January
Level of alert raised: hospitals on the verge of a breakdown in services
In other news: Snow Castle Challenge and Liza Poulin appointed to the Union des municipalités du Québec
Due to the onslaught of the Omicron variant hospitals triggered the maximum alert level and 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. If the Omicron variant occupied little intensive care, it overflowed 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.
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Over 1,114,000 doses had been administered (as of January 11) in the Laurentians since the start of the vaccination campaign and the operation was progressing at a good pace according to Alain Jutras, director responsible for the COVID-19 vaccination file at the CISSS des Laurentides, during a conference call with regional media.
By March 14, 2022, Theresians of all ages were invited to participate in the Snow Castle Challenge. This contest provided the perfect opportunity to play outside and enter for one of the many entry prizes.
Participating was simple. Build a snow fort or castle in the backyard or in a park near, and take a picture of it. 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.
The new Mayor of Blainville, Liza Poulin, was 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.
February
The Rosemère budget released
In other news: Robbery investigated, Lorraine donates, and surgeries resume
The city of Rosemère released it budget for 2022. In a document provided through the city’s official website the operating budget was set to $34,322,100 with a 2.25% increase in general taxes and rates on the average residential tax bill. The Infrastructure Fund contribution is $0.0105 per $100 of assessment (residential property) and the overall increase in the average residential tax bill is 3.25%, below the CPI*. The city will continue to use of remainder of Quebec government financial assistance for COVID-19. The main projects for 2022 were: the access to and use of the Grand Coteau Forest, the Urban forest master plan, the Plan to fight and adapt to climate change and the ongoing emerald ash borer action plan. In the operating budget new infrastructure taxes were introduced following a consultation with the Rosemère citizens in 2020 in order to create a fund for the investments required to maintain and strengthen the city’s infrastructure. The 2022 increase was equivalent to 1% on the average residential tax bill and this Increase is to be revised upward in the coming years to meet investment needs.
The Régie intermunicipale de police Thérèse-De Blainville investigated the circumstances surrounding a robbery that occurred on Tuesday February 8th 2022 in a convenience store located at 2 business boulevard in Boisbriand.
As the epidemiological situation in the region improved, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides gradually increased surgical procedures to shorten waiting lists and wait times. Reducing operating rooms activities during the fifth wave of the pandemic was necessary to respond more massively to COVID-19-related needs while the region was at the highest Alert Level 4.
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.
March
School police officer applies the Heimlich maneuver on a choking student
In other news: Blainville releases results of a survey, flood management in Deux-Montagnes, and revitalization of the Grande-Côte street
On Wednesday, February 23, around 11:35 a.m., RIPTB school police officer Isabelle Giguère was monitoring the situation in the cafeteria of Polyvalente Sainte-Thérèse at the start of lunch hour. More than 1500 students were seated at the time, when a young Secondary 2 student stood up and looked at the policewoman who was nearby, panicked, holding his neck with his hands, he tried to cough, but the air was not passing through. He was literally suffocating. She immediately started the Heimlich maneuver which saved the student’s life.
Isabelle Giguère has been a police officer for more than 25 years, throughout her career, this is the third time that she has helped save a life. A school police officer for 15 years, this is the first time she has had to react so quickly. The staff of the RIPTB highlighted with great gratitude the excellence of the work accomplished by officer Isabelle Giguère. According to their statement, the role of police work goes far beyond the application of laws and regulations. They consider themselves community partners.
The City of Blainville 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.
In Deux-Montagnes, the transitional regime for the management of shorelines, the littoral and flood zones, put in place by the Quebec government, came into effect on March 1st 2022. This transitional framework replaced the Policy for the protection of shores, littoral zones and floodplains, in addition to allow the lifting of the special intervention zone (ZIS) established following the historic floods of 2019.
In Boisbriand, the city planning advisory committee (CCU), announced at a press conference the extensive public participation process regarding the revitalization of the Grande-Côte street.
April
Housing co-op project realized in Rosemere
In other news: Public consultation in Saint-Eustache, North Shore youth wins, and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac partnership
Responding to a need for more housing options for seniors in Rosemere, a small group of citizens from the area, have been collaborating on a housing co-op project that they would love to see take place in Rosemere. Though the project initially was conceived due to the lack of options the elderly have in the town once they are ready to sell their homes, the project expanded to also serve the citizens that are affected by the increase of rent, ballooning house prices and the general inflation happening since the beginning of Covid.
The Saint-Eustache population was invited to participate in the second part of the public consultation in connection with the City’s Urban Mobility Plan. In this new exercise, citizens and business people were invited to share their priorities with respect to the road, pedestrian and cycling network, public transportation and travel safety. With the Urban Mobility Plan, the City aims to adopt improved transport planning by following the best planning practices, to achieve a better balance of transport modes, and to identify the problems of connections on the territory as well as the gaps active mobility.
Though the project initially was conceived due to the lack of options the elderly have in the town once they are ready to sell their homes, the project expanded to also serve the citizens that are affected by the increase of rent, ballooning house prices and the general inflation happening since the beginning of Covid.
Brianna Fasoli, a vocal student at Chroma Musika studios which specialize in youth vocal training in Boisbriand and Ville Saint-Laurent won second place at the Just for Kids vocal competition. At the night of the performance, she interpreted a 90 second segment of Warrior by Demi Lovato.
The City of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac announced its partnership with the organization Au Grenier populaire for the collection of used furniture and household appliances.
May
An A+ for Rosemère’s Library
In other news: White on White returns, overflowing ERs in the Laurentians, and green-thumb happiness in Deux-Montagnes
Rosemère’s municipal library had every reason to be proud since its has achieved an overall rating of 92% for all services offered to its residents in 2019. This rating, awarded by the BiblioQUALITÉ program, illustrated the outstanding quality of Rosemère’s library, both in terms of the services provided to residents and the staff hired. “In 2019, Rosemère’s library saw a 10% increase in loans over 2018, which is great news. The number of activities offered is also up and we continue to actively develop programming each year,” stated Eric Westram, Mayor of Rosemère.
BiblioQUALITÉ’s rating is based on a series of quantifiable indicators derived from the guidelines for Québec’s public libraries. The indicators are: hours of operation, surface area, seating capacity and human resources. In addition to these indicators, there are two additional considerations: extra points if the library has abolished late fees and a penalty if library membership is fee-based.
The City of Rosemère announced the return—after a two-year pause—of the White on White cultural event, at Pioneer Park. With “The Venetian Ball” as its theme, the event was organized by the Rosemère Artists Gathering (RAG) and was financially supported by the city, the Corporation de développement culturel et sportif de Rosemère (CDCSR) and several other sponsors.
It was a problem that was exacerbated by the pandemic but nevertheless brewing for many years. Overflowing ERs in the Laurentians. The CISSS des Laurentides reminded the population by once more asking in the beginning of May to avoid emergency rooms in the event of non-emergency health problems.
One more city assisted its green-thumbs to beautify their gardens was Deux-Montagnes. The municipality’s Horticultural Day was back in the spring in its traditional format at the municipal garage. On Saturday, May 28, 2022, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., the citizens of Deux-Montagnes were invited to come and get various plants free of charge in order to undertake their gardening project.
June
Saint-Eustache Hospital expansion finally starts in June 2022
In other news: Blainville got youth grant and Deux Montagnes announced plans for Canada Day
The long awaited expansion process for the Saint-Eustache Hospital finally started. The Member of Parliament for Deux-Montagnes, Benoit Charrette, on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, announced the beginning of construction work at the Saint-Eustache Hospital to accommodate the new nuclear medicine unit.
The development of nuclear medicine at the Hôpital de Saint-Eustache was an important addition to the offer of care and local services for the population of the Laurentians region. This project provides the establishment with a brand-new pavilion on three levels, with a total area of just over 3,100 m2, replacing the modular ones located on the facade. The new construction makes it possible to add clinical-administrative spaces. The calls for tenders for the construction were launched earlier in spring 2022, and work is expected to continue until 2024.
The Government of Quebec, through the Youth Secretariat, has awarded the City of Blainville a grant totaling $28 $500 for the realization of the 2021-2022 action plan of the youth commission. This action plan, the result of a consultation conducted with residents aged between 18 and 35, revolves around six themes which are diversity and inclusion, the environment and urban planning, transport and mobility, civic and democratic participation, culture and leisure, and health and safety.
As one more Canada birthday approached, the mayor of Deux-Montagnes and the organizing committee announced on June 13th, 2022, the festivities program for the 1st of July. That was going to be the 51st edition of Canada day in the beautiful town and a break finally from the restrictions of the pandemic. Deux Montagnes was also the only North Shore city to host an official Canada Day celebration.
July
Canada Day fiesta in Deux-Montagnes
Also in the news: New Partnership with Au Grenier Populaire, Urban Forestry Master Plan, and Thérèse de Blainville PD and Place Rosemère renew their collaboration
As announced by the mayor of Deux-Montagnes and the organizing committee on June 13th, 2022, the festivities for the 1st of July took place with multiple activities and a large audience who celebrated not only the 51st festivities of Canada day in the beautiful town but also got to get together and socialize after years of restrictions.
At noon, the opening ceremony took place, with the singing of the national anthem, “O Canada” by Karine Laprise in the presence of dignitaries and this year’s Honorary President, Mr. Albert Allen whose achievements and contributions were covered extensively by the North Shore news in our previous issue. Mayor Denis Martin, and the President of the Canada Day Committee for MRC Deux-Montagnes, Mr. Tom Whitton spoke about the importance of the day in the well-attended outdoor celebration at Central Park.
The City of Deux-Montagnes announced its partnership with non-profit organization Au Grenier Populaire, for home collection of used furniture and appliances. Deux-Montagnes citizens can now take advantage of this free service to give a second life to furniture which they want to dispose of, provided it is in good condition.
In response to concerns expressed by residents during public consultations in 2019 and 2020, the Town of Rosemère announced the first phase of its Urban Forestry Master Plan, which aimed to promote the resilience of its forest and, in so doing, maintain and enhance the municipality’s tree wealth.
On July 5, the partnership agreement between Place Rosemère and the RIPTB was renewed, more than fifteen years after the first agreement signed in October 2006. For these past years this cooperation for the smooth running of the mall has proven invaluable especially during the pandemic times.
August
Chemin d’Oka: a party street reconstructed in Deux-Montagnes
Also in the news: Boisbriand neighbourhood shaken by car explosion, Saint-Eustache fights climate change by planting an additional 800 trees, and Montreal Symphonic Orchestra fills the Rosemère air
Deux-Montagnes en fête was back for a 6th time this summer, after two years of cancellation due to the pandemic. The organizers invited the population to take part in the festivities on August 20th, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Just like the previous versions, the event was be held on chemin d’Oka, between 12th and 16th Avenue.
According to the city, Deux-Montagnes en fête was the perfect opportunity to discover more about the City through local organizations and merchants who presented their products at their stands and to learn more about the various services offered, while having fun! To entertain children and adults alike, several on-street activities were planned: inflatable games, kids makeup, smoothie bike, electric car test drives, giant games and more!
It was also an opportunity to board a fire truck, a police vehicle and a city truck, which the organisers vowed to be greatly appreciated by the whole family!
The suspicious explosion of a Porsche in a Boisbriand parking lot on this past Monday thee 15th of August 2022 morning literally shook an entire neighborhood, where residents are nonetheless accustomed to calm.
As part of the Major greening plan, the City of Saint-Eustache announced on August 22, 2022 the planting of 800 additional trees in the street right-of-way ( strip of land) belonging to the City, in front or laterally of private properties that do not already have a tree.
The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) was on Saturday the 20th of August night in Rosemère, in the Laurentians, as part of the Celebration of the citizens of the municipality, which brought together a large crowd. This show in the middle of nature in the school park of the Externat Sacré-Coeur allowed nearly 10,000 people to enjoy their evening.
September
Major arrest in connection with a wave of violence against Laval and Sainte-Thérèse restaurant owners
Also in the news: The Sainte-Thérèse fire station opened its doors, the city welcomed a delegation from Niger, and North Shore cities united for a cleanup of the banks of the Rivière des Mille Îles
The Laval police department in a press release informed the public that investigators from the Crimes Against Persons squad (Escouade des Crimes contre la personne) arrested Brandon Flores-Rodriguez, 26, in connection with extortion and death threats involving restaurant owners in Laval and Sainte-Thérèse.
The Service de police de Laval reiterated that no form of intimidation, harassment or violence is tolerated towards citizens, merchants and business owners located on its territory. The situation was taken seriously by the police authorities and following the reports obtained, the Service quickly deployed the necessary personnel to advance the investigation which, among other things, made it possible to carry out this arrest. In addition, elements of the investigation lead to believe that other people may have been victims and the investigators would like to contact them.
The City of Sainte-Thérèse invited families on September 24 to the open house of the fire station, located at 200 Ducharme Boulevard. The event was free and ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This annual classic returned to everyone’s delight, at the dawn of Fire Prevention Week, which begun on October 9. Activities awaited young and old throughout the day: visit of the fire trucks, inflatable game, prevention trailer, firefighters course and more.
In an effort to preserve the natural beauty of the Rivière des Mille Îles, 1022 pounds of waste were collected on September 10th during the third annual cleanup of its banks.
Last year, residents of the cities of Rosemère, Blainville and Sainte-Thérèse, in collaboration with the organization Mission 1000 tons, joined the initiative of the Commission de l’environnement of the City of Boisbriand.
October
The CISSS des Laurentides wins a prize at the 2022 Quebec Consulting Engineering Grand Prix gala
Also in the news: Blainville honors Richard Perreault, a special walkathon in Rosemère, and piano by candlelight in Ste-Thérèse
In the Fall of 2022, the 20th edition of the 2022 Quebec Consulting Engineering Grand Prix gala (Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois 2022) took place, which rewards engineering projects. Among the 61 nominated projects, the Laurentian Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS des Laurentides with the firm gbi) won the Mechanical – Electrical Building category, with the mobile medical device reprocessing unit (URDM).
This project consisted of setting up a mobile URDM, with all the required sterilization equipment, which could be moved to various facilities. This initiative makes it possible to maintain or increase the reprocessing capacity of a facility during the performance of various works.
The CISSS des Laurentides teams have innovated by creating this mobile and modern unit that can be transported from one place to another, a first in Quebec for this type of specialized equipment. Thanks to the mobile unit, it is therefore possible to continue sterilization activities while carrying out modernization works in the unit that already existed.
As tradition dictates in Blainville, on October 6, the City paid tribute to former mayor Richard Perreault, who served from 2013 to 2021, by naming the VIP room of the Center of Excellence on ice (Centre d’excellence sur glace).
The city of Rosemère invited its residents to take part in La Grande marche an annual that took place at on October 14 in the streets of Rosemère. This walkathon was free to the public and was supported by Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, in collaboration with the Fédération des Médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ).
The Concerts sous les chandelles production company which specializes in candelight music concerts brought Canadian Chilean pianist Alejandra Cifuentes Diaz to Ste-Thérèse on October 23d. The pianist performed works by Chopin and Liszt.
November
Rosemère blossoms in gold
Also in the news: A lesson on flood risk management from Deux-Montagnes, Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac fire department honoured by the Government of Quebec, and a Safe Trading Zone in Rosemère
The Town of Rosemère was the winner in the Grand Champions category. The city received 5 Gold Flowers and a Special Mention for Poetry Memorial Garden at the Communities in Bloom National & International Awards Ceremony in Victoria, British Columbia on October 22. The Town of Rosemère was in competition against Castlegar B.C. and Coquitlam B.C. The community also received an exceptional merit award for the Cef Tree Management award.
The evaluation, carried out by volunteer judges during the summer, looked at all sectors of community activity – businesses and institutions, residents, including volunteer actions and was based on the following criteria: cleanliness, environmental action, heritage protection, tree management, landscape and plant and flower arrangements.
During the Mérite québécois de la sécurité civile ceremony last Fall 2022, the Quebec Ministry of Public Safety presented a “mention of honour” award to the Deux-Montagnes/Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac Intermunicipal Fire Safety Service for its stellar operational efficiency during the rupture of the Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac dyke in 2019.
The City of Deux-Montagnes announced via a press release that it welcomed, a delegation from France to draw from the lessons learned and the innovative solutions retained by the City regarding flood risk management.
Just as our sister publication, the Park-Extension news reported on a similar initiative in Park-Extension, the Town of Rosemère, in partnership with the Régie de police Thérèse-De Blainville (RIPTB), recently inaugurated its own safe trading zone available to residents.
December
Rosemère wins the Flamb’EAU award
Also in the news: 13 million for small and medium businesses in the Laurentians, Christmas in Sainte-Marthe-le-Lac, and Jeux du Québec in Blainville
The Conseil des bassins versants des Mille-Îles (COBAMIL) held its Flamb’EAU Gala. The purpose of this event was to reward the towns that have distinguished themselves in different categories related to issues affecting the water of the Mille Îles River.
COBAMIL works to protect and preserve water resources as a recognized consultation table for integrated water resources management (IWRM) in its area of intervention. It acts as a professional and scientific resource that raises awareness and encourages players in the public, private and associative sectors, as well as citizens, to act according to a concerted vision and supports them by offering quality services.
The Town of Rosemère won the Flamb’EAU award in the Microbiological Contamination category for its project “Inspection of gutter disconnections and illegal cross-connections”.
The MRC of Thérèse-De Blainville injected nearly $13M during COVID-19. In all, the MRC granted 431 loans in all categories for a total amount of $12,702,247.
Launched by the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI) as soon as COVID-19 hit in the spring of 2020, the PAUPME, administered by the MRCs throughout Quebec, will have made it possible to inject nearly $520 million helping businesses.
The city of Sainte-Marthe-le-Lac announced a slew of varied activities for the festive season, highlighted by the end of the COVID pandemic.
The bidding committee for the Finals of the Quebec Games in winter 2026 on the 16th of December unveiled the results of the efforts of the last few months. The financing and partnerships sub-committee announced that the milestone of one million dollars in commitments was about to be crossed.
