Côte. Running from September 5 to October 25, 2025, the exhibition is open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The permanent collection, displayed in municipal spaces, allows everyone — residents of Saint-Eustache and beyond — to immerse themselves in the world of our local artists. Come and discover the sensitivity and beauty of these new creations; they deserve our attention,” said City Councillor Raymond Tessier, who is responsible for cultural affairs.

For Mayor Pierre Charron, the acquisitions represent a tangible way to nurture and celebrate local creativity: “What a privilege to count such talented artists among us! By continuing the goals of this acquisition policy, we encourage their creativity and ensure their work shines by offering the public the opportunity to discover and appreciate them.”

The policy aims to promote the work of Saint-Eustache artists, ensure their visibility, and reflect the diversity of styles, media, and artistic disciplines present in the community. With this latest unveiling, the city underscores its commitment to making art accessible while enriching public spaces with the voices of its creators.

Rosemère Rises to the Occasion as Back-to-School Rush Meets Life-Saving Cause

Maria Diamantis
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Rosemère Rises to the Occasion as Back-to-School Rush Meets Life-Saving Cause

As families in Rosemère juggle the whirlwind of school pickups, orientation events, and new routines, the town has issued a moving invitation that may well become one of the year’s most rewarding commitments. On September 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Place Rosemère (Door #4, Cour 640) will transform into a beacon of goodwill and community commitment—a Héma-Québec blood drive beckoning residents to lend more than just their time.

Situated in the Laurentides just north of Montreal, Rosemère is no stranger to communal spirit. Incorporated in 1947, the town’s name, derived from its founding settler J.P. Withers, poetically combines “Rose” with an old English word for lake—apt imagery for a town where the rhythm of daily life often echoes the flow of a river.

This year’s blood drive continues a legacy of partnership between the town and Héma-Québec—an organization born out of Canada’s need to rebuild trust in blood services following the tainted-blood crisis of the 1980s. That public health tragedy, which infected thousands with HIV and hepatitis C, prompted the Royal Commission of Inquiry (Krever Commission), whose findings led Quebec to establish its own arm’s-length blood agency, Héma-Québec, in 1998.

Since then, Héma-Québec has grown into a cornerstone of Quebec’s healthcare system—collecting and distributing blood, plasma, stem cells, mothers’ milk, and various human tissues, including the province’s only public cord blood and human tissue banks.

This multi-faceted mission underscores why every donation counts, whether in crisis response or everyday care.

“There’s so much going on in September,” acknowledges Rosemère Mayor Eric Westram. His words carry a sense of urgency softened by optimism: “If you have a free moment, why not take the opportunity to donate blood? In just one hour, you can make a simple but essential gesture for those waiting for a transfusion. One hour that can save lives.”

The town’s goal is modest yet powerful: 150 donors across the two-day drive. For Héma-Québec, each bag of blood can support surgeries, emergencies, or ongoing care for patients with chronic conditions. Appointment booking is encouraged—either via their website or by calling their hotlines—while eligibility can also be confirmed in advance.

For those uneasy at the prospect of needles, the reassurance is clear: trained professionals will be present to comfort and guide donors, turning what might be a moment of hesitation into a moment of quiet pride.

Rosemère’s embrace of this initiative feels natural. The town’s history—from its rural roots to its modern-day vitality—speaks of resilience and community flourishing. And Héma-Québec’s mission—a quarter-century strong—reflects a province’s resolve to protect and nurture life in all its forms.

As school bells ring and autumn leaves begin to fall, Rosemère is asking its residents to step away from the busyness, roll up their sleeves, and be part of something greater. In just one hour, amidst the swirl of routines and responsibilities, a quiet act of generosity may write the most meaningful chapter of someone’s story.

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