Home Blog Page 8

Rosemère Council Formally Adopts Redevelopment Plan for Place Rosemère Sector

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Rosemère Council Formally Adopts Redevelopment Plan for Place Rosemère Sector


Rosemère’s municipal council has formally adopted its Special Planning Program (PPU) for the redevelopment of the Place Rosemère sector — a decision that defines the town’s vision for one of its most strategic urban areas through 2040.

The new plan amends the town’s urban by-law (800-06) to integrate a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the regional commercial hub into a greener, more diversified mixed-use district. The measure was passed at the council meeting held October 1 and concludes nearly seven years of planning and consultation.

From Study to Adoption

According to the Town, the PPU is the product of a process that began in 2018 and intensified this year through public consultations that attracted roughly 360 participants.
The most recent session, held on September 10, led to several adjustments. Among them:

  • The minimum commercial space required on ground floors was reduced from 50 per cent to 40 per cent, giving developers more flexibility for mixed-use projects.
  • A 200-metre protection zone was established along Bouthillier Boulevard, where building heights will now be limited to preserve the existing streetscape.

These modifications were incorporated into the final version of the plan that council approved on Tuesday night

A Strategic Redevelopment Area

The Place Rosemère sector — which includes a large commercial centre and adjoining lands — plays a key role in the town’s tax base. The municipality argues that the site’s renewal is essential not only for economic activity but also for improving environmental conditions.

Officials emphasize that increasing vegetation cover and reducing paved surfaces are central to the project. The area currently represents the town’s largest urban heat island, and the PPU seeks to address that through “greening” measures.

At the same time, the mixed-use model promoted in the plan aims to introduce housing options for different age groups and create a more walkable, community-oriented environment.

Next Steps and Oversight

The adoption of the PPU does not mean immediate construction. The document serves as a framework; the next stage will involve the adoption of concordance zoning by-laws, which must align the town’s regulatory framework with the new vision.

These by-laws are expected to be developed and tabled by the incoming municipal council after the November 2 election, with additional public consultations scheduled for spring 2026.

In the meantime, the Town has stated that no building permits will be issued unless infrastructure studies confirm adequate capacity and the economic viability of projects is assured

A Plan Aligned with Regional Objectives

The Place Rosemère PPU is consistent with by-law 24-02 of the MRC Thérèse-De Blainville, in effect since January 2025, which sets out planning priorities for regional hubs. Rosemère’s plan now provides the detailed framework for development up to 2040, including land-use, transportation, and environmental parameters

For residents, the adoption marks the conclusion of one phase and the beginning of another — moving from design to implementation. The coming months will determine how this long-anticipated vision for the town’s main commercial artery begins to take shape.

Therèse-De Blainville Police Launch October Campaign to Support Breast Cancer Efforts

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
Therèse-De Blainville Police Launch October Campaign to Support Breast Cancer Efforts

The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB) is launching a new month-long fundraising campaign for breast cancer initiatives. Beginning today, residents may notice a change to officers’ uniforms: several will wear a special patch throughout October to draw attention to the disease and encourage donations. The service says the effort is also intended to highlight that breast cancer can affect men, a fact that remains lesser known to the public.

The initiative was prompted by an officer’s desire to act following the death of a close family member. RIPTB has set a fundraising target of $2,500 for this first edition, and reports that all proceeds will be directed to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (Fondation cancer du sein du Québec). Citizens who wish to contribute are invited to donate during the campaign period, according to the police service. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation describes itself as a Quebec charity dedicated entirely to the fight against breast cancer.

October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, a period used to promote screening, share information and mobilize fundraising across the country.

For context, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that in 2024 about 30,500 women in Canada would be diagnosed with breast cancer, representing roughly a quarter of new cancer cases among women that year. The Society also notes that men are diagnosed with breast cancer, with approximately 290 Canadian men expected to be diagnosed in 2024.

RIPTB serves the municipalities of Boisbriand, Lorraine, Rosemère and Sainte-Thérèse in the Laurentides region. Residents in these communities can expect to see the awareness patch during routine patrols and community policing activities this month.

“Firefighter for a Day”: 17 Students Experience the Heat of Real Firefighting

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
“Firefighter for a Day”: 17 Students Experience the Heat of Real Firefighting

On October 1, 2025, 17 Grade-3 students from Blainville and Rosemère elementary schools were selected to take part in the Firefighter for a Day contest — a unique public-education initiative organized by the Blainville Fire Department.
The young participants enjoyed a full day of hands-on activities, discovering the excitement, discipline, and teamwork that define the firefighting profession.

A Fair and Educational Selection Process

Each school was invited to participate by submitting online registration forms. From those, one lucky student per school was chosen by random draw, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all.
According to the City of Blainville’s official website, the goal of the program is not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about fire prevention among young students in a dynamic, real-life setting.

A Day Packed with Discovery

The “junior firefighters” spent the day at the Blainville Fire Department’s facilities, guided by professional firefighters. The day included:

  • Tours of fire trucks and equipment bays, allowing students to explore the same tools and vehicles used in emergency operations.
  • Hands-on demonstrations, where participants tried on firefighter protective gear — including helmets, gloves, boots, and breathing apparatus.
  • Fire prevention workshops, teaching children how to react in case of fire, how to safely evacuate a building, and how to handle small fires using portable extinguishers.
  • Simulated rescue exercises, where they practiced locating “victims” in a controlled smoke environment.

Every child wore a firefighter helmet and left the station smiling, visibly proud of their achievement — an image that the City of Blainville later shared on its social media pages.

A Broader Mission: Inspiring Awareness and Safety

The “Firefighter for a Day” initiative is part of the department’s larger commitment to fire prevention and civic education.
Blainville’s annual Fire Prevention Report highlights that education programs like this are crucial for reducing fire risks and building a stronger safety culture among residents.

Other educational programs offered by the department include:

  • The “Feu Follet Brigade”, an interactive awareness program for 2nd-grade students.
  • “Maison ToutRisque”, a mobile safety house used to teach 4th-graders about home fire hazards.
  • Annual evacuation drills conducted in schools, daycare centers, and senior residences.

By teaching fire safety early, the city hopes to cultivate both responsibility and curiosity — and perhaps even inspire a few future firefighters.

Ongoing Program and Professional Training

The Firefighter for a Day contest is held annually for students in both municipalities. For 2025, registration closed on September 14, and the event took place at the Blainville Fire Department headquarters on October 1.

Blainville is also home to the Blainville Fire Training Centre (CFIB) — established in 2006 and recognized by Quebec’s École nationale des pompiers — which offers professional certification programs to firefighters and private organizations. The center’s proximity adds an extra dimension to the city’s commitment to safety education.

Lighting Sparks for the Future

Beyond the excitement of wearing a firefighter’s uniform and climbing aboard a fire truck, the day gave children something far greater: a glimpse into the courage, teamwork, and community spirit that define this essential profession.

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

Dimitris Ilias
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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.

1...789...138Page 8 of 138

Weather

Rosemère
broken clouds
7 ° C
7.8 °
6.3 °
75 %
1kmh
75 %
Fri
14 °
Sat
10 °
Sun
11 °
Mon
13 °
Tue
13 °