budget

St. Laurent adopts $83 million budget

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

St. Laurent council, at its October council meeting, adopted a local $83.1 million budget and $96.2 million 10-year 2025-2034 capital investment program — the borough budget was $81.3 million last year.

A borough statement points out that $997,000 was taken from the surplus to balance the budget. The budget is being forwarded to Montreal city council for adoption.

“With the arrival of the REM and several other major urban mobility projects that will establish St. Laurent as a strategic hub, our community is on the cusp of a transformation that will have significant positive impacts on its attractiveness and its economy,” said Mayor Alan DeSousa. “It was therefore important for the borough to formulate a budget capable of effectively supporting this growth and completing the projects under its responsibility without cutting services or putting added pressure on the community. The latter has been challenged by inflation in recent years, so we decided to make use of a portion of the surplus to reduce local taxes and lessen the impact of increasing property values. We hope this measure will allow some breathing room for our community in 2025 as inflation continues to slowly but surely recede to a desirable level that will restore balance.”

Regarding the 10-Year Capital Investment Program for various projects, “by completion, these projects will represent $201.7 million in investments to benefit the community.”

Regarding the local budget, it includes $14.9 million for general administration (up $100,000 from last year); $1.5 million for public security ($100,000 less than last year); and $5.9 million for environmental health (up $200,000 from last year), which includes maintenance of local waterworks and the sewage system.”

As well, “$1.9 million is slated for health and well-being, $6.9 million for land use planning, urban planning and development, and $31 million for recreation and culture, including park maintenance; and $21 million is reserved for transport, which includes roadwork and snow removal.”

The statement added that the borough was able, despite inflation this year, “to reduce the local taxation rate for 2025, dropping it from $0.0674 to $0.0623 per $100 segment of assessed value.” The complete property tax rate will be known when the City of Montreal budget is passed.

Other aspects of the budget:

• “Transfers from the City of Montreal, including anticipated income from construction permits: $59,258,300.” The amount last year was $58,720,900.

• “Local tax income: $18,110,700,” compared to $17,478,800 last year.

• “Local fee income: $4,796,800.”

• “Surplus allocation: $997,000.”

Total: $83,162,800

Regarding the Capital Investment Program and operating budget, the 2025-27 priorities include:

• Upgrades to the Complexe sportif and the Centre des loisirs.”

• “Upgrades to the spaces at the Bibliothèque du Vieux-Saint-Laurent.”

• “Repairs to paving, sidewalks and curbs on the local network.”

• “Developments in various parks.”

• “Development of Phase 1 of Parc Bois-Franc.”

• “Upgrades to the Chamberland and St. Laurent park chalets.”

• “Repairs to several park trails and sports fields.”

• “Replacement of play modules.”

“Start of the replacement of the swimming pools in Chamberland, Hartenstein and Saint-Laurent parks.”

• “Restoration work in the Parc Marcel-Laurin woodland.”

• “Continuation of the conversion to LED lighting in various parks.”

• “Upgrades to various parking lots.”

• Work to ensure the safety and user-friendliness of the amenities on various streets.” n

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Rosemère Council Wraps Up 2024 with Budget Approval and Holiday Cheer  

By Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

On December 9, 2024, the Rosemère Town Hall hosted the city council’s final meeting of the year, marking the culmination of a year filled with achievements and challenges. The evening featured both an extraordinary session, during which the 2025 budget and capital expenditures program were adopted, and a regular council meeting. Together, these sessions underscored the council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and community development.  

A Forward-Looking Budget  

The extraordinary session, held before the regular meeting, was dedicated to adopting the city’s 2025 budget and the 2025–2029 capital expenditures program. Both were approved unanimously. The budget outlines the city’s financial plans for the coming year, including funding for key infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, and community services. The five-year capital expenditures program reflects Rosemère’s long-term priorities, ensuring sustainable growth and continued investment in quality-of-life improvements for residents.The approved budget signals the council’s readiness to maintain its momentum heading into the new year.  

Celebrating a Year of Accomplishments  

Mayor Eric Westram opened the regular session by reflecting on the city’s accomplishments over the past year. He highlighted the immense success of the annual Guignolée (food drive), a community-led initiative that raised nearly $37,000 to support those in need during the holiday season. “I’m proud,” said Mayor Westram. “With a small population like ours, this isn’t nothing. My wholehearted thanks to you all.”  

Another source of pride for the city is the Rosemère Library, which continues to earn high rankings and recognition for its services. “We owe all those awards to you—the wonderful residents, businesses, institutions, and staff who make Rosemère what it is,” the mayor added, attributing the city’s successes to its engaged and supportive community.  

From community-driven initiatives to institutional achievements, Rosemère has much to celebrate as it wraps up the year.  

A Smooth Agenda Approval  

The regular meeting’s agenda proceeded efficiently, with all items receiving unanimous approval from the council. Key highlights included:  

Urban Planning

The council approved minor exemptions and architectural integration plans for several projects, ensuring that new developments align with Rosemère’s urban planning guidelines. These decisions reflect the city’s commitment to preserving its character while accommodating thoughtful growth.  

Regulations and Financing

Among the items approved were amendments to municipal regulations related to infrastructure projects and financing. Notably, the council adopted amendments increasing funding for library renovations and improvements to storm drainage systems in the Cerisiers sector. These projects demonstrate the city’s focus on both cultural enrichment and environmental sustainability.  

Community Services and Contracts 

The council also approved several contracts and initiatives aimed at enhancing municipal services. These included renewals for social media management, urban forestry programs, and maintenance contracts for public spaces. A particularly notable decision was the authorization of a contract to acquire the artwork *La sagesse des livres*, a piece that will add cultural value to the community.  

Minimal Public Engagement  

While the council worked through the comprehensive agenda, public participation remained low, with only one resident in attendance. As a result, both public question periods passed without any comments or inquiries. The quiet atmosphere allowed for a swift and focused session, with council members efficiently addressing each agenda item.  

A Holiday Message from the Mayor  

As the meeting drew to a close, Mayor Westram took the opportunity to share a heartfelt message with the community. “Please don’t stay alone during this time of the year,” he urged, encouraging residents to connect with others and support one another during the holiday season.  

The mayor’s remarks reflected the spirit of togetherness that has defined much of Rosemère’s accomplishments this year. From the success of the Guignolée to the achievements of local institutions like the library, the community has shown its strength and resilience time and again.  

Looking Ahead to 2025  

The December 9 meeting marked the final session of 2024, but the council is already looking ahead to a busy and ambitious year in 2025. With the newly approved budget and capital expenditures program, the city is poised to continue its work on key infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, and community services.  

Among the priorities for the coming year are:  

-Library Renovations: Funding has been allocated to enhance the library’s facilities, ensuring it remains a hub of learning and culture for residents.  

-Storm Drainage Improvements:The Cerisiers sector will benefit from upgrades to its drainage systems, addressing long standing infrastructure concerns.  

-Road Repairs and Maintenance: Projects like the refurbishment of Northcote and Wood streets will continue to improve the city’s transportation network.  

These initiatives reflect the council’s commitment to addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term growth and sustainability.  

Closing Reflections  

As the council members adjourned for the year, the atmosphere was one of quiet satisfaction and optimism. The council’s ability to efficiently address the evening’s agenda while celebrating the community’s achievements underscored its dedication to Rosemère’s residents.  

For those in attendance—or following along from home—the December 9 meeting was a reminder of what makes Rosemère unique: a community that combines small-town charm with a forward-thinking vision.  

With the holidays around the corner and a new year on the horizon, the council’s final session of 2024 leaves a clear message: Rosemère is ready to embrace the future while cherishing the bonds that hold it together.  

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Editorial: It’s broke, don’t fix it

Photo Ivan de Jacquelin

The Link
Local Journalism Initiative

On Feb. 5, the Quebec government confirmed that the Olympic Stadium’s roof repair would cost $870 million. 

Ever since the roof was completed in 1987, it has never really worked as intended. Portions of the roof notoriously collapsed in 1991 and 1999, yet the city believes a facelift will solve the impending dome doom. 

Another option for the Olympic Stadium is to entirely demolish it, a task proving harder than imagined. Politicians, engineers and board members are unsurprisingly against the demolition and have said that demolishing the stadium could run up to $2 billion, despite financial and engineering experts questioning the exact figure

In 2017, preserving the Olympic Stadium was justified through its heritage status. Since “my father, your father, paid for it, built it. […] It’s impossible, foolish to think about dismantling it,” said Michel Labrecque, head of the Olympic installation board at the time.

At the heart of the current roof renovation project is a blatant disregard for larger problems directly impacting citizens.

Clearly, Labrecque’s reasoning is that the roof is an ongoing issue which needs a solution since past generations paid dearly for it. Yet, the worry for other long-standing issues like basic human needs—cost of living adjustments, the healthcare and housing crises, unjust pay for public sector workers—are not as dire. 

But, sure, fixing a roof that will likely cave in with enough snow mounted on top of it for a couple car shows a year should be our utmost priority.

Speaking of car shows, the empty promise is to generate revenue for the city through additional events that could be held thanks to the renovation. Tourism minister Caroline Proulx said the renovated stadium could accommodate large shows for mega-celebrities like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. With all these potential events, it is estimated the stadium itself could generate a whopping $1.5 billion over 10 years—or barely half of the construction fees. It’s to note that the ideal outcome for the roof would be that it lives to see 50 years. The future is short for the Olympic Stadium.

It’s funny to see the Legault government concerned with revenue when actions such as a decrease in funding for Montreal’s English universities—and the consequent diminishing enrollment numbers—will have the opposite effect. 

Less student traffic will have consequences on the workforce down the line but, immediately, neighbouring downtown shops and restaurants reliant on student traffic will be greatly affected. The impact of the decision to cut funding alone has had repercussions, but the benefits from extra events remain to be seen.

The other promise was for housing to be constructed in the residential neighbourhood surrounding Olympic Park. At the end of the day, it is solely a promise given by a man who has shelled out numerous empty ones.

The estimated revenues for the stadium, too, are a promise, and they will likely not be as high as predicted. Cost overruns have plagued the Olympic Stadium since its inception. When construction began in 1970, the budget had been set for $134 million, but the final costs were well over a billion dollars.

The Big O might need a new top, but it’s a bottomless money pit at best.

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