Boisbriand

Boisbriand Launches Steering Committee to Update Family and Seniors Policy

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / March 25, 2025 / Boisbriand, Family and Seniors Policy, Maria Diamantis, Steering Committee

Maria Diamantis
LJI Journalist

The City of Boisbriand has announced the formation of a steering committee tasked with updating its Family and Seniors Policy, along with the associated action plan. The committee is composed of local residents, community stakeholders, a municipal councilor, and representatives from various city departments. Officials highlight the diversity of expertise among committee members as a significant advantage in ensuring the project’s success.
“It is an honor to serve on this committee and play a role in updating the policy and action plan,” said City Councilor Lori Doucet. “Families and seniors have distinct needs, and it is essential to develop targeted actions that align with the expectations of the Boisbriand community.”
Updating the Family and Seniors Policy
The policy update is designed to guide elected officials, municipal administration, and community partners in making decisions that enhance the quality of life for families and seniors in Boisbriand over the next five years. Recognizing the important role these groups play in the city’s development, Boisbriand will conduct a series of public consultations to encourage active community involvement.
The consultation process will take place both online and in person, beginning in the spring of 2025 and continuing through the winter of 2026. The initiative also aligns with the city’s goal of renewing its Municipalité amie des aînés (MADA) accreditation, which recognizes municipalities committed to creating environments that are inclusive and supportive of seniors.
“The update of this policy and action plan is crucial, as it will allow us to engage in collective reflection and set the course for future actions,” said Mayor Christine Beaudette. “This inclusive process will help us work together toward a shared objective—continuously improving the quality of life for families and seniors in Boisbriand.”
Commitment to Children’s Rights and Participation
In addition to its focus on families and seniors, Boisbriand is aligning this initiative with its recent designation as a Municipalité amie des enfants (MAE), a recognition granted by Espace MUNI in collaboration with UNICEF Canada. The MAE status reflects the city’s commitment to prioritizing children’s rights, incorporating their perspectives into municipal planning, and fostering their civic engagement.
As part of the policy update, Boisbriand will implement consultation activities specifically designed for children, ensuring their voices are heard in a format suited to their needs. By integrating this approach, the city aims to remain consistent with its commitments under the MAE program.
The upcoming consultations and policy updates represent Boisbriand’s continued efforts to create an inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking community that meets the evolving needs of its residents.

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New Play Module at Gabrielle-Roy Park

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / December 20, 2024 / Boisbriand, Gabrielle-Roy Park, LJI reporter, Maria Diamantis, Play Module

Maria Diamantis
LJI Journalist

In a move that underscores its dedication to family-friendly recreational spaces, the City of Boisbriand has announced the addition of a brand-new modular play structure at Gabrielle-Roy Park. The equipment, specifically designed for children aged 2 to 5, replaces an older module that was dismantled earlier this year.
The new installation has already garnered praise from local families and city officials. During a press announcement, Mayor Christine Beaudette emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and engaging spaces for children in the community. “It is important for us to be proactive in maintaining our inventory of recreational facilities in excellent condition across all the parks in the city. This new installation provides children with a safe and fun space where they can play and nurture their creativity. We are confident that it will bring joy to the little ones for many years to come!” she remarked.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the city to ensure that its parks remain vibrant, safe, and accessible to all residents. The decision to upgrade the play module came after thorough evaluations of the park’s existing facilities, as well as feedback from local families who frequent Gabrielle-Roy Park.
The newly installed equipment features bright, colorful designs and innovative structures tailored to inspire creativity and active play. With safety as a top priority, the module has been designed with high-quality materials and meets all necessary safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
However, the City also issued a reminder that the play modules are accessible only until the ground freezes. As part of standard safety measures, the equipment will be closed during the winter months when protective surfaces harden, and traction is reduced due to snow and ice. Boots and mittens can also compromise grip, adding to potential safety risks.
Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the upgrade. “This is a wonderful addition to the park,” said a parent visiting Gabrielle-Roy Park. “It’s great to see the city investing in spaces where our children can play safely and creatively.”
The Gabrielle-Roy Park improvement is a shining example of Boisbriand’s commitment to fostering a family-oriented community. As the new module becomes a gathering spot for young children and their families, it reaffirms the city’s dedication to enhancing quality of life through thoughtful recreational projects.

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Boisbriand Welcomes Delegation from Annemasse, France

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / October 11, 2024 / Annemasse, Boisbriand, Delegation, France, Maria Diamantis

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

At the end of September, Boisbriand’s municipal council members enthusiastically welcomed a delegation from Annemasse, France, marking a special occasion that celebrates over two decades of friendship. This relationship, formalized on October 1, 2001, through a “pacte d’amitié” (friendship pact), has been ongoing for 23 years.
The Annemasse delegation was invited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this pact, which could not be celebrated in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to highlight the 50th anniversary of Boisbriand. The three elected officials and two municipal employees from Annemasse engaged in fruitful exchanges with Boisbriand’s local government representatives and toured municipal facilities. The group also participated in a ceremony at City Hall where they signed the city’s guestbook, attended events for Journées de la culture, and visited regional attractions.
Boisbriand Mayor Christine Beaudette expressed her gratitude and the importance of the meeting. “Annemasse, being similar in size to Boisbriand, offers us a fantastic opportunity to discuss our respective realities, and in doing so, we enrich each other’s knowledge. The entire city council has grown from this wonderful human experience, and I sincerely thank our visitors for their openness, generosity, and enthusiasm,” said Mayor Beaudette.
The two cities were first linked in 1987 through the Québec-France student employment exchange program. Their official ties were solidified with the signing of the friendship pact in 2001, followed by the inauguration of Square Boisbriand in Annemasse in 2009. Additionally, Rue d’Annemasse in Boisbriand’s Faubourg neighborhood was named in honor of the French city.
In turn, a Boisbriand municipal delegation will travel to Annemasse in the spring of 2025, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.

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Boisbriand Launches Zero Tolerance Campaign Against Violence

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / September 27, 2024 / Boisbriand, Maria Diamantis, Violence, Zero Tolerance Campaign

Maria Diamantis

LJI journalist

The City of Boisbriand has initiated a “Zero Tolerance for Violence” campaign, aimed at raising awareness within the community about the importance of treating municipal employees and elected officials with respect and kindness. The campaign emphasizes that regardless of the context, respectful interactions between citizens, municipal employees, and elected officials are crucial to maintaining a harmonious environment.

Boisbriand’s zero-tolerance stance means that any form of violence, whether physical or verbal, will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This initiative highlights the city’s commitment to fostering a respectful atmosphere, ensuring that both employees and officials are treated with dignity during all exchanges with the public.

As a responsible employer, Boisbriand is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its entire staff. Incidents of incivility or violence can have significant negative effects on the workplace, and the city is determined to prevent such behavior. Any actions that compromise the safety and well-being of municipal workers are taken seriously, and residents are encouraged to report inappropriate conduct.

The city extends its gratitude to those citizens who already contribute positively to the municipal climate, encouraging everyone to reflect on their actions and interactions. By working together, the community can create a more respectful and considerate environment for all.

Through this campaign, Boisbriand aims to remind its population that mutual respect and kindness should be at the forefront of all dialogues, whether in person or through other forms of communication. The message is clear: a respectful community is a thriving one, and Boisbriand is committed to ensuring that this principle is upheld for the benefit of all its residents and municipal workers.

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Boisbriand Launches Partage Club App to Promote Sharing and Sustainability

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / August 30, 2024 / Boisbriand, Maria Diamantis, Partage Club App, Sharing and Sustainability

Maria Diamantis, LJI journalist

Residents of Boisbriand now have a new way to share goods and connect with their neighbors thanks to the launch of a groundbreaking app called Partage Club. Developed in partnership with the cooperative Tricentris, this innovative platform promotes the sharing of items among community members, making Boisbriand the first municipality to offer this service free of charge to its citizens.

Partage Club is designed to facilitate connections between those who have items to lend and those who are looking to borrow. According to information provided by the City of Boisbriand, users of the app can list items they are willing to lend, browse available items for borrowing, or make specific requests within their community for items they need. This system not only fosters a sense of community but also addresses broader environmental and economic goals.

“Partage Club allows users to make a real environmental impact by promoting reduction and reuse. Additionally, it strengthens economic and social ties within the community,” the City of Boisbriand stated. The app has already shown impressive results, with the average value of borrowed items at $150, and 80% of requests being fulfilled within 24 hours.

For Tricentris, the cooperative partner in this initiative, Partage Club aligns perfectly with their mission to support regional development and sustainability. The app’s focus on reusing items instead of purchasing new ones directly contributes to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption—a key part of Tricentris’s broader objectives.

Boisbriand’s administration, led by Mayor Christine Beaudette, sees Partage Club as a valuable tool that aligns with the city’s recently launched Sustainable Development Plan. This plan, introduced in the spring, aims to improve waste management and increase environmental awareness among the city’s population. The app is seen as a practical step toward achieving these goals by encouraging residents to rethink their consumption habits and embrace a culture of sharing.

“We are delighted to offer this ecological and economical solution to all our citizens and to encourage the creation of a sharing community in our city,” said Mayor Christine Beaudette.

In addition to the app, Tricentris will be rolling out Partage Club as part of a summer pilot project with the “Brigade des bacs.” This initiative will see the brigade traveling throughout Boisbriand, using recycling bins as a starting point for promoting the app and encouraging responsible recycling practices. The combination of the brigade’s efforts and the benefits of Partage Club highlights the importance of proper waste sorting and emphasizes the need to reduce and reuse before even considering recycling.

“By consolidating the efforts of the Brigade and the advantages of Partage Club, this project emphasizes the importance of changing consumption habits and taking proactive steps to reduce waste by promoting sharing and reuse. The 3R hierarchy—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—begins with actions upstream of the recycling bin,” the City of Boisbriand noted on its website.

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Canadiens and the Aléo Foundation Award $60,000 in Scholarships

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / June 14, 2024 / Aléo Foundation, Boisbriand, Canadiens, Maria Diamantis

Olivier Bertrand-Metcalfe from Boisbriand selected

Maria Diamantis-LJI Journalist

The Montreal Canadiens and the Aléo Foundation announced the awarding of $60,000 in scholarships and support services to 28 elite young hockey athletes who have distinguished themselves over the past year.

The 17th edition of the Montreal Canadiens Scholarship Program, managed by the Aléo Foundation in partnership with Hockey Quebec, the Quebec M18 AAA Hockey Development League (LHM18AAAQ), and the Quebec Student Sports Network (RSEQ), once again supported the best up-and-coming hockey players.

Twenty-eight student-athletes aged 15 to 17 were recognized for their talent, athletic achievements, and exceptional academic records during a scholarship ceremony held on Monday at the Bell Centre. A female hockey player was selected from each of the eight M18 AAA women’s teams of the Quebec Excellence Hockey League (LHEQ), as well as two male hockey players from the M17 AAA division of the same league. Additionally, one player was chosen from each of the 15 male teams in the M18 AAA Hockey Development League. Three bursary recipients from the RSEQ will also receive financial support. To promote the pursuit of studies and preparation for life after sports, each recipient will receive an individual scholarship of $2,000, along with lifetime access to all support services offered by the Aléo Foundation.

North Shore young hockey star selected

Among the distinguished recipients was Olivier Bertrand-Metcalfe, a 17-year-old from Boisbriand who attends École secondaire Saint-Gabriel. Playing with the Vikings de Saint-Eustache, Olivier was selected for his exceptional performance and dedication both on the ice and in his academic pursuits. He was awarded a $2,000 bursary to support his continued development in both areas.

“The Montreal Canadiens organization is proud to highlight the perseverance and achievements of up-and-coming hockey players. Each year, welcoming these promising talents to our home, in collaboration with the Aléo Foundation, is an important moment for our club. By inviting them to the Bell Centre to receive their scholarship and walk in the footsteps of their idols, we hope to inspire them to realize their dreams.” said Geneviève Paquette, Vice President, Community Engagement, Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club

“The Montreal Canadiens are a rallying force, a source of pride and inspiration for all Quebecers, and, of course, even more so for all young hockey players. Counting them among our close collaborators to focus on the recipients’ sporting and academic successes and celebrate their efforts both on the ice and in the classroom is a great privilege for us.” added Patricia Demers, Executive Director, Aléo Foundation

Numerous past recipients of the Montreal Canadiens scholarships have made significant achievements since the program’s inception, including Olympic medalists Mélodie Daoust, Ann-Renée Desbiens, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Lauriane Rougeau, all of whom joined the Women’s Professional Hockey League (LPHF) this season. Among the scholarship recipients who played in the NHL last season are Sammy Blais of the St. Louis Blues, Elliot Desnoyers of the Philadelphia Flyers, Anthony Duclair of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche, Alexis Lafrenière of the New York Rangers, Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres, Kevin Mandolese of the Ottawa Senators, Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens, Jakob Pelletier of the Calgary Flames, Sam Poulin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nicolas Roy of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Joe Veleno of the Detroit Red Wings.

About the Aléo Foundation

Founded in 1985, the Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has awarded over $20 million in scholarships to nearly 4,000 outstanding student-athletes from across Quebec. In 2022, to better reflect its mission of propelling athletes beyond sports, the FAEQ rebranded as the Aléo Foundation. In addition to continuing its scholarship awards and support services to tomorrow’s leaders, it confirms its personalized approach where the overall development and well-being in performance of its scholarship recipients are central to its actions.

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