finance report

Deux-Montagnes Council Highlights: Sound Finances, REM Update, and Community Concerns Addressed

Local Journalism Initiative / North Shore News / June 20, 2025 / budget, city council, Deux-Montagnes, Dylan Adams Lemaçon, finance report, REM

by Dylan Adams Lemaçon LJI Reporter

The City of Deux-Montagnes held its regular monthly council meeting this Wednesday at City Hall on chemin d’Oka. Presided over by Mayor Denis Martin, the evening covered a full agenda, with a focus on financial transparency, infrastructure priorities, and updates on the long-anticipated REM light rail system.

City Posts $1.3M Surplus in 2024

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 financial report by city treasurer Julie Guindon. Citizens in the gallery applauded after hearing that Deux-Montagnes ended the fiscal year with a $1.3 million surplus, outperforming its initial expenditure budget of $30.42 million, finishing the year at approximately $30.53 million.

Mayor Martin praised the city’s “rigorous and responsible” financial management, noting that while costs—especially infrastructure—continue to rise, the city is strategically investing where most needed. For example, road repairs sometimes require full underground rebuilds rather than simple patches, prompting the city to reallocate budgets toward more impactful projects.

The surplus was primarily attributed to stronger-than-expected real estate transfer taxes (+$900,000) and additional provincial subsidies (+$225,000). The city now holds $4 million in uncommitted operating surplus, and $3.5 million in reserves for future projects like water services, flood protection, and public transit infrastructure.

Key Investments in 2024 and Priorities for 2025

In 2024, the city invested nearly $13.9 million, including:

$9M – Retention basin and dike

$1.64M – Street repairs

$1.16M – Park improvements

$780K – Sound barrier phase 1

$840K – Vehicle purchases

$330K – Public works and leisure equipment

Looking ahead to 2025, Deux-Montagnes plans to complete the Centennial Park project, phase 2 of the sound barrier, major library renovations, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and more street rehabilitation.

REM Update: Optimism for October Opening

During the reading of the order of the day, the council gave an update on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) station. Mayor Martin said about the REM that, “for now, they’re optimistic” that the Deux-Montagnes REM stop will open as scheduled in October 2025.

When asked by a resident, Mr. Turgeon, about costs related to the REM, the mayor noted that a new agreement was recently signed that is more favorable to the city compared to previous versions.

Elections, Staffing Changes, and Labour Agreements

With municipal elections coming in November, council approved salaries for electoral staff. Other notable decisions included the hiring of Martin Racine as assistant city clerk, and ratifying the new 2024–2028 collective agreement with the city’s blue-collar union (CUPE Local 985). Mayor Martin called it a “win-win for all parties” and jokingly offered to send their negotiators to resolve the STM strike in Montreal.

Disciplinary actions were issued for two employees, and several staffing confirmations and hirings were also finalized.

Citizens Raise Concerns on Safety and Transit

During the public question period, Gina Parente expressed concern about an abandoned building where she’s seen suspicious activity. The council responded that although they can’t immediately demolish it, they will ensure it’s more securely barricaded.

Andrew Brown, another resident, asked about adding bicycle parking at the town hall, highlighting the city’s own efforts to promote sustainable transport. The council responded positively, acknowledging the idea’s value.

From healthy finances to steady REM progress and citizen engagement, the June 2025 Deux-Montagnes council meeting reflected a city preparing responsibly for growth while addressing the day-to-day concerns of its residents.

Deux-Montagnes Council Highlights: Sound Finances, REM Update, and Community Concerns Addressed Read More »

Rosemère City Council Meeting: Citizens Weigh In on Budget, Development, and Quality of Life

By Dylan adams lemacon LJI Reporter

Rosemère’s city council met on June 9, and once again, the conversation reflected the town’s strong civic spirit. From financial transparency to urban planning and community concerns, the evening was filled with meaningful dialogue between council members and residents.

Mayor Eric Westram kicked off the meeting with a nod to the town’s recent public consultations. He thanked residents for their strong participation in the online climate change adaptation survey, saying, “The participation rate is very high, we can see how much this is important to you.” He also noted that 116 people attended the in-person consultation on the future of Place Rosemère and reminded others that feedback is still welcome through an online survey. Before diving into the agenda, he took a moment to wish all dads a happy Father’s Day in advance, adding, “You play an essential role in the lives of your family.”

Council then moved on to the evening’s main business. One item, concerning the replacement of two doors at 303 chemin de la Grande-Côte, was withdrawn from the agenda before it was officially adopted.

A major focus of the evening was the presentation of Rosemère’s 2024 financial report. The numbers tell a positive story: the city recorded a surplus of just over $1.3 million. That surplus came from a combination of increased revenues, mainly through transfer taxes, and reduced spending. When consolidated with partner organizations like the regional water and police services, the total climbs to $1.44 million. About half of the city’s reserve funds are now earmarked for infrastructure and managing future expenses. The city plans to invest $500,000 of the surplus back into those reserves. A full breakdown is available on the city’s website.

Things got more contentious during discussions on urban planning. Two minor exemption requests stood out. One allowed a smaller side setback for a home on rue Maplecrest. The other, on rue Lucerne, approved a detached garage in the front yard despite the property not meeting standard zoning rules. Local resident Sophie Cardinal questioned why these exemptions were being granted when she had previously been denied a similar request. Mayor Westram replied that the Lucerne case represented “a serious prejudice,” which justified the exception. The exchange ended without resolution.

Later in the meeting, Pierre Dubois returned to follow up on a neighborhood safety issue he raised last month. His concern centers on a poorly visible pedestrian path that remains unaddressed.

Another resident, Muhammad Ali, raised questions about the financial presentation. He felt it lacked detail, particularly on how budgeted funds compare to actual spending so far this year. He also asked why summer day camps have been scaled back despite the surplus. Mayor Westram cited staffing shortages and scheduling issues with local schools as major roadblocks. Ali also pointed out visible tension among some councillors, noting that “the atmosphere is quite tense between the three elected officials,” and called for more collaboration to move projects forward.

Finally, longtime attendee Sylvie Hamel raised concerns about Rosemère’s growing population and increased traffic. She said she chose to live in Rosemère for its calm atmosphere, and she’s worried it’s starting to change. In response, Mayor Westram emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially if Rosemère is to eventually welcome larger projects, like perhaps, one day, a train line. “We need a vision,” he said.

The meeting wrapped up after a few more resident questions, with one clear takeaway: Rosemère’s citizens are paying attention—and they expect to be heard.